It has become a common strategy for TVs to get a modern makeover to seamlessly blend into the contemporary home environment. The Samsung Frame, LG Wallpaper TV, or Hisense CanvasTV are some great examples. This segment is now expanding to backlight as well, where we have options like the HDMI-based Govee HDMI 2.1 AI Sync Box 2 or camera-based options like the Govee TV Backlight 3 series and Nanoleaf 4D kit. Philips Hue is already offering HDMI-based TV backlight, but there are rumors they are launching a new camera hardware piece for a TV sync backlight system later this year.
Fabian of Hue Blog has spotted a new Hue Sync device with an integrated camera during an online presentation hosted by Philips. Expected to be called Screen Sync, it clips onto the top of a TV or monitor and uses its camera to detect what’s on the screen. It then analyzes the image and syncs connected Hue lights to match the on-screen colors. This helps you extend the TV’s lighting effects into the room.
While it does not require the HDMI sync box, reports indicate you will almost certainly still need a standard Philips Hue Bridge. The bridge is the core hub that connects all Philips smart bulbs, using the Zigbee network, allowing the camera to transmit color data across your room without lagging your home Wi-Fi network.
According to the initial images, the Philips Hue TV camera will feature a single-lens camera and will likely come with fisheye technology. If you already own a lot of Philips Hue smart bulbs in your living room, it may be worth waiting until IFA 2026 in September to see their official launch.
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There are no details about pricing yet, but you can expect it to come with a high price tag, as with other lighting products from the brand. When you have options like the Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro that come with a triple HDR camera for a lesser price, how Philips is going to compete with them is really a point of debate.
Some people are even suggesting that built-in Hue Sync would be more convenient, but TV makers don’t see enough business value in adding support for a third-party smart lighting platform, and that’s why we have such limited options.
Via: T3
