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Philips Hue introduces the Play Screen Sync, a camera that analyses the image shown on the TV and synchronises the smart lighting with it. The effect is reminiscent of Philips' Ambilight system found on their TVs, but you don't need a TV of that brand for it to work. Importantly, similar functionality was already possible before. However, it required the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, an adapter. That solution couldn't analyse images from apps run directly on the TV. The new camera solves that problem. It is mounted above the screen and the device analyses what is being displayed. This allows the lights to respond to the entire screen content, regardless of its source.
The Hue Play Screen Sync costs 539.99 zł in Poland (~110 GBP). The camera is designed for TVs with a screen size of up to 85 inches. It requires coloured Hue lights to operate, and Philips recommends using a Hue Bridge for more advanced setups.
The new product has caused an interesting shake-up within the Philips family. Philips Hue and Philips TVs do not belong to the same company: Philips lighting is developed by Signify, while the TVs are made by TP Vision. The TVs use Ambilight technology, and the independent Philips Hue system allows you to create a similar effect on other manufacturers' sets. Samsung and LG do not even need a camera. Philips Hue offers a paid app, Hue Sync TV, which analyses the image directly on the television. It therefore works without problems with apps such as Netflix and Disney+.
Philips was not first
It should also be noted that Hue was not the first when it comes to synchronising a camera with an LED strip, and products similar to their new device are already on the market. One example is Govee, which also uses a camera to analyse the image and synchronise it with an LED strip. It is also a cheaper alternative to the relatively expensive Philips. Some kits consisting of an LED strip and a camera can already be found for a few hundred zlotys. By comparison, a similar kit from Philips Hue would cost over a thousand zlotys.
The new Hue Play Screen Sync isn't revolutionary, but it certainly offers a more comfortable experience and is more versatile than previous solutions.
Sources: Philips Hue, FlatpanelsHD
