Q: What is the difference between the types of Philips Hue lightstrip?

There are five types of Philips Hue lightstrips: Philips Hue lightstrip Plus produces one color at a time. It comes as a 2-meter length with its own power supply. It can be cut to size or extended up to 10 meters with 1-meter extensions. Ideal for accent light and highlighting architectural features of unique sizes. Philips Hue Solo lightstrip produces one color at a time. It comes in 3-meter, 5-meter, and 10-meter lengths with its own power supply. It can be cut to size, but not extended. Ideal for covering longer surfaces, such as along hallways, ceilings, or stairs. Philips Hue ambiance gradient lightstrip produces multiple colors of light at the same time. It comes as a 2-meter length with power supply. It can be cut to size or extended up to 10 m with 1-meter extensions. Because you can set a scene with multiple colors on a single fixture, it’s ideal for decorative accents. Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip for TV produces multiple colors of light at the same time. Designed to be mounted behind a TV, it comes in three lengths, based on TV size: 55-inch, 65-inch, or 75-inch. Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip for PC produces multiple colors of light at the same time. Designed to be mounted behind a monitor, it comes in three lengths, based on monitor size: 24–27 inch, 32–34 inch, or three 24–27 inch for triple-monitor setups.

Question 1

What is the difference between the types of Philips Hue lightstrip?

Accepted Answer

There are five types of Philips Hue lightstrips:

Philips Hue lightstrip Plus produces one color at a time. It comes as a 2-meter length with its own power supply. It can be cut to size or extended up to 10 meters with 1-meter extensions. Ideal for accent light and highlighting architectural features of unique sizes.
Philips Hue Solo lightstrip produces one color at a time. It comes in 3-meter, 5-meter, and 10-meter lengths with its own power supply. It can be cut to size, but not extended. Ideal for covering longer surfaces, such as along hallways, ceilings, or stairs.
Philips Hue ambiance gradient lightstrip produces multiple colors of light at the same time. It comes as a 2-meter length with power supply. It can be cut to size or extended up to 10 m with 1-meter extensions. Because you can set a scene with multiple colors on a single fixture, it’s ideal for decorative accents.
Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip for TV produces multiple colors of light at the same time. Designed to be mounted behind a TV, it comes in three lengths, based on TV size: 55-inch, 65-inch, or 75-inch.
Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip for PC produces multiple colors of light at the same time. Designed to be mounted behind a monitor, it comes in three lengths, based on monitor size: 24–27 inch, 32–34 inch, or three 24–27 inch for triple-monitor setups.

Question 2

Can I extend Philips Hue lightstrips?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which lightstrip you have.

Lightstrip Plus: Yes, up to 10 meters with 1-meter extensions

Ambiance gradient lightstrip: Yes, up to 10 meters with 1-meter extensions

Solo lightstrip: No

Play gradient lightstrip for TV: No

Play gradient lightstrip for PC: No

Question 3

Can I cut Philips Hue lightstrips to size?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which lightstrip you have.

Lightstrip Plus: Yes

Ambiance gradient lightstrip: Yes

Solo lightstrip: Yes

Play gradient lightstrip for TV: No

Play gradient lightstrip for PC: No

Question 4

Can I connect different Philips Hue lightstrip types to each other?

Accepted Answer

Because of their internal electronics, all Philips Hue lightstrips that can be extended can only be used with lightstrips of the same type. For example, you can extend lightstrip Plus with another Plus extension, but not with an ambiance gradient lightstrip extension and vice versa.

If you have older versions of the original lightstrip, they may not be compatible with the current version.

Question 5

Which Philips Hue lightstrip should I use behind a TV or monitor?

Accepted Answer

Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrips for TV were designed specifically for TV screens. They come in three lengths, based on standard TV sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, or 75-inch.

Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrips for TV were designed specifically for TV screens. They come in three lengths, based on standard monitor setups: 24–27 inch, 32–34 inch, or three 24–27 inch for triple-monitor setups.

Question 6

Do I have to use the Play gradient lightstrip only to sync with the screen?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to, but the Play gradient lightstrip was specifically designed to sync with the screen it's attached to. If you don't want to use the lightstrip to sync, we recommend the ambiance gradient lightstrip.

Question 7

Which size Play gradient lightstrip do I need?

Accepted Answer

For TVs, we have three sizes of Play gradient lightstrips: made for 55”, 65”, or 75” TVs. For monitors, we also have three sizes: made for single 24–27” monitors, made for single 32–34” monitors, and made for 24–27” triple-monitor setups. If you have a different size TV or monitor, we recommend getting a Play gradient lightstrip that is slightly smaller than your TV or monitor. Because the lightstrip is bright, it does not matter if it does not reach the corners on the back of the TV or the monitor.

If you have a TV smaller than 50” or a monitor smaller than 24”, we recommend using Philips Hue Play light bars instead.

Question 8

How should I start when installing the Play gradient lightstrip?

Accepted Answer

You can find all the instructions in the Philips Hue app! Add the light to your Philips Hue system first in the app, which will give you step-by-step instructions on the physical installation.

You can also follow the instructions in the manual or watch the how-to video for TV installation.

Question 9

How do I add a lightstrip to my existing Philips Hue system?

Accepted Answer

First, position the lightstrip where you'd like it. Like any Philips Hue light, you can add it to your system in the Philips Hue app. From the Home tab, tap the three dots (...) icon, and then tap Add lights. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the lightstrip to your system.

Question 10

Can the power supply that comes with a Philips Hue lightstrip be used with other Philips Hue lights?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The power supply can be used with other lightstrips as well as other Philips Hue lights.

Question 11

Should I avoid the vents on the back of my monitor when installing the Play gradient lightstrip?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Try to place the Play gradient lightstrip’s mounts around the vents as best you can. Blocking the vents could result in your monitor overheating.

Question 12

Should I buy a longer lightstrip that is long enough to cover the bottom of my TV or monitor?

Accepted Answer

The Play gradient lightstrip was designed to line the sides and top of your screen. If you want even more light behind your screen, you can add a Play gradient light tube or Play light bar at the bottom of your screen.

Question 13

How do I mount the Play gradient lightstrip when my monitor differs from the sizes listed on the lightstrip’s packaging?

Accepted Answer

If your monitor is bigger than 24–27 in or 32–34 in, you can still use the Play gradient lightstrip. The distance between the edge of the monitor and the outside of the mounts should ideally follow the list below, but you can adjust the placement of the mounts so that the lightstrip sits closer to the center of your monitor:

24" monitor: 2.5 cm
27" monitor: 6.5 cm
32" monitor: 5 cm
34" monitor: 6.5 cm
Three 24" monitors: 4.5 cm
Three 27" monitors: 7 cm

Question 14

Why do I sometimes see a black screen when starting some video content?

Accepted Answer

The Play gradient lightstrip isn’t compatible with protected video content (DRM), which causes the screen to go black when streaming certain content.

Question 15

How does cutting or extending a Philips Hue lightstrip affect its lumen output?

Accepted Answer

The lightstrip will automatically adjust its lumen output when cut or extended to keep the wattage used consistent.

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