Affordable Philips HDMI 2.1 Sync Box Arrives... But It Isn’t Hue

InnovationConsumer TechAffordable Philips HDMI 2.1 Sync Box Arrives... But It Isn’t HueByPaul Lamkin,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Paul’s a smart home expert and the founder of the Wareable Media GroupFollow AuthorMay 12, 2026, 04:51am EDTMay 12, 2026, 04:51am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.The new Philips Smart Lighting entertainment setupSignifySignify has taken the covers off a new entertainment-focused lineup under its slightly-awkwardly named “Philips Smart Lighting” banner, which is powered by the existing WiZ platform. The center of it is a cheap-ish HDMI sync box that is powered by Wiz-tech, rather than Hue’s.Signify has spent years championing Philips Hue as the premium brand for mainstream consumer smart lighting but it’s a market becoming ever more crowded by more affordable rivals.The Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K, which Signify took the covers off at the end of 2024 is the most powerful TV light syncing options available, but it costs $350.Meanwhile, brands like Govee and Nanoleaf figured out that plenty of people want flashy TV backlighting and reactive room effects, but don’t necessarily want to spend mega bucks to do so.Signify did react with the Wiz HDMI Sync Box, which went on sale last year for under $100.The new Philips Smart Lighting HDMI Sync Box 2.1 comes bundled with a TV backlight strip but adds - as the name suggests - HDMI 2.1 skills to the mix; it supports HDMI 2.1 with 4K at 120Hz.Pricing starts at £129.99 for 55-inch to 65-inch TVs, while the larger 75-inch to 85-inch version lands at £149.99. Like other TV sync systems, the box mirrors colors and lighting effects from whatever is connected through HDMI. Movies, sports and games spill beyond the edges of the TV and into the rest of the room through connected lights. MORE FOR YOULike the Wiz box from last year, it is a simpler and more approachable se...