Why do people put light strips behind TV?

People often add LED light strips behind their TVs for several reasons, both practical and aesthetic:

1. Improved Viewing Experience (Bias Lighting):

• Reduces Eye Strain: Watching a bright screen in a dark room can cause eye fatigue because of the contrast. Adding light behind the TV reduces the contrast between the bright screen and the dark room, making it more comfortable for your eyes.
• Enhances Image Quality: Bias lighting can enhance the perceived contrast and color on the screen. The light strips help the TV’s brightness appear more balanced and vibrant without causing glare or washing out the picture.

2. Aesthetic Appeal:

• Creates a Cinematic Atmosphere: The soft glow from the lights behind the TV can give a cinema-like feel, especially when watching movies or playing games. It adds a modern, stylish vibe to your entertainment setup.
• Customizable Colors: With RGB LED strips, you can change the color of the light to match your room decor, set the mood, or even synchronize with what’s happening on screen (using music or video sync features).

3. Ambient Lighting:

• Ambient Lighting for the Room: The light strips provide a soft ambient light in the room, making it easier to navigate the space without turning on bright overhead lights. It’s great for watching TV in the dark without feeling like you’re in a cave.
• Mood Lighting: Some LED strips offer features like music sync or smart control, where the lights adjust based on sound or the color palette of what’s on-screen, creating a more immersive experience.

How to Set Up LED Light Strips Behind Your TV

Setting up LED light strips behind your TV is easy, and here’s a step-by-step guide to get it done properly:

Materials Needed:

• LED light strips (preferably RGB or RGBIC strips for customizable colors)
• Power supply/adapter (compatible with your LED strip's wattage)
• Smartphone app or remote control (optional, if your LED strips have smart features)
• Double-sided adhesive or clips (usually provided with the LED strip kit)
• TV mount (optional)

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Choose the Right LED Light Strips:

   • Length: Measure the perimeter of your TV to make sure the LED strip is the correct length. If the TV is large (e.g., 65-inch or above), you may need to buy extra-long strips.
   • RGB or RGBIC: Choose RGB (Red, Green, Blue) or RGBIC (RGB with independent color control on different sections) light strips for greater flexibility and color customization.
   • Type: Ensure the LED strips are compatible with your TV setup. For example, if you're using a smart TV, consider strips that can sync with the TV or work with smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.

2. Clean the TV Surface:

   • Clean the back of your TV to ensure that the surface is free of dust or oils. This will help the adhesive on the light strips stick better.

3. Apply the LED Strips:

   • Peel and Stick: Most LED strips come with double-sided tape for easy installation. Start by applying the tape to the back edges of your TV (top, bottom, and sides). Make sure the tape is pressed firmly so it stays in place.
   • If you're using a TV mount, ensure that the LED strips don't interfere with the mounting or ventilation.
   • Avoid Covering Vents: Ensure that the LED strip doesn’t block any vents or heat dissipation areas on the TV.

4. Route the Power Cable:

   • Connect the LED strip to the power supply. If your LED strip uses a USB connection, you can plug it into one of the USB ports on your TV. If it uses a wall adapter, plug it into a nearby electrical outlet.
   • If you're using smart strips, follow the instructions for syncing them with your home network.

5. Control the Lights:

   • Manual Remote: If your LED light strips came with a remote, use it to control the colors, brightness, and effects.
   • Smart App Control: Many modern LED strips can be controlled via an app on your smartphone. You can change colors, set lighting schedules, or sync the lights with your TV or music.
   • Music Sync: Some LED strips can sync with the sound from your TV or media player, changing colors or flashing in time with the audio. This adds a dynamic and immersive effect to your viewing experience.
   • Smart Home Integration: If your LED strips are compatible with smart assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant), you can control the lights using voice commands.

6. Test and Adjust:

   • Turn on your TV and test the lights. Adjust the brightness, color, or effects to match your preference.
   • If your lights are too bright, dim them down to avoid distraction while watching.
   • If the colors are too harsh, try using warmer tones (like warm white or amber) for a softer effect.

Additional Tips for Optimal Setup:

1. Positioning the Strips:

   • The most common placement is along the top, bottom, and sides of the back of the TV. This ensures a uniform light spread.
   • You can also wrap the strips around the TV for a more dramatic effect if your TV has a large or curved display.

2. Color Matching with TV Content:

   • If you want to enhance your viewing experience, consider choosing LED strips that can sync with the content on the screen. Some smart LED strips have built-in video syncing features that adjust the lights based on the dominant colors of what’s playing on the TV.

3. Use Light Strips for Ambience:

   • You can also adjust the color of the light strips to match your room’s decor or your mood. For example, for movie night, you can use a cool blue or purple light, while for gaming, you might go with dynamic color effects.

4. Safety:

   • Make sure the cables are not in the way of any vents or moving parts. You don't want to block airflow or cause overheating.

Conclusion:

Putting LED light strips behind your TV is a great way to enhance your viewing experience by reducing eye strain, adding aesthetic appeal, and creating an immersive atmosphere. The setup is straightforward—simply apply the strips, connect them to power, and enjoy the benefits of bias lighting, ambient glow, and color customization.

By following these simple steps, you can elevate your TV watching with the perfect lighting setup!