LED light strips

[Mekrel]

I had no idea where to post this considering it could fit into several categories, but seeing as the initial use of these is to go behind my TV, I thought I would put it here.

I'm after some LED light strips to put behind my TV and after looking on Amazon, there's obviously an abundance of brands but typically with Amazon, a lot is rebranded generic stuff most likely coming out of China.

I've done some research and initially narrowed it down to TP-Link Kasa but looks like that's not sold in the UK? Obviously Philips Hue will be good quality but I can't work out which kit option I'll need to simply get the lights working. For examp, do you only need the Hue hub/bridge if you want automation?

So:

• Does anybody know of a place that sells TP-Link Kasa in the UK?
• When do I need a Hue hub/bridge vs not? Do I need a hub just to simply control them over WiFi?
• Any other brands that are good quality, and offer control without having to invest in hubs and the like?

I tried a search of the forum but results returned were about computer case lighting.

 

[Radox-0]

You can buy cheap generic stuff off rainforest. Usually plugs into the wall socket and can control with remote.

I personally use the Hue. You do indeed need a bridge which connects via ethernet cable into your router. The hue strips along with any other hue device will connect to the bridge and you can control all the lighting or can buy remotes which allows 5 presets. It works pretty well and will likely find can go down the rabbit hole with it lol. Often around black Friday is a good time to pick up hue items as they do go on sale on the rainforest.

Lifix is another option, not quiet as wide range as hue, but no hub required. I think IKEA and others do similar, but not looked to deep into it.

 

[Mekrel]

Thanks, I'll take a look.

Originally Hue was off the list due to lack of plug space for the Bridge, but turns out that's not an issue anymore. Still hesitant with Hue as all my downlights are fixed bulb Enlite E8s, so the whole unit would need to be replaced if I wanted to justify the bridge by putting more smart lighting in other than a strip.

 

[Semple]

I think it'll ultimately depend on what you're trying to achieve with the LED lighting. If you're just after a soft glow behind the screen then pretty much any LED kit will do.

If you're after something snazzy, Hue do a sync box where the lighting matches the portion of the screen, rather than being one fixed colour all round. There are a few other companies that offer something similar.

 

[Mekrel]

Thanks @Semple
A soft glow is all I'm after - is it recommended to install the LEDs as close to the edge of the TV? I'll need 4m of lights if that's the case.

 

[meths]

Thanks @Semple
A soft glow is all I'm after - is it recommended to install the LEDs as close to the edge of the TV? I'll need 4m of lights if that's the case.

If you're just after a soft glow then fair enough but if your looking to set up proper bias lighting should you not be looking at white light at 6500k?

Just Google 6500k TV bias lighting and you should be able to get a LED kit that runs off your TV usb for between £20 and £40.

 

[Psycho Sonny]

Thanks @Semple
A soft glow is all I'm after - is it recommended to install the LEDs as close to the edge of the TV? I'll need 4m of lights if that's the case.

IKEA sell them and for pennies.

Avoid no name brands with cheap Chinese power supplies.

I had one of them before and it exploded luckily I was home or could have killed everyone.

Ill never use Chinese crap again.

I have the ikea ones on 2 of my tvs and they have a switch or you can always buy a smart plug if you want them to turn on and off by voice control.