Question 1

What is the difference between the Philips Hue lightstrip, the Philips Hue ambiance gradient lightstrip, and the Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrips?

Accepted Answer

Philips Hue lightstrips produce one color at a time. This lightstrip is ideal for functional uses, such as along a hallway or stairs, or to highlight architectural features.

Philips Hue ambiance gradient lightstrips produce multiple colors of light at the same time. With these, you can set a scene with multiple colors — and even make it dynamic — using just one light fixture.

Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrips are specially designed to be placed behind a TV or PC monitor. They also produce multiple colors of light at the same time.

Question 2

Can I attach the Philips Hue lightstrip to the Philips Hue ambiance gradient lightstrip?

Accepted Answer

No. The two types of lightstrips and extensions are not interchangeable. However, you can add both types of lightstrips to a Room or Zone in the Hue app to control them simultaneously.

Question 3

Can I use the Philips Hue ambiance gradient lightstrip behind a TV or monitor?

Accepted Answer

The Philips Hue ambiance gradient lightstrip was not designed to be used with a TV or a monitor, but you can still use it there. However, Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrips are a better option for TVs or monitors. There are two versions: one designed for TVs and one designed for monitors. The Play gradient lightstrip comes with all the necessary mounts and adhesives and was calibrated to provide the best color experience when used with a TV or PC monitor.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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

Accepted Answer

To add a device, including lightstrips, to your Bridge, make sure your Hue app is updated to the latest version and follow these steps:

1. Gather the devcies you want to add and find their QR codes, located on the devices themselves.

2. In the Home tab, tap the three-dots (…) icon.

3. Tap Add devices and follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR codes and add the devices to your Bridge.

Question 8

Can I connect a lightstrip or ambiance gradient lightstrip to a Play gradient lightstrip?

Accepted Answer

Play gradient lightstrips use different types of strips altogether, meaning they cannot be connected to one another. Want to control them together? Put them into the same Room or Zone!

Question 9

Can I cut the Play gradient lightstrip or connect additional lightstrips to it?

Accepted Answer

The Play gradient lightstrip was not designed to be cut or extended. There are multiple versions of the Play gradient lightstrip to ensure you get the right size for your TV or monitor.

Question 10

Can I use the power supply unit that came with Play light bars to power a lightstrip?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You connect the Play gradient lightstrip to the power supply unit (PSU) that your Play light bars use. Note that the Play gradient lightstrip uses all the available wattage on that PSU, so you’ll still need an additional PSU to power any Play light bars. In this case, we recommend simply using the PSU that came with your lightstrip.

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.

Lightstrips

Setup guide

How to videos

Release notes