How to SYNC your Philips Hue Lights with your TV & PS4/XBOX! | The Tech Chap

[@Thetechchap]

The full name is Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync box (bit of a mouthful)... see if you can tell in the video where i had to re-record the voice over to correct myself haha! 😂

[@MaZEEZaM]

It looks great to me, even without the lights aspect, simply as a source connection module to tidy up the number of cables needing to connect to your tv.

[@Cel3381]

Do you know if this will work through a receiver?

[@RizzyReign]

Can you jsut use a alexa echo hub instead?

[@TanerUNER91]

How to sync hue things? Short answer: with money Long answer: money

[@supersaiyanbro]

At 229.99 dollars yeah I agree with money lol

[@antoineprice9373]

lmao

[@himariaizawa425]

I want this for a warzone intro

[@Cloontange]

Setting mine up rn bro

[@himariaizawa425]

@@Cloontange niceseuu

[@Felix-tv1re]

229$ is like 150$ too expensive

[@Boxxcutter]

I'm sure there's a Chinese knock-off version that works half as well you can get for that price.

[@AZmotion]

@@Boxxcutter there are. You can make your own DIY one as well and it looks better than this

[@smOOdiebOOdie]

Minecrafted Can you share how? 🙂

[@Jakeznk]

Felix0199 agree.

[@endlessbasher]

Such an expensive box ridiculous should be 20’bucks

[@LockeNL]

No hdmi 2.1😢. I was waiting ages for this box to be announced. First I was really exited, but when I found out that it doesn’t support eARC, dolby vision, 4K 120Hz, HDR10+, ALLM, VRR,.... I became sad..... as a Dutchman I am a proud Philips user but I have to wait this one out until HDMI2.1 an DV are supported

[@danm4320]

You could always get a decent HDMI splitter for a good price but that just adds insult to the price you're paying for...

[@LockeNL]

Dan M in time probably but there are no 2.1 splitters yet. And you still have to deal with hdmi handshake and the fact that Dolby vision will not activate the lights at all

[@Buckeyes202]

Dan M what would an hdmi splitter do in this circumstance?

[@TRX25EX]

Was wondering, will the home theater revievers with 2 hdmi output solve this issue? I have one from Yamaha, so if i plug one into TV other to this Philips thing will work? 🤔

[@LockeNL]

TRX X I am afraid that is wont work properly. I for example have a marantz sr7010 with three HDMI outputs. The issue with HDMI handshake (and HDCP) will be still there. Furthermore my AVR passes Dolby vision trough. So the HDMI sync box will receive Dolby Vision and will not do anything (but pass trough which is worthless in our suggested solution) we have to wait....I think. But I have no high hopes.... they had to add HDMI 2.1 for future proofing...

[@nerovanguard846]

It's awesome! Expensive but awesome. Although, isn't too bright sometimes? Maybe an LED strip instead of bulbs?

[@JoelsterG4k]

This is what Philips hue needed to fully support movies and console gaming with HDR.

[@SaiyanZen]

Damn its always something i need first i get the lights just then find out i need the hue bridge now i was trying to sync and i need another box geesh now im out of funds! 🤦🏽‍♂️😤😤😤

[@yxngskrilla7538]

Literally, it’s fucked

[@10lhskater]

Dude!! I cannot believe this. I just got the hue play lights and after going through the steps to set them up I'm notified I need a sync box to connect the lights to animation. And that box is 230 bucks!?!?!?!?! I must have missed a major part on all the videos I watched before getting these and watching them all day or the videos never once mentioned this box. It's crazy how much these are. If I knew all of this I wouldn't have gotten these. Way too much cash

[@giannimaccario9571]

Incredible ! Expensive, but incredible. Since Philips created Ambilight, i've always wanted to see it expend on other TVs or even desktop. Now it's true, it's gonna be a lot of money, but slowly, you can create an utterly unique experience while watching film or gaming !

[@bunlongheng2900]

The light doesn't seem to display evenly around the TV. It lights up in certain spots. I think the stripe will produce much better experience.

[@henrymgray]

I have a Philips TV with Ambilight and you can sync hue lights up with it, yes you will still need the bridge, not sure which version as I've not done it yet. This device it's a good idea although a bit pricey, but then again it is Philips hue.

[@Michael-qr1pl]

Would I need 2 hue box’s for each room or can I do different groups for the bridge and hue?

[@redshamrock05]

Do you have to have the HDMI box thing or can you just get the lights and that’s it?

[@scottburden123]

Question though. I have 3 hdmi ports from PS4, pc and sky all going into my soundbar, then one into the tv. How would this work on that type of set up?

[@Justmeandmy20cents]

You have to connect your consoles to the soundbar directly and then out from the soundbar (only picture passes through 4k HDR10) to the sync box and then from the sync box to the tv. If you have a ps4 pro connect the sound directly to the soundbar so only picture and color passes through the hdmi into either the soundbar or Sync box. This should work.

[@ericturco425]

Can you add it to alexa or any smart hubs? Along with playing musing from a speaker? Im new to this thx

[@v4vesper]

I asked earlier if this worked with Disney plus but never got an answer. I bought the sync box last week. Yes it does work with Disney plus. Also works with Netflix, Prime, and hbo max.

[@kateedwards372]

What did you plug it into for the HDMI? I have it just plugged into my TV and it isn't syncing.

[@v4vesper]

@@kateedwards372 I have an android box called Nvidia shield pro connected to the sync box.

[@shaulishamay]

Can you please share a link for the thin standing light you have in there

[@FedericoBlack]

So you can connect almost everything? Like I have my tv, Amazon fire stick and ps4.

[@Nick_Bourne]

Overpriced i would buy it for 100$max

[@Kamino_3]

Wow.

[@TomHiel]

Nikita 98K but it's not. Too bad for you.....

[@take1er]

Definitely is man. It's crazy how you had to spend $140-$150 for just the lights! Then $50 for the bridge, now $230 for an option that should've been included already?!? Screw Phillips man

[@SaiyanZen]

take1er Exactly!!! I am piss right now after months of finally about to sync mine i find out i need another box for more than the lights and bridge this isnt right at all!

[@mariot.5178]

@@SaiyanZen dose it work with sync with philips TV without the HUE bridge?

[@angelopeiris]

What about when I'm using just the TV or monitor? Like if I use Netflix built into the TV ? Will the lights still sync 🔃?

[@koysormiah9551]

I am planning on upgrading my TV. How does this support TV built in apps such as Netflix? And does the HDMI splitter support Next Gen console HDMI 2.1? Thank you, always appreciate your input and such a shame the new Philips OLED+ ambient TVs do not support HDMI 2.1.

[@Buckeyes202]

Is there any way this is every going to be available through the native tv apps? It is sooo much easier and convenient using my tv apps for everything and it plays content in Dolby vision.

[@choptang564]

How would this work if you have a sound system? All my inputs plug into my soundbar right now then arc out to TV.

[@RRReeper]

Pretty easy if you can connect your sound system to the optical output on the TV.

[@choptang564]

@@RRReeper ok but what if I would rather use hdmi rather than optical?

[@TomHiel]

Chop Tang connect the arc out from the receiver in the hue sync box hdmi in. And from sync box hdmi out to the arc in of the tv.

[@MrDeeCHIEU]

Will this sync box work with those gu10 ceiling lights and plugged into the hdmi of a projector?

[@wilgiefortis]

Looks good but distracting

[@GoshDarnBarnOwls]

Its surprisingly not, I thought the same thing then bought a starter box for black friday and it's actually more immersive when I game and I hardly even notice it

[@elgeorge437]

@@GoshDarnBarnOwls then what’s the point if you don’t notice it 😂

[@robertrutter8412]

@@elgeorge437 no he means distracts him

[@eventhorizon2873]

Are the leds on the hue light bar, light up individual or one color. I thought i saw a slight difference between positions

[@redrugbyhammer30]

Hi tech chap, would the Hue Sync box work with a Samsung one connect box?

[@bokiss9663]

Do you need a bridge and a sync box for just the 2 lightbars ?

[@bokiss9663]

Or just a sync box ?

[@dennylafoss]

This is ok for movies but I dont want my ps4 going through another box before it hits the tv... plus this needs an hdmi, most people just use the apps on their smart tv so this wont work with that.... and then it uses the arc port so goodbye sound bar... then 230? Yea ok...

[@psychonaut038]

Use sound bar with optical

[@dennylafoss]

@@psychonaut038 u cant use the best sound quality with optical... and I'm not sacrificing that these that's for sure

[@Justmeandmy20cents]

@@dennylafoss Why is this a problem? Just go from the HDMI out port from your soundbar to one of the Hue HDMI 4K HDR passthrough. I think this should work and youll have 4 more HMDI free for other stuff. Also, Tosslink is lossless sound, zero lagg. Hdmi can introduce 40-80 milliseconds of delay when using older stuff with new.

[@dennylafoss]

@@Justmeandmy20cents hows the soundbar receiving sound signal in that scenario?

[@indym8523]

They need to make one for LIFX

[@nirvanafatal]

I can't wait to get mine.

[@mondyjoy]

Okay so I got these play gardient lightstripes. And I want them to mimick what I do when I play on my PS4. But what I don't understand is where the hdmi cables are suppose to go? Ps4 only got 1 hdmi port. So 1. Hdmi through ps4 to tv 2. Hdmi through ps4 to sync box 3. One hdmi cable through ps4 to tv AND a hdmi through tv to sync box 4. Hdmi through ps4 to sync box AND hdmi through tv to sync box. How does it work? Also I only use my tv for gaming. So only ps4. Do I still need Apple tv or is it enough with a bridge and sync box? Soooo many questions! 🤯

[@MrPantss]

But I have all my hdmi going into a receiver and then one link to the tv, how will this work? Thanks 🙏

[@HAL-zl1lg]

Plug the receiver into the box and the box into the TV.

[@weaselinjeans1]

Ok, great idea but this smacks of an afterthought. I have a few Phillips Hue bulbs, strip lights and hub which I do use on a regular basis with My echos and show 5’s.......but why is it that Phillips insist on putting their prices so high!! £250 for this is ludicrous. I will wait for the Chinese cheap version to land I think. Great review as ever Tom 👍🏼

[@TheGodfatherUk]

So question What If your arc cable goes into your av reciever? Do you plug the box into your reciever instead?

[@Zoranurai13]

Btw it does not support dolby vision. If it detects it, it will not adjust the lights.

[@Kamino_3]

J Y would that be the reason why the Movies Anywhere app stop supporting the lights? I used to be able to sync my lights with Movies Anywhere now they just light up and don’t sync. Dolby vision?? Copyrights??

[@Zoranurai13]

L Maldonado yes it has to do with copyright protection

[@TheRyaninspokane]

Is there any voice control commands that will work with the hue sync box? I have google minis and the xbox one x

[@Kamino_3]

Thank you for this great information!! A bit pricey when I can just stream my console to pc and have the same experience. But having this in my set up would be more natural so I wouldn’t need to set up my lights with my pc.

[@Vegas702]

This is crazy money 💰

[@UebelBAM]

Looks incredibly annoying after a while to be honest. I'd rather invest in better sound.

[@lunaticz0r]

it looks annoying... why are you on a HUE video lol... if you don't like hue lights why bother saying you don't like hue lights on a hue video

[@lunaticz0r]

also: 190dollar is not going to give you any good sound lol, soundbar start at 500 for decent sound... life sucks sometimes lol

[@UebelBAM]

@@lunaticz0r What?! I use Hue Lights all over, but not to give myself a seizure while looking at flashing lights for 2 hours. And 190 USD gives you a soundbar that is definitely better than TV speakers. Please think before answering ... lol (as a wise man once said)

[@lunaticz0r]

@@UebelBAM you said you'd rather invest in soudn, you're not "investing" in sound for 190dollar, simple. Alao: seizures? You're saying you do not want to invest in the SYNC box because they played the "wrong" video? Wtf. You do know you're allowed to put on your OWN videos and setup your OWN intensities for the lights, right? Please think before you reply as Abraham Lincoln once said!

[@Cup_of_Galaxy]

@@lunaticz0r first of all stop saying "lol" as you don't have any other words and second some of us have it in their recommendations not like we search for it

[@levi_f5]

Wooooh that's amazing I liked it really looks cool 😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩

[@rossholland7447]

I’ve got a Philips Ambilight 65PUS8545 tv, can I get the bridge and pair it to 2 Phillips hue lights either side of the tv to colour match the ambilight in the tv ? Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

[@mikeshift225]

I'll consider buying this product when Phillips releases an ARGB light strip. Until then, I'll continue to use my DreamScreen.

[@BIGBASSSAMA_4]

Is this ok to use with no problem using a qled tv and a Sony soundbar at the same time?

[@JustMyToys]

Can this be connected to the Samsung One Connect boxes with the QLEDs?? If so are there any issues at all?

[@LINX29X92]

So the sync pc app might contain hell of viruses but I installed anyway. Actually worked nice with my pc I watched Mulan (2020) with video sync enabled and it worked through out the movie. Fast forward not even a day later watched a movie on Netflix (nothing) then watched a movie on Amazon (nothing). Seems Disney so far is the only service that syncs with hue (video) wise. Any other suggestions or opinions? Thanks

[@StrandgaZt]

Look at the bright colors when you want to play it in a more comfort way. It's like a tech demo. You like it for sure, however when installed it feels like it's to much and expensive.

[@wolf040882]

Yes it’s expensive, but I’ll still purchase. This looks amazing!

[@4C4P5]

Do I need the box? I don't have one with my laptop and it works fine, but if I have an LG smart oled TV, will I be able to skip the hdmi box? I don't think it's worth the cost if I can skip it.

[@neuralvibes]

Can you use a laptop screen as the ambience source instead of a TV?

[@Thetechchap]

I don't think so as your laptop will have a HDMI out rather than in

[@MAdhawanPRakash]

You don't even need this sync box device to sync with your laptop screen. Google hue sync app for desktop

[@xanxusyo3745]

There is alot of bad reviews on the connectivity for the bridge box. I have been waiting for something as awesome as this but now, I'm just afraid that I will experience the same thing.

[@Walterwhite0721]

One question. What about apps frame smart tv if i don't have any tv box? Working with this as well?

[@ZubairHamed]

fraid not.

[@defcon3451]

I need to know the amount of input lag added. If there is bypass or passthrough option so that video quality isn't affected. I use two HDMI out of my 4k player, video goes to tv and audio goes to my receiver. I feel like there should be another for this to happen with out negatively affecting overall experience. Just curious that's all

[@moorepower13]

If your too worried about it use the zone2 hdmi output to the hue box.

[@3lialshai5]

What if you have a smart TV how would I connect to the box for it light up while watching Netflix etc ?

[@WillemJanSikkema]

But, does it work for normal TV channels? As in, coax cable directly in the TV. Or is it just for external devices

[@xcel1428]

What are those stand up light poles?

[@henryccxx]

Hello I have a few things * Philips Hue Bridge * Samsung QN90C * Philips Hue HDMI Sync Box * Hue LED gradient lights * Amplifier for audio * PS5 Can i ask how do i connect the above items so that when i play on my PS5, i can still use my sound system but also able to use Hue LED Gradient lights when I play on my TV? Is it TV - > SYNC BOX -> amplifier -> PS5 TV - > SYNC BOX -> hue gradient lights OR IS it TV - > SYNC BOX -> PS5 TV - > SYNC BOX -> amplifier -> PS5 TV - > SYNC BOX -> hue gradient lights thANKS SO MUCH

[@jpad2349]

Do you need the gradient lights or can this be done with the light strips @thetechchap

[@futbol1972]

Ok so I got the gradient lights to work with Netflix. They match with what's on tv. I was streaming from phone through chromcast. I have sync box, hue bridge and chromcast, I will be changing chromcast with roku though. So now I would like to know if my lights will work (sync/match) with direct tv regular channels or they only work when streaming with external device such as chromcast,roku, appe tv etc?? I have a direct tv satellite dish on top of roof, there is a coaxial cable running through wall from the satellite dish on top of roof to my direct tv reciver/box/dvr. From the direct tv reciver there is a HDMI cable that goes straight to tv to get signal to see cable channels. I have tried hooking up the hdmi cable from reciver to one of empty ports in hue sync box instead of tv but I get no signal this way. the inputs are gray out on tv when I plug hdmi cable from reciver straight to sync box, no signal but as soon as I plug in hdmi cable from reciver to tv the imput turns blue and I can see channels. Do ligjts just work as ambient ligjts when watching cable channels through direct tv?

[@draganbrankovic2793]

You should definitely do some Game walkthroughs 😁

[@angelslave18]

Is it possible for the native apps of smart TVs to synchronise with the synchbox?

[@Totalplonker]

Yours looks better than mine and I've managed to get my tv with a 'floating effect' click on the cat and you can see why ive gone into second place! NICE JOB

[@erejiqi9219]

Is this also working with Philips hue (Bluetooth) ?

[@Spacemanwho1]

Would it work with a single hue led strip around the TV? So sections of the LED will change colour depending on what’s on screen edges.

[@Thetechchap]

That's a great question - I'll have to test that when I get one for review

[@TomHiel]

No it doesn't. The led strip only produces one color.

[@deszybwoy6502]

Can I buy philips Hue synx box and connect it to my LG TV?

[@mariot.5178]

dose it work with sync with philips TV without the HUE bridge?

[@lucamariani3939]

Doea it work with tv apps? Or should i use an external device like fire stick to get this effect for example with netflix?

[@Pierredorado300]

it works with everything that you can connect with HDMI

[@OzzySafa]

I just think they should make a hue sync app on the Xbox Microsoft store just like the hue sync app on windows. I don’t understand why they don’t since there’s a game on Xbox that can sync with your hue lights, why not not make an app that can let you use it with anything you view on the Xbox. Spending that much just to have hue lights work on consoles/tv is a bit unfair, seen as they can make an app for people that just want to use it for consoles... I don’t watch tv much anyway I just stream off of my Xbox.

[@mjk9462]

Means if I bought hue box no need for streaming my ps4 to my laptop?

[@aamirjaffar111]

I dont see Philips light strip as one of your light source here. Will it work with it?

[@Soundmn20]

How does this work when you would add it to a full theater system with all your hdmi signals be sent through your theater receiver first. Does that effect the lighting system?

[@TomHiel]

Soundmn20 connect the arc out from the receiver in the hue sync box hdmi in. And from sync box hdmi out to the arc in of the tv.

[@Soundmn20]

Tom Yeah. I get that. I was asking more about things like 4K capacity, HDCP protocol. Do it mess up that? Does is work just as well by hooking it up this way versus running each individual source through the hue box first. Are their “profiles” for each source inside the hue sync for a game system versus a cable box or a Blu-ray player. This is more what I was worried about.

[@Dixiit]

Hi, great test but I have some problem, I bought the box when it came out and I have a lot of problems with it, it forgets each time my synchronization box and disconnects on film, often after 5 minutes , I have all my devices connected to a home theater which is connected to the box hue which is connected to the video projector, have you ever had these problems, and would you have any solutions please? Ty for all

[@lloydol9680]

I use Netflix and Amazon prime apps on my TV. The hue sync won't work unless a device is connected to the box and then box to tv?

[@tashadfowler3465]

Unfortunately without a signal it won't work. Only a Phillips ambient TV with built in multi zone lights will react to apps built into the television or video sources coming in through HDMI. All Philips Hue needs to do is make a multi-zone LED strip. But even with the signal coming into the Philips Hue box there has been many issues with it not working right.

[@carlostepoxdominguez8315]

Soo cool!

[@thekwoka4707]

Will it work with an actual smart TV that doesn't use hdmi? Or is that already covered by the older bits of tech? And this is the thing to make "dumb" tvs work?

[@rob3846]

Does the box cause additional input lag?

[@strengthsweatsucceed]

At last , been waiting for something for PS4 to work with hue

[@JoseDW7000]

Holy cow that’s amazing! Yes not cheap, but also everything Philipps Hue is kind of expensive anyways.

[@davidalzate4943]

love this thing but I'm having trouble with it turning on and off. I have the CEC button enabled. I turn the tv off and it turns the box off as well. but when I turn the tv on, the sync box won't turn on I still have to do that manually. anyway around that?

[@v4vesper]

Will the hue sync box work with Disney Plus?

[@Crazyvideos56g]

Yes

[@v4vesper]

Thanks for the reply. I should've deleted this after no one replied and I ended up buying it anyway lol. It works great with all apps

[@Crazyvideos56g]

@@v4vesper enjoy wandavision sitcom

[@mjalalaldin]

How about if you have AV Receiver 🧐 ?

[@taika2]

so for PS4 and XBOX you just plug and play and all will sync up?

[@mondyjoy]

Ps4 only got 1 hdmi port. So do you connect the hdmi between ps4 into tv or sync box or do you need one hdmi for tv to sync and one hdmi cable for ps4 into the sync box?

[@Joker23236]

So how would you hook it up?? If the xbox has to go into the tv to see the screen how can it also plug up to the sync box along with the tv

[@Stupranos]

The Xbox goes in the sync box then the sync box goes to the tv.

[@christianboggan1948]

What about with a Roku smart tv? I doubt it would work since it would run independently from an HDMI

[@lokeshr9098]

Without Philips hdmi sync box, can we use with Amazon basics hdmi sync box.. because in India we don't get Philips hdmi sync box..

[@BonesyBoiii]

We are going to get some!

[@dracoshafi]

Hi, I’ve connected it successfully, however I can’t get the PlayStation 5 to change input any ideas? I’ve tried with Siri Shortcuts as well, but no luck.

[@jptartaro]

Does the Hdmi port support HDR?

[@strengthsweatsucceed]

With devices like Amazon fire stick , do they plug straight into the TV still and will they work?

[@Thetechchap]

If you want them to work with your lights, you'll need to plug it into the box.

[@strengthsweatsucceed]

@@Thetechchap great will make wires into the TV a lot cleaner

[@Thetechchap]

@@strengthsweatsucceed yeah and you can plug 2 hue play lights into sync box's plug too

[@ZephyrDavid]

This does not seem accurate at all. First off, the light bulb thing is weird, a led strip would be a better solution. Secondly, it only highlighted a high/bright color, did not show the deep blue on the Forza map and it somehow outshines it. But not only in Forza did not show the deeper colors well, but overall. For me the Philips Ambilight built in solution look more accurate and better.

[@adang9948]

Does anyone know if I will still need a Phillips hue smart hub or does the hdmi sync box have one?

[@digitdigithard]

Will this work with home theater setups?

[@hunkyvampire]

Unfortunately, it wont

[@digitdigithard]

@@hunkyvampire that's really unfortunate

[@mossi08]

How does it fair if you connect a sound bar to it and play music?

[@MYSTICKNIGHT23]

All the need to make is a multi zone LEDS STRIP AND THIS IS A STRAIGHT BUY

[@PositiveFlowVibes]

That would be dope! Have had my strips for a while. Some of the bulbs have went out...well don't show white light, they'll show any other color. I may switch to the hue play lights or whatever they are called.

[@RK-si4ln]

This is Dope!

[@stephanemontbrizon7303]

The device supports 4K 60Hz and HDR10 at launch, but it doesn’t support HDR10+ or Dolby Vision, two major standards for higher picture quality. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision images will still pass through the device in full quality to your TV, but the Hue Play box won’t be capable of analyzing them to produce light effects.

[@originalmagneto]

does it support dolby vision throughput when I plug in my appleTV4k?

[@niklaschmid]

Nope

[@RomboutVersluijs]

I really wonder how many would use all those HDMI ports. Would be nice if they made different version with less ports and thus be more affordable. The tech is super nice but its quite expensive. I guess it has some kind of implemented capture mechanism to do this

[@LikeABawzs]

Or just get a Philips ambilight Tv. And sync the other lights in the room with the Hue+ sync app on your tv. Ambilight tvs are not 250 euros more expensive than none ambilight tvs.

[@rorynoble7344]

LikeABawzs I bought an ambilight tv for this reason but found the response time to just be too slow to be of use, even if the bridge was next to the tv. I don’t regret it because I love the ambilight which nothing else can really come close to but would love if I could extend it to the lights in my room. How have you found it?