Any links to online stores should be assumed to be affiliates. The company or PR agency provides all or most review samples. They have no control over my content, and I provide my honest opinion.
Signify, the parent company behind both Philips Hue and WiZ, has announced the global launch of the WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight, alongside new Gradient Light Bars and a Gradient Floor Light. This new offering aims to bring dynamic, colour-matched lighting effects to home entertainment setups, providing an accessible route to immersive TV, film, and gaming experiences. The WiZ HDMI Sync Box enters a market dominated by the Philips Hue Sync Box and high-end gradient lighting products, so a direct comparison is essential for consumers considering their next upgrade.
WiZ HDMI Sync Box: Features and Functionality
Direct HDMI Signal Processing
The WiZ HDMI Sync Box is designed to synchronise smart lighting with the content displayed on your television. By connecting the Sync Box to a HDMI media device-such as a streaming stick, set-top box, or gaming console-and attaching the included segmented RGBIC LED strip to the back of the TV, users can make their lights mirror the colours and brightness of the screen in real time. This approach eliminates the need for an external camera or lengthy calibration process.
The Sync Box supports HDMI 2.0 and is compatible with video formats up to 4K at 60Hz, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. The device reads the video signal directly from the HDMI input, instantly analysing the screen and generating accurate colours for the connected lights. Two sizes are available, covering TVs from 55 to 65 inches and from 75 to 85 inches.
Preset Modes and Customisation
Users can choose from four preset sync modes-Cinematic, Vibrant, Relaxation, and Rhythmic. Each mode can be further customised for brightness, colour saturation, and intensity. This flexibility allows users to select whether the lights should closely follow every colour change or transition more gradually, matching the dominant hues on the screen.
Audio Sync and Smart Controls
A built-in microphone enables the Sync Box to capture audio from any source, allowing the lights to change colours and brightness in sync with music. Control is available via the WiZ app, voice assistants (Google Assistant and Alexa), or the WiZ remote control. An auto-switching feature can be set in the app so that the lights activate and sync automatically whenever the HDMI source is active.
Multi-Light Support and Matter Compatibility
Any WiZ colour-capable light that supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can be linked to the Sync Box, with no practical limit on the number of lights (as long as they are on the same Wi-Fi network). The new Gradient Light Bars and Gradient Floor Light are designed to complement the Sync Box, providing wall-washing effects and multi-segment colour displays. Both are also Matter compatible, allowing integration with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
Gradient Light Bars and Gradient Floor Light: Expanding the Experience
Gradient Light Bars
The WiZ Gradient Light Bars can be controlled individually and feature a multi-segment design, allowing them to display multiple colours simultaneously. Each bar can be positioned horizontally or vertically, either on a surface or mounted behind a TV or monitor. This versatility helps create a more immersive surround lighting effect.
Gradient Floor Light
The Gradient Floor Light offers a wide beam angle and a slim, minimalistic design, suitable for placement in any room corner. Its one-piece, plug-and-play construction means no assembly is required. Like the Light Bars, it supports multi-segment colour displays and can be synced with video or music for dynamic lighting effects.
Preset Scenes and Colour Range
Both products offer 16 million colours and a range of preset modes-including Party, Fireplace, and Ocean-enabling users to set the mood for any occasion. The lights can be controlled via the WiZ app or through major smart home platforms thanks to Matter compatibility.
Pricing and Availability
The WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight is priced at £79.99 for TVs between 55 and 65 inches, and £99.99 for TVs between 75 and 85 inches. The Gradient Light Bars are available for £54.99, and the Gradient Floor Light is priced at £79.99. All products are available globally from May 2025, with the larger Sync Box bundle arriving in September 2025.
Comparison: WiZ HDMI Sync Box vs Philips Hue Sync Box
| Feature | WiZ HDMI Sync Box | Philips Hue Sync Box (4K) | Philips Hue Sync Box (8K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (UK) | £79.99–£99.99 (inc. light strip) | £229.99 (device only) | £349.99 (device only) |
| Included Accessories | 3-side RGBIC light strip | None (light strip sold separately) | None (light strip sold separately) |
| Supported Resolution | Up to 4K @ 60Hz | Up to 4K @ 60Hz | Up to 8K @ 60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, Dolby Vision | HDR10+, Dolby Vision | HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| HDMI Inputs | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Multi-Light Support | Unlimited (WiZ ecosystem) | Up to 10 (Hue ecosystem) | Up to 10 (Hue ecosystem) |
| Audio Sync (via Microphone) | Yes | No (video sync only) | No (video sync only) |
| App/Voice Control | WiZ app, Alexa, Google | Hue app, Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Hue app, Alexa, Google, HomeKit |
| Matter Compatibility | Yes | No | No |
| Required Hub | No | Hue Bridge required | Hue Bridge required |
| Calibration/Setup | No camera/calibration needed | No camera, requires app setup | No camera, requires app setup |
Key Differences
- Price and Value: The WiZ HDMI Sync Box is considerably more affordable than the Philips Hue alternatives. The WiZ bundle includes a light strip, whereas Hue requires separate purchases for the Sync Box and compatible light strips.
- HDMI Inputs: Philips Hue Sync Box offers four HDMI inputs, making it suitable for setups with multiple HDMI devices. The WiZ Sync Box has a single HDMI input, so users with several devices will need an external HDMI switch or splitter.
- Resolution and Refresh Rate: The WiZ Sync Box supports up to 4K at 60Hz. The latest Philips Hue Sync Box (8K) supports up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, which is relevant for high-end gaming and future-proofing.
- Audio Sync: The WiZ Sync Box has a built-in microphone for audio-based lighting effects, a feature not present in the Philips Hue Sync Boxes.
- Ecosystem and Compatibility: The WiZ system does not require a separate hub, and its lights are Matter compatible, broadening smart home integration. Philips Hue requires the Hue Bridge for full functionality and does not currently support Matter for the Sync Box.
- Setup and Calibration: Both systems avoid the need for a camera, but the WiZ Sync Box streamlines setup further by not requiring a dedicated hub or complex calibration.
Comparison: WiZ Gradient Floor Light vs Philips Hue Gradient Signe Floor Lamp
| Feature | WiZ Gradient Floor Light | Philips Hue Gradient Signe Floor Lamp |
|---|---|---|
| Price (UK) | £79.99 | £299.99 |
| Colour Range | 16 million colours | 16 million colours |
| Multi-Segment Colour | Yes | Yes |
| Height | Not specified (compact design) | 146 cm |
| Control | WiZ app, Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Hue app, Alexa, Google, HomeKit |
| Matter Compatibility | Yes | Via Hub |
| Required Hub | No | Hue Bridge required |
| Preset Modes | Yes (Party, Fireplace, Ocean) | Yes (Dynamic scenes) |
| Assembly | Plug-and-play, no assembly | Assembly required |
| Integration with Sync Box | Yes (WiZ Sync Box) | Yes (Hue Sync Box) |
Key Differences
- Price: The WiZ Gradient Floor Light is substantially less expensive than the Philips Hue Gradient Signe Floor Lamp.
- Hub Requirement: The WiZ product does not require a hub, whereas the Hue Signe Floor Lamp requires the Hue Bridge for full functionality.
- Design and Assembly: The WiZ Gradient Floor Light is designed for plug-and-play use, while the Hue Signe Floor Lamp requires some assembly.
- Height and Output: The Hue Signe Floor Lamp is taller and may provide higher light output, which could be beneficial for larger rooms.
Limitations and Considerations
WiZ HDMI Sync Box
- The single HDMI input may be restrictive for users with multiple devices. An external HDMI switch can address this, but adds complexity.
- Maximum supported resolution is 4K at 60Hz. Users with next-generation consoles or high-end PCs seeking 120Hz or 8K support will need to consider the Philips Hue 8K Sync Box.
- The WiZ ecosystem, while growing, is not as extensive as Philips Hue, which may influence those already invested in a particular smart lighting platform.
Philips Hue Sync Box
- The higher price point and requirement for the Hue Bridge make the initial investment significantly greater.
- Only one Sync Box can be used per Hue Bridge, limiting multi-TV households unless additional bridges are purchased.
- Lack of Matter support may be a drawback for users seeking future-proof smart home integration.
Conclusion
The WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight, Gradient Light Bars, and Gradient Floor Light offer a cost-effective and straightforward solution for synchronising smart lighting with home entertainment. The system is particularly attractive for users seeking an affordable entry point into dynamic TV lighting, with broad smart home compatibility and minimal setup requirements.
For those with more advanced requirements-such as multiple HDMI devices, higher refresh rates, or integration into an existing Philips Hue ecosystem-the Philips Hue Sync Box and Gradient Signe Floor Lamp remain strong options, albeit at a much higher cost. The choice between the two systems will largely depend on budget, technical requirements, and existing smart home infrastructure.
With the launch of these new WiZ products, consumers now have greater flexibility in tailoring their home entertainment lighting to their preferences, whether prioritising affordability, ease of use, or advanced features.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
