Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K Review: Elevate Your Entertainment Experience
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is the ultimate device for syncing your Hue lights with your entertainment system. With support for 8K resolution at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, this second-generation Sync Box is designed to work seamlessly with the latest gaming consoles, PCs, and other modern devices. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the immersive experience it offers is well worth the investment for serious home theater enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brilliant fun and immersive experience
- Works with any Hue lights (Hue Bridge required)
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports for modern devices
Cons
- Doesn't work with integrated TV apps
- Expensive
Key Features
Entertainment Lights
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K reads the incoming video signal and synchronizes your Hue lights with the on-screen action, creating a fully immersive atmosphere.
Supports 8K and 4K
This Sync Box supports 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, ensuring that it works with modern gaming consoles, PCs, and other devices.
Design and Features
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K looks similar to its predecessor but offers several significant upgrades. It features four HDMI 2.1 inputs and one output, making it compatible with the latest high-resolution and high-refresh-rate devices. The HDMI 2.1 ports allow for 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, which is a major improvement over the previous model's HDMI 2.0 ports that were limited to 4K at 60Hz.
One of the standout features of this Sync Box is its ability to control your Hue lights via the Hue Bridge, which uses Zigbee technology. If you don’t already have a Hue Bridge, you’ll need to purchase one separately for the Sync Box to work properly. You can set up multiple “Entertainment Zones” in the Hue app, allowing you to customize which lights are controlled for different activities, such as gaming or movie-watching.
Four HDMI 2.1 Ports
The inclusion of four HDMI 2.1 ports means that you can connect multiple devices, such as a gaming console, Blu-ray player, and streaming device, without constantly swapping cables.
Hue Bridge Required
As with all Philips Hue products, the Sync Box requires a Hue Bridge to function. The Bridge connects to your lights and allows you to control them via the Hue app.
Easy Installation
Setting up the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is simple. Once you have connected your devices and paired the box with the Hue app, you can easily integrate it into your home network. The app guides you through the process of creating Entertainment Zones and positioning your lights to match the on-screen action.
Performance
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K delivers an impressive and immersive experience. Whether you're watching a movie, playing a video game, or listening to music, the synchronized lighting adds an extra layer of atmosphere. The lights react to the action on the screen, intensifying explosions, brightening up scenes, and even subtly expanding the colors beyond the frame of your TV.
For gamers, the Sync Box is particularly impressive. When playing games like The Last of Us Part 1, the lights around your setup will adjust to reflect the in-game lighting, creating a more immersive experience. For example, if your character turns on a bedside lamp in the game, the corresponding Hue light in your room will brighten to match.
Reliable Synchronization
In comparison to the older model, the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is much more reliable. The previous version had occasional issues with screen blackouts, but those problems have been resolved in this new model, thanks to the upgraded HDMI 2.1 standard.
Multiple Modes
The Sync Box offers three synchronization modes—Video, Music, and Game—along with four intensity settings that allow you to customize the lighting to your preferences. You can also adjust the brightness to suit your environment.
Should You Buy It?
You Should Buy It If:
- You already own Philips Hue lights and want to enhance your entertainment setup.
- You’re looking for a high-end HDMI switch that also adds immersive lighting effects.
You Should Skip It If:
- You don’t own Hue lights, as the cost of entry (including the Hue Bridge) can be high.
- You primarily use your TV’s built-in apps, as the Sync Box only works with HDMI devices.
Final Thoughts
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is an excellent addition to any home entertainment system. While it's on the expensive side, the immersive experience and the ability to control multiple devices through a single box make it a worthwhile investment for those who already own Hue lights. The improved reliability and support for modern HDMI standards make it a better option than its predecessor, and it outperforms competitors like the Govee Immersion Kit.
If you’re serious about creating an immersive home theater or gaming setup, the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is a must-have accessory.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K from Amazon using the following link:
Buy the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K on Amazon.
If you're also in need of a Hue Bridge, you can find it here:
Buy the Philips Hue Bridge on Amazon.
Additionally, if you're looking for the TV Play Gradient Lightstrip to enhance your setup, you can purchase it here:
