
In recent years, “lights on back of TV” has become a popular trend among home entertainment enthusiasts looking to elevate their viewing experience. Adding ambient lighting behind your television can do much more than just improve the aesthetic of your setup; it can also provide a range of functional benefits such as reducing eye strain, enhancing contrast, and creating a more immersive viewing environment. In this article, we will explore why lighting behind your TV is a game-changer, the types of lights available, and how you can incorporate them into your home for an upgraded entertainment experience.
The Benefits of Lights on Back of TV
Improved Viewing Comfort
One of the primary reasons people add lights on back of TV is to reduce eye strain, especially during long binge-watching sessions or when watching in low-light environments. When you’re watching TV in a dark room, the contrast between the bright screen and the surrounding darkness can put a significant amount of stress on your eyes. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “eye fatigue.”
By placing a soft ambient light behind the TV, you can create a more balanced lighting environment that reduces the harsh contrast. This gentle backlighting helps your eyes adjust better between the bright screen and the dark room, making the viewing experience more comfortable. It also minimizes the risk of headaches or discomfort after extended periods of watching.
Enhanced Visuals and Contrast
In addition to comfort, lights on back of TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience by improving the perceived contrast and colors of what’s on the screen. Backlighting can help accentuate the vividness and details of dark scenes, making it easier to discern fine details that may be hard to see in a dim room. Whether you’re watching a movie with intricate dark settings or playing a game with shadow-heavy scenes, ambient backlighting can give you better clarity and visual depth.
Furthermore, if you use RGB LED lights, you can even synchronize them with the on-screen content. For instance, the lights could change color depending on the mood of the scene—flashing red for an action-packed moment or turning cool blue during a calm, serene scene. This dynamic lighting not only adds excitement but also immerses you deeper into the media you’re consuming.
Increased Ambiance and Aesthetics
The addition of lights on back of TV can also greatly improve the aesthetic of your living room or entertainment area. When set correctly, backlighting gives a subtle yet sophisticated glow that can make your TV setup appear sleek and modern. Whether you prefer a soft white light for a minimalist look or vibrant RGB lights to create a colorful ambiance, backlighting can complement any room design.
Moreover, these lights are particularly effective in home theaters or gaming rooms where ambiance is important. By strategically placing LED strips or smart lighting systems behind the TV, you can create an immersive atmosphere that ties together the overall look and feel of the space. This is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to turn your entertainment area into a more visually engaging environment.
Types of Lights on Back of TV
There are various lighting options to choose from when deciding how to add lights on back of TV. The most common options include LED strips, smart bulbs, and specialized backlighting kits. Each offers its own set of features and benefits, making it important to select one that best fits your needs.
LED Strips
LED strips are one of the most popular choices for backlighting behind TVs. These strips are flexible, easy to install, and come in a wide range of colors and brightness levels. Many LED strips are designed with adhesive backs, allowing them to be easily attached to the back of the TV or along the edges of the TV stand or wall mount.
LED strips can be purchased as single-color or RGB (Red, Green, Blue) versions, with the latter offering the ability to change the color of the light to match the scene on the screen or your mood. Some LED strips also come with remote controls or apps that allow you to customize the lighting further, creating the perfect ambiance for any type of content.
Smart Lighting Systems
For those looking for a more advanced solution, smart lighting systems like Philips Hue or LIFX can be used to create dynamic backlighting. These smart lights can be controlled via apps, voice assistants, or even integration with other smart home devices. What makes these systems stand out is their ability to synchronize with the content on your screen, adjusting the lighting in real time to enhance the atmosphere.
For example, a smart lighting system can change the color of the lights based on the dominant hues in the scene you’re watching, providing a more immersive experience. Some systems even come with built-in compatibility for popular streaming platforms like Netflix, which automatically adjusts the lighting as you watch.
Backlighting Kits
There are also specialized backlighting kits designed specifically for TVs, such as the Govee Immersion Kit or the LIFX TV Backlight Kit. These kits often come with LED strips, a control box, and sensors that detect the colors on your TV screen. They are designed to automatically adjust the lighting to match the on-screen content, creating a more cinematic or gaming-focused atmosphere. Some kits even come with features like remote controls or app-based management for ultimate convenience.
How to Set Up Lights on Back of TV
Setting up lights on back of TV is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow a few steps to ensure a smooth installation and achieve the best results.
Step 1: Choose Your Lighting Option
Decide on the type of lights you want to use. If you’re going for a subtle and sophisticated look, single-color LED strips might be the best option. For dynamic lighting, an RGB LED strip or smart lighting system could be the way to go. If you prefer a plug-and-play solution with easy-to-follow instructions, consider purchasing a backlighting kit.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
Before attaching any lighting, make sure the surface of your TV and the area around it are clean and free of dust. This ensures that the adhesive on the back of the lights will stick properly and remain secure over time.
Step 3: Attach the Lights
For LED strips and backlighting kits, simply peel off the adhesive backing and attach the lights around the edges of the TV. Make sure to leave enough space at the ends to plug the light strips into an outlet or power source. If you’re using smart bulbs, position them behind the TV in a way that provides enough illumination but doesn’t overwhelm the screen.
Step 4: Adjust the Settings
If you’re using RGB lights or smart lighting, use the corresponding app or remote control to adjust the settings, such as brightness, color, and effect mode. Many smart lighting systems also allow you to sync the lights with the on-screen content for added immersion.
Step 5: Enjoy the Experience
Once everything is set up, sit back and enjoy the enhanced viewing experience. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or simply relaxing, the lights on back of TV will create a more enjoyable and immersive atmosphere.
In conclusion, adding lights on back of TV can truly enhance your entertainment experience in multiple ways. From improving visual comfort and reducing eye strain to creating a more immersive and aesthetically pleasing environment, the benefits of backlighting are numerous. Whether you choose LED strips, smart lighting, or specialized backlighting kits, incorporating ambient lighting into your TV setup is an easy yet impactful upgrade that can significantly enhance how you enjoy your media. So, if you haven’t already, consider investing in lights on back of TV for a more dynamic and enjoyable viewing experience.