Philips Hue Play Wall Washer: A Colorful Investment for Home Theaters
The Philips Hue Play Wall Washer has emerged as a prominent option for those looking to enhance their home entertainment experience with smart lighting. Priced at $219.99, this product aims to create an immersive ambiance by projecting colors from the TV onto the wall behind it. While the concept has sparked skepticism regarding its potential to distort filmmakers’ intent, the Play Wall Washer offers versatility beyond just entertainment.
Signify, the company behind the Philips Hue brand, markets the Play Wall Washer as an “immersive surround lighting” solution. It features a sturdy aluminum enclosure and three rows of LED lights that produce smooth gradients and vibrant colors, avoiding the overly saturated effects often seen in similar products. The device can also serve as accent lighting or a wake-up light, integrating seamlessly with other Philips Hue smart lighting solutions.
However, the Play Wall Washer requires a significant investment to achieve its full potential as a backlight. To create the desired effect, users might need to purchase a two-pack for $384.99, along with the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K for an additional $384.99, and a Hue Bridge for $65.99. The total cost can quickly escalate, particularly if users do not own compatible devices such as recent Samsung or LG TVs.
Setup and Functionality
Setting up the Play Wall Washer is straightforward, involving a simple process through the Hue app. Users can scan a QR code and pair the device with the Hue Bridge to enable various features. The Sync Box allows for automatic input switching and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 video, making it a capable addition to modern home theaters.
While the Play Wall Washer excels in ease of use, it does have limitations. As a single-source light, it may cast harsh shadows if there are objects mounted above it. This can detract from the overall experience, especially when watching films. In contrast, LED strips provide a more even distribution of light without the same issues.
Testing the device alongside options like the $149.99 Govee TV Backlight kit and the $94.49 Wiz HDMI Sync Box revealed that the Philips Hue Play Wall Washer tends to produce less localized lighting. While it offers a more subdued effect, users seeking vibrant color displays may prefer the alternatives.
Decorative Versatility and Smart Home Integration
The Play Wall Washer can also function as a decorative piece, providing a broad wash of color for ambient lighting. It works well as a standalone light, particularly in spaces with minimal decor, where it can bathe walls in smooth gradients. The Hue app offers numerous preset options and a color picker for customization.
Despite its decorative potential, finding an ideal placement can be challenging. The unit requires a stable surface and with no mounting options, it can easily obstruct walking paths. In settings with limited space, like bedrooms or small living areas, users may need to get creative to avoid clutter.
Moreover, the Play Wall Washer supports the Matter protocol when connected to a Hue Bridge, allowing it to integrate with various smart home platforms. This feature ensures compatibility with multiple ecosystems, facilitating ease of use for those who wish to incorporate it into a broader smart home setup.
Ultimately, the Philips Hue Play Wall Washer presents a unique lighting solution that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. However, its price point and the additional hardware required for optimal performance may deter some consumers. As the market for smart lighting continues to expand, potential buyers may find more cost-effective alternatives that offer similar features without the investment. For those committed to the Philips Hue ecosystem, the Play Wall Washer stands out as a creative option for both entertainment and decoration.
