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Philips Hue introduces the Play Screen Sync, a camera that analyzes the image displayed on the TV and synchronizes smart lighting with it. The effect is reminiscent of the Ambilight system found on Philips TVs, but you don’t need a TV from that brand to use it. Importantly, a similar effect was possible before, but it required the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, an external adapter. That solution couldn’t analyze video from apps running directly on the TV. The new camera solves that problem. It mounts above the screen and the device analyzes what’s being displayed. That way the lights can react to the entire screen content, regardless of its source.
Hue Play Screen Sync in Poland costs 539.99 zł (~$140). The camera is intended for TVs up to 85 inches. It requires color Philips Hue lights to operate, and Philips recommends using the Hue Bridge for more elaborate setups.
A new product has caused an interesting stir within the Philips family. Philips Hue and Philips TVs are not part of the same company. Philips' lighting is developed by Signify, while the TVs come from TP Vision. The TVs use Ambilight technology, and the independent Philips Hue can create a similar effect on TVs from other makers. Samsung and LG don't even require a camera. Philips Hue offers a paid app, Hue Sync TV, which analyzes the picture directly on the TV, so it works seamlessly with apps such as Netflix and Disney+.
Philips wasn't the first
It's also worth mentioning that Hue wasn't the first when it comes to synchronizing a camera with an LED strip, and products similar to their new offering are already on the market. One example is Govee, which also uses a camera to analyze the image and sync it with an LED strip. It's a cheaper alternative to the relatively expensive Philips. Some kits made up 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 more than a thousand zlotys.
The new Hue Play Screen Sync isn't revolutionary, but it definitely improves ease of use and is more versatile than previous solutions.
Sources: Philips Hue, FlatpanelsHD
