Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip - Should You Buy?

The Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip is an easy way to add excitement to your gaming setup, especially if you're getting the next-gen Xbox Series X. The lightstrip reacts to what is happening on screen with many different colors and it works with other Hue smart lights to change how your room looks and feels. Thanks to Philips Hue for sponsoring this video.
💡 Get the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip: bit.ly/markhue
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[@jasonsosnick8669]

like the features, setup was difficult for some of my devices (August Door lock, kzbin.infoUgkxhB5YOMNj04GuoAosExygP4cH-dKeb4aB Bose speaker)... but all switches and outlets (5), thermostat, tankless water heater. Unfortunately all I can do is turn on/off Bose. It doesn't support volume or changing channels, but I believe that is due to the particular speaker I have.... Worth getting if you already have other devices to use it with... I don't sit around and ask Alexa questions much so that doesn't really matter to me....

[@EmilAllard]

Hold up, he’s got all of the tech, why are the lights not in sync with what’s on the TV?! The image is a solid still and the lights are going bananas behind flashing a whole bunch of colours that aren’t even present. This is such a frustrating video, it doesn’t truly show off the main feature of the setup!

[@silvanolan]

Hahah he didn't even sync to the TV,!!!

[@jimmyjam5146]

I was just about to make the same comment before I read yours. Seems like he had it in the music mode or something. The lights were pulsating like a disco...and is naturally distracting.

[@ultrawidegameplayandbenchm9158]

Funny how nobody that gets it for free has any negatives 🤔

[@robertobarrios7096]

Yeah more of a sales pitch than a honest review. Glad most people agree.

[@leswalker6881]

I have this and paid it’s the best thing ever if you for one have the cash to buy it and the price to have this on as it runs your electricity bill up apart from that it’s really good

[@MatthewBayard]

One major missing information from this review... Note that they’re not HDMI 2.1 ports, so you can’t run the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X at 4K, 120fps through this box.

[@megami215]

Most TVs aren’t even 120hz anyway.

[@MatthewBayard]

@@megami215 this is true. I would have to invest in a system like this only to find when I upgrade my tv in a year or two that my very expressive Hue system is out of date.

[@You-Tuber2024]

What about 4K content on Netflix streaming through the TV?

[@larsbaer3508]

Yes he techniquely is not lying... But you really seem to have no idea about it, or you intentionally wanted to convince people to think that they can fully utilize the ps5 and Xbox series x. I don't want to be salty, but the only thing that saves your butt is that you say "up to" .... I know in court it is techniquely not a lie, but I feel like you are intentionally misleading..... Which in my opinion is really hard to take. I know it's not a review... It's a sponsored vid.... But you didn't mention the lacking 2.1 support of the box and literally said it would be cool to use the next gen features combined with that box.... So imo that's close enough to lying....

[@larsbaer3508]

@@You-Tuber2024 good question

[@J-maddox]

I really can't wait to get that light strip along with some other Phillips lighting accessories for my media room and my bedroom. It will looks very awesome!

[@northislandnow8858]

Thank you Philips! We tried buying one of your ambilight tvs years ago in Canada. No one would get us one. You finally answered something my partner and I kept questioning. Why is this not something that works for all TV's? You made it happen. Sold! This will definitely add to our Philips Hue lightbulbs and strips we already own. Thank you Thank you Thank you!

[@northislandnow8858]

Obviously too late for your giveaway. Still, a very long waited product that Im happy to purchase.

[@DaddySinister]

Lets say you don't want to sync the lights to your tv all the time...will the light strip illuminate anyway, whether you are watching tv or the tv is turned off?

[@MuneerTV_]

If only I had an Xbox Series X/S to upgrade my setup with...😂 Excited for this video nonetheless!!

[@JRBeckford]

@SKB, how do you handle the port switching with the HDMI hub? currently I have everything hooked up to TV with easy switching.

[@jetli3333]

Correct me if I'm wrong but the philips hue box does not support hdmi 2.1 and 120hz? Is this true and how does this effect us on the series x setup? Thanks

[@JoelsterG4k]

So the sync box has 4k/120hz and HDR and VRR support.? Cause that's what the xbox sx has and the colors didn't seem to sync correctly with the display.

[@drewsears2959]

Dude love the review. Very detailed and thorough.

[@keiserkosti]

Thanks for the walk-through and explanation. Know plenty more now about what I'd like to have.

[@jon_q1904]

Do you think you get can away with getting a shorter strip than what is recommended i.g. use a 65" strip for a 75" tv?

[@jazm391]

Does anybody knows if they will do an update for HDM 2.1, or if is there any adapter in order to get it work with the hue sync box? Thanks

[@futbol1972]

do i have to use my phone to stream so graduent ligjts can sync with whatever iam watching on TV, Netflix, HBO max or whatever app iam using? Can the apps be run through sync box instead of using my phone? If I need to use my phone all the time for ligjts to sync this sucks..just got my ligjts yesterday and after playing with it for about 5 hours they don't sync with netlix?Netflix?? I think it's because I was using the Netflix button on sony tv remote instead of streaming it through my phone or something else?? There is gotta be a better way instead of using my phone:(

[@RichbergEnt]

Im Not a gamer...so will it work with my cable box when im watching TV and Movies on TV?

[@JTimbo007]

I just bought the Gradient lightstrip but can you mirror the lights so it syncs to you tv colors?

[@latinjit6976]

Question, i have the bridge downstairs and the hue hdmi upstairs will it still get signal..im having a tough time syncing it

[@YasVidaySalud]

Hello! the Philips Hue white and color ambiece also work with the hue sync app? I would like to install those to a television, I know they are for outdoor use, but those that you show in the video are sooo expensive and are out of stock. I was thinking, if they work the same, I could find a way to fit an indoor lightstrip and make some adjustment with some generic.

[@niyasabdul5268]

Can I use gradient lightstrip as a simple smart light controlled by mobile app without hue bridge and hdmi box?

[@Believer7154]

Hello all. Great video. Very informative and easy to follow. Keep up the great work. Thank you for your time and effort put into this production. Know you're appreciated! As of right now, my receiver is my "hub" for everything. How would the HDMI Sync Box work with receivers? Thanks again Rock rock on!!!

[@RomboutVersluijs]

They should include those small hubs for the play bars as well. These are much nicer than that huge brick they add currently

[@luisarroyo5168]

One question that I do have is if I am able to use the light strip without the HUE box? What if I don't really need to have it sync up to what's happening on the tv?

[@DanielWinterAt]

the colors look terribly off, you have only blue elements at 5:59 but the lights emit red? what is going on here? did you leave it on music mode where it reacts to sound instead of the actual image (game/tv mode)?

[@hilliercraig]

How about doing 120hrz from your series x and hdr10? I’ve had the sync box for a year now. Have the colour older light strips on my tv now. Currently using Xbox one x. I’m getting the series x but am concerned about the 120 and hdr10.

[@B.Ch3rry]

Just sold my 3 year old DreamScreen 4K to get this Philips Hue version. It's about double the price, but worth it. I already have Hue lights so its nice to have everything neatly under one umbrella/app. This is the next best thing because the US doesn't sell Philips Ambilight TVs which I ultimately prefer.

[@cgfilm9561]

Ah damn I just sold my 3 year old brother

[@nelsonmarehalau2237]

This is a good video man. Just wanted to share some love.

[@Hokage2001]

Cool concept but too expensive for syncing lights. After you buy the hue play, the hub box, and hue sync box. You are looking at about $500..

[@DragoNYC]

Another great video. What is that little robot in the background?

[@Thomaspro-cy1fu]

If i have a philips tv with ambylight do i need a sync box and if the answer is yes can i connect my tv ambylight with the sync box ?

[@extraordinarydave]

Will this work without the box? Not interested on the hdmi box until they have 2.1

[@TheNoNameOneManShow]

How come on my pc i dont need the box? Why not just add hue play app to xbox ? Kinda dumb if you ask me

[@JayceChallenger]

Where did you purchase your TV stand?

[@sswboard1211]

What's that light you have on the top shelf of the media cabinet?

[@orgasmatron4296]

Isn't it true that games lose 4k 120 during pass-through? As hue can only do 4k 60?

[@Campwise05]

Nice video SKB!

[@kjcl90]

Does the ambient like that mimics what's on screen work with native TV apps??

[@prelude428]

When will a hub be put that actually supports the next gen consoles? Needs hdmi 2.1 in order to take advantage of next gen.

[@SoldierKnowsBest]

The Instagram post is here: bit.ly/2GMdXku Also, the HDMI Sync Box does not have HDMI 2.1, it has 4 HDMI 2.0b ports for passthrough.

[@coldfeet1337]

Is it HDMI 2.0? Does it pass through Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG HDR?

[@coldfeet1337]

Also did you notice any lag or latency issues? Also why the video re-upload? I did notice the older vid only went up to 720p

[@SoldierKnowsBest]

@@coldfeet1337 It will support 4K 60Hz, HDR10 + Dolby Vision.

[@SoldierKnowsBest]

@@coldfeet1337 No latency issues and yea, my 1st video exported in 720p for some reason...ooof...so I had to get you that 4K goodness. 😉

[@tsint]

Non of the footage is using the Ambilight synch mechanism, seems to be just random light effects. This is at least not how my integrated Ambilight works.

[@tanveerojha]

So they have or not have sticky stuff?

[@arielscorpion68]

I think it looks amazing

[@kevinramiez6078]

You can use just the lights without those to boxes!?

[@coy9898]

What about using a AV receiver?

[@Mortex50]

Am i the only one who didn’t really feel the strip was displaying colors right? It went pretty wild and flashing. But you can maybe adjust this in the settings? :-) Cheers for the video man

[@79maykee]

Absolutely agree. Almost seems like it’s syncing to a completely different video source. Using hue Play Light Bars and they seem to be doing much better job. I believe something is wrong with the setup.

[@BigRedViking89]

It must have been another source as the hue sync box doesn’t support hdmi 2.1.

[@SimenSays79]

To be honest I think he used the music sync option. I have and use a sync box for over 6 months with a gradient strip since launch.. game or video sync option display colors in a same way as an ambilight tv

[@Mortex50]

@@SimenSays79 so what you’re saying is that it works as it’s supposed to for you? :-)

[@SimenSays79]

@@Mortex50 correct. It’s definitely an upgrade compared to 3 plays. Nevertheless I did had some issues setting up with my samsung smartconnect box. In the end I switched HDMI cables to a better brand and put my hue bridge in a better place with regards to network stability. Also I had some heat regulation issues but these were related to the cabin I setup my sync box and Samsung smart connect box. Apart from that I did put one hue play on the bottom of the screen to cover the lower side in the ground color of the screenplay.. it was a bit to dark for me with my setup and solely a gradient strip. So in the end all worth the purchase for me!👍

[@dennis1908cubs]

Seems like a lot of money just for lights.. Does the hue HDMI box compatible with 2.1 HDMI? What happened to the good all days with lava lights were just enough lol

[@JoeMama-iq2xs]

So what happens if you use an Astro a50 headset for your ps5??

[@coneyislandftw]

With the next gen consoles now available. I will wait for a next gen version of the Hue Sync Box as it only supports HDMI 2.0 60hz

[@rayct1]

Top Tip. It's all about 2.1 HDMI

[@eventhorizon2873]

me too, maybe this spring

[@jeppemadsen2497]

In madden Why is the background blue When it should be green ?

[@badboyj7]

does the HDMI sync box ruin the output of the resolution.

[@SoldierKnowsBest]

It doesn't have HDMI 2.1 so you're looking at 4K 60fps and not 4K 120fps.

[@goldenst14]

Solid video! Little disappointed my Target preorder is still pending shipment and isn’t expected until next week.

[@SoldierKnowsBest]

Yea, preorders have been all over the place.

[@nobodycaresaboutyou5590]

Do they make for 85 inch TV?

[@uptownsfinest1598]

see other videos they don't say what you need I like em but that price 239 for just the lights and another 2 and some change thats the whole stim check.. and I watched another dude said it won't play with 120hz only 60hz

[@Digikidthevoiceofreason]

Forgot some really important information there. It does not support HDMI 2.1, and each of those components cost over $300cdn EACH.

[@clou1969]

Nice setup! I wanted to buy the hue hub but it’s not HMDI 2.1 like my LG CX. Hope the HUB will get the 2.1 soon.

[@juanargueta5988]

Same I do have the hue setup but I had to plug my series x directly to my tv so I lost the lights

[@softgrapes]

Hey man, your bottom side brackets should be rotated. The tab should be facing the inside of the tv, not the edge. That way the taller lip doesn’t block any light. Also, this doesn’t support hdmi 2.1 so you’re not gonna get 4k120 when passing through your xbox video through it.

[@kalkydra]

In order to utilize the full potential of the next-gen consoles at 120hz Philips needs to release an HDMI 2.1 sync box with a good set of pass through features. Yes there are few games that support this feature, but as frequent player of those few games I will wait until this is updated, pretty cool though. Good review mate, cheers!

[@perfectconsumer9177]

If you have a receiver that has a secondary output, you could send that secondary signal from the receiver to the hue box, I guess.

[@perfectconsumer9177]

It just occurred to me that anything plugged into your TV directly wouldn't work with that though.

[@ayzaakrocky5325]

I don’t understand. Can you please explain? Thank you

[@davidedwards4088]

It's absolutely worth the wait! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 It changed the way my family watches TV. I wanted to surprise my daughter with a graduation gift 🎁 it took me 3 months for stores to have what I wanted, plus it's not cheap 😏 I filmed some videos so people could see what a difference it makes.

[@RomboutVersluijs]

So this light pack is useless without that stream deck?

[@504cool]

Might wait for the next release of updated hardware . Looking for HDMI 2.1 and 120Hz support.

[@fdisk000]

Agreed. Not optimal to add lag and downgrade hdmi signal on the series x by connecting the sync box in the middle. But for most games and all media content the solution looks like a nice addition if you already are a Hue user.

[@504cool]

@@antcap66 would be good to see what the next generation of this looks like.

[@adrianrodrigues1988]

@@antcap66 How will you lose Atmos if you connect your sound to eArc Hdmi on Tv?

[@adrianrodrigues1988]

@@antcap66 I don't have hue material yet, but have read sufficiente information to say your not right. Loads of people with soundbar HDMI connected to Tv (Atmos 👍) and and the other hdmi to Sync box

[@adrianrodrigues1988]

@@antcap66 Thanks for the great feedback. Soo for want i understood i want be able to read (Atmos) files from Kodi or Plex if i connect my Nvidia Shield to the hue sync box? Its a big deal for me 😣

[@S.F.S.]

What is that eyeball looking machine I see on your TV set up that appears to be looking around from time to time? I’m kinda curious to know what’s that for o.o

[@SoldierKnowsBest]

It...he...is called Jibo. Unfortunately, the company closed shop and he doesn't have full functionality, but he's still cool. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3unenSfl9iDrKM

[@S.F.S.]

@@SoldierKnowsBest Oh I see. Ok thank you!

[@ch0lito]

Nice video, lucky you that they sent you that, good job. They are a good company, but their things are really pricey!!!

[@eduardolucio194]

Does an alcove ruin the effect?

[@birdnest16]

If you have xbox series x or ps5 never play on the hdmi from hue box cuz it only supports 60hz and i have the feeling alot of input lag comes with it !

[@nerikzniek5922]

Thank you for thanking me for watching your video and thank you for making your video

[@hudsond15]

Does running through a soundbar and the sync box cause any noticeable or measurable delay?

[@DanielWinterAt]

no, the syncbox outputs the hdmi signal in realtime. there is absolutely no delay.

[@orax10]

Where can I buy the omen 30l

[@piplup10203854]

Would be cool to have but I got to upgrade my tv and all that first. As much as I would like the Xbox right now I don’t have the budget nor equipment to maximize it.

[@intricatejayee]

why is the colors going crazy while youre gaming. mostly everything is green in that maden game but its showing the whole rainbow. is it even connect to the tv?

[@jonathaningram8157]

Maybe in music mode.

[@user-hh9kw3cw9y]

The leds weren't matching the screen at all lol I have hue products and was thinking of buying this but after seeing it in action I'll pass easy

[@ijustsawthat]

🚩Does not work with TV apps like Netflix 🚩Require bridge + sync box (sold separately) 🚩Size on box is to cover only 3 sides of the tv 🚩Does not work with HDMI 2.1

[@DinoSportsGaming]

Short answer - YES !....after watching live, there is no going back

[@p1trickcdn]

This wont work on netflix or prime video right, Even if you're using a ps or xbox to stream it?

[@richardfreeman3338]

Not at all, if you are streaming through your console, it will definitely work mate

[@vincescarpine]

Patiently waiting for them to come back in stock 😕😕😕😕

[@DanWatson]

In stock now

[@medalmouse21]

Wait so this thing being $229 at best buy doesnt come ready to use out of the box...

[@garyshekleton]

Oh no Mark, you have done it again......Philips take my money 😅 Or better yet maybe let me win the competition 🙏 😂 But its great to see you using it in your new set up. I've been really interested in investing in the Hue gradient strip since it got announced. I have a nice TV and sound surround system so think this really add that cherry on the cake to my multimedia set up 🍒 💡

[@alanlee893]

has anyone tried using two shorter gradient light strips for top and bottom of the back of the 75"?? its ashame the 75" strip doesnt wrap to the bottom

[@richardfreeman3338]

Sync box will only recognise the one lightstrip, you have options with how you hang the lightstrip (bring it in further from the edge of your tv etc.) , or you could also incorporate some light bars across the bottom of your tv

[@Malone071]

So I need a hue bridge and hue what again? I have a hue bridge already

[@kidzerogaming4063]

Sooo....The Philips Hue Sync Box??? I mean... If you want to get the accurate colors, to display and mimic what's on the screen (shoulder shrug) ...

[@jamarcuslee9959]

Thanks bro

[@TheJamesBraun]

What a shame that this it now hdmi 2.1 support. I just bought a new TV for my new consoles. I hope they release a new future proof version very soon. I’ll pass on it for now

[@Anthony-ve7ed]

Will this fit around a 38” ultra wide monitor?

[@hades4438]

no

[@chrisf5475]

Doesn’t the sync box kill HDR10 and Dolby Vision though? Or are you getting around that somehow?

[@Digikidthevoiceofreason]

No. They added support for those a while ago.

[@chrisf5475]

@@Digikidthevoiceofreason great news thanks

[@Vamo_Alla]

Thanks for your video! I hope they release an update where you can add more lights to the entertainment areas, you can add up to 10 only. But you can add up to 50 lights to the bridge i Believe. If you can pass this message to Philip hue Department to allow more than 10 lights in the entertainment areas, it will be great. Thanks 😊

[@EdsonBarron]

The major downside of using the hue play sync box is you are missing out on the hdmi 2.1 features since the play box is limited to 2.0 for pass through.

[@EdsonBarron]

But I got one anyways! Lol love me some ambient light that also works with HomeKit!

[@Koolicyde]

If you have a stereo receiver with multiple HDMI monitor outputs, you can use the sync box on that and not pass through it at all.... the only problem I have is that if you switch resolutions / refresh it stops the sync. This may be a problem with my denon receiver... I'm not sure.

[@Evil_Genius_888]

@@Koolicyde I've been reading elsewhere others are having similar issues. Since I have components connected through a Marantz receiver AND a Roku TV I don't think this hue sync would work well for me. I was so ready to drop the cash on the gradient lightstrip and sync box on the first of the new year too.

[@cris..1134]

A question , the sync box works with HDMI 2,1 for Series X ? Thanks

[@NL0Gwenster]

No it doesn't , the syncbox is HDMI 2.0 , so it doesn't support 120hz 4K HDR. There are Hue apps you can install directly on your smart TV (or PC if you have that hooked up) so you can omit the syncbox alltogether.

[@cris..1134]

@@NL0Gwenster ok thanks:)

[@ibec69]

Why does it keep showing totally unrelated colours compared to the screen? It doesn't look immersive at all.

[@jazm391]

It doesn't work for the new consoles at 120 hz

[@henrybrar]

How does a light strip take you to next level????

[@mahfah7911]

Phillips if you are listening, please being Ambilux in 85”. My money on table for it. It will be the most awesome effect in lightning in US market.

[@adrianrodrigues1988]

Does the Hue sync box support Dolby Atmos? Already had soo many different opinions 🤔. This is what they have on Philips hue about this: www.philips-hue.com/en-us/support/faq/hardware-and-connectivity#Does_the_Philips_Hue_Play_HDMI_Sync_Box_support_Dolby_Atmos

[@murdercom998]

Do you always know best?

[@SoldierKnowsBest]

Sometimes 😉

[@Exx-on]

Is it me or do the colours that the Hue strip puts out not match what’s on the screen, like even slightly!?

[@marklaw7777]

I thought the exact same thing, the colours were flashing red when the game scene was completely blue. Pass for me.

[@xnahtes]

I have the hue play bars behind my tv, it’s a set of two for $129. They work excellently, I’m tempted to get a third one actually

[@Exx-on]

I think I’ll stick with my SCIMO unit, cheaper, waaay more colour accurate and defined output , rather than generic screen colour blend across the entire screen

[@StogieSmokinFool]

So expensive! Damn

[@michaelmoise2660]

It is way to expensive and people don't understand the hue sync box sucks now all your hdmi inputs will have to share the same video settings because to your tv you only have one input. Cheaper option and better get two play bars and stream your xbox to pc and run hue app on windows

[@eventhorizon2873]

@@michaelmoise2660 all i hear is expensive, but its not if you have a job, beside, what is expensive? for the experience you get, it ain't Imo. philips have quality products wich stays in your home for years, its an investment for your home interior

[@vce.john1734]

@@michaelmoise2660 bruh I have a cheap version led light strip half of the lights doesn’t work I can’t even use white light because it doesn’t work

[@silentnoobkilla]

Too bad it doesn’t support HDMI 2.1

[@Kixsanity]

I’m actually interested in the rest of the set up. That TV Stand looks clean! & what are you using to have the TV on top of the sound bar?

[@LudMad]

Full setup tour video please

[@93redcamaroz28]

Anyone got a non sponsored review? Do you get tired of it? I think it provides good info but I don’t know of anyone with it and would like a non paid opinion

[@loki76]

What I plan to do is simply to just install a light fixture behind the TV which sit on my TV stand. Then put a Philips Hue Color LED bulb in it that can connect via Bluetooth. No need for a strip. I don't need any blinking and bla bla.. Just want an ambient bias lighting for when I watch the TV in the dark. Can put on any color I like or just use warm white or cool white. Dim or brighten it to fit my needs. Far cheaper and easier. The bulb right in the middle should light up in a fairly nice and even halo around the TV.