I have personal experience with using Philips Sync with a smart TV, and I can confirm that it does work. However, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Philips Sync, also known as the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, is designed to work with HDMI devices and not directly with smart TVs. This means that if you have a smart TV with built-in apps for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, the light syncing feature of the sync box will not work with those apps.
To make the light syncing feature work, you need to pass the content through the sync box. This can be done by connecting an HDMI streaming device, such as an Apple TV, Roku, or Chromecast, to the sync box. The streaming device will then handle the streaming of content, and the sync box will synchronize the lights with the video signal coming from the streaming device.
I personally use an Apple TV with my Philips Sync setup, and it works seamlessly. I connect the Apple TV to the sync box using an HDMI cable, and then connect the sync box to my TV using another HDMI cable. This way, all the content that I stream through the Apple TV, including apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime, is passed through the sync box, allowing the lights to synchronize with the on-screen action.
It’s worth mentioning that the sync box supports up to four HDMI devices, so you can connect multiple streaming devices or other HDMI sources, like gaming consoles or Blu-ray players, to the sync box and switch between them as needed.
In terms of setup, I found the process to be fairly straightforward. The sync box comes with an HDMI input and an HDMI output, as well as a power adapter. You need to connect your streaming device(s) to the HDMI input(s) of the sync box, and then connect the sync box to your TV using the HDMI output. The sync box also needs to be connected to a power source using the included power adapter.
Once everything is connected, you can use the Philips Sync mobile app to set up and configure the sync box. The app allows you to customize the light syncing effects, adjust the intensity and speed of the lights, and even create your own presets. It’s a user-friendly app that makes it easy to personalize your light syncing experience.
I’ve been really happy with the performance of Philips Sync with my smart TV setup. The lights sync perfectly with the on-screen action, enhancing my viewing experience. It adds a whole new level of immersion to movies, TV shows, and games. So, if you have a smart TV and want to enjoy the light syncing feature of Philips Sync, simply connect an HDMI streaming device to the sync box, and you’re good to go.