Govee Envisual T2: The camera-based Philips Ambilight alternative in a hands-on – NotebookCheck.net Reviews

The T2 comes nicely packaged, with all the pieces wanted for operation. Besides the digital camera, the LED strip, the controller unit and extra security clips are in fact in the compact bundle.

The coronary heart of the retrofittable Ambilight alternative is in fact the digital camera, which can also be (virtually, however extra on that later) the one seen aspect that reveals the brand new lighting. The case has a premium really feel, and though it’s in fact a conspicuous object on the higher fringe of the display, Govee has finished all the pieces right here to take care of a pleasing impression. The digital camera is roofed with a grey cloth, whereas the mount itself is made from excessive-high quality plastic.

The T2 LED strip consists of 4 components, every of which is linked with a quick cable. Govee states that TV sizes from 55″-65″ could be lined. While this flexibility is in fact very laudable, it outcomes in a small drawback with our 55″ LG OLED. The connecting cables are quite long and in the worst case protrude beyond the edge of the screen.

The LED strip can be easily attached with the already attached adhesive surfaces and even after three weeks, nothing has come loose or loosened. Self-adhesive plastic clips, which are attached to the respective ends of the LED strips according to the instructions, provide additional security.

The Asian manufacturer includes two additional clips, which are probably intended as replacements, but could also be used well in our case to fix the protruding connection cables out of sight. Due to the stand mounting of our LG TV, we also had to move the lower LED strip up a few centimeters and in this case, too, a few additional mounting clips, like in the example shown, would have been very useful.

After all LED strips are attached, you only have to connect them to the controller unit together with the camera.
Generally, the installation goes quickly and without problems or obstacles thanks to the clear instructions.

Now that all the pieces is ready on the {hardware} aspect, all that continues to be is to obtain the “Govee Home” app to place the lighting into operation. The setup is fast and in our case with none issues. While the app appears to be like comparatively clear and practical so far as devoted tab for the T2 is worried, the “Scene” and “Store” tabs look considerably cluttered to our eyes.

During the primary startup, the digital camera is calibrated for its personal TV. For this, seven coloured foam squares are glued to the TV (we couldn’t discover any residue on the floor after 2 occasions of use) and their place is aligned with the corresponding factors by way of the digital camera picture. After that, all that basically stays is to regulate the lighting to your personal preferences.

With manufacturing unit settings, the lighting was too saturated for us and the colours didn’t actually match the display content material both, however lowering the saturation in the app and a little bit of “trial and error” with the white steadiness slider rapidly eradicated the issue.

What are the advantages of a backlight that’s tailored to the display’s exercise for Netflix, gaming and the like? During the primary assessments, we thought it was fairly good. Especially when gaming on the TV, the LEDs develop the gaming motion and “enlarge” the TV past the sting of the display. Once you get used to the impact, it once more appears to be like fairly naked while you deactivate the T2.

By the way in which, that is additionally one among our factors of criticism. Since the lighting and TV will not be immediately linked, switching on or off at all times must be finished manually. Unfortunately, the person at all times has to carry out this course of by way of the app, however in any other case, we didn’t have any issues with the Govee answer in lively use.

How nicely the impact works and the way correct the colours are at all times relies upon very a lot on the chosen content material. While Avatar with its already exaggerated colour design is an absolute prime instance, “realistic” collection and even regular tv applications can not fairly persuade. Especially with pores and skin tones or desaturated yellow-purple gradations, the digital camera is commonly fairly far off the mark, which generally moderately distracts from what is going on on the display.

In distinction, the Ambilight alternative is convincing in gaming, aside from the talked about colour deviations. The LEDs additionally sustain with quick actions and react sensitively sufficient with out the impact being distracting. We at all times used the T2 in “Movie” mode, however the “Game” setting was a bit too hectic.

Apart from the few actual factors of criticism, the Govee Envisual T2 is totally convincing. The lengthy connection cables are in all probability solely a drawback for 55″ TVs, and with a bit of patience and dexterity, you can certainly achieve a much better result here. You can also get used to switching it on manually via the app, especially when you consider that the lighting is not suitable or desired for every type of content.

Of course, when it comes to interactive TV lighting, you can’t ignore the offering from class leader Philips and the corresponding Ambilight system. While the native solution has the advantage of not needing a camera and extra light strips, it is only available with Philips TVs. With the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box and the Gradient Light Strip, Philips also offers a competing product for retrofitting.

While no camera is used here either, but all devices are connected via HDMI, you have to dig deep into your pocket, as is typical for Hue, and the corresponding set of Play Box and LED Strip costs more than 400 Euros (~$434). In contrast, the Govee T2 is almost inexpensive with an RRP starting at 150 Euros (~$163), and while we unfortunately couldn’t test the Philips solution yet, the pricing will be the deciding factor for many lighting enthusiasts. And this discrepancy will probably be admitted even by fans whose smart lighting otherwise comes exclusively from Philips.