Upgrading your viewing experience with excellent TV backlights - check out my top recommendations:
Imparting a personal touch to your home television can significantly enhance the immersion of your entertainment setup. You can achieve this by upgrading your audio and visual components for a more engaging experience.
One method that I found particularly effective is by adding a TV RGB backlight, which consists of LED lights that attach to the rear of your television. These backlights can elevate the viewing experience, especially when they sync with the on-screen content.
However, if you are not purchasing Philips' 2025 Ambilight TV, finding the ideal TV RGB lighting kit can be a challenging task, as there are two major types available in the market. To guide you in making an informed decision, I tried out two different TV RGB lighting kits and have compiled a few tips for selecting the right one for your home theater setup.
Option 1: AI Sync Box TV Lighting
The first type of RGB backlighting is AI sync box kits, which often come with separate LED lighting for your TV and an external box housing a sophisticated AI program. This program reads incoming data from connected devices to match the displayed color output on the LEDs behind your TV. To make the most of on-screen content, you will connect separate devices like the PlayStation 5 Pro or Sony's new 4K Blu-ray player.
One advantage of choosing AI sync box kits is the ease of use – they are mainly plug-and-play, requiring only the attachment of the lights to the TV. This process usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your TV. In my testing, the Govee HDMI Sync Box 2 on a 65-inch Samsung S90D OLED TV functioned seamlessly when connected to my PlayStation 5. It enhanced games like Elden Ring, especially during Nightreign, without impacting performance since it supports HDMI 2.1 with 4K up to 144Hz.
Govee AI Sync Box 2 with TV BacklightThe AI sync box adds a vibrant array of colors to splash on walls behind the screen via LED strip lights, typically available in 55-inch to 85-inch configurations. Although it's pricier, the performance it offers is well worth the investment, especially given that Govee's model worked exceptionally well in my testing. Just be aware that these kits will only enhance the lighting of content connected to the AI sync box; streaming platforms on most modern smart TVs may not receive the colorful upgrade unless an external streaming device is connected directly to the sync box, like the Apple TV 4K.
Option 2: Camera-Based TV Lighting
The second type of TV lighting is camera-based, which requires a camera to be attached to the top of your TV, analyzing on-screen colors for precise synchronization. This system can even be synced with other lights around the home, creating a unified visual experience. However, due to privacy and aesthetic concerns, not everyone might want a camera mounted near their TV.
To evaluate the effectiveness of camera-based lighting, I tested Govee's new TV Backlight 3 Lite, which combines LED strip lights with a camera for a more customized experience. Although it takes more effort to set up than the simple plug-and-play of AI sync boxes, you can make real-time adjustments using the Govee app or even voice commands via Google Home. After securing the camera in the suitable position and proper calibration, the lamp offers outstanding performance, as it can detect and synchronize with external video sources as well as built-in streaming services. Additionally, the light will function even when the TV is turned off, providing a subtle touch of ambiance in your living room.
Choosing the Ideal TV Lighting Kit
Ultimately, the decision between AI sync box and camera-based lighting kits depends on your preferences and the specific requirements of your home setup. If you want a more accurate, low latency lighting solution with a focus on gaming and high-resolution video, an AI sync box might be the optimal choice. However, if you prefer a more affordable, universally compatible lighting solution for all TV content, including internal apps, a camera-based kit might be more suitable.
Both types of kits offer integration with smart home platforms, such as Google Home, allowing you to control and customize your lighting experience effortlessly without needing to pull out your phone.
In conclusion, investing in TV backlighting kits can significantly improve the visual appeal and immersiveness of your home entertainment system. Whether you opt for an AI sync box or camera-based lighting solution, ensure that it caters to your needs in terms of performance, cost, and ease of use. Here's to transforming your television into a more enjoyable and engaging part of your living space.
Smart-home gadgets like TV RGB lighting kits can complement your technology-focused home entertainment setup. In the market, you'll find two primary types: AI sync box and camera-based TV lighting kits. While the former is a plug-and-play solution, the latter requires a camera for precision and can integrate with other smart home devices. The choice depends on your preference for performance, cost, and ease of use.
