Govee’s TV Backlight 3 Pro: Elevate Your Viewing Experience at Half the Cost
Enhancing your television viewing experience with synchronized ambient lighting has become increasingly popular, yet options are often limited and expensive. Govee’s latest offering, the TV Backlight 3 Pro, emerges as a compelling solution, delivering impressive performance at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.
Innovative Design and Setup
Govee has established itself in the smart lighting arena, offering a diverse range of products that combine vibrant illumination with internet connectivity. The TV Backlight series stands out by utilizing a unique approach: instead of tapping directly into the HDMI signal like some high-end alternatives, it employs a compact camera mounted atop your TV to capture on-screen colors. This method allows the Backlight 3 Pro to analyze the display and project corresponding hues onto the surrounding environment.
Priced at $179, the TV Backlight 3 Pro is significantly more affordable than options like the Philips Hue Play Sync Box 8K, which retails for $389. While the Hue system may offer slightly faster and more accurate color matching due to its direct HDMI connection, the performance gap may not justify the substantial price difference for many users.
The initial appearance of the camera may seem unconventional, resembling a small antenna perched on your TV. However, this triple-HDR camera is designed to capture both quick and long exposures, adjusting to varying brightness levels to accurately represent darker tones in low-light scenes. It monitors three distinct zones on the screen, transmitting data to the LED strips affixed to the back of the TV. These strips then project light onto the wall, creating an immersive visual effect that closely mirrors on-screen content.
Installation is straightforward, with the kit including all necessary components. Secure clamps ensure the LED strips remain firmly in place, even around corners where adhesive might struggle. Both the camera and LED strips connect to a compact power box, which can be discreetly attached to the TV’s rear panel. A single power cord supplies the entire system, simplifying cable management.
Performance and Customization
Achieving optimal performance requires some fine-tuning, primarily through Govee’s feature-rich control app. While the app offers extensive customization options, navigating its myriad settings can be daunting. For instance, setting the backlights to mirror the TV screen involves selecting the video mode—a simple step that can be easily overlooked amidst the app’s complexity.
Within this mode, users can adjust various parameters to suit their preferences. One recommended configuration is setting the mode to Vivid with the HDR Effect at level 2 and enabling the Black Bar Elimination feature. Although Govee offers an AI mode designed to enhance responsiveness, some users may find it introduces a slight delay between on-screen changes and corresponding lighting adjustments. Disabling this mode can result in quicker synchronization, allowing the ambient lighting to blend seamlessly with the viewing environment.
The system also allows for individual brightness adjustments for each segment of the LED strip. This feature is particularly useful for setups where the TV is mounted at an angle, causing certain sections to be closer to the wall. By reducing the brightness of these segments, users can achieve a more uniform illumination across the wall, enhancing the overall visual effect.
Considerations and Connectivity
One notable drawback is the system’s sensitivity to reflections, especially on glossy TV screens. Ambient light sources, such as sunlight or nearby lamps, can cause the camera to misinterpret colors, leading to inaccurate lighting projections. For example, during daytime viewing with curtains open, reflections from outdoor greenery may result in an unintended green hue. Similarly, indoor lighting can cause the system to display colors that don’t match the on-screen content. While bright scenes typically override these reflections, darker scenes may be more susceptible to such inaccuracies.
For users who prioritize precise color matching, these issues might be concerning. However, adjusting room lighting conditions or using the system primarily in controlled lighting environments can mitigate these effects. Additionally, the system’s performance during nighttime viewing or in dimly lit rooms is generally more accurate.
The TV Backlight 3 Pro requires the Govee app for setup and control. Although the lights are compatible with Matter, a standard for smart home devices, this integration primarily supports basic functions like color selection and brightness adjustment. Advanced configurations and features are accessible exclusively through the Govee app.
Integration with Other Govee Products
An added advantage for users with other Govee lighting products is the Dreamview feature, which enables synchronization across multiple devices. This functionality allows additional Govee lights to display colors that complement the TV backlighting, creating a cohesive and immersive lighting environment.
For instance, pairing the TV Backlight 3 Pro with the Trochiere Floor Lamp allows for detailed color mapping. The lamp’s three LED segments can be virtually linked to specific areas of the room, displaying colors that enhance the overall ambiance. The app’s 3D mapping feature provides granular control, enabling users to fine-tune the lighting to their preferences.
Conclusion
Considering its price point and performance, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro offers a compelling alternative to more expensive systems. While it may not match the absolute precision of higher-priced competitors, it delivers a satisfying and immersive lighting experience that enhances television viewing. Potential issues with reflections can be managed with minor adjustments, making it a viable option for those seeking to elevate their home entertainment setup without a significant financial investment.
The TV Backlight 3 Pro is available for $179 for 55 to 65-inch TVs, and $209 for 75 to 85-inch models.
