HDMI Sync Box: Wiz Brings Philips Hue Competitors to Market for Less Than 100 Euros 13 comments
Image: Signify
After Signify presented the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box with HDMI 2.1 and 144 Hz in the fall of 2024, its own brand can now also launch a cheaper HDMI Sync Box. Instead of 350 Euros, it costs less than 100 Euros.
With the Wiz HDMI Sync Box, the lighting is synchronized with the TV image streamed via HDMI, so that the surroundings around the TV are defined in the colors of the TV image. In addition to the three-sided segmented RGBIC light path, which is included in varying lengths depending on the selected model and is attached to the back of the TV, the new gradient light bars and gradient floor light can also be linked to the HDMI Sync Box.
With this HDMI Sync Box, the position of the lights in the room can also be adjusted via the Wiz app so that the light is displayed in color. As with all HDMI Sync Boxes, the prerequisite is that the image displayed via an HDMI device such as a set-top box, game console, or Apple TV or Fire TV is transmitted to the Wiz Sync Box and from there to the TV. The box does not receive any information about the image content via the TV’s internal apps. However, neither cameras are required nor does it have to go through a calibration process.
HDMI 2.0 for 4K at 60 Hz
The significantly lower price compared to the Philips Hue Sync Box is also notable for its technology. The WIZ Sync Box lacks HDMI 2.1, offering only an HDMI 2.0 input and supporting video formats up to 4K with a maximum of 60 Hz with HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. 8K and 144 Hz are therefore not available. The limited refresh rate is particularly problematic for users of a current game console on a TV that supports 120 or 144 Hz.
Users can adjust the synchronized lighting to follow all color nuances and contrasts or focus on the dominant color and rely on smooth transitions. For this purpose, the four preset synchronization modes “cinematic,” “vibrant,” “relaxation,” and “rhythmic” with different lighting effects are available, which, according to Wiz, adapt to different content. Additionally, users can adjust brightness, color temperature, and saturation.
Existing lights are also supported.
The HDMI Sync Box works with any Wiz lamp, which can reproduce different colors and is paired with the Wiz app via Wi-Fi. The Sync Box can also be connected to any number of EMT lamps and lights, but they must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The system can be controlled via the Wiz app, common voice assistants such as Google or Alexa, or the Wizmote remote control. If necessary, the auto-switch function in the Wiz app can also be set so that the paired lights automatically turn on and synchronize with the TV picture as soon as the box registers a signal via the HDMI input.
NEUE Gradient Light Bars and Gradient Floor Light
The new gradient light bars can also be placed next to the television. They offer multi-color lighting effects and come with several mounting brackets so they can be placed horizontally or vertically, or attached behind televisions and monitors.
The new gradient floor light also has multiple color zones like the gradient light bars, but offers a wider beam angle to enable a so-called wall wash effect.
The new lights are compatible with Matter and can therefore also be controlled via Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.
Price and Availability
All new Wiz products will be available in Germany from May 2025. The Wiz HDMI-Sync Box with TV backlight for 55- to 65-inch TVs costs €89.99. The Wiz HDMI-Sync Box with TV backlight for 75- to 85-inch TVs, on the other hand, costs €109.99. The recommended retail price for the Wiz Light Bar is €59.99 and for the Wiz Gradient Floor Light €89.99.
THEMES: Audio / Video / Photo HDMI Hue means smart home Source: Wiz
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