This TV backlight promises simple setup and AI extras for a lot less than Philips Hue and without an HDMI box

Date:
Tue, 19 May 2026 13:33:36 +0000

Description:
Lepro's STV1 lightstrip promises more immersive entertainment without expensive hardware thanks to its camera-based setup and AI enhancements

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Camera-based so no sync box required TV sync and AI-based lighting designer From $89.99 / 89.99 (about AU$126) If you fancy a Philips Hue -style lightstrip for your TV but don't want to splash out on a sync box or sacrifice lighting quality, Lepro may
have just the strip for you. Its new STV1 lightstrip promises accurate color reproduction to extend your movie, show or game beyond the edge of your TV without complex installation or extra hardware.

I'm a big fan of lightstrips I'm on my second Hue setup and use it daily for movies, TV shows and gaming but the combination of a sync box and a lightstrip or other synchronized lighting isn't cheap. Lepro's approach is simpler and considerably less expensive, with the 55- to 65-inch version coming in at a very reasonable $89.99 / 89.99 (about AU$126).

The difference is that this is a camera-based system, and Lepro says it has key features that differentiate itself from other camera-based lighting strips. Latest Videos From You may like Philips has a new cheaper HDMI sync box for immersive TV but it's not Hue Smoother and brighter, the Hue
Omniglow has to be seen to be believed IKEA just released a super cheap Philips Hue Play Light Bar lookalike The camera captures the on-screen colors so there's no need for a separate sync box (Image credit: Lepro) Lepro STV1 lightstrip: is this the perfect accessory for your big-screen TV? The STV1
has a two-in-one design that combines the camera and controller in a single device. The camera is a fisheye ultra-wide-angle lens with a very wide field of view over 180 degrees that enables it to capture color from screens up
to 85 inches. Lepro says it responds up to 36% faster than similar camera-based setups.

If you've used fisheye lenses you'll know they distort shapes, but Lepro has thought of that. There's automatic distortion correction and zone mapping to get the captured image into the correct proportions, enabling the controller to deliver the right colors to the right parts of the lightstrip.

In addition to syncing with the on-screen action the STV1 can also listen to music, creating wave-like rhythm lighting rather than just flashing in time
to the kick drum. It also comes with a prompt-based lighting designer that
can turn your commands into lighting scenes to match whatever you plan to watch.

The STV1 comes in two sizes: 55 to 65 inches for $89.99 / 89.99, and 75 to 85 inches for $109.99. Both versions are on sale now directly from Lepro and
from retailers including Amazon in the US, although at the moment only the 55-65 inch version is listed on Lepro's UK site . Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

I suspect this won't be as accurate as a Hue strip (or an Ambilight TV) but from the videos Lepro's given us it looks to be nice and responsive across a wide range of colors. I'm a big fan of synchronized lighting and this looks like a much more affordable alternative to more premium-priced products. Today's best Lepro STV1 deals 89.99 View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-lights/this-tv-backlight-promises-simple- setup-and-ai-extras-for-a-lot-less-than-philips-hue-and-without-an-hdmi-box


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