If you’re on the lookout for the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K while Christmas shopping, you might find yourself rubbing your eyes in amazement. No, there isn’t yet another new version of the small HDMI box from Philips Hue, just new packaging. With the introduction of the Hue Play Wallwasher in the summer, the manufacturer began placing its own name more prominently on the packaging.
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K has now been on the market for around six months and is particularly pleasing to console fans, who can now finally use 120 hertz at a 4K resolution. I don’t use a Hue Sync Box myself, but in recent weeks I have repeatedly read on social media about problems with it suddenly switching off.
In September, Philips Hue launched the second generation of its Sync Box. The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K costs over 300 euros and, unlike most other Hue products, I have not yet tested it myself. Not only do I lack a suitable TV, but also a suitable HDMI device to really get to grips with the new Sync Box.
There have been many rumours, but now the time has finally come: the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K has been officially unveiled. There are some improvements, but no big surprises – except perhaps the price, which is even higher at $349.99. For comparison: the ‘previous’ Sync Box without HDMI 2.1 is still being sold for $269.99.
Even after the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K appeared at an Italian retailer in July, there were still doubts in some parts of the community that the second generation would be available soon. After all, the first ‘leaks’ appeared well over a year ago, some of which were mistaken for a Photoshop fake.
The first images of the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K appeared online over a year ago. At the time, someone probably made a mistake and uploaded the product images of the new generation to the product page of the previous model. Since then, it has been quiet around the new Sync Box.
If you are thinking about buying a Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, you might want to be patient. There are very strong indications that Philips Hue is planning to introduce a new model. Two product images have appeared on the web that show a new Sync Box. On the first picture you can see a new packaging with the inscription “HDMI Sync Box 8K”.
Fabian