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Philips is preparing a major update to the AmbiScape system, which allows the Ambilight effect from the television to be extended to additional lamps in the room. In the first half of 2027, TP Vision plans to introduce Matter-over-Thread support. The change is expected to broaden AmbiScape's compatibility with more smart lighting devices. At the same time, the manufacturer is considering increasing the current limit of four connected lamps. The new solution could also reduce latency between the television and external lighting.
AmbiScape allows Ambilight to extend across the whole room
AmbiScape is an expansion of the well-known Ambilight system used in Philips TVs. The feature was announced for 2026 and will be available in selected Philips Ambilight TV models. Its purpose is to wirelessly extend the TV’s coloured backlighting effect to additional lamps in the room. This allows colours generated by the TV to be reproduced by smart light sources as well. The system can operate while watching films and TV series, during gaming and while listening to music. Currently AmbiScape allows up to four lamps to be connected. This uses the Matter standard operating over Wi‑Fi. Compatibility includes, among others, E27 smart bulbs from Wiz, Nanoleaf, Hue and Ikea. That means users do not have to restrict themselves to a single lighting manufacturer. AmbiScape is therefore intended to act as an additional layer of the Ambilight system, extending its effect beyond the TV’s enclosure. In practice this can create a more elaborate ambient lighting atmosphere throughout the living room. The current version is, however, limited both in the number of lamps and in the communication technology used. TP Vision intends to remove some of these limitations in the next generation of the solution.
Matter-over-Thread will expand the system's capabilities
The most significant change announced by TP Vision is the addition of Matter-over-Thread support. The manufacturer plans to obtain the necessary certification in the first half of 2027. The feature is initially due to appear on Philips Ambilight TVs from 2027. Support for Matter-over-Thread will later be made available on compatible 2026 models as well. Thread is a communication protocol designed for smart home devices and uses less power than Wi-Fi. The technology also employs a mesh network, so additional Thread devices can strengthen the connection across the whole system. For compatible lamps, there will also be no need to use an additional Philips Hue hub. Matter-over-Thread should therefore expand the number of products that can be used with AmbiScape. TP Vision has also said it will analyse the possibility of raising the current limit of four lamps. At IFA there were reports of potential support for as many as ten lamps, but the manufacturer noted that the final specification has not yet been finalised. The new communication method could also reduce latency when synchronising external lights with the television's picture and sound.
Philips plans to significantly expand AmbiScape’s capabilities in 2027. The most important addition will be support for Matter over Thread, which should improve compatibility with smart lamps and reduce latency. The manufacturer is also considering raising the limit of four connected light sources, although the exact number has not yet been confirmed. The new solution will first arrive on Philips Ambilight TVs in 2027, and then on compatible 2026 models.
source: flatpanelshd
