Govee AI Gaming Sync Box & Strip Light Kit Review: Dramatic AI Lighting Effects That Enhance Gaming and TV Watching

Since 2017, Govee has been designing and producing smart home products, including ambient lighting, home appliance products, and smart IoT systems. One of their most recently released products is the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box. I had a chance to review the version that comes with a single light strip meant to accommodate televisions between 55 and 65 inches measured diagonally. This version of the kit sells for $167.99. There is also a version that adds a pair of Govee’s RGBIC TV Light Bars, which sell for $299.

As the name suggests, the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box links through HDMI cables to your video source, be it a cable box, gaming system, or the output of your AV amplifier, and creates lighting effects that can match what is being shown on the screen. The box can take up to three HDMI 2.0 device inputs. The box features a ring of lights around its front face border that mimics the signal sent to the light strip.

Installation is made simple with adhesive-backed segmented light strips. This light strip is intended for TVs between 55 and 65 inches. My set is 49″ and required doubling up on the corners in order to keep the system aligned with the edges properly; the supplied clips further secure the installation.

There are essentially three ways to use the lighting depending on what you are watching and your personal preferences.

When used for gaming, the box provides dramatic ambient lighting that matches the action and colors on the screen. The box provides very low latency at 60Hz at 4K and 240Hz @ 1080P. Govee claims 99% color-matching accuracy.

When used for watching video programming, the lighting effects tend to be more subtle and do not distract from the subject matter. Users can also select from a large collection of preprogrammed lighting effects or even create their own using the Govee Home App.

Other Govee light products can be integrated using Govee’s DreamView IoT-based (Internet of Things) smart syncing system, including wall lights, strip lights, panels, lamps, and bulbs, all syncing with your on-screen content in real-time. The system can have hands-free smart control through Alexa and Google Home.

What’s in the box:

• Govee HDMI 2.0 AI Gaming Sync Box
• HDMI Cables (x2)
• 11.8’ RGBIC Strip Light (x1)
• Power Adapter
• Mounting Clips (x10)
• User Manual

Specifications

If you are looking to add another level to your gaming experience or just want to backlight your television and have the option to change the look of your room at will, then you will like the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box & Strip Light Kit. It is easy to install and set up. Despite my TV being smaller than the 55” suggested size, the installation was not an issue, and the performance speaks for itself.

The Govee AI Gaming Sync Box & Strip Light Kit sells for $167.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I like: Dramatic lighting effects; Ease of installation; Ease of customization; Not just for gaming, it also adds subtle lighting effects when watching TV

What Needs Improvement: The price may keep all but serious gamers away