Smart home enthusiasts and entertainment lovers can now seamlessly sync their LG TV with Philips Hue smart lights without the need for a costly HDMI Sync Box. The newly released Philips Hue Sync app is designed to synchronize Hue lights with your screen in real time, enhancing immersion in movies, games, and TV shows.
Key Highlights
- No HDMI Sync Box Required – Sync Hue lights directly with your LG TV.
- Works with HDMI Devices & Native Apps – Compatible with gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
- Supports LG webOS 24 and later and works with the latest LG smart TVs.
How the Philips Hue Sync App Works
Signify, the company behind Philips Hue, announced the new Hue Sync app at CES 2025. Initially, they provided a broad release window of “early this year,” but the app is now officially available on LG TVs with webOS 24 or later.
To determine if your LG TV is compatible, visit the LG website and search for your model.
What You Need to Use Hue Sync on LG TV
To take full advantage of the Hue Sync experience, ensure you have the following:
- A Compatible LG TV – Must run webOS 24 or later.
- Color-Capable Philips Hue Lights – The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip and Philips Hue Play Light Bars offer the best performance.
- Philips Hue Bridge – This device creates a mesh network for Hue lights and connects them to your home Wi-Fi.
- Philips Hue Sync App – Available for download from the LG Content Store.
Advantages of Using the Hue Sync App Over the HDMI Sync Box
| Feature | Hue Sync App (LG TV) | Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box |
|---|---|---|
| Works with HDMI inputs | Yes | Yes |
| Supports native TV apps | Yes | No |
| Cost | Lower (App-based) | High ($349.99 / £299.99 / AU$699.95) |
| Setup Complexity | Easy (App installation) | Moderate (Requires physical setup) |
| Latency Issues | Minimal | Minimal |
The biggest advantage of the Hue Sync app is its ability to work directly with native smart TV apps, something the HDMI Sync Box lacks. This means you can sync your Hue lights with streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ without needing an external device.
Alternatives to the Philips Hue Sync App
If your LG TV is not compatible with the Hue Sync app, you still have other options:
1. Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box
- Works with any TV with HDMI input.
- Compatible with gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and cable boxes.
- Supports 8K TVs and HDMI 2.1 for high-end gaming setups.
- Price: $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$ 699.95.
2. Ambilight Alternatives (Budget-Friendly)
- Use a camera-based system to capture on-screen content and mirror colors using an LED light strip behind the TV.
- Examples: Govee Immersion and Lytmi Neo Sync Box.
- More affordable but may have latency issues and accuracy limitations.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the Philips Hue Sync app for LG TVs makes immersive smart lighting more accessible than ever. No need for expensive hardware—just install the app, pair your Hue lights, and enjoy real-time synchronization with movies, games, and shows. If you own a compatible LG TV, this is the best and most cost-effective way to enhance your viewing experience.
For those with older TVs, alternatives like the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box or budget-friendly Ambilight-style solutions can still provide dynamic lighting effects, though with some trade-offs.
Check your LG TV’s compatibility, grab your Philips Hue lights, and experience next-level immersive entertainment today!
