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Irish Examiner

Transform your TV setup: WiZ HDMI Sync Box and gradient lights review

The WiZ HDMI Sync Box and Gradient Light Bars offer a more affordable alternative to something like Philips' Hue HDMI Sync Box, allowing you to turn your living room into an immersive light show. Design and setup If you're not interested in a complicated setup, you're in luck because there's no need to awkwardly mount a camera on top of your TV or go through any complex calibration steps. Simply plug the Sync Box into your streaming box, console, or set-top box, and attach the included RGBIC LED light strip to the back of your TV. I used the model designed for 55- to 65-inch TVs (€89.99), although a version is also available for larger 75- to 85-inch screens (€109.99). The HDMI Sync Box supports HDMI 2.0 and handles video resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz, with support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. While HDMI 2.1 and support for 4K at 120Hz would have been a welcome bonus, it's entirely forgivable at this price point. Everything links via the WiZ app over Wi-Fi, and you can also use Google Assistant, Alexa, or the optional WiZ remote control for hands-free operation. Light performance Once set up, the system impresses with how quickly and accurately the lighting reacts to on-screen content. Colours from your favourite films, games, or shows extend beyond the TV and spill onto your walls, creating a more immersive experience. Explosions glow brighter, sunsets feel warmer, and fantasy worlds look more alive. The included LED strip wraps around three sides of your TV and produces seamless colour transitions. Depending on your mood or content, you can switch between different sync styles. Cinematic mode delivers smooth, gradual lighting transitions that are ideal for films and TV shows. If you want something more punchy, Vibrant mode offers intense colour saturation that really pops. Relaxation mode brings softer hues to the room for ambient watching, while Rhythmic mode synchronises the lights with audio for music sessions. There's also a built-in microphone on the Sync Box itself, allowing it to adapt to both sound and visuals. Streaming your favourite playlist or hosting a get-together? The lighting shifts dynamically in sync with the beat, requiring no additional input. Optional add-ons To fully immerse yourself, the WiZ Gradient Light Bars (€59.99) and Gradient Floor Light are well worth considering. I tested Light Bars, and they dramatically extend the ambience beyond just the TV wall. The Gradient Light Bars feature a multicolour segment design that displays multiple hues simultaneously. Each bar can be controlled independently, and mounting them is straightforward. You can place them vertically beside your screen, or horizontally on desks and counters for even more atmospheric wash lighting. Both lights are also Matter-compatible, allowing you to control them using Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, thereby adding even more smart home versatility. Smart control and sync features The experience is highly customisable through the WiZ app. You can adjust brightness, colour saturation, intensity, and transition speed. There's even an auto-switching feature so the lights start syncing the moment your HDMI source is powered on. What's more impressive is that you can link up to 32 WiZ colour-capable lights, as long as they're on the same Wi-Fi network. This opens up the possibility of a full-room immersive lighting setup for serious home cinema fans or RGB enthusiasts. While the light syncing effect can be immersive during dynamic content, it's not always desirable. For more everyday viewing, I preferred setting a static colour — a simple adjustment via the app. Verdict The WiZ HDMI Sync Box and Gradient Lights deliver a seamless, screen-enhancing experience that's immersive, affordable, and surprisingly easy to set up. If you're craving next-level ambience for movies, games or music, this one's a no-brainer.