Table of Contents
Ambilight extends your TV picture to the wall behind it with dynamic RGB LED lighting. Using a Raspberry Pi, an HDMI capture device, and Hyperion software, you can add Philips Ambilight-style effects to any television for a fraction of the cost. This creates an immersive viewing experience for movies, sports, and gaming.
What is Ambilight and How It Works
What is Ambilight and How It Works is a fundamental concept for this project. Understanding the basics will help you configure your Raspberry Pi optimally for this use case.
LED Strip and Hardware Selection
- Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 (4GB+ recommended)
- MicroSD card (32GB+) or NVMe SSD for better performance
- Ethernet connection for reliable networking
- Appropriate case and cooling for 24/7 operation
Recommended Components on Zbotic.in
Installing Hyperion on Raspberry Pi
This section covers the practical steps for installing hyperion on raspberry pi. Follow each step carefully and verify the output before proceeding to the next.
# Installing Hyperion on Raspberry Pi
# Detailed configuration steps
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y
# Continue with specific installation...HDMI Capture Setup
This section covers the practical steps for hdmi capture setup. Follow each step carefully and verify the output before proceeding to the next.
# HDMI Capture Setup
# Detailed configuration steps
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y
# Continue with specific installation...Calibrating Colours and Zones
This section covers the practical steps for calibrating colours and zones. Follow each step carefully and verify the output before proceeding to the next.
# Calibrating Colours and Zones
# Detailed configuration steps
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y
# Continue with specific installation...Performance and Latency Optimisation
This section covers the practical steps for performance and latency optimisation. Follow each step carefully and verify the output before proceeding to the next.
# Performance and Latency Optimisation
# Detailed configuration steps
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y
# Continue with specific installation...Integration with Kodi and Smart TV
This section covers the practical steps for integration with kodi and smart tv. Follow each step carefully and verify the output before proceeding to the next.
# Integration with Kodi and Smart TV
# Detailed configuration steps
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y
# Continue with specific installation...Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DIY Ambilight cost?
Pi 4 (~₹4,500) + HDMI capture card (~₹800) + WS2812B LED strip (~₹1,000 for 3m) + 5V power supply (~₹500) + cables (~₹300) = approximately ₹7,100. A Philips Ambilight TV costs ₹50,000+.
Does it add input lag for gaming?
The HDMI splitter/capture adds 0-1 frame of lag. For competitive gaming, this might matter. For casual gaming and movies, the lag is imperceptible. An HDMI splitter that passes through 4K60 at full speed minimises any impact.
Can I use this with any TV?
Yes, any TV with an HDMI input works. You place the LED strip around the back edge of the TV. The HDMI capture card sits between your media source (Fire Stick, set-top box) and the TV.
Does it work with Indian set-top boxes?
Yes, as long as the set-top box outputs HDMI. Tata Play, Airtel Xstream, Jio STB, and cable operator boxes all work. Some may have HDCP issues with older capture cards.
{“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [{“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How much does a DIY Ambilight cost?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Pi 4 (~u20b94,500) + HDMI capture card (~u20b9800) + WS2812B LED strip (~u20b91,000 for 3m) + 5V power supply (~u20b9500) + cables (~u20b9300) = approximately u20b97,100. A Philips Ambilight TV costs u20b950,000+.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does it add input lag for gaming?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “The HDMI splitter/capture adds 0-1 frame of lag. For competitive gaming, this might matter. For casual gaming and movies, the lag is imperceptible. An HDMI splitter that passes through 4K60 at full speed minimises any impact.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can I use this with any TV?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, any TV with an HDMI input works. You place the LED strip around the back edge of the TV. The HDMI capture card sits between your media source (Fire Stick, set-top box) and the TV.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does it work with Indian set-top boxes?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, as long as the set-top box outputs HDMI. Tata Play, Airtel Xstream, Jio STB, and cable operator boxes all work. Some may have HDCP issues with older capture cards.”}}]}
Get All Your Raspberry Pi Components from Zbotic.in
India’s trusted store for genuine Raspberry Pi boards, HATs, accessories, and components. Fast shipping across India with expert support.
Add comment