Enable 4K 120Hz Hue Play HDMI Sync Box

In this video, I detail (3) configurations (depending on your devices and needs) that enable the Hue Play HDMI Sync box to work with your 4k 120Hz Gaming Console or PC. This solution works with Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 (PS5), and PCs (RTX, RX, GTX, etc.) Spoiler Alert: I do NOT recommend a camera like the Hue Dynamic app 😠
✅ The solution you've been waiting for!
✅ LG, Denon, Microsoft configuration notes
✅ARC, Soundbar and Receiver friendly
✅Notes on HDMI HDCP 2.1
✅4K Connection Guides with walkthrough
✅A relief you don't have to wait until Hue Play Box 8K
✅A mischievous like button!
Timestamps:
0:33 *Magic Box
1:01 *Setup 1
2:58 Setup 2
4:40 Setup 3
5:54 Demonstration
Like what you see? It only gets better from here!
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Come join me on an epic adventure to mod the world! 😁
Links to my other related videos:
• 6 Smart Home Automatio...
• [ Ambilight Showdown ]...

[@manicmods]

This splitter has been out of stock for the last month. If interested, this downscaling splitter may also fit the build: amzn.to/3Y3GyVJ

[@FatalCorleone07]

Do a video with the Maxsquare splitter. Nobody on youtube has done that yet and I was thinking about trying that one..

[@enriquecarvajal4588]

That one is not sold on Amazon anymore, just passed the sync box because I learn it doesn’t have 120hz support

[@ManchesterTechGuy]

Thanks for this dude. Will try this when I get the chance

[@austinabbott1120]

Instead of a splitter, im using an 8k 4x2 matrix with IR. Got my Series X, PS5, and 4K blu ray player connected to the matrix, matrix hdmi outs connected to tv and sync box input 4. My SHIELD TV PRO wasnt playing nice with the lights and the matrix, so i have that directly connected to hdmi in 2 on the sync box. Then the sync box hdmi out goes into a different hdmi port on the tv for when i want to use my shield. Gives me full access to all features on all of my devices.

[@matthewmccullough8600]

Use HDMI ports 2 and 4 they run native 120hz better for some reason than HDMI ports 1 and 3 this has been stated by Phillips that these HDMI ports run 120hz better if anyone is having issues with the HUE box.

[@35mph13]

Great video, thank you! Please share a link to the “magic box”, I could not find it on Amazon.

[@Viewer-discretion-is-advised7]

I got a ps5, Apple TV 4K, hue sync box, LG soundbar and the hdmi 2.1 splitter. What would be the best set up to run everything at the best quality? If I plugged my lg soundbar into my tv via hdmi eArc port and then my tv into the hue sync box I’m assuming the hue lights would work fine if I was playing music and wanted the hue lights to react to it. I know the Apple TV is limited to 60hz despite supporting 120ghz (maybe a future firmware update will solve this) would the hue lights react to content played on Apple TV 4K if I had that connected to just the tv? I’m trying to think how to get all devices reacting togeather what plugs into what!

[@M8RXW47KR]

does it work with a 8k switch if ps5 screen res settings is set to auto?

[@X7007]

Hi, if I have the Samsung S90C and I have Ambivision Pro already. it has some issues that the support doesn't answer after 1 month and disappear again. if I want 4 Zones sides+Top+buttom with Philips Hue to PC using 4K144, what do I need to get? I still need the White box right? how many Play Hue do i need to buy, 2 boxes?

[@alexchang4617]

Why can’t we use the hdmi soundbar input? Will sound not play from the gaming console and will only work with the optical connections?

[@justaguy274]

So i've had my xbox series S connected to my sync box for about a year now. I just got a PS5 so i connected it to my sync box using another port (while the xbox is using another). All of a sudden the lights wont sync with my xbox. The app says: connecting... what gives??? It is possible connecting two consoles at once right??

[@MrAdrianomatador]

Does it work for Netflix app in TV ?

[@israelrice]

Wish I would’ve seen this vid when it came out. Can’t find any of the splitters in any of these how to videos.

[@user-kl5fv3bd4d]

Love this thank you so much

[@manicmods]

Appreciate ya! If you buy the splitter, let us know how you do 🙂

[@solifamily]

What EDID did you set yours to? Didn't see it.

[@madisonm2878]

Just a suggestion, when explaining the tutorial try throwing in some very light royalty free music in the background! I think it will help with viewer retention. Great video though! Keep up the good work!

[@manicmods]

Thanks again, Madison!! I've been meaning to explore post-publish options, and was able to add this music with KZbin editor. This change should be live within the next few hours. I appreciate your input and viewership!

[@RattleSsssnake]

Just bought it cant wait to try it

[@manicmods]

Let us know how it works out, thanks for watching!

[@RattleSsssnake]

Seems to work but my lg c1 has a game optimizer that no longer works because it doesn't connect to Dolby vision it is running on 120fps but the message that pops up on the top of the screen is HDR and not Dolby Vission even the settings on xbox says supports Dolby but only up to 60hz.

[@yihaoDK]

Thanks for the video!! I’ve ordered a hdmi2.1 splitter without the downscaling function, do you think it will cause a problem to the hue sync?(hence the sync does not support HDMI2.0, it will automatically downscaling to 2.0)

[@manicmods]

Thanks for watching! If it does not downscale the output for the Hue box, it will likely not sync.

[@reecet353]

Hi im hoping you can shine some light on my issue. Im using a sky Q box going to a hdmi 1 in 2 out splitter one of the outs is going to my hue sync box then my tv. the second out is going to another tv. everytime i need to disconnect and reconnect the hdmi for the hue lights to work. can you give my advise on what i need to fix this issue. Thanks

[@PuJolsLol]

Did you figure this out?

[@lucasdiaz7326]

Great video! Does Govee integrate with Smartthings for automations (like for turning on and off, etc)?

[@manicmods]

Thanks for watching! Brian from @automateyourlife has a great tutorial for adding Govee into SmartThings. I will link below. I have not felt compelled to follow yet since my only Govee product is bias light kit for my office TV which automatically turns on. He's got a video on it within his channel too. automatelife.net/govee-and-smartthings-working-together/

[@RebelMan-]

So I’ve been using the same splitter but made by Ezcoo on amazon along with my LG C2, PS5 and the hue sync box. Everything has been working great but about a month ago, every time i book up, especially playing COD MW3, my hue lights are red when the screen is dark or supposed to be blacked out. I’m set up on set up 1. I havent found a permanent fix but in order to get it to work normal, i have to go into my PS5 settings and go to screen and video, go to HDR and turn it off and the back to always on. That will toggle it back to having the black screen not display red on my hue lights that are connected to my sync box. I haven’t found anything online but this happens to me about 80% of the time. It may have started when i got an update to my PS5. So if anyone else is running into this with a set up like this, just toggle the HDR to off and back to always on.

[@riveratech1]

man a few years ago I would of been able to figure this out but i’m struggling. I have a slightly more complex setup. I have a LG C1 and a 4K60 projector. I also have a denon AVR that is 4K60. I currently have my series X and my PS5 connected to the TV. How can i get the ideal setup of having everything working with my hue hdmi box and being able to switch between my projector and my TV? So it’s pretty much like your 3rd setup but with a 2.0b receiver and 2 outputs… one being 4k120 and one being 4k60.

[@manicmods]

Feel free to drop me a line on Reddit or [e-mail], and I will do my best to assist. I'd be interested in your receiver model to provide you different suggestions. Thanks for watching!

[@riveratech1]

@@manicmods I just pulled the plug and bought the sony ES STRAZ5000 with hdmi 2.1, i'll be straight! thanks anyways!

[@beatsizedj]

Why do you use a splitter instead going directly from the second output from the denon to the syncbox?

[@beatsizedj]

Second output from the avr

[@manicmods]

Wow, missed your comment- apologies! I actually bought this amp because I thought I'd get away with that. And I thought I was until I realized that Denon would drop both outputs to 60hz whenever I plugged the Hue sync box into second output. Thanks for watching!

[@flumps9069]

Could something like this be done with a multi hdmi in/1 out to a hdmi splitter ?

[@manicmods]

In theory yes. Of course you will want to ensure splitter is HDMI 2.1 4k/120 Hz ready. This is similar to my Setup 3 which I use, but you would not have two outputs. Instead the single output would run to downscaler splitter like I linked in pinned comment. (The one I used in video has been out of stock for some time.) The outputs of splitter would be connected like Setup 2.

[@flumps9069]

Perfect. Ty much. Once I can find a splitter I’ll give it a shot!

[@mark601]

You recon this could work WITH eARC? Xbox -> AVR -> Splitter -> TV \--> Hue box Also any notes on HDR/DV quality thorugh the splitter?

[@manicmods]

Thanks for watching! I've experienced no quality loss of signal. I tested with ARC for this video which was successful but not sure about eARC. Hope this helps!

[@mark601]

@@manicmods I've thinking about this for some time now. (only just got my new AVR still pendidng TV upgrade) my thought was that do you really need the splitter if an AVR has two outputs like mine and the one mentioned in the video? What would happen if you just plugged display our no. 2 from the AVR directly into the hue box? Presumably it'd scale to 1080p auto-magically? Maybe? :D

[@FatalCorleone07]

Hey man, I did the first setup with the Govee AI Sync Box and the PS5 works but when I plugged another HDMI splitter into the 2nd HDMI port on the Sync box to watch my Firestick, all I get is a black screen. Any ideas on a solution??

[@manicmods]

The sync box is not connected to the TV in the first setup since it's just being used to sync lights. If you can draw out your connections, you can drop me a line on Reddit. This would help squash the nuances that come w/ various setups. Just give me a week to reply as summer is in full effect. Thanks for watching!

[@FatalCorleone07]

@@manicmods okay is your name the same on Reddit?

[@manicmods]

Yep!

[@FatalCorleone07]

@@manicmods nevermind, I just figured it all out lol!

[@savg1540]

Maybe I missed this part but why do you have toggle switch on the splitter set to 1080p rather than 4K? I'll delete this if I figure it out. Lol

[@manicmods]

No worries! That switch only controls the output to the Hue box which makes the work-around work 🙂

[@FatalCorleone07]

Question!: did you do the firmware update for it??

[@manicmods]

Thanks for watching! I did not update firmware since purchase, have you had trouble with it?

[@FatalCorleone07]

@@manicmods oh no, I ordered it but it hasn't come in yet but I found they have an update video for it and honestly, it's very confusing lol, so I was wondering if someone in the states did it and can do a true tutorial

[@michaelmancusi3672]

I'm sure you've looked into this but are there any other splitters that would work? With more ins and outs to make life easier?

[@manicmods]

Thanks for watching! I am not aware of any HDMI switch that performs the downscaling for the Hue compatibility. Closest you can get is Setup 3. If you are not in love with the Hue, there are other Light Sync options out there.

[@michaelmancusi3672]

@manicmods Well I'm currently using Govee but I do have a sync box laying around and was thinking about going back to it based on your video. I'm still on the fence cause I'd now have to buy a new gradient light due to a larger TV and then I found out the light doesn't cover the bottom portion of your TV. Hue is too expensive to be half assed lol Thank you for the detailed video.

[@CustomTeslaLightshows]

Link to hdmi splitter plz

[@manicmods]

The AVStar I used is no longer available. I believe the MAXSQUARE will work, linked below, but have not tested. amzn.to/3smRqlJ

[@CustomTeslaLightshows]

8:24 why dolby vision is off?

[@manicmods]

Thanks for watching! My LG OLEDs, in my own opinion, look less HDR and more washed out when I enable Dolby Vision from my streaming hardware.

[@amaanmalik9969]

@@manicmods does this affect the way it works if it is enabled as I enjoy Dolby Vision on my TV

[@mikeygriffiths2868]

So every time you load in a game it turns off ?

[@manicmods]

When the format is switched to or from HDR or 120hz, I often have to start sync again. This was true before HDMI splitter box w HDR, and may have to do with my LG c3. Harmony is a a nicety here, but suspecting that support to end in next few years. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@manicmods]

Hey fam! If you want even better results, and don't mind leaving the Hue ecosystem for ambilight, check out @ChrisMaherDIY 's video below. He reviews the "Lytmi Fantasy 3" which has an HDMI 2.1 Sync box, as well as many more lighting zones than Hue and Govee. It's available for pre-order from Lytmi's website 😎 kzbin.info/www/bejne/baSaq6mInMqbgM0

[@juggz143]

I considered this but the problem at that point is you'd have to replace any other hue devices as well if you have lights throughout the room, which makes it a non starter for me. A few more zones on the tv isn't worth the overhaul for me.

[@RattleSsssnake]

This is great but no cigar. You are still capped at using HDR and not Dolby vision. Which I think is much better quality if you want Dolby vision you must use it at 60hz and not 120hz which you can do that without the splitter.

[@manicmods]

Let me know which setup you use, and what happens when you enable Dolby vision so I can try to suggest something. If sync is the only issue with DV, you can try enabling "Settings\Advanced Sync settings\Dolby Vision Enhanced Compatibility". With my LG C2 and C3 OLEDs, Dolby Vision looks worse than HDR. (Too warm and less contrast.) A lot of the community agrees, but definitely personal preference and may vary with TV and content.

[@manicmods]

Link to AVFABUL HDMI Splitter: amzn.to/3NvG1sl