Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box - SETUP & REVIEW! | The Tech Chap

[@Thetechchap]

Hey Chaps! What movie or game would you love to try this with??

[@fabieng4693]

Hi ! Great video thank you :) could you detail the first option with sound bar please ? You mean to plug in each devices to The SB and then the SB to TV OR to plug in each devices and SB separatly to the box ? In that 2nd case, i Don’t see how it could work ?

[@ds90seph]

At the risk of sounding like your generic movie going pleb, I'd be down to watch Infinity War and Endgame with this tech. Similarly, I've heard that the Harry Potter films are pretty fun with this, and I'd love to play the new God of War or some Need for Speed Heat. Really cool, although expensive to be sure!

[@ricardombr]

To fix the problems with dolby vision and having a receiver, you could just use the hdmi arc port, instead of using it as an hdmi switch.

[@MuffinManIV]

Hi Tech Chap, do you still use this regularly? Could you provide some updated thoughts?

[@victorvaldez6785]

They added Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.

[@Deuxiit]

What about the atmos?

[@intacto123]

@@Deuxiit yep even atmos pass through is supported now.

[@TheTheNewGuy15]

@@intacto123 I don't know how to connect Atmos. Do we connect the soundbar to the box via an HDMI 1-4 port or the tv out port? Or sound bar to the tv arc and sync box into the soundbar?

[@Soner7676]

Hey, when i watch Movies on Ps5 ( Netflix ) it is only Play in HDR Not Dolby Vision. Is that normal?

[@intacto123]

@@Soner7676 Yes, as PS5 doesn't have dolby vision support but has the alternate HDR10 support.

[@frankiesalcido2928]

I have a 55” Hue Play Gradient for my TV, 5 hue orbs, 8 Hue Strips (total ~25 ft.), 2 Hue Blooms and 3 hue light bulbs. I had to buy a Hue Sync Box off eBay for like $350 cause they’re sold out but it’s the final piece of my lighting journey 😂 it gets here Friday 🔥

[@davidedwards4088]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I finally have my Phillips Hue lights setup finished. My best examples are the Dolby Atmos demo and a car video with the music setting on

[@camomatic]

A little heads up: He says "Ok Google" around 2:43. Ended up triggering my home mini lol.

[@vGREENARROWv]

Camomatic Nooooo really?!

[@Lexfinity]

Do you guys know how to make it work with Google home?

[@aminalone]

@@Lexfinity in the home app

[@1VideoGameDude]

The sync box not having hdr10 or hdmi 2.1 and capped at 60hz pass through is such a huge bummer, important for this gens gaming consoles. Fingers crossed for an update 🤞

[@salttrader4113]

You can go around that limitation by buying a hdmi 2.1 switch that goes directly to the TV and bypasses the need to go in the Phillips box at all when sending the signal to your tv.

[@1VideoGameDude]

@salttrader4113 I'm trying to wrap my head around this: my xbox needs to pass through the sync box for the lights to work no? How would having a switch help if I'm still needing to go through the box

[@HigherQualityUploads]

I assume they'll be releasing a successor soon.

[@salttrader4113]

@@HigherQualityUploads they said they are not working on supporting HDmi 2.1, apparently the coding is very different from 2.0...guess time will tell if they stick to their guns.

[@PetrusB83]

Any update on this? I have a Xbox series X and would like that to work with the sync box.

[@AboutThatTho]

What are those light sticks you have at 3:38 called?

[@bubba7386]

Phillips hue bars I think every light is some sort of Philip device

[@dwyanematthew2628]

it’s philips due play bars

[@EDK_love_for_perfume]

I have it but barely use it. The effects with music as with gaming are amazing but with watching tv or movies i find it very annoying. But if I am playing Spider-Man on the ps4 it is adding so much fun to the game. I am glad that I bought it with a discount but still paid €200 for it.

[@mob8502]

Man I wish I wasn't so cheap. Gotta start saving for this!

[@lewispickles6552]

I have a home cinema system which has multiple HDMI inputs from devices, then a single HDMI output to the TV. How would the sync box integrate with this setup? HDMI out from the amp to the sync box input, then sync box output to the TV?

[@Totalplonker]

I also have a home theatre... was just wondering did you ever find the solution when using an AV receiver?

[@lewispickles4972]

@@Totalplonker I have a Bose lifestyle with multiple HDMI inputs (Sky, AppleTV, Playstation etc) then a single HDMI output to the TV. This worked fine. However, the Bose Lifestyle doesn't support 4K - so when the AppleTV or PS5 passed it 4K media, the Boss Lifestyle kindly downgraded it to 1080p and passed it to the TV. My solution: Connect the Bose, Sky, AppleTV, and PS5 to the Hue Sync Box HDMI inputs, then connect the Hue Sync Box HDMI output to the TV - that sorted the video out (Bose Lifestyle has onboard media player via Soundtouch so I wanted to pass that to video also). For the sound, I ran an optical cable from the TV output, back down to the Bose Lifestyle. Hope this makes sense :) - In a nutshell: Video: Media device --HDMI--> HUE Sync Box --HDMI--> TV Sound: Media device --HDMI--> HUE Sync Box --HDMI--> TV --Optical--> Amp --> Speakers

[@Totalplonker]

@@lewispickles4972 thanks! Nice setup btw 👍 Considering the whole of my room has got loads of Philips Hue lights everywhere (hidden) I think it might be a bit too much! Click the Red Dragon twice then hit the 'REL partnered with Q ACOUSTICS' video and tell me if you think it'd be a good idea ?

[@jamkur]

What are the tall lamps placed around the room?

[@YourDriverMike]

Looks like the Signe Floor Light (from Philips Hue)

[@sivaprasadsahoo2831]

Will you be able to get Dolby Atmos from external device such as Xbox one S , if you connect the soundbar to Hue Sync box?

[@themerijnio]

Does this also work with a projector ?

[@dlawj15]

Where can I find the long light stand shown in the first couple secs of video?

[@eljohn55]

Do I need the Hue Bridge?

[@jonnathanmarcellus4456]

I he sets my assistant off one more time I’m done

[@6beezy]

*sees price* *cries*

[@HailstormJones]

Would this be a choke hold for the new hdmi 2.1 or do they support that?

[@Iamvoxelbender]

When setting it all up (the sync box + the gradient RGB light and other light) - am I also required to buy the Hue Bridge device ..? I’m a bit confused, sorry

[@mayhanstudios4505]

Great review! 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?

[@user-zc9zt2vl5s]

Is this required if you're using the hue play bars with a computer setup? I'm assuming not because it has a hue sync app that you install on your machine.

[@jacqbx]

Great questions and thanks for the answers!

[@cameronh8118]

Hey brother Aside from the built in apps. If I have videos on a USB Drive and want to connect it to my Smart TV would the lights still be able to sync and function normally?

[@Antropic]

Does the Sync box function if you're running apps directly from your TV, or are you required to use the passthrough ports for it to work?

[@craigblyth]

He answers that at 4:18 and unfortunately, it’s a no. It has to be coming from one of the passthrough ports

[@KingLeno]

Seems pointless. I did this recently through my PC (connected to the TV) and considered getting a box so I could use when im not on the PC. Since I play game on my pc, then this really offers no advantages

[@LinhPhan-yj5gw]

Well, I was planning on buying this too, but once he said it doesn't work with the apps on the TV, its a no for me now. There's really no need for me to purchase an external device to watch movies since all the movies can be watch with the apps on the TV. The only external device I can use is a game console but that is barely used. Until there is an update or new philips device that can sync with the apps on the tv, no buying it right now.

[@joshuatinney7257]

Can I use the gradient strip instead of the light bar for being the tv?

[@Thetechchap]

Not totally sure about compatibility as this is an older product now.

[@andrewc31394]

4:20 this is the biggest letdown. for MANY people their built-in TV apps are the only way to access content in the highest quality formats

[@aminalone]

Run from XBOX One here. Get better internet too this way weirdly.

[@davidalzate4943]

How the heck do you program the sync box to your tv remote. I have the same control (samsung 7 series 75 inch)

[@Nothingmoresj]

Did you find out? I have same problem rn

[@Shteev91]

Presumably it is just a consequence of the camera I taking light that the hue lights around the TV appear quite 'spotlighty' and its much more blended in real life?

[@MrJustinsideher]

if it is a 4k or higher HD source even if the lights will not sync properly will the lights still work at the base HD level, with these advanced none syncing higher quality HD sources? Or it will just not work correctly with higher HD media sources?

[@bakergurl542]

So if I connect my sound bar in the way you described, would the smart apps on my TV work since the sound is routed through the sync box first?

[@m1guel.band3ras]

nice question, i want to do the same, play music or movies on my TV; i want lights that reacts to the music, or image (like this ones)

[@mayhanstudios4505]

@@m1guel.band3ras Just curious, but did any of you guys find out the answer?

[@shanez1215]

This is so freaking cool! It's just that I don't make quite enough yet to justify Hue over the cheaper smart bulbs. Oh it's an HDMI Multiplexer too. I might need one of those in the future anyway. Does it pass Dolby Atmos (3 dimensional sound) through?

[@Del-Canada]

682,000 subscribers?! Damn man! I think I first subbed at around one hundred or so. Centons ago. Good job man!

[@SkyeDaMan]

For a product at this price point, aimed at people who care about their AV experience, it has to support Dolby Vision.

[@PepijnSchoemakerWebinars]

Ok, so it also puts DD or Dolby Atmos signals through with no loss?

[@turb06]

so if i plugged set top box, apple tv into sync box, then output from sync box to soundbar, then soundbar to tv via ARC that should work fine?

[@mattjansevanrensburg9269]

Heya. Any tips on getting Hue Sync to work with Samsung One Connect?

[@JMB1891]

No good if you stream stuff directly via the in built app on the TV, so it’s a no from me.

[@dsweaponx1575]

That is a down side, but it still works really well. You're sacrificing a slight amount of crispness in picture quality in order to have the crazy light show.

[@salttrader4113]

Not the only issue, sync box does not sort HDMI 2.1 so no 4k 120 fps unless you buy a 2.1 splitter for 130$ Total for me was one over 600$ to get this working...

[@oreosk8ter]

They have an app now for Samsung tvs that will sync anything played on the TV

[@HaseebK0]

@@oreosk8ter Whats the app? I’ve also got a Samsung TV and was interested but the compatibility issue for built in apps on the tv put me off a little.

[@ethandeady9220]

@@oreosk8ter What’s the app called?

[@blurred2483]

Thanks for showing me how to set it up very helpful

[@WooDeWow]

If you have a soundbar in your HDMI 3 ARC , do you keep it in the TV ARC ? Or do you put it into the HUE SYNC BOX ?

[@olivermccarthy4675]

You said it has to come from an external source like a Roku or fire TV, do you mean the stick or an actual branded fire TV because that is what I have and I would want to make sure it connects with my fire TV directly vs having to get a fire TV stick for my Fire TV

[@angelcruz2197]

The bar on the top part of your TV, do you have it facing the wall or towards the ceiling?

[@HeidiPyke]

Angel Cruz I’m deciding on this right now lol.

[@Joreyblake]

I’m trying to figure out how to maximize the play bar lighting when it’s behind a big screen TV. Should the lights be mounted on the wall, with the lighting facing the tv? I see your lights are facing outward, but it leaves quite a bit open space to fill in the back of the tele. Maybe I should’ve gotten the strip for the entire back of the tele.

[@futbol1972]

Do I need to connect chromcast 4k or firestick straight to sync plilips box so it can sync the lights with my Sony Google tv? Chromcast was working good but now it keeps on disconecting and have to unplug and plug it back in so it can work. I bought another cromcast and it was the same thing so I'm thinking is the sync box🥺

[@manuelthallinger7297]

How did you montage those 2 playbars on the side of your tv? With adhesive pads?

[@patfalvey30]

@thetechchap with sky Q box, Nvidia shield pro, and Roku stick all connected to sync box I have LG C2 oled, so this is a long question. SD, HD, HDR (Dolby vision) in each case you need to have either playing in the background before you can access the best settings. Here's what's happening if I say apply to all, let's say when I'm setting up HD, then I am only getting HD, same in HDR if I say apply to all (hdmi inputs) then if I leave HDR to play normal HD I'm stuck with HDR settings in all. The reason I'm trying to sort this out is because if I'm using Nvidia shield pro switch over to sky Q I have to go back into settings every time in order to manually get correct picture for what I'm watching. Just wondering if you have any information that will sort this out. I have 3 Philip's play bar's and Philip's light strip all in the Philip's app, set up in entertainments area.. I have tried everything I can think of.

[@scarface11385]

I can’t find the sync box nomore it sold out

[@almost104]

How does this work with the harmony hub?

[@HoldenRiot]

So if I have a Roku TV (Built-in Roku not an HDMI Roku stick), would this not work with it watching movies on like Netflix ect? I use a soundbar that currently is running an arc hdmi cord from the soundbar to the TV. Let me know, thanks!

[@ravic1754]

How would you compare this with the govee lights. The govee has an actual camera which looks at the screen to replicate the colors instead of using a sync box.

[@cbarkve44]

Great video! However in future videos maybe mute out common trigger phrases like "Ok, Google" and "Alexa..." My whole house lit up like a Christmas tree while the fam was still asleep. 😂

[@Thetechchap]

Haha sorry about that! Will do

[@Viewer-discretion-is-advised7]

Are wait for the next gen box I think not having the hdmi 2.1 and capped at 60hz and not working with tv built in to watch channels sucks.

[@b6s4shelter]

What about input output lag in gaming? Still crushes contrast in viewing tv with source around the tv.

[@aminalone]

Use gaming mode on TV yeah???

[@andreavitale2845]

I hope this question has not been addressed yet. Does it make sense to have both a modern Ambilight TV and the Sync Box? Or is this a waste of spending. I am planning on installing hue lights and hue plays with an Ambilight TV (probably Oled 804). In addition we have an a/v receiver connected to the TV. Thanks for the input.

[@B.Ch3rry]

Man... It’s ugly out here tryin’ to find one at retail price. I commented/asked on the official Philips Hue Facebook page when can we expect more Sync Box stock... They replied, “We don’t have insights on stock replenishment, unfortunately. We recommend keeping an eye on our website.”

[@ezzahhh]

Would love to get this but it does not support 4k 120 so i'd be out of luck using it on my OLED LG CX with my PS5 and RTX 3080, what a shame. I still think the strips are great and will be picking up the bridge and lightstrip, when they eventually support 4k 120 i'll definitely upgrade to it.

[@jesser202]

I wonder if duplicating your screen and running two different HDMI’s (4K 120 to the tv and duplicated cord to the box)

[@iordachescucodrin4876]

IS there any backlight that works directly with the Smart tv? No connection from consoles or tv recievers. Only the signal that comes from the smart tv. I googled and cant seem to find one.

[@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

[@kyleknight2570]

Probably a stupid question but does the light need a wall to work or is it bright enough that it can work without a wall?

[@abenpr.]

Hi , thanks for the video so is no need to have a bridge?

[@peannndipp]

do i need a sync box right now, if all im going to use it for is the lights on my samsung tv?

[@vadiveluaristotle]

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

[@elbrujomaya]

Just connect between receiver and tv, and all devices connected on receiver pass though sync box

[@dougburle6949]

Does 1 80” strip count as 1 light on the tv? Or does it have sections? For example if you were to mount the strip from left to right of your tv and it only covers left and top then you need to add an extension stip to the right side, how does that work on your app? Is that 3 different lights L , Top and R all separate or is it all 1 light? And does that affect the ability to shine that side of the tv colors on the wall? Basically I’m trying to decide between strips or light bars

[@JimmyHACK]

1 light and color. Philips has a gradient led strip coming out that does multiple color areas over 1 strip.

[@denniss2575]

Thinking bout geting this, but a little off you can’t use HDR and 4K with it, as all new games almost support this with the ps4 pro. I will wait till they get that update so it’s support those.

[@JimmyHACK]

her. sure what you're talking about.. This does support 4k and hdr.

[@13dtigers]

Can I utilize the Philips Sync box with the lighting effects for music only? For example, if I Chromecast Spotify to my TV there is not a video and rather a single photo of the album. With this cause the lights to stay that one color or can you program them to change colors and create a rave atmosphere?

[@cooper1953]

I am struggling to do the main set up for the sync box, I get as far as the blue blinking light and then it does not go any further, what am I doing wrong?

[@sirwoogie1987]

With the lightstrip and the play lights work with the sync

[@SHADATSDAYOUT]

excellent video 🔥😍

[@mosesxperez]

so i don’t need the hue bridge for this?

[@jonatanbityaev]

Can I use the sync box with third party rgb let's?

[@kev16]

Im sad it wont work with smart tv apps

[@jaron7966]

HI, what light bars do you have around in the beginning of the video?

[@martingignac4411]

Can you add other smart light then Philips Hue ?

[@dragonsxshadow]

Can I use this hub for all my main house lights as well as lights for tv Or would I need to purchase a second hub

[@nickbaez6234]

Do you also have a philips bue bridge with thay setup or is it not needed?

[@JHayler7]

If the next gen consoles or even GPU from Nvidia etc use HDMI 2.1 will this box still work for games ?

[@ifoxX42]

only with 60Hz / 60fps in 4k - but the new consoles will for sure "limit" to 4k-60fps on most games... soo, yes it will work

[@JoshGaming]

Do you need the hue bridge to use trynna save 60$

[@J91122]

PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME HOW YOU GOT YOUR SYNC BOX TO DO VOICE CONTROL!!!!!!!! I don't see the setting anywhere

[@Lexfinity]

I need help with this too. I don't think it's available yet I just don't think anyone wants to tell us that cuz I've looked quite a bit

[@HeidiPyke]

J91122 That update hasn’t hit yet even though they said it would in the Spring. It’s not you lol. He got his to review so I’m guessing it got an early update.

[@_sliptic8848]

Can it be any led strip or has to be madr by phillips

[@morells09]

Are you able to use a soundbar remote to control the inputs yet on the sync box?

[@tjgamingzz6951]

Does the philips hue sync box send out 4k hdr signal out??

[@rootstriker1618]

Yes

[@jbnelson]

I hope you’re still answering comments on this video! Can you see if there’s a setting in the sync app to enable “ARC” on any of the hdmi inputs? It’s critical for me because my Apple TV is connected wirelessly to my HomePods and the Apple TV needs to get an ARC feed over hdmi from the TV in order to play wirelessly. However, the Apple TV also needs to be sync with the lights, therefore it needs to go through the sync box. TLDR; I want my Xbox and Apple TV plugged into the sync box and audio being fed to the Apple TV through the sync box via ARC. Thanks! I hope you understand me wanting to confirm this feature exists before dropping $200+ on the sync box :)

[@Boterberg]

So you need : 2 x Bloom, 1 x bridge and 1 x syncbox? Or am I wrong?

[@rootstriker1618]

I wouldn’t use blooms for Behring the tv ur better with play bars

[@gtothee5723]

Please help! It seems like this product was discontinued ? Can’t find any for retail price. Is there any alternative products to pull of the same effect

[@eddy6155]

So you buy the box and lights separate?

[@andrzejwojciak1527]

Hi. Can You tell me how I can connect philips play with amplituner AV? Xbox dvd and tuner tv I have conected to AV and AV conected to tv on hdmi eARC. Thx

[@MusclesAVS]

Can you just use the 2nd output from an AVR to output all devices through your AVR to it with one cable? That would make setup so much easier and have much more inputs as well.

[@elbrujomaya]

Connect between tv and receiver.

[@Totalplonker]

@@elbrujomaya why is that what works for you

[@volkankvncsy385]

Can we use this hue plays without sync box with 2020 sony lcd tv,? We have 4-5 google hue app for android tvs, but sync box is so so expensive in turkey and also no one selling them yet.

[@Thetechchap]

You can use them, but it won't react to the tv. You'll still need the hue bridge

[@volkankvncsy385]

@@Thetechchap ı have bridge and three play hue, tv just came ı am going to add them but ı think there is a hue app in android tv and its helping to sync without philips sync box ... ı hope it works:(

[@kronikamberi72]

Does Philips work with every TV that has hdmi?

[@jeremysears8475]

Can I connect Philips hue sync box out/tv to sound bar HDMI 1

[@timlavelle498]

What product are those skinny lights in the corners of the room?

[@Tvede2613]

Where did you buy that tv table? i really like it

[@tapoutms5608]

The Tech Chap Nice Video I got a question do I need the Hub too or the box control the lights

[@RaheemMcdermott]

Why doesn't it work with built in TV apps like netflicks or Disney plus? Why do I have to play apps through a secondary device like an Xbox or Amazon fire stick in order to get the lights to sync?? This to me is a major flaw.

[@rmiles7721]

Because it's not built in to your TV

[@RCrawlerhub]

So I have everything I need but it’s not working. Does it not work with the tv apps I have on my tv? Such as KZbin, Netflix?

[@Tony-gf3fy]

Can you use the sync box with the hue iris light

[@the_user0069]

what about the bar lights or stand lights around your living room, what are those?

[@Thetechchap]

Philips hue lights

[@the_user0069]

@@Thetechchap thanks

[@kayumust]

altho a bit expensive i am a HUGE fan of phillips hue

[@jose33aguilar]

Philips hue is compatible with apple HomeKit?

[@ANGERINSIDE]

Will I still need to use a Hue Bridge or is the Sync Box works as a bridge as well?

[@aminalone]

Need bridge for everything

[@northislandnow8858]

Will this encode in HECii?