AVR connecting to TV LED Backlight Kit with sync box Lytmi Fantasy Neo 2

R

Rylan

Audioholic
I’m looking to purchase a TV backlight LED kit that can sync up to TV and Movies. I need recommendations on what would be best for my needs.

The one I was looking at it is found here on Amazon:


I have a 7.2.4 set up with an 85” Samsung QLED. I read that I need to feed the Lytmi Neo 2 through an external video source to get the backlighting to even work. Can I connect this to my AVR? I have a Denon X4700H. Would connecting this through the AVR work, or create any issues with quality of picture or sound? Or would I need to purchase a 4K Apple TV and be best to run it through there?

I also read that the Lytmi Neo 2 does not support Dolby Atmos. If this is true, would the lights not sync right when I’m hearing Atmos content and look like it’s missing something? I don’t know anything about these light kits and I’m trying to find a good option that I will be happy with. I prefer to not get a brand that makes me hang a camera over my screen.

What I’m simply trying to accomplish is have the lights sync up with what I’m watching. I’ve read a lot of negative reviews and issues on Amazon with many different brands so I’m just not sure where to look for the right answers.

Thanks!
 
Eppie

Eppie

Audioholic Ninja
I don't have any personal experience with these devices but can offer some thoughts.

It is debatable as to whether backlighting enhancing the viewing experience. Personally, I would find a variable backlight to be distracting. I would prefer a fixed colour backlight to soften the contrast around the edges of the TV. The backlight you linked to appears to change with the image. Would the changing wall colours improve the experience or become a nuisance over time? I've read some owner comments so I won't deny that some people love these devices.

You should be able to use the device with an AVR. The AVR output should be treated as any other source. My concern would be CEC control over HDMI, especially with a Samsung TV. CEC control can be hit and miss and the Lytmi would need to pass CEC control information from the AVR to TV as a pass-though device and there is no way of knowing whether it would work properly until you try it. I have an X4800H with a Samsung S95B and it has CEC issues on occasion. If the X4700H has two monitor outputs, I would try connecting the AVR to TV directly and using the second monitor out to drive the Lytmi, if possible.

Dolby ATMOS support is not mentioned and that's one of the problems with these devices. Does it require bitstream or PCM? What surround modes are supported? If you have your devices connected to the AVR and just use the monitor out then hopefully the AVR is smart enough not to care what audio support is on the output / monitor. If you are using the HDMI eArc feature on the TV to use the TV as an audio source for built-in apps, the eARC support on the Lytmi is another concern.

So, more questions than answers I'm afraid. Do some thorough research if the device is using HDMI.
 
Last edited:
T

Trebdp83

Audioholic Spartan
Audio support including Dolby Atmos is not the issue with these kits, but making sure they support the flavor of HDR of a given system is important. These kits should be placed between a receiver and TV with source devices connected to the receiver.. I don't believe any of the kits from Lytmi support HDR10+, though they do support HDR10 and Dolby Vision. They do not support CEC and therefore no ARC. But, they are designed for external HDMI connected source devices and couldn't do anything for lighting content from the TV's Smart apps. The newest kit works with 4K @120Hz.
 
TLS Guy

TLS Guy

Audioholic Jedi
I’m looking to purchase a TV backlight LED kit that can sync up to TV and Movies. I need recommendations on what would be best for my needs.

The one I was looking at it is found here on Amazon:


I have a 7.2.4 set up with an 85” Samsung QLED. I read that I need to feed the Lytmi Neo 2 through an external video source to get the backlighting to even work. Can I connect this to my AVR? I have a Denon X4700H. Would connecting this through the AVR work, or create any issues with quality of picture or sound? Or would I need to purchase a 4K Apple TV and be best to run it through there?

I also read that the Lytmi Neo 2 does not support Dolby Atmos. If this is true, would the lights not sync right when I’m hearing Atmos content and look like it’s missing something? I don’t know anything about these light kits and I’m trying to find a good option that I will be happy with. I prefer to not get a brand that makes me hang a camera over my screen.

What I’m simply trying to accomplish is have the lights sync up with what I’m watching. I’ve read a lot of negative reviews and issues on Amazon with many different brands so I’m just not sure where to look for the right answers.

Thanks!
That looks like a perfectly horrid device to waste your money on!
 
isolar8001

isolar8001

Audioholic Field Marshall
Reminds me of those sneakers with transparent soles with leds' that flash when you walk....add to that, it's about 8 dollars worth of parts selling for 210 dollars.

Would drive me nuts flashing all the time like that.
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
It's a novelty backlight when TV is off. Great.
When you watch TV, absolutely defeats the theater experience.
 
R

Rylan

Audioholic
Thank you for everyone’s feedback. I have people telling me I should try them. I didn’t really have an opinion since I’ve never tried them. Sounds like it would be a waste of money and take away from the theater experience in many of your opinions. I just got my five electric theater chairs set up and was considering other ways I might be able to enhance my theater experience.
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Thank you for everyone’s feedback. I have people telling me I should try them. I didn’t really have an opinion since I’ve never tried them. Sounds like it would be a waste of money and take away from the theater experience in many of your opinions. I just got my five electric theater chairs set up and was considering other ways I might be able to enhance my theater experience.
FWIW I use some backing lighting via led strips, and have used an app that varies the output with audio....kinda distracting at best IMO. I do like a nice backlight, but more the constant type :)
 
mtrycrafts

mtrycrafts

Seriously, I have no life.
If your room is really dark, then a very small wattage daylight color bulb, 5000K or higher to 6000K if that is even available behind TV or on the floor as close to wall
as possible. If that would reflect off the screen, don't do it.
This is recommended in theater chatrooms.
 
Eppie

Eppie

Audioholic Ninja
Thanks @lovinthehd. Maybe that’s where I need to start and see how I like a constant backlight. Much cheaper too
That's what I would lean towards. Depends on the other lighting in the room. Some constant backlights just plug into a USB port on the TV for power so easy installation.
 
William Lemmerhirt

William Lemmerhirt

Audioholic Overlord
Iirc, a couple tv manufacturers(actually Philips I think) used to make TV’s with this exact type of thing. Some people thought it was fun, but I think most found it distracting. I would personally pass on the backlight kit in question.
 
T

Trebdp83

Audioholic Spartan
I looked into kits briefly a while back but the Philips Hue prices ended my interest in them altogether.
 

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