Philips Hue has launched the Philips Hue Play Screen Sync, a camera that matches Hue lights to anything displayed on a television, including built-in streaming apps and broadcast channels. It costs $119.99 in the US and is available now, according to Android Authority.
How the Philips Hue Play Screen Sync works
The camera sits above the TV and uses a fisheye lens to capture the full screen. Philips Hue says automatic calibration and colour matching handle the setup, while its algorithm adjusts the connected lights in real time. The camera does not use HDMI, so it can follow content from native TV apps and broadcast channels that an HDMI sync box cannot see.
The trade-off is accuracy. Signify says its HDMI sync boxes produce a more accurate result than the camera-based system, while The Verge reports that the camera is designed to be easier to install. It is a choice between a camera watching the screen and a box reading the signal before it reaches the TV.
Hue Sync Box 4K is smaller and cheaper
Philips Hue has also launched the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K. It has one HDMI input, one HDMI output and supports 4K at up to 60Hz through HDMI 2.0. The $149.99 box is slimmer than the older model, but users with several HDMI devices will need to switch inputs or pay more for the 8K version, which has four inputs.
Both new products can also work with one Hue Play light strip without a Hue Bridge. A Bridge can be added later if the setup grows beyond that starter arrangement.
Philips Hue already has a UAE presence, but the checked UAE storefront did not list either new product or a local price. UAE availability and pricing are therefore unconfirmed. The company’s existing UAE range and buying options are covered in our Philips Hue Bridge Pro and Essential range guide.
Does the Philips Hue Play Screen Sync work with built-in TV apps?
Yes. The camera captures the TV screen, so it can sync Hue lights with native streaming apps and broadcast channels.
How many HDMI inputs does the Hue Sync Box 4K have?
The Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K has one HDMI input and one HDMI output, with support for 4K at up to 60Hz.
