WiZ’s new TV light sync box undercuts Philips Hue’s pricing by half

is a smart home reporter who’s been testing connected gadgets since 2013. Previously a contributor to Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, and US News. Budget smart lighting brand WiZ has announced a new HDMI sync box that syncs with its line of Wi-Fi-based LED lights to match what’s playing on your TV. WiZ’s HDMI Sync Box with TV backlight will be available next month. It comes in two models: one with a TV backlight strip for screens 55 inches to 65 inches in size for $89.99, and the other for screens 75 inches to 85 inches in size for $109.99. The new HDMI sync box launches alongside new light bars and a floor light. Image: Signify The new HDMI box is similar to that of WiZ’s sister brand, Philips Hue. But Hue’s HDMI Play Box starts at $249.99, with light strips sold separately. (Hue and WiZ are both owned by Signify, but their bulbs are not compatible with each other.) WiZ bulbs also use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, whereas Hue relies on Bluetooth and Zigbee (via a hub). Unlike camera-based light ... Read full article.