Don’t buy the Philip hue sync box
It’s setup process is described as something simple however it is far from it. The frustration when it fails does not out way the times it works. Yes you have the option to reach out to customer service via Facebook but they just tell you so do the same setup process over again and again until it works.
You can spend HOURS. Trying to get it to connect or successfully pair to your device then after of that opening app it won’t connect to your device ( I have tried on multiple devices) ( I have also had the sync box exchanged multiple times , as I had it to long to get a refund )
You can spend HOURS. Trying to get it to connect or successfully pair to your device then after of that opening app it won’t connect to your device ( I have tried on multiple devices) ( I have also had the sync box exchanged multiple times , as I had it to long to get a refund )
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Impossible to switch to a different Hue Bridge
Ooph, this app is excruciatingly awful. I accidentally connected my Hue sync box to the wrong Hue Bridge (in part because there’s no way to tell which bridge it’s found during setup), and now, despite resetting the connection multiple times and trying the factory reset (holding down the power button while plugging it back in), I can’t get the Hue sync box to connect to the bridge to which all the lights in my entertainment area are connected. I’ve tried uninstalling the app to just start over, but I can’t seem to do this from the iPhone home screen. The coercive onboarding prompts won’t let me go back and specify a different bridge. Complete headache and a waste of an afternoon.
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Ruined my birthday
I’ve wanted this device fore years and am a huge fan of hue. Knowing this and that I recently got a new house with tons of hue lights, someone got me this as a birthday present. While I love the lights, this box was always outside my price range considering what little it does but I was so happy to receive it. I plugged it in as soon as I got home… and the rest is history.
The lights connected once. Then, when I next opened the app, they wouldn’t connect. So I did what only help forums said and deleted the app and reset the box. Now it won’t even connect to wifi again.
Take this for a tech fanatic who didn’t listen to the warnings: DO NOT BUY THIS ITEM! It is a scam. You will not get it to work. It’s fundamentally flawed and has had different issues with each update as I can tell from my research. It should be illegal for them to sell this in the first place. I’m taking it back tonight.
Thanks a lot, Phillips.
The lights connected once. Then, when I next opened the app, they wouldn’t connect. So I did what only help forums said and deleted the app and reset the box. Now it won’t even connect to wifi again.
Take this for a tech fanatic who didn’t listen to the warnings: DO NOT BUY THIS ITEM! It is a scam. You will not get it to work. It’s fundamentally flawed and has had different issues with each update as I can tell from my research. It should be illegal for them to sell this in the first place. I’m taking it back tonight.
Thanks a lot, Phillips.
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Great! When it works
PROS:
Great when it works. It adds to ambience and it’s easier on my eyes.
CONS:
A recent update (?), or something, caused my unit to stop connecting to the bridge despite me going through the connection process. It will show connected and then report ready to sync and then, almost immediately, say the unit cannot connect to the base and to ensure the devices are on the same network. An orange dot appears then appears (again) under Settings>Switch Hue Bridge. I’m going to reset the configuration by deleting it, uninstalling all apps, removing auth from MeetHue, and pretend it’s a new install. But why is this necessary? I’m a huge fan of this product line despite it’s ridiculous price points and evident stability, but this is taxing.
Great when it works. It adds to ambience and it’s easier on my eyes.
CONS:
A recent update (?), or something, caused my unit to stop connecting to the bridge despite me going through the connection process. It will show connected and then report ready to sync and then, almost immediately, say the unit cannot connect to the base and to ensure the devices are on the same network. An orange dot appears then appears (again) under Settings>Switch Hue Bridge. I’m going to reset the configuration by deleting it, uninstalling all apps, removing auth from MeetHue, and pretend it’s a new install. But why is this necessary? I’m a huge fan of this product line despite it’s ridiculous price points and evident stability, but this is taxing.
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It doesn’t make sense
I’ve tirelessly attempted every scenario I can think of to utilize the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box. All have failed. I’ve even contacted customer service on Twitter for assistance. Failed attempts to connect sync box to the Bridge, despite already having the connection with the Hue lights. (So, I know the bridge can be connected to) It seems like terrible support for the app that could clear up many issues. Such a shame considering how much money you have to dump on all the different gadgets to make it all work.
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Play HDMI Synch - Purple Screen
I like the Phillips Hue ecosystem and have several of their lights. I bought the Play HDMI Synch with the Play Gradient Lightstrip, after waiting for several months for Phillips to restock, and when it is working it’s an awesome effect - just as advertised.
However, from the time I’ve purchased it will periodically disconnect, display a purple screen briefly, then white noise, and then will “reconnect” on its own. The “video signal” will continue to play throughout this issue (i.e., video/show won’t stop when it’s disconnected/purple screen/white noise), so it has the additional frustration of missing part of the movie or show being watched.
I’ve been searching for an update or fix for this issue, but have not succeeded in this effort. For the cost, this product should work without the problems I’m experiencing. All the other Hue products have worked without issue. If I were thinking of purchasing this (new buyers), I would wait until Phillips comes out with a fix or new hardware.
Other issues include not being able to switch between different video sources. To fix this, I’ve had to turn off the Play HDMI Synch through the app, wait a few seconds, and then turn the Play HDMI Synch box back on with all the other video sources off (except the one attempting to switch too). This issue is more of an annoyance unlike the video/purple screen issue.
However, from the time I’ve purchased it will periodically disconnect, display a purple screen briefly, then white noise, and then will “reconnect” on its own. The “video signal” will continue to play throughout this issue (i.e., video/show won’t stop when it’s disconnected/purple screen/white noise), so it has the additional frustration of missing part of the movie or show being watched.
I’ve been searching for an update or fix for this issue, but have not succeeded in this effort. For the cost, this product should work without the problems I’m experiencing. All the other Hue products have worked without issue. If I were thinking of purchasing this (new buyers), I would wait until Phillips comes out with a fix or new hardware.
Other issues include not being able to switch between different video sources. To fix this, I’ve had to turn off the Play HDMI Synch through the app, wait a few seconds, and then turn the Play HDMI Synch box back on with all the other video sources off (except the one attempting to switch too). This issue is more of an annoyance unlike the video/purple screen issue.
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Hue box + tv + Xbox
It is just unacceptable for something to work this poorly and be sold. the high price tag and nickel and diming is one thing- you need to buy a bridge ($60) and a sync box ($230) just to get the lightbulbs or $300 light strip to work! I was happy to pay that because of the promise of the cool reactive light set up.
But then you get it all in the mail. None of it works properly. I have already wasted 3-4 hours connecting and reconnecting the bridge to my WiFi network, syncing the sync box, resetting the sync box, retrying everything to get my lights to work. No end in sight. Is there any respect by this company for the time the average user will have to waste to try to get their faulty product to work? 4 hours of time is valuable beyond the large asking time.
And to make it worse. I still don’t know if the Lightstrip works or not. When it comes on, only the first 4-5 inches of the strip actually displays lights.
And there are 2 apps for some reason? This is a big company. Why is it acceptable to charge 1k for an entry level light set up, have hours of built in troubleshooting, and then have 2 separate apps to control it? (Philips hue app and Philips hue sync app - why aren’t these one app?)
Really really really disappointed. Just spend your money on a new tv instead.
But then you get it all in the mail. None of it works properly. I have already wasted 3-4 hours connecting and reconnecting the bridge to my WiFi network, syncing the sync box, resetting the sync box, retrying everything to get my lights to work. No end in sight. Is there any respect by this company for the time the average user will have to waste to try to get their faulty product to work? 4 hours of time is valuable beyond the large asking time.
And to make it worse. I still don’t know if the Lightstrip works or not. When it comes on, only the first 4-5 inches of the strip actually displays lights.
And there are 2 apps for some reason? This is a big company. Why is it acceptable to charge 1k for an entry level light set up, have hours of built in troubleshooting, and then have 2 separate apps to control it? (Philips hue app and Philips hue sync app - why aren’t these one app?)
Really really really disappointed. Just spend your money on a new tv instead.
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Work great for a couple months now trash
Me and the rest of the world seems to have this same issue with the sync box. I read the reviews before and how everyone said this product was a nightmare. Hesitant to buy, I tested my luck and it was great! I loved it! Work for about 2 months no issues and now it can’t even connect to the Hue Bridge. Constantly getting the notification “Please make sure your Hue Bridge is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Hue Sync Box.” Bridge is hardwired and sync box has no issues connecting to the phone. But now they can’t even connect together. I reset everything and still no luck. Waste of money at this point.
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Nice Job and Keep up The Good Work!!!
I have been thinking movies need to add a new concept called The Light Track that goes along with the Video and Audio Tracks. This is the closest thing on the Market to what I have been putting together. Great work here. The device and this app is the best start. Please keep going with this and adapting it.
One suggestion start focusing on speed changes for different movie genres!
If you have a hues system get this app and the the hue sync device. It makes a complete video sound and light experience!
One suggestion start focusing on speed changes for different movie genres!
If you have a hues system get this app and the the hue sync device. It makes a complete video sound and light experience!
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Disappointed in Connectivity and Perormance
Just purchased when the restock came out in the past week or two. Someone needs to debug the combination of the hardware and software in the sync and the app. The app runs then suddenly disconnects when it decides it isn’t on the same network. However, it wasn’t on the same network from the beginning. Next, rebooting the app completely doesn’t help and gives “busy cycles” as it can’t connect for about a minute before it times out. Over a few minutes, the light synchronization goes off and on sporadically. Normal full bright lights come back on, then dark colors for synch, then back to lights seemingly randomly.
If this box and app functioned ad they should this would be a 4-5 star app and hardware combo.
If this box and app functioned ad they should this would be a 4-5 star app and hardware combo.
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Still connectivity issues
So many reviews. So many complaints. System up to date and they still have t fixed the issues people are complaining about. But hey, you do get the generic developer response- call us we will help you. Raise your hand if after spending hundreds of dollars you wanna sit and troubleshoot. Without fail every time I go to use this I have to delete the app and reinstall. Factory reset the box and do a fresh startup. Hue, listen to your customers, fix this. Please don’t respond with the stupid generic dev call is response.
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Works just as expected
I am sorry to see all of the negative reviews. I am curious why so many people are having problems. Perhaps it’s your setup? I am using the sync box with an apple tv and a very good router and have not had a single issue. No connectivity problems whatsoever. Love it. Would buy again. Recommended to all of my friends. I already had 75 hue lights in the house so adding a sync box was a matter of time.
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Return the hue sync now. Trust me
You will not want to deal with the multitude of problems, lack of customer service, and over all discomfort from using this app. The technology itself doesn’t work. Your best bet is to return the device now. It doesn’t even come with a reset button on the sync! Which is terrible because you need to reset it at least once a month if you want to use it. The creators honestly forgot about this product. Please please please take caution. You will be here writing a one star review in half a year tops. Just return the device now and get your money back, maybe there is a better service but this entire product has left me very wary.
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Works well but…
My sync box works consistently when I turn it on from the app, and stays connected. I remember having some issues initially setting up but those seem to have resolved themselves.
But… It would be really nice if the shortcuts I make with the iOS Shortcuts app worked. It’s never able to connect from the shortcut, so I always have to into the app to change settings and turn on the sync.
But… It would be really nice if the shortcuts I make with the iOS Shortcuts app worked. It’s never able to connect from the shortcut, so I always have to into the app to change settings and turn on the sync.
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Won’t respond to Alexa commands anymore, won’t connect to network
Last hue update completely toasted this units ability to follow Alexa commands, or connect. Open app just keeps saying “it’s taking longer to connect” yadda yadda. Worked fine before. Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken. I feel the “overhaul” of the main hue app is the culprit and there was nothing wrong with the way it was! Alexa commands are not working either and I’ve tried going though that app too in order to fix. Everything fine on that end. It’s this app and software that’s bad.
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If it only worked
Set up my new Hue sync box 5 days ago. It has worked about 40% of the time. Like everyone else I’m stuck were the app is trying to connect and it keeps telling me to make sure it is on the same network as my bridge. Customer support said it was a firewall setting. I worked with my provider, and tried everything possible to no avail. Like everyone says it’s a great product if only it worked properly. I also noticed that people in the same situation as me get no feed back from Philips support. It surprising how at $230 Phillip’s is very aware of the issue for years, and nothing has been done to help the hundreds of people who are having connectivity issues. At this point I don't know if it’s a faulty bridge, sync box, or app. I will be returning everything I purchased for my set up. The most expensive paper weight purchased. Very disappointed
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Great When It Works
This app and the associated equipment is extremely frustrating. The app itself is thoughtfully designed and laid out but is extremely unreliable.
Expect that at least 25% of the time the app will be unable to connect to the Sync box. The dialogue box that pops up to inform you of this directs you to the app’s settings which are, I have to say, useless. You can toggle WiFi and Bluetooth on and off. That’s pretty much it. If it’s not working you pretty much just have to hope it does at some point.
The lighting effect itself is very enjoyable but I regret buying this in the first place.
Expect that at least 25% of the time the app will be unable to connect to the Sync box. The dialogue box that pops up to inform you of this directs you to the app’s settings which are, I have to say, useless. You can toggle WiFi and Bluetooth on and off. That’s pretty much it. If it’s not working you pretty much just have to hope it does at some point.
The lighting effect itself is very enjoyable but I regret buying this in the first place.
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Works Ok but Needs Improvement
Hue box doesnt support any hdmi 2.1 features. Horrible for a product this late in the game. Ten times more horrible than that is it doesnt support the 5g wifi band forcing me on a band that is susceptible to interference and causes video to buffer a lot. It has forced me to thrn on all “smart”. (Dumb) connecting features on my router to resolve. It did that but causes some undesirable effects with my other devices. Wish I could leave my router alone and let everythibg on the 5g band. The Hue box leeps me from being able to do that.
Other than that, the Hue box does everything it is supposed to do pretty well but lags occasionally causing the gradient on my play strip to be a bit choppy. Its pretty good, but its quality does not justify its price at all.
Other than that, the Hue box does everything it is supposed to do pretty well but lags occasionally causing the gradient on my play strip to be a bit choppy. Its pretty good, but its quality does not justify its price at all.
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Great when it works but frustrating when it doesnt
I’ve had this set up now for over six months and when it works it’s very impressive. But seemingly at random it will decide to stop working. Turning everything off and back on again seems to solve the problem most times. But sometimes you have to go into this sync app and it’s super frustrating when you’re sitting right in front of the box and it tells you it’s not found and maybe it’s on a different network. Argh!!! I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes maybe it’s because the hue hub is wired into a ethernet port and this thing is on Wi-Fi that it thinks it’s on a different network for some god-awful reason and maybe it’s using Bluetooth for some thing I don’t know. I don’t know why they didn’t include an ethernet port on this thing so it could be hardwired in. I’m sure that would solve a lot of these problems by not using Wi-Fi. But judging from the horrible reviews here I guess it’s not just me having this issue. I’ll stick with it and at the very least it’s a four port HDMI automatic switcher that seems to actually work OK.
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Was awesome now it’s not
Like everyone says it is amazing love my hue I believe 22 lights and a sync box (new about 3months old) never a issue now lately after playing Xbox my tv will go black in the middle of playing I now it’s not my box because I am still in the chat. Picture flashes several times. I know it’s not my TV. It is set to game mode hdmi 1 soooo still annoying now The app after this current update will now not connect continues to tell me to go to setting or close. I know it’s not my router or network issue all my devices/smart home works. Would really like a resolution for this issue. I have invested to much to be this disappointed
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