What You Will Need
- Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for TV (55")
- A Philips Hue Bridge (set up and connected to your router)
- A 55-inch TV (wall-mounted or on a stand)
- A smartphone or tablet with the Philips Hue app installed
- A Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box or Hue Sync desktop app (for screen-synced lighting)
What Makes the Play Gradient Lightstrip Special
The Play Gradient Lightstrip for TV is specifically designed to attach to the back of a television. Unlike the standard Gradient Lightstrip, this version is pre-shaped to wrap around three sides of a TV (left, top, and right) and can display multiple colors simultaneously. When paired with the Hue Sync Box or Hue Sync app, it creates a stunning Ambilight-style effect that extends the colors on your screen to the wall behind the TV.
Step 1: Clean the Back of Your TV
Use a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol to clean the back edges of your TV where the lightstrip will be attached. Remove any dust, fingerprints, or residue. The adhesive mounting system needs a clean surface for a secure hold. Allow the surface to dry completely.
Step 2: Plan the Strip Layout
The Play Gradient Lightstrip is designed to attach along the left side, top, and right side of the back of your TV. The controller connects at the bottom-right corner. Before removing any adhesive backing, hold the strip against the back of the TV to plan the routing and ensure the connector cable reaches a power outlet.
Step 3: Attach the Lightstrip
- Start at the bottom-right corner of the TV where the controller is located.
- Peel off a small section of the adhesive backing.
- Press the strip firmly against the back edge of the TV.
- Work your way up the right side, across the top, and down the left side.
- At each corner, bend the strip gently. The strip is designed to handle TV corner bends.
- Make sure the LEDs face outward, toward the wall, not toward the TV panel.
Step 4: Connect Power
Connect the lightstrip's controller to the included power adapter and plug it into a wall outlet behind or near your TV. If possible, use a surge protector or power strip along with your TV and other media equipment. Route the cable neatly to avoid a tangled look behind the TV.
Step 5: Pair with Your Hue Bridge
- Open the Hue app and go to Settings, then Lights.
- Tap Add Light.
- The Play Gradient Lightstrip will appear in the search results. Tap to pair it.
- Assign it to your living room or media room.
Step 6: Create an Entertainment Area
To use screen-synced lighting, you need to set up an entertainment area:
- Go to Settings, then Entertainment Areas, and create a new area.
- Add the Play Gradient Lightstrip to the area.
- Position it in the virtual room layout to match its physical placement behind your TV.
- You can also add other Hue lights in the room to the entertainment area for an even more immersive experience.
Step 7: Set Up Screen Sync
For the full Ambilight-style experience, you need a way to sync the lights to your screen content:
- Hue Play HDMI Sync Box: This hardware device connects between your media sources (game console, streaming device, cable box) and your TV via HDMI. It analyzes the video signal and sends color data to the Bridge in real time.
- Hue Sync Desktop App: Available for PC and Mac, this free app captures your screen content and syncs it with your Hue lights. Ideal for PC gaming or streaming on your computer.
Tips
- This lightstrip is sized specifically for 55-inch TVs. Philips also makes versions for 65-inch and 75-inch TVs. Using the wrong size will result in poor color mapping.
- Position your TV 4 to 6 inches from the wall for the best light diffusion and color spread.
- Even without the Sync Box, you can use static gradient scenes for ambient TV backlighting that reduces eye strain during viewing.
- The Play Gradient Lightstrip cannot be cut or extended. It is a fixed-length product designed for a specific TV size.
- For the best sync experience, set the Hue Sync intensity to High for movies and Extreme for gaming.
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