Question 1

How does Hue Sync work?

Accepted Answer

Hue Sync allows your smart lights to react to the content on a TV. It uses a proprietary algorithm that analyzes the entire screen, producing a custom light script that is instantly sent to your color-capable Philips Hue lights.  

Question 2

What do I need to be able to sync my lights with my media?

Accepted Answer

You only need the following three things to sync your lights with TV, movies, games, or music: 
 
• Bridge 
• Hue app 
• At least one color-capable Hue light (White and color ambiance) 
• Hue account (free) 
 
Depending on where and how you want to sync your lights, you may need additional apps or hardware: 

 
For TV, there are two options: 
• Play HDMI sync box 8K 
• Hue Sync TV app

 
For PC 
• Hue Sync desktop app 
 
For music 
• Spotify app 

Question 3

What does the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box do?

Accepted Answer

The Hue sync box reads the video or audio signal from an HDMI device — a set-top box, gaming console, or streaming stick, for example. The Hue sync box sends this signal to your Hue Bridge, which then instructs the color-capable smart lights in your Entertainment area to react. 

Question 4

What video formats does the Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K support?

Accepted Answer

The sync box 8K supports formats up to 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz in addition to supporting HDMI 2.1. This means that the sync box 8K is designed to support HDMI content well into the future. 

Question 5

Does the sync box support the latest gaming consoles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The sync box 8K supports gaming consoles up to 8K in 60 Hz and 4K in 120 Hz.

Any format above these specifications will be downgraded, so you'll still be able to sync your lights. 

Question 6

Which Philips Hue products can I use with Hue Sync?

Accepted Answer

All white and color-capable bulbs, lamps, strip lights, and fixtures, as well as Hue Sync-compatible products from partner brands.   

Question 7

What is the best way to set up an Entertainment area?

Accepted Answer

You can create an Entertainment area in the Hue app, which illustrates how many lights you have, where and at which height the lights are located, and how your system should use them while syncing.  

For the best results, we recommend using several Philips Hue color-capable smart lights. Try Play wall washers or light bars placed on your TV console, a Play gradient strip light attached to the back of your TV, and lights such as the Go accent light or Signe gradient floor lamp near your seating area. 

Question 8

What do I need to be able to sync my smart lights with the Hue Play HDMI sync box?

Accepted Answer

Follow these steps: 

1. Install Philips Hue color-capable smart lights and a Hue Bridge with the Philips Hue app 

2. Connect the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box to your HDMI devices and your TV 

3. Open the Sync tab on the Hue app and follow the instructions 

Question 9

What do I need to use the Philips Hue Sync TV app?

Accepted Answer

To sync your lights to your TV with the Philips Hue Sync TV app, you’ll need the following:

A compatible Samsung1 or LG TV 2

Philips Hue app signed in to your free Hue account

Hue Bridge or Bridge Pro

At least one color-capable  light 

Question 10

Can I sync my lights with any streaming service?

Accepted Answer

Philips Hue Sync TV app (newer Samsung & LG TVs)

On compatible Samsung and LG smart TVs, you can install the Philips Hue Sync TV app from the TV’s app store.

This app syncs your Hue lights directly with whatever is on the screen, including native streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and more, without extra hardware.

Hue Play HDMI sync box

If your TV doesn’t support the native Sync TV app, you can use the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box.

To sync lights with streaming services this way, you must run the video signal through the sync box: connect a streaming device (e.g., Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV) into the sync box via HDMI, and the box then passes the video to your TV while analyzing it to sync your lights. 

Important: Streaming services played directly on the TV’s built-in apps typically won’t sync via the HDMI sync box alone because the box needs the HDMI source to analyze the content. 

Hue Sync desktop app

You can also use the Hue Sync desktop app on a computer to sync lights with video played on the computer (e.g., Netflix in a browser) and then cast or connect to the TV.

Question 11

How can I watch Netflix with Hue Sync?

Accepted Answer

You can sync Netflix with your Philips Hue lights on your TV using a Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box by connecting an HDMI device, such as a gaming console or Chromecast. If you have the Philips Hue Sync TV app, you can sync your lights to Netflix while watching on the native smart TV app.

Question 12

Does syncing with the Hue Sync TV app work with all content?

Accepted Answer

Yes! With the Philips Hue Sync TV app, you can sync your lights to anything playing on your screen. This includes content from smart TV apps such as Netflix, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, streaming sticks, and more. 

Question 13

What is the difference between the Hue Sync TV app and the Hue Play HDMI sync box?

Accepted Answer

The Philips Hue Sync TV app is software that you can download on compatible Samsung or LG TVs. The Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box is hardware that connects to your TV with an HDMI cable. The other main difference is that the Philips Hue Sync TV app is only available for Samsung and LG TVs, while the Hue sync box can be used with any brand of TV.

The Philips Hue Sync TV app can also sync with any content playing on the screen, including smart TV apps. The Hue sync box syncs content that passes through it, so smart TV apps do not work with it. 

Question 14

Do I need a sync box if I have a Samsung Smart TV?

Accepted Answer

If you have a compatible TV (See FAQ below) you can use the Philips Hue Sync TV app instead of a sync box. If your TV is not compatible, you’ll need to use a sync box.  

Question 15

Is the Hue Sync TV app compatible with all Samsung or LG TVs?

Accepted Answer

The Philips Hue Sync TV app is available on 2022 and newer Samsung QLED TVs in the Q60 or higher range and 2024 and newer LG TV models with webOS24 or higher.

If your TV supports the Philips Hue Sync TV app, it will appear when you search for it in Apps. Alternatively, check the product specifications of your TV model on the manufacturer’s website. 

Question 16

Does the Philips Hue Sync TV app support both 60Hz and 120Hz TVs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Philips Hue Sync TV app works on compatible 60 Hz and 120 Hz Samsung TVs or 2024 and new LG TVs with webOS24 or higher, [GB1] using all video formats. 

Question 17

Does my TV need an active internet connection to use the Philips Hue Sync TV app?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You’ll need an internet connection both to purchase the app and to sync your lights. 

Question 18

Can I use the Hue Sync TV app on multiple TVs using the same Samsung or LG account?

Accepted Answer

You can use the same Samsung or LG account to purchase the Philips Hue Sync TV app on multiple TVs, but each purchase is tied to one TV. You’ll need to make separate purchases if you would like to use the app on more than one TV.

Question 19

How does payment work for the Philips Hue Sync TV app?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase the app directly on your compatible Samsung or LG TV. First, download the app from the store. Open the app and follow the instructions to complete the purchase. If you can't find the app in the app store, update your TV to the latest software. Still can't find it? Check your TV's specifications to ensure it supports the Philips Hue Sync TV app on the TV manufacturer’s website. 

You can buy the Philips Hue Sync TV app in the app store on your TV using the payment options provided by the app store on your TV.

Bring entertainment to life with light

Three ways to sync Hue lights with TV and gaming

Play HDMI sync box

Sync app

Hue lights made to entertain

Play wall washer

Signe gradient lamps

Play strip lights

Compare ways to sync lights

Entertainment lighting bestsellers

Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K

Bridge Pro

Hue Play wall washer

Signe gradient floor lamp

Play light bar double pack

Go portable accent light

Real-life lighting ideas

See what Hue can do...

Outdoor

Mood lighting

Strip lights

Philips Hue entertainment lights FAQs

How does Hue Sync work?

What do I need to be able to sync my lights with my media?

What does the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box do?

What video formats does the Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K support?

Does the sync box support the latest gaming consoles?

Which Philips Hue products can I use with Hue Sync?

What is the best way to set up an Entertainment area?

What do I need to be able to sync my smart lights with the Hue Play HDMI sync box?

What do I need to use the Philips Hue Sync TV app?

Can I sync my lights with any streaming service?

How can I watch Netflix with Hue Sync?

Does syncing with the Hue Sync TV app work with all content?

What is the difference between the Hue Sync TV app and the Hue Play HDMI sync box?

Do I need a sync box if I have a Samsung Smart TV?

Is the Hue Sync TV app compatible with all Samsung or LG TVs?

Does the Philips Hue Sync TV app support both 60Hz and 120Hz TVs?

Does my TV need an active internet connection to use the Philips Hue Sync TV app?

Can I use the Hue Sync TV app on multiple TVs using the same Samsung or LG account?

How does payment work for the Philips Hue Sync TV app?

Which Philips Hue products can I use with Hue Sync? 

What is the best way to set up an Entertainment area? 

Do I need a sync box if I have a Samsung Smart TV? 

Does the Philips Hue Sync TV app support both 60Hz and 120Hz TVs? 