Signify upgrades Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box with HDMI 2.1

Smart home purveyor Signify has finally launched its new Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K, alongside the new Ensis pendant light and several new software enhancements.

The long-awaited update to the Hue sync box is here and it made the move to HDMI 2.1 which will allow resolutions up to 8K and frame rates up to 120Hz.

Notably, this also makes it fully compatible with the PS5 and Xbox One for enhanced gaming.

A product shot of the black HDMI sync box next to its packaging

The new HDMI sync box keeps the same design but supports HDMI 2.1, 8K, and 120Hz

The Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box accepts inputs from your devices such as Apple TV, gaming console, and more, then connects to your TV. Your selected lights then mirror what's displayed on your TV.

Signify offers several lights ideal for use with the sync box including a light strip that goes around the back of the TV, Play bars that sit around it, or stand lights for the far corners of the room.

AppleInsider originally reviewed the first sync box back in 2020 and enjoyed it, but much has changed since then.

The new Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box is available now for $349.99.

For smart lights, the brand is launching its new Hue Ensis pendant in both black and white.

The new Hue Ensis pendant light bar against a black background with soft light going up and down

The new Hue Ensis pendant light looks like a beautiful solution for family rooms

This elegant light hands from the ceiling with two downward cables that connect to a long bar with both downward and upward facing lights. It's shipping now for $479.99.

The Philips Hue app is getting a number of new features too. There are new effects, including Cosmos, Underwater, Enchant, and Sunbeam.

It will also soon allow for multiple bridges to be added to the same home, something necessary for large setups. There's also do not disturb mode for motion sensors and starting and stoping the mimic presence scenes.

All of Hue's lights, including the new Ensis, support Apple Home natively as well as Matter.

2 Comments

spliff monkey 882 comments · 21 Years

About 2 months ago

I wish their stuff as. little less expensive. Sheesh, but it is all good quality for the most part. I have the first synch box and am only impressed with the idea ultimately. With a little work it's amazing, but there were allot of compatibility issues that had to be worked through constantly. I'm intrigued enough to give an updated box another go. Syncing music and movies is pretty nice. The rest of my setup is HDMI 2.1 so maybe some of the compatibility issues have been fixed? one can hope.

The ensues is really nice. I have just the spot in my home for a couple of them.

dewme 5737 comments · 10 Years

About 2 months ago

spliff monkey said:

I wish their stuff as. little less expensive. Sheesh, but it is all good quality for the most part. I have the first synch box and am only impressed with the idea ultimately. With a little work it's amazing, but there were allot of compatibility issues that had to be worked through constantly. I'm intrigued enough to give an updated box another go. Syncing music and movies is pretty nice. The rest of my setup is HDMI 2.1 so maybe some of the compatibility issues have been fixed? one can hope.

The ensues is really nice. I have just the spot in my home for a couple of them.

I agree completely. Like their stuff, but it is very expensive. Would love to get more stuff. I've tried the software sync on my Mac Studio and it works pretty well, but it's more subtle syncing with your desktop(s) than TV video. I like that it works with dual monitors. The only possible self-imposed issue is trying to use it with multiple controllers of the automation, like Apple Home, Alexa, Hue Sync app on macOS, and the Hue App on iPhone. It's probably best to stick with one controller. I've found the Hue app on the iPhone to work very reliably and with the most options.

Latest Exclusives

Latest comparisons