Katarzyna Petru
Philips has just unveiled a new line of LCD televisions that combine the Roku TV system with the well-known Ambilight technology. These are the first models where the effect of colourful backlighting also works in the Roku interface – meaning not just while watching movies and series, but also when browsing over 500 live TV channels or sharing photos and videos from your iPhone thanks to Apple AirPlay.
Ambilight + Roku = cheap premium effect
Ambilight is a solution that's been known for years – LED lights at the back of the TV project colours onto the wall, matching them to the image. Until now, to achieve a similar effect on cheaper TVs, one had to invest in external accessories – e.g. the Philips Hue 8K Sync Box (around 350 AUD), which costs almost as much as the largest of the new TVs. Cheaper alternatives like Govee Backlight 3 Pro or Nanoleaf 4D V2 also require the installation of additional cameras.
The new Philips Roku TVs have all of this built in. Importantly, the LED lights can be used even when the TV is turned off – for example, as a dynamic screensaver (Roku Backdrops) or music visualisation.
Parameters and Features
Although we won’t find OLED or Mini LED here, all models offer:
4K resolution,
support for HDR10,
automatic picture modes dependent on content,
wireless connection capability with Roku speakers and soundbars,
support for the Roku mobile app (voice control, smart home, on-screen notifications).
Sizes and Prices
The models are exclusively available for sale at Sam’s Club (USA), both online and in-store. There are four sizes available:
Size | Price USD | Price AUD | Price EUR | Price GBP | Price PLN* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
43” | $229 | ~355 AUD | ~215 EUR | ~185 GBP | ~980 zł |
50” | $259 | ~402 AUD | ~245 EUR | ~210 GBP | ~1 110 zł |
55” | $329 | ~510 AUD | ~310 EUR | ~265 GBP | ~1 410 zł |
65” | $389 | ~603 AUD | ~365 EUR | ~315 GBP | ~1 670 zł |
*Approximate conversions based on current exchange rates.
