Retrofit Ambilight: Buy TV background LEDs cheaply

In this practical tip you will read how to retrofit Ambilight and where you can buy TV background LEDs at low prices. The so-called Ambilight technology ensures a more pleasant field of view when watching TV by illuminating the wall behind the TV with the colors that match the picture.

Retrofit Ambilight with Hue Sync

With Hue Sync, Philips offers a solution with which it is possible to retrofit Ambilight.

1. For this method you need several multicolored Hue lamps, a current Hue bridge and a PC or Mac with the Philips Hue app.
2. First of all, the Hue network has to be established. This is done using the Hue Bridge, which is connected to the WLAN router using a network cable.
3. Now you can carry out further control using the Hue app on your PC or Mac, which connects to the bridge and the lamps connected to it using the "Connect" button.
4. The app now analyzes the media being played in real time and sets the connected lamps in the right mood.
5. Unfortunately, this only works on a PC or Mac. If you want to use the feature for your TV, it is necessary to mirror the video signal from the computer to the TV. This can be done either by cable, Miracast or Airplay.

Retrofit Ambilight with Lightberry

Lightberry also offers a method for retrofitting ambient light. However, this method is more for experienced users, since it requires the use of a Rasperry Pi and also some technical knowledge.

• The "single-board computer" Rasperry Pi, a memory card, a power connection including adapter and an HDMI cable are required.
• An operating system must first be played on the board for it to work. On its website, the manufacturer also offers kits and tools with which the Ambilight can be transferred to other devices.
• The exact instructions and the download for installing the software can be found on the official Lightberry page.
• After successful installation, the backlight should be visible. The calculation of the appropriate light is carried out by the mini computer.
• Since this method is very complicated and also requires some trial and error, it is only suitable for hobbyists who already have a Rasperry Pi and like to experiment with it. Everyone else uses the above method better.

Background LEDs - these are the options

To be able to retrofit the Ambilight technology, you can use so-called LED stripes. You can find these at almost all major online retailers at affordable prices. You have different options:

• Option 1: You buy all the necessary components individually. You need LED stripes in a suitable length for your screen, a power supply, a controller, a remote control, connector and possibly connection cable.
• Option 2: You can buy almost all of the components in packages - such as "Controller & Remote Control" or "LED Stripes & Power Supply".
• Option 3: If you do not want to buy the parts individually or want to save on shipping costs, you can also use practical complete sets: At Amazon you can buy this complete set for almost all screen sizes. For a TV from 42 to 60 inches, you currently pay just under 33 euros.

In the video: Philips Hue Entertainment - when will the update come?

In the next practical tip you will read what the difference between Ambilight and LED backlight is.