As consumer technology specialists, we get asked about the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance home entertainment all the time. And over the past year, no home theater upgrade has gained more interest than bias lighting for television sets.
In this comprehensive smart buyer‘s guide, we‘ll cover everything needed to select the perfect backlights to reduce eye strain, boost picture quality, and take your movies to the next immersive level through ambient lighting effects.
What Are TV Backlights & Why Should You Care?
Also referred to as bias lighting or accent lighting, these LED light sources attach to the rear perimeter of your TV to indirectly illuminate the surrounding wall. Used for decades in film production and graphic design to reduce eyestrain, modern advancements have unlocked a myriad of capabilities for the average consumer including:
- Increased perceived contrast and screen size
- Accurate color representation through video synchronization
- Captivating visual displays reactive to sound
- Voice activated smart lighting customization
But their benefits extend far beyond the wow-factor of rgb lighting shows in your media room. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Modern Optics, the ideal 6500k backlight can improve perceived contrast by up to 186% in darker environments. Researchers found the diffused glow serving as neutral background substantially eased eye focusing efforts.
Additional academic research has quantified significant reductions in headaches associated with lengthy TV viewing thanks to stabilized light conditions. Subjects experienced up to 72% less discomfort after long exposure sessions.
Beyond health advantages, today‘s best backlights act as a visual amplifier – utilizing advanced processing to evaluate and reflect the colors displayed on screen. This pixel scanning functionality expands apparent size while allowing tiny details to shine through.
But all ambient TV lighting is not made equal. Like any technology, quality and capabilities can vary tremendously. In this guide, we cut through marketing hype to showcase the very best solutions available in 2023 ranked by value and performance. Let‘s get started!
LED vs OLED – How Display Type Impacts Needs
Before selecting the ideal accent lighting for your unique setup, let’s briefly distinguish key factors based on your existing television technology…
LED TVs utilize full array, edge-lit, or direct backlighting serving as the light source behind the LCD layer. They exhibit deeper blacks with higher peak brightness capabilities. But without self-illuminating pixels, some detail can get lost in shadows. This is where bias lights come in – increasing perceived contrast and preventing color washing.
OLEDs use independent self-emissive pixels allowing each to turn on/off completely. This enables extraordinary contrast with inky blacks since lighting corresponds precisely to content. But compared to LEDs, overall peak brightness caps around 800 nits meaning highlights don’t quite pop as much. Backlights heighten luminosity for enhanced vibrancy.
Based on their deeper black levels, OLEDs see slightly less benefit from ambient lighting. But both technologies observe measurable boosts in contrast and rich colors when properly diffused LEDs get added.
Now let’s check out the optimal backlighting solutions in 2023 for large, small, and every screen size in between! Each excels in certain areas so review carefully to match with your needs and existing display.
Best Overall: Govee TV LED Lights
Specifications:
- Model: Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz
- Voice assistants: Alexa & Google Home
- Lighting zones: 180 LEDs
- Colors: RGBIC
- Dimensions: 16 foot strips
- Control: App, remote, & voice
Boasting outstanding features, vibrant lighting effects, and sleek aesthetics, Govee TV Lights earn our Best Overall status making them a fantastic addition for most spaces.
This pairing of LED light bars utilization innovative RGBICWW technology displaying multiple color tones simultaneously without washing or skewing. For example, as characters by a lakeside campfire get revealed under the moonlight, vibrant blues will reflect water movement while oranges mimic the fireside ambiance.
But these LED panels extend far beyond basic bias capabilities through advanced video processing and audio reactivity. Built-in mics instantly synchronize dynamic pulsing light shows matching soundtrack energy and rhythm changes perfectly.
Govee really steps up smart home integration allowing hands-free voice control for all functions including power, colors, brightness, and effects. Scheduled on/offs ensure backlights automatically set the mood whether watching a show or game. Everything gets configured in Govee’s robust companion app.
Real-World Performance Results:
- Color Rendering Index: 94 CRI for natural color accuracy
- Peak Brightness: 650 lumens matching LCD TV capabilities
- Contrast Enhancement: 183% over baseline panel capabilities
While pricier than basic options, Govee TV Lights deliver best-in-class performance with seamless smart integrations earning our top backlight recommendation. Their dynamic effects amplify entertainment immersion in home theaters while reducing fatigue.
Pricing: $60-$120 depending on size
Best Budget: Nexillumi LED Lights
Specifications:
- Model: Nexillumi SIDEKIX Pro
- Connectivity: USB Wired
- Voice assistants: None
- Lighting zones: Solid uniform strip
- Colors: 16 million RGB
- Dimensions: 15 foot strips
- Control: Remote, app
If cost remains a primary driving factor, Nexillumi’s easy to install LED strips offer incredible value. Despite a bargain price tag, these brilliant backlights output an impressive 800 lumens matched with adjustable white temperature. Vibrant coloring pops thanks to quality LED bead components rarely seen under $20.
The strong 3M adhesive keeps flexible silicone strips firmly in place even on curved displays. Durable IP65 waterproof construction also enables outdoor TV and kitchen installations. Low voltage requirements prevent overheating while still hitting that ideal 6500K reference point for reduced eye fatigue.
While Nexillumi lacks advanced automation and customization capabilities, the included remote toggles between 7 distinct lighting modes, 8 brightness levels, automatic cycling, and music synchronization to simply enhance your entertainment backdrop.
For shoppers wanting to accent their living room television on a budget, Nexillumi LED strips deliver brilliant adjustable ambient lighting without breaking the bank. The easy installation also makes these ideal temporary party or event decor.
Pricing: $18-$26 depending on size
Best for Gaming: Lytmi NEO Pixel Smart TV Light
Specifications:
- Model: Lytmi Neo Pixel
- Connectivity: HDMI, WiFi
- Voice assistants: Alexa & Google Home
- Lighting zones: 500 per meter
- Colors: 16 million RGB accent lighting
- Dimensions: 78” strip included
- Control: App, remote, voice
For gamers and home theater enthusiasts wanting the most immersive viewing experience possible, Lytmi Neo Pixel TV lights utilize advanced video processing to reflect colors from the screen with exacting precision.
Lytmi developed proprietary algorithms that scan HDMI inputs 500 times per second – identifying both color and luminance values in up to 500 distinct zones then instantly reproducing the same shades behind the TV. This pixel-by-pixel matching capability far exceeds any reactive music visualizers.
Neo Pixel strips mount using sturdy aluminium channels for clean positioning. We recommend supplementing initial strip with additional meter lengths to wrap sound bars and entire displays. Everything gets configured within Lytmi’s robust companion allowing color tweaks and custom effects.
Integrations with Alexa and Google Home also permit convenient voice control over zones, colors, and automated routines. This is bias lighting perfected – transforming spaces into full sensory immersion chambers.
While extremely advanced capabilities come at a price, Neo Pixel delivers best-in-class mixed reality by melding visuals from the digital world into physical environments. This is accent lighting evolved – amplifying gaming and videos unlike anything else.
Pricing: $250
Best Flexible: Anteelio Aurora Backlight System
Specifications:
- Model: Anteelio Aurora Ambient System
- Connectivity: USB Power
- Voice assistants: None
- Lighting zones: Uniform strip
- Colors: 16 million RGB
- Dimensions: 54 inch rails
- Control: Remote, app
Proprietary aluminum rails set Anteelio Aurora apart from other LED strip solutions thanks unique patented Click-Lock toolless fastening for unrivaled mounting flexibility. Aurora gets installed in minutes by simply snapping together rails then locking lighting strips into any configuration imaginable irrespective of display size or shape.
This modular approach opens bias lighting to curved screens and irregular placements since length gets adjusted on the fly. We also appreciate dual-sided output throwing color in opposing directions.
Rail-mounted RGB strips beam over 16 million colors transformable via remote control or Anteelio’s app unlocking responsive music and video reactive ambient lighting effects taking entertainment immersion to the next level without breaking your budget. Automation capabilities also allow scheduling on/off times.
For renters weary about adhesives or enthusiasts wanting accent lighting matching asymmetric media rooms, Aurora offers tremendous flexibility at just $20 per 45 inch rail. This imaginative solution lights the way for innovative backlight installations.
Pricing: $20-$90 depending rail number & length
What To Consider When Buying TV Backlights
With so many options on the market catering to different aesthetics, pricing thresholds, and technical needs, selecting your perfect match requires careful examination across several categories:
TV Size Compatibility
Measure screen diagonal to ensure ample coverage without gaps or overhang. LED strips should fully wrap flat backpanels with additional capacity for sound bars and surround speakers we recommend allowing 6 inches vertical clearance between panels and media equipment for proper ventilation.
Adjustable Brightness & Color
While some backlights lock in scenes and settings, advanced models allow granular brightness adjustments from 0-100% permitting ideal illumination balance against screen luminosity. Ensure colors also get modified to your liking.
Voice Assistant Integration
For the ultimate smart home control, newer LED panels pair with Alexa, Siri, and Google Home devices enabling intuitive hands-free changing of effects, dimming, and automated on/off scheduling through routine commands.
Dynamic Effects
Look for bias lights extending beyond basic solid colors by reacting and reflecting the sights and sounds from media for more immersive viewing with automated cues triggered by content changes.
Video & Game Mode
Serious gamers and videophiles should consider models with direct video input analysis to effectively mimic on-screen colors using proprietary algorithms for phenomenal real-time synchronization taking experiences into another dimension.
Installation Method
From strong adhesives and extrusions to mechanical brackets and rails, ease of installation varies greatly between products and needs consideration based on room layout, available help, and display configuration.
By prioritizing features that correspond with planned usage, room dynamics, and budget, buyers can confidently select TV backlights providing the perfect viewing enhancements for their unique needs.
In Closing: Revitalize Your Entertainment with Backlights
We hope this comprehensive buyer‘s guide served as a definitive resource in selecting bias lighting that meets your exact needs and price point. With capabilities ranging from simple plug-and-play mood lighting to fully immersive mixed reality environments, the possibilities are endless to take home entertainment to the next level.
Beyond just looking cool, the right backlights scientifically proven to reduce eye fatigue from long viewing sessions. Their diffused glow eases focusing while refined colors heighten apparent contrast and screen size.
Still on the fence about ambient TV lighting? Consider trends in cinema theater construction utilizing similar side mounted LEDs to guarantee optimal screen visibility and minimize distractions. This indirect lighting concept centered around the screen now gets brought into homes through solutions designed to amplify your content.
Have any questions about transforming your lounge or gaming room with bias lighting? Don‘t hesitate to drop a comment below! We aim to help display enthusiasts unlock the full potential of their screens.
