New TV Backlight Offers Easy Setup and AI Features for Less Than Philips Hue—No HDMI Box Required

Key Takeaways

Lepro’s STV1 lightstrip offers an affordable, camera-based solution for synchronizing lighting with TV content.
The device features a fisheye lens with automatic distortion correction, capturing colors from screens up to 85 inches.
Available in two sizes, prices start at $89.99, making it a budget-friendly alternative to premium options like Philips Hue.

Affordable Camera-Based Lighting Synchronization

Lepro has introduced the STV1 lightstrip, a low-cost alternative to the Philips Hue-style lightstrip, designed for those who want enhanced lighting effects without the need for a sync box. Pricing starts at $89.99 (£89.99, approximately AU$126) for the 55- to 65-inch version. This product stands out due to its camera-based system that eliminates the complexity and expense associated with traditional setups.

The STV1 integrates a camera and controller into one device. Its ultra-wide-angle fisheye lens can capture colors from displays up to 85 inches, making it suitable for larger TV screens. Lepro claims that the STV1 responds 36% faster than competing camera-based systems, ensuring quick color synchronization.

To address the common distortion associated with fisheye lenses, Lepro has implemented automatic distortion correction and zone mapping. This technology helps project accurate colors onto the lightstrip, enhancing the viewing experience. The STV1 not only syncs with the on-screen action but can also listen to music, creating dynamic lighting effects in rhythm with the audio rather than simply flashing to the beat.

A noteworthy feature of the STV1 is its prompt-based lighting designer. This tool allows users to create personalized lighting scenes that enhance whatever they are watching, further diversifying the product’s utility.

The STV1 is available in two sizes: the 55-65-inch version priced at $89.99 and the 75-85-inch version available for $109.99. Both variants are on sale directly from Lepro and through retailers like Amazon in the US. However, only the 55-65 inch option is currently listed on the UK section of Lepro’s website.

Though it may not reach the color accuracy of premium brands like Philips Hue or Ambilight TVs, early reviews indicate that the STV1 performs impressively across a wide spectrum of colors. For those seeking to enhance their viewing experience with synchronized lighting, the STV1 represents a compelling and budget-friendly choice.

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