Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box

December 13, 2024
Firmware version 2.4.2  

Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 4K:

• General bug fixes and improvements

Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K:

• Implemented a fix to maintain a stable signal regardless of the sync box’s status.
• Arc bypass mode is now up and running smoothly when enabled it in the app.
• Fixed intermittent issue with HDMI signals at 120 Hz.

April 9, 2024
Firmware version 2.3.0

• Implemented a fix for passthrough mode on Vizio M7 TVs
• General bug fixes and improvements

May 2, 2023 
Firmware version 2.0.5  

• Fixed an issue relating to losing connection to the Bridge 
• Fixed an issue where the Hue sync box would still turn on even though Automatic mode was disabled 
• General bug fixes and improvements 

October 29, 2021 
Firmware version 1.8.3

• Fixed an issue where the Hue sync box wouldn’t reconnect when switching between Hue Bridges
• General bug fixes

September 24, 2021 
Firmware version 1.8.1

• Implemented 120 Hz light syncing support for 1080p and 1440p content
• Fixed HDR-detection issue for Shield Pro and Chromecast with Google TV

July 14, 2021
Firmware version 1.7.5

• Fixed an issue where the Hue sync box would not detect some Entertainment areas
• Changes to an Entertainment area now show up directly in the Hue Sync mobile app
• Small bug fixes

May 12, 2021
Firmware version 1.7.4

• Reworked the communication between the Hue sync box and the Hue Bridge to better support future features
• Fixed an issue where CEC Power State Detection would not work in certain setups
• Modified USB Power State Detection timing for Sony TVs
• Various minor improvements

October 14, 2020
Software version 1.6.3

• Improved compatibility with several routers (e.g. Vodafone TG3442DE)
• Now allows for HDR10+ content when the Hue sync box’s HDMI cable is on the second output of an AV receiver
• Implemented support for FreeSync
• Reduced power consumption
• Further increased the reliability of communication to the Hue Bridge
• Improved the Hue sync box’s ability to detect black bars on screen, enhancing generated light scripts
• Various CEC improvements

August 20, 2020
Software version 1.5.3

• Introduced native support for Harmony remotes 
• Introduced a Wi-Fi status screen in the Hue Sync mobile app 
• Improved letterboxing detection 
• Improved automatic updates 
• Fixed a crash related to mDNS 
• General IR improvements 
• Changed the default Hue sync box name to “Sync Box” 
• Changed the LED indicator’s behavior while lights are dimmed 
• In cases of multiple Wi-Fi access points, the Hue sync box will now connect to the strongest access point
• Added support for the Play gradient lightstrip

May 25, 2020
Software version 1.4.7

• Added support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content
• Added support for voice control with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts
• Added support for infrared (IR) remote controls
• Updated Hue Bridge discovery for certain networks 
• Improved light experience for multiple lights around the TV screen 
• Improved light experience for Music mode for music playing on low volume  
• Improved compatibility with several routers (e.g. Netgear RAX40) 
• Improved video syncing for 720p content 

• Improved color rendering for Chromecast Ultra for various video formats 
• Fixed an issue where 4K content was downgraded when the sync box’s HDMI cable was on the second output of an AV receiver 
• Fixed an issue where Huawei P20 phones were not able to complete setup in the Hue Sync mobile app 
• General stability and performance improvements 

March 3, 2020
Software version 1.3.2

• Improved Wi-Fi stability and performance
• Fixed DHCP lease time issue
• Increased the reliability of communication to the Hue Bridge
• Implemented HDR10+ support
• Implemented support for future features
• Other bug fixes and improvements

November 26, 2019
Software version: 1.2.2 (first public software update)

• Fixed issues that occasionally stopped lights from syncing during streaming
• Fixed a bug that caused lights to switch off when syncing on the highest brightness setting
• Improved Subtle mode algorithm
• Fixed issue with Apple TV pass-through mode, in which it would be disrupted when software restarted (on a HDCP 1.4 TV)
• Fixed a bug with Nintendo Switch that caused it to not sync when switching from YouTube to a game
• Fixed a bug with Chromecast Ultra that interrupted video pass-through when used with Philips Fidelio B5 soundbars
• TVs will no longer switch inputs when sync box goes into and out of power-save mode
• Power cycling the sync box will no longer switch inputs with various sources unintentionally