For movie, TV, or game lovers who dream of an immersive lighting ambiance without breaking the bank, WiZ may be the solution they've been waiting for. The brand, owned by Signify (Hue products), announces the WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV backlighting, a box capable of synchronizing connected lighting with the screen's images. This product directly targets the very expensive Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, sold for €350, by offering a similar experience for only €89.99, including lighting.
Immersive kit at a rock-bottom price
The principle is simple: the box captures the video signal from an HDMI source (such as an Apple TV or a game console) and makes the lights react in real time. A segmented LED strip, supplied with the box, attaches to the back of the TV on three sides, for an enveloping effect. Two sizes are available: one for 55- to 65-inch screens (€89.99), the other for 75- to 85-inch models (€109.99).
This entry-level model is not compatible with 8K or 4K at 120 Hz, like the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K, but it does support 4K at 60 Hz with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Enough to satisfy a large majority of uses.
The WiZ HDMI Sync Box goes further than simple mood lighting: it offers four synchronization modes (Cinematic, Vibrant, Relaxation, Rhythmic) and complete customization of color, saturation, and brightness. It also includes a microphone, which allows the lights to adapt to the music playing nearby.
The box works with any WiZ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-compatible lamp, with no limit on the number as long as they share the same network. Management is done via the WiZ app, a dedicated remote control, or by voice via Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri (via Matter). An automatic power-on function is also available as soon as an HDMI signal is detected.
To enhance this lighting ambiance, WiZ is launching two new products. The Gradient Light Bars (€59.99 per pair), which can be placed or glued behind a screen, diffuse several colors at the same time for dynamic effects. And the Gradient Floor Light (€89.99), a slim floor lamp with multi-colored segments, which diffuses wall beams from floor to ceiling.
These two accessories are designed to complement the HDMI box and react in real time to the displayed content or sound.
One of the strengths of this WiZ solution, aside from the price, is also its simplicity. Unlike Philips Hue, there is no need for a dedicated bridge (the famous Hue Bridge). In addition, the WiZ box does not block the simultaneous use of another system on a second television, a common limitation with Hue. The only downside: the WiZ Sync Box only has a single HDMI port. To connect multiple devices, an external switch will be necessary.
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