Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box Review - Setup and Demo

[@user-hs9pi1rq3c]

*I like the old style Echo Dot because it's small also **Newest.Technology**, gives out decent sound and doesn't take up a lot of shelf space if you want to put it on beam in the workshop or shed.*

[@BWEEZY8023]

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....

[@Justin_tech]

**UPDATE: Hue Sync Box now supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ as well as Voice Control and IR Control!!! ** Woohoo!!

[@MO7ED]

Dose the sync box affect signal quality Resolution, input lag, refresh rate. So on

[@Justin_tech]

Not at all!

[@sportsfan120577]

My whole house is hues lights so I have two bridges can both bridges be used together with this?

[@Dan-lm4di]

Did they end up updating the changing color pallet option for music?

[@boneschapel]

Where can you buy this? It says available soon on the hue website???

[@Redeema08]

Yes, thank you! I had no idea! Now I can finally use my Hue lights the way I always wanted to! 😁

[@Justin_tech]

yay!!!!

[@Charlie_Rock]

Had the sync box from day one. Have it connected to my avr and projector. Totally has changed how I watch content. Thank you Phillips!

[@Charlie_Rock]

Posted a video of it in action too.

[@nando1679]

So do i need to buy the bridge to use my light bars?

[@Charlie_Rock]

Nando Yes. You need only one hub to connect your bars to the sync box.

[@mrmeliodaskid]

I work for philips lighting customer support and this video was super helpful for the understanding of the product!

[@Justin_tech]

Yay!

[@tsunamitube3351]

Wow! No offense but that speaks volumes for "Customer support"

[@jonathanerlenbusch2579]

Just found your videos and love them! I love seeing how to make the most of my hue lights. I’ve had them for years and love seeing how to make the most of them!!

[@Justin_tech]

Yay!!!

[@Drebe73]

Have pretty much the same setup in our game room. Had my eye on this for a while now, may just have to finally pick one up.

[@Justin_tech]

With the new light strip it’s even better! New vid came out on that this week

[@animevibes8664]

You deserve my sub, the background music, editing, the sleek microphone, the g roll, its amazing. I wish you have more subs

[@jameshepburn81]

Great vid can't wait to get one this is a great idea. Subscribed look forward to more videos and ideas.

[@jgalgs9473]

I just bought and hooked 1 up. If your reciever is atmos. You'll run atmos as long as you ARC it thru your receiver. This thing is pretty cool.

[@Dzmarks66]

thanks for the review, Justin! Loving the vids man, you're a lot more personable than a lot of the tech reviewers. Keep it up!

[@Justin_tech]

Thanks! That means a lot to hear :)

[@risto_delicious]

Just subscribed from Australia mate. About to start my smart home and this I will definitely be getting this.

[@Justin_tech]

***UPDATE*** - People below are having success with Dolby Atmos and Vision. Comment here to explain how it's working for you - thanks! - J_t

[@Justin_tech]

*UPDATE* - Dolby Atmos is supported both in passthrough and light sync mod, and Dolby Vision content is supported as pass through, but the light sync will not work. If you have further questions, contact Philips Hue support team on Twitter and/or Facebook!

[@jameslewis6368]

Justin_tech Is there a special way you hooked up to your a/v receiver, I get video mode and game mode to sync, music just doesn’t want to work for me , It randomly pulsed to the music one day, got up the next morning and it wasn’t applying lol any ideas are appreciated

[@Justin_tech]

@@jameslewis6368 the way i streamed music was through my apple TV....how are you doing it?

[@jameslewis6368]

Justin_tech , I’m using Apple Music through Apple TV, thanks for responding

[@Justin_tech]

I have no idea. Contact Philips Hue support on Twitter or Facebook :)

[@Justin_tech]

*UPDATE: Hue Sync Box now supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ as well as Voice Control and IR Control!!!!** Philips Hue Gradient Lightstrip Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYCxkqyugZmrirs

[@Epyeon]

Enjoy your honesty. Subscribed.

[@ochuzor9741]

Hue sync works when it wants to. Mine has stopped working or synching to my TV. Love it when it worked. Customer service shipping me a new box. Hope it works.

[@michaelrobertson]

Its a bit of a strange question but can you organise the lights per input source on the box? Or is it only based on the Output. For example, I currently have a cheap LED strip powered through USB which turns blue by default when my PS4 is on. So when I use my Apple TV it doesn't light up the strip. Lets say I had 3 lights on my TV.. left (1), right (2) and top (3) and then had a Philips Hue Strip under my PS4 shelf. Could I set it up to turn on lights 1, 2, 3 and Strip for HDMI Input 1 (PS4) but HDMI Input 2 (Apple TV) only use Lights 1, 2 and 3? I hope that makes sense..

[@samuelaraiza9098]

Thanks for addressing the HDR and Dolby specs.

[@duderock1]

Am I able to use my lights on the TV without having the Sync Box or a bridge ? For example, if I hook up the lights to my tv and then plug in the lights, am I able to use the app to control the light color. I understand the point of the sync box is for the lights to be in sync with the game system/movie I’m on, but if I just want to be able to control the color of the light on my TV (like putting one solid color) will I be able to ?

[@blakenorthrup]

That is bad ass! Great vid man, and super cool setup. Will be getting this soon. Sub'd

[@yarieemoore3205]

Considering I have the Razer Chroma app are my Xbox. Do I need this to have the lights match my Xbox? If so, does it also work if I played music on my Xbox?

[@TristanTheVRGamecat]

How would I set this up with dreamscreen would I put the dreamscreen last to the TV or before the hdmi box as they both do a similar job as a sort of hdmi hub

[@raywarner995]

I was able to get the sync box set up and working with the hue gradient lights. My problem is the lights will not sync unless I start the sync app on my phone. So if I am not home the lights do not sync with the tv. What am I doing wrong?

[@Hodric]

Great video. Now I'm sure I need this product. hahaha

[@annonymous3948]

Hello, I keep reading that the sync box plays HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, so is it that the box has had a firmware update since you posted your video and is now compatible with these playbacks? Thanks in advance.

[@Chopper456]

I got it as well. Great product though I have a 65 inch tv it needs 3 play bars behind it 2 doesn’t give the full effect. Great video

[@Alpha162]

That's some excellent production quality; Nicely done!

[@xtinct316]

Hi all just got the sync box. Question. I can't get the sync box to auto switch inputs when I turn on my ps5 or Xbox or Telstra tv. I'm waiting on the hub to get delivered. Would this be why it won't switch?

[@alternatypje]

Have you tested the sync box out with the hue led strips? Also does t support hdr?

[@adolfoarias]

So let me get this straight, i connect the syncbox to ANY hdmi on my tv correct? For example HDMI 1 And connect my devices now to the syncbox.so now all four devices are using hdmi 1? Except arc which i would use for sound on my sound bar. With that, am i still able to use my soundbar while using the syncbox?

[@mrkcle]

Does this philips sync work in a normal google smart tv? Like i use thr sony bravia google tv itself to watch disney or netflix

[@philwong89]

hi, is the light strip able to project more than one color at a time?

[@ChrilleW1984]

When in the setup session should you plug in the devices for HDMI like Xbox and Apple TV? Before or after you search for your sync box in the app?

[@forkgod]

Great timing! I'm planning on rearranging all my lights soon, and was hoping this would be a good thing to get for it. So many new toys to get! So little time (and money)!

[@Justin_tech]

Let me know what you think!

[@unissaconrad6019]

If you just want to use the light strip do you need to purchase the bridge as well?

[@alyssakolb1417]

How are the HDMI inputs labeled once synced? All of mine are just stuck in “syncing in progress” when selected.

[@greekindiegamers56]

I have a question. I have some external TV speakers that connect with HDMI to my TV. So I have my Apple TV Connected to the TV at HDMI port 2 and my speakers to HDMI port 1 using ARC. Would this the Philips Hue Play work with my current setup?

[@martinscott1717]

Hi Justin great videos and great help, just ordered the Gradient Light through the help of watching your videos, so i have bought the HDMI sync box ready, so i want to try it out with my 2m lighstrip and 2 play bars, but I have a Samsung Smart TV (55') and of course it uses the Samsung one connect, could you please help or direct me on how to connect the Sync Box with my one connect, very frustrating atm

[@edwinsandoval2676]

Justin, I have a bose 900. Only has 1 earc connection. How can i connect the sync box?

[@RodrigoFroes13]

How I setup for turn off the lights when the HDMI is turn off too? Can help me please?

[@mayhanstudios4505]

Great review Justin! I hope you or someone else can answer this question i have, but will the Phillips lightstrip lights react to all the movies and tv-shows i put on, if i have my Google Chromecast connected to the Hue Sync Box? If that made sense?

[@BIGBASSSAMA_4]

How do you use this with my Q8fn arc going into my Sony htst5000 7.1 soundbar?

[@mayankkumarjain6019]

Hey. Great video. Do you mind sharing the link of the collar mic you are using in this video?

[@alvinip3832]

Does the sync box need the LAN to work or can work on wifi sent out from my phone?

[@jonathanaddy33]

Thanks for posting, lots of comments but am I correct in saying at the current moment (11/21/19) in time lights it will not work with dolby vision? My setup would be Apple TV via Yamaha receiver with 5.1.2 atmos. Seems the majority of what is on Apple TV/Netflix is Dolby vision. Does anyone know if adding Dolby vision would even be possible via future firmware update? Or would it have to be a newer version of device? No Dolby vision is currently a deal breaker for me...

[@jimmyg1704]

Does this just do the same thing the computer app can do I'm confused is it just a better sync

[@vadiveluaristotle]

Is it compatible with a home theater amplifier ? (how do you make the connections)

[@nicolaoskapranos7745]

Do I need the bridge to use it all? I don’t have Philips lights, only want to buy the hue play for tv

[@variancewithin]

Find a man that loves you as much as this guy loves Phillips hue

[@moddmyfathear]

Can you use a Philips Hue Smart Button to turn on and off the sync because you have to use the app for that.

[@mikebaker7964]

Thanks for the video, very useful :) I've actually only recently started buying the Hue lights once I discovered the sync box was coming out. Finally, an ambilight experience without the need to buy a new Philips TV!

[@Justin_tech]

woohoo!

[@benvaughan9545]

Fantastic video, very informative. Can’t wait until this is released in the UK next year.

[@SimonLeicester]

Just seen it pop up on the App. £230 from Philips direct. Bit of a rip off price is you ask me. £99 yet but £230 is taking the mick

[@benvaughan9545]

Simon Mallinson thanks for the update. I’d read it’d be about £200 but £230 is a little on the steep side!

[@benvaughan9545]

evergreenpenguin can you tell me where? I can’t see any mention of cash back on the Philips site which as far as I know is the only way to purchase it atm in the UK.

[@christopherwilliams3113]

This is a good product but like most have stated the price is not right. If I connect my XBOX One Or PS4 to this device and I was to play a video from Netflix would this still work?

[@mggamerockers1]

Does the light strip and play bar sync with music if i play from external speakers from my mac? Do i really need the tv sync box for just music?

[@Justin_tech]

No, you can use the Spotify integration in the hue app or iConnectHue app on iOS for music syncing.

[@Evan_Adams]

Please do detailed video on lights. I've wanted ambilight forever. So cool

[@filip4dk]

I’m trying to watch the new spiderman movie. My Sync box won’t work unless i set it to music. Any idea as to why?

[@pazergmx]

what does it mean its not support dolby atmos? it means that if ill run dolby atmos, ill get only 7.1 or something? or the lights will not work?

[@Leo-zu9pd]

Hi! How do you connect a home cinéma to the hue Sync box?

[@PumpkinPails]

Thanks for explaining that it switches automatically between devices. I wasn't sure if it did that or not and no one ever mentioned it in the countless other videos I watched.

[@pioneer2321]

It doesn’t switch automatically.

[@DRacer90]

What Philips Hue bulb did you use in the canister? Thanx

[@3videnc3]

Will this work with the original bridge?

[@DaniBrasil]

Hey Justin, I have a Samsung TV that has a received which everything is plugged into it (AppleTV, Xbox, Cable box) which we are able to use that one remote control for it all. Then there is one wire that connects the receiver to the TV. Will the Philips Hue Sync Box work that way? Do you know how does it get connected? Thank you

[@Justin_tech]

Yes. You will want to have the tv output audio using an optical out cable. Then have the receiver plug to HDMI sync box then to TV. You’ll still be able to use receiver for everything and HDMI sync box will stay on that one input always.

[@Gary-kc6qf]

Would really love a location for troubleshooting. My sync box won't turn on and off using Apple TV4. It used to do it, now all of a sudden it stopped working. If I want to turn off the lights, I have to unplug them. Everything else works fine.

[@stevenpelley806]

Sir you killed it!! Love your video

[@Justin_tech]

Thank you very much! 😄

[@mattmiller3582]

Great review, thank you.

[@Justin_tech]

You got it!

[@cezarykaminski2556]

I bought Philips Ambilight TV and I couldn't be happier! However I would like to fill the entire room with these lights when having a truly cinematic experience. Is the Hue Bridge enough to sync Hue bulbs with the ambilight TV (it should all be connected via WiFi)? Or I actually need the Play HDMI Box? Or I need both of these?

[@TheCjbroncos25]

So if I use hue light strips around the tv with one large strip , it will use different colors all around ? Like you have 3 different options behind your TV.. can it only be strips around the tv? Thank you

[@Justin_tech]

It must be the gradient lightstrip. If it's the normal strip it will only project one color. The gradien can produce 7 at a time.

[@Gary-kc6qf]

How about a video that goes into the settings such as CEC, etc.? Can you go into that? Sometimes difficult to understand how we should have it set up and my instructions didn't go over those settings.

[@morgancotten]

Great review ! Can you please give me the name of the music from 0:58 ? Thank you so much !

[@AceBoogieWoogie]

Are the ports on the Hue Sync Box HDMI 2.1?

[@ayushghosh3312]

Thanks for the video.Hey Justin do we have any option to connect Smart TVs internal app with hue sync box

[@Justin_tech]

Unfortunately no, you need to use an external media device like Apple TV or Chromecast.

[@dareaper187]

I have a question in order to use the sync box with your devices during the daytime is there a way to turn off the lights and keep them off and the daylight or would you have to implement something such as a smart plug to connect your lights to so you could keep the lights off during the daytime and still be able to use the Philips sync box...... and one more additional question is there a way to have it automatically come on or get it to work with a smart assistant searches Alexa so you wouldn't have to pick up the app all the time when you wanted to turn the box on?

[@Justin_tech]

Ask Philips Hue's customer support team on Facebook or Twitter - they will happily answer this for you!

[@makaveli220487]

Does it work if you put a single strip all the way around the tv? - as in can a single light strip have ..for example.. a red in the top left and blue in the bottom right?

[@Justin_tech]

No, that will not work

[@diamondlou2203]

I have Philip hue lights all over my house and they are amazing. I have been waiting for this hue sync to put lighting behind my big screen TV downstairs. Here's my only issue: my TV wall I have painted black to give it a theater effect.I haven't purchased any lighting to put behind my TV because I don't know how well the ambient lighting will show up on the black background. I have been looking on the net for some kind of guidance but I haven't found anything. Other than repainting my wall to get this lighting, any suggestions?

[@player--zero]

i have an ambilight tv against a black wall you can still see the colors but not as well as on a lighter colored wall. the indevidual hue lights may be alot brighter than the leds behind the tv.

[@ReissHayward]

Thanks for your video. I have had my sync box for a couple months now an use it mainly for my PlayStation however just purchased a 4K firestick. I have visual but my lights won’t sync with my tv. Any advice?

[@Justin_tech]

Make sure the stick is plugged into either port 2 or 4 for 4K contrnt

[@michaelhaddad4534]

Quick question does hdmi 2.1 affect anything?

[@cocoa7141]

Just got the sync box and I got it working after some trial and error but I noticed when trying to stream a UHD movie from VUDU it was only letting me select HDX. I have the sync box going out into hdmi 4 on my tv, the optimum stream tv going into the sync box hdmi 2 and my soundbar going into arc hdmi 2 on tv.

[@cocoa7141]

Is the sync box not allowing me to choose UHD on VUDU?

[@morells09]

Hey Justin, question: how do you change the inputs on the sync box other than by powering the devices on and off? I use my Bose universal remote from my soundbar to control my TV and everything else, and don't want to lose that functionality.

[@Justin_tech]

As of now, you can also use the app. SOON with an upcoming update you’ll be able to program it with IR, so you’ll be able to use your universal remote. You’ll also be able to use voice commands. No word on when the update is coming, but should be soon....check out my video show this off: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jorElJmiesl4hJY

[@paradiseeFantom]

So if I buy just 2 philips hue and if i dont have hue box , it will not give me actual lighting from tv when i watch movies ? 130 $ + 230$ for lights ????

[@MikeyBoom123]

maybe if it was $99 but at $200+ it's just too much

[@ambiva]

Consider it's a simple box with probably just 1 PCB inside, probably cost 20$ to make, 1000% profit margin, until Amazon put it on sale after a year.

[@Destynn]

Agreed, way over priced for what it does

[@ryanwynne9492]

ambiva It just came out right? So I’m time Hopfully price will drop especially if people don’t buy it because the price

[@milos1986]

@@BigThangsPopping that's not the Hue Sync

[@BigThangsPopping]

@@milos1986 I double checked and its $220. I just couldn't find my comment to correct. Ridiculous price I'm sure theyll be 30 dollars in about 2-3 years

[@Relmono]

@Justin_Tech After realizing this doesn’t work with my smart TVs built in streaming, I bought a Fire Stick 4K. This also doesn’t work. Any ideas? I am now over $500 in the hole and I just want to enjoy syncing to my light strip. I’m outside my return windows and really upset over all this not working.

[@Justin_tech]

The HDMI Sync Box should work with the Fire Stick 4K. What is the issue? The Sync box is all set up? Make sure that it's turned on and off standby mode and its on the correct input. Let me know!

[@VirtanenMatti]

Justin _tech could you clarify one thing as I'm not sure about this after watching your video. If I have the hdmi sync device, and I watch netflix from TV app (I have same/similar tv as your) it won't sync the lightning with the content what is played from netflix, it only matches the lightning what is played from "live tv" ?

[@Justin_tech]

Matti you can’t use apps from the tv. They need to be from an external device such as an Apple TV or chrome cast, etc.

[@VirtanenMatti]

@@Justin_tech thank you for the quick reply!

[@Abbyga1e]

I'll definitely be picking one up.......sometime next year cause Canada's not important 🙄

[@ThomasKampp]

You mention that the box needs to be placed between the reciever and the TV (and not as I would have thought before the reciever). Then how do get both the surround sound from a second device though the reciever (e.g. a game setup) and the "swich" funktionality you mention in the video?

[@Justin_tech]

Use an optical cable from the tv to receiver.

[@ryantallent1883]

Whats the difference between this and the starter kit?

[@vr6trooper]

Well crap I just bought the light strip today but I literally only use my TVs web browser haha smh. Do you know if they had an update where you can play the TVs apps? Maybe I’ll try and find an external device with a web browser. I have the chromcast and I know that one doesn’t have it. Dang it smh

[@mgeorge26]

Has this system been updated to support Dolby atoms??

[@DonGlassjr]

I have hue light strip, and two extensions on the back of my 65” Samsung qled. Does the box see as one light?

[@Justin_tech]

only one unfortunately.

[@Evilker]

Can you use the TV HDMI OUT and plug into the Sync Box ? When only using apps from tv..and no play external play boxes... Ah u answer that at 2:06 ... They havnt changed this by any chance?

[@Justin_tech]

Unfortunately, no.

[@PnoyWonderBoy]

how do you set this up with hue strips? do you need 3 per side? top left and right?

[@Justin_tech]

Leo Fajardo yes. I recommend hide 3 play bars OR 1 light strip on top and 1 play bars on each side. Links in bio

[@DragonXDrei]

Can you have more than one entertainment area? For example a TV and Projector? When using the projector only the lights in the corner of the room should be utilised and not the ones behind/around the TV.

[@Justin_tech]

Yes you can. On the Philips hue app you can create multiple entertainment areas

[@BrookIyn.]

So if you outline the outside of your TV with hue light strips how does that work? It looks like you only have a top view of your setup. Like how do you assign vertically, it only looks like you can setup horizontally.

[@Justin_tech]

you can assign horizontal and vertical on the app but if you use a lightstrip around the entire tv, it can only be one color at a time.

[@stain0269]

So I have a question. You said make the sync box the last thing before the TV, right? So I have a dreamscreen already on my TV, do you think it would work in conjunction with the sync box if I went from my receiver ( dish hopper and PS4 both go into it ) into the sync box, then used a splitter to go from the sync box to the TV ( using a splitter there too ) and the other into my DS hub, then from the DS hub to the other splitter input at the TV?

[@Justin_tech]

I honestly have no idea, but I do want you to experiment this and then come back with your findings!

[@stain0269]

Send me a sync box and I will, lol. Not willing to Shell out $230 on it without knowing if it works. That's why I was asking.

[@stain0269]

Ok, I went and got the sync box today and it DOES work in conjunction with my dreamscreen!! I unplugged the HDMI cable from the DS hub and plugged it into the sync box. Then out of the sync box and into the DS hub and there was already an HDMI cable from the DS hub to the TV. Everything is working together and I can't wait for it to get dark out so I can see it better and I'll be watching some movies here soon too!!

[@wooh1123]

I just bought a sync box and 2 bars do I need a bridge also? Trying to get the adaptive light to work with my tv

[@Justin_tech]

Yes you need a bridge

[@therealdavmestan]

Hi, I have a question. I am using a AV receiver and my receiver is connected to my TV via the HDMI (ARC), so that my TV sound can be played on my receiver. Would the ARC work on this Philips Hue Sync Box? That means, would the audio return be routed to the Sync Box and back to my Receiver?

[@Justin_tech]

I think you're fine here. The source needs to be connected to the sync box and doesn't matter what happens next. So, for example, Apple TV > sync box > TV > ARC. Ask Philips Hue customer support on Twitter or Facebook if you want a second opinion - they will be happy to answer. Would love to hear what they say!! Again, i dont see why you would have any issues! :)

[@benjidaniel5595]

Regarding not being able to light up Smart TV apps, I was wondering, could you run a HDMI cable from the TV *out*, into the Philips Hue Sync Box and not bother with the output of the Sync Box? Does that work?

[@Justin_tech]

Ben Daniel don’t think so

[@derekkelly485]

Does hue sync box worn with just the normal hue color bulbs? Or does it have to be a specific Phillips hue floor lamp or something?

[@Justin_tech]

Works will all Philips Hue colored bulbs as well as the Gradient lightstrip. Up to 10 fixtures.

[@anthonybootlis4981]

Hi and thanks for your superb and easy to understand videos,I need to know now whether 'Dolby Atmos' ,will also be added to the recent updates, most welcomed, (HDR10,Dolby Vision),and whether there is any indication of hdmi 2.1 spec.will also be considered, or will this be a hardware upgrade ? In Australia this item ranges between $387 - $440 with Amazon importing through their UK.facility. Seriously this is a lot of money we are expected to pay !! Need some competition retailers or some serious sale events

[@Justin_tech]

That is so expensive! Sorry about that....no word on HDMI 2.1 support on this or future models, but who knows! If you have the audio from the tv go directly to a reciever, Dolby Atmos isn't an issue - it supports passthrough as well. So i would recommend using an ARC HDMI for audio.

[@arongatt]

Hi, did phillips commented on the HDR+ atmos and DD integration? If they will update Il get one but till then Il have to wait for something that will. Great video !!

[@Justin_tech]

thanks! I'd ask Philips Hue support on Twitter or Facebook :)