Budget smart lighting brand WiZ has announced a new HDMI sync box that syncs with its line of Wi-Fi-based LED lights to match what’s playing on your TV.
WiZ’s HDMI Sync Box with TV backlight will be available next month. It comes in two models: one with a TV backlight strip for screens 55 inches to 65 inches in size for $89.99, and the other for screens 75 inches to 85 inches in size for $109.99.
The new HDMI box is similar to that of WiZ’s sister brand, Philips Hue. But Hue’s HDMI Play Box starts at $249.99, with light strips sold separately. (Hue and WiZ are both owned by Signify, but their bulbs are not compatible with each other.) WiZ bulbs also use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, whereas Hue relies on Bluetooth and Zigbee (via a hub).
Unlike camera-based light syncing systems from companies like Nanoleaf and Govee, WiZ and Hue’s sync products read the signal directly from the video source, which can help avoid latency issues.
This makes WiZ’s option a great budget alternative for those put off by Hue’s high prices. However, there are some concessions. The WiZ box only has one HDMI input, whereas the Hue Play supports four. This means if you have multiple devices connected to your TV, you’ll have to manually switch between them.
The WiZ Sync Box supports HDMI 2.0 and video formats up to 4K at 60Hz with HDR10 Plus and Dolby Vision. Hue’s latest Play HDMI Box supports up to 8K video, HDMI 2.1, and refresh rates up to 120Hz for 4K for console gaming. It also costs $350
The WiZ box also features a built-in microphone that captures audio, allowing the lights to change in sync with music as well as movies. The box can be controlled with the WiZ app, with voice via Google or Alexa, or the WiZ remote control.
According to the company, the Sync Box can connect to any color-capable WiZ light that supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, including its new Gradient Light Bars ($59.99) and Gradient Floor Light ($89.99), which can sit alongside your TV to add more ambient light. As with all of WiZ’s lighting products, these support the Matter smart home standard, so are compatible with most smart home systems.
