|

Hue Play Bar Vs Gradient Strip

Imagine a beautiful glow around the TV and adding to the ambience of your living room. You can make that happen with Philips Hue products.

Now, you must have heard about two of the best Hue lights in the market: the Gradient Strip and the Hue Play Bar. They are both light sources with a range of light colours to pick from.  

And they have some unique features that we will discuss and compare below. Once you have all the information, make a choice depending on your purpose. 

So, without further ado, let us begin. 

Contents

A Brief Guide To Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip

Pros

  • Minimalist appearance
  • Can be used outdoors and indoors
  • Showcases flexibility and can be bent, shaped, and extended 
  • Placed behind the TV and under cabinets 

Cons

  • Expensive

It is a high-tech LED light strip that is made specifically to be placed behind the TV. You can use the Hue Sync Box to synchronise this device with the light emitted from the television. One can attach it to the back of the TV with the help of the mounts provided in the box, along with the Hue light strip. 

Moreover, there are three sizes available, and you can purchase them on the basis of your TV size. There is a 55-inch Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for TVs that range from 55 to 65 inches. You can opt for a 65-inch option if your TV size is between 65 to 70 inches. 

For TVs that measure more than 75 inches, there is 75 inch Hue Play gradient Lightstrip. This Hue Gradient Lightstrip will fit around the three sides of a TV. There are seven lighting parts that are included in this Lightstrip. Two of them are present on each side, and three are included on top of it. 

Also, before you purchase, remember to choose according to the size of your TV. If you purchase a larger model, then the lights may not sync well with the screen. Note that the Play Gradient Lightstrip can be used in other places except the TV. However, it comes with a thick casing along with double-sided tape, which can be difficult to place anywhere else. 

A Brief Guide To Hue Play Light Bar 

Pros

  • Can be used with PCs and TVs 
  • Comes in white and black housing colours 
  • Syncs with games, music and movies 

Cons

  • Expensive 

The Philips Hue Play Bars can throw lights on the walls to create backlighting behind the TV. You can keep it vertically or horizontally or put it on top of the device. The bars are 25.3 cm in length and have the capacity to create a glow of one colour at a time. Some people believe in using more than one play bar to create an array of colours. 

It can pair with the TV and provide you with an encompassing TV viewing experience. Also, when you pair it with a personal computer, you can enjoy an immersive gaming experience. 

That is not all; Light Bars are sleek and compact, ensuring that they do not take up too much space. 

Moving on, you can use the Sync Box to connect and sync to the TV or music. A lot of people even use ten Light Bars around the TV for a warm ambience. 

Hue Play Bar Vs. Gradient Strip: Similarities 

By now, you have realised that both these Lightstrips and Light Bars can be kept at the back of the TV. A sync box, along with a Hue Bridge, will be needed to connect the light to the music or the television. This Hue bridge is an essential part of Phillips Hue lighting and can help you connect the light to any compatible or smart device. 

It can be synced to 12 Hue accessories along with 50 light sources giving you the best smart lighting performance. 

Also, after you have placed them in position and the set-up is completed, the light should react to the sound or the TV and be synchronised with both. You can use the Philips Hue app to build 3D entertainment zones so that the app knows where the TV and the lights are for the best effect. 

Further, you should know that all Philips Hue products are compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Hence, you can control and monitor these lights with your voice as well, making the process convenient. 

Why Is Gradient Light Strip Better Than Playbars? 

Now that we have spoken about the similarities, it is time to mention the differences. 

1. Helps Maintain The Philips Hue Bridge Limit

The Hue Bridge plays a crucial role when connecting the Hue Play Bars as well as Gradient Strips to the TV. However, the Hue Bridge has a limit of 50 devices, and that can be problematic if you own a number of Play Bars. The Hue Bridge will not break down after 50 devices, but the performance may not be up to the mark. 

Instead, you can get a similar effect from a single Gradient strip that will only occupy one position in the Hue Bridge. 

2. 45-Degree Angle Illumination 

The Philips Hue Lightstrip will ensure that the light spreads at a 45-degree angle from behind the television. This provides a big splash of shades on the wall, which looks beautiful. But when it comes to Light Bars, they are generally placed behind the television facing the wall, and they throw light directly to the wall. When compared, the gradient strip actually spreads light better. 

3. Easy To Install 

The Hue Gradient Lightstrip comes with mounting clips that can be used to attach it to the back of the TV. These mounts are very sturdy and can easily fit wherever needed. 

However, Play Bars need to be attached to the television with sticky pads, and it can take a lot of time to place them in the proper way. 

4. Cable Connections 

A Gradient Strip contains one plug along with a cable, which makes it easy to connect to the power source. However, Light Bars have individual plugs, and you will need a number of power points to connect them. On the other hand, you can connect three Play Bars to one plug, and that can go into one socket. 

Why Is Philips Hue Play Bars Better Than Gradient Strips?

We will now be talking about the benefits and points of comparison between the Hue Gradient Strip and the Play Bars. 

1. Colours Can Be Set Separately 

When it comes to Play Bars, you do not have to keep them synced to your television at all times. They can be used individually to add to the ambient light. Each play bar can be set to glow in a different colour to enhance the space better. 

However, when it comes to Gradient Strips, they have been designed specifically to sync with the television. So, if they are not synced, then they can only glow in one shade. But, Hue, as a brand, is working on changing this and bringing in seven colour shades. 

2. Play Bars Showcase Versatility 

While Play Bars are generally mounted behind the television, they can also be used in other places around your home. They have a beautiful light, which can provide a unique effect to any smart home or entertainment area. Also, they are compact and easy to take around. 

In comparison, Philips Gradient Lightstrip has lesser uses and works the best when synced to the TV. 

What To Purchase?

Once you have gone through the information above, you will know that Gradient Strips are a better choice to place lights near the rear end of the television.

However, if you have a wall-mounted TV, then placing lights behind will not be possible. In this case, buy Hue Play Bars and place a few of them on the bottom below the television. You can also place these anywhere else in the house, as they are pretty versatile.

Additionally, you can look for more options and opt for regular LED light strips, which can be placed behind the TV. They are relatively cheaper when compared to other Hue products and will not have to be synced to the TV.

Final Words

We spoke to a few customers to learn about their experience using both products. Many found the Play Bars to be smaller and easier to work with. They are versatile and can be kept anywhere in the house. You can use them to keep behind or in front of music systems and computer screens. 

On the other hand, Gradient Strips are easy to install behind the TV. They have one wire, which needs to be connected to a plug, and you’re good to go. Plus, they put less pressure on the Hue Bridge while working.

With this, we hope you making a choice now will not be difficult. Hope you have a great experience.

Bye! 

Similar Posts