Enhance Your TV Viewing Experience with Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2 – A Comprehensive Review

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Installation

Software Setup

Govee App and Performance

Conclusion

Related Products

When it comes to TV backlighting, Govee is the go-to smart home brand for home cinema buffs and gamers. The Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2 is their popular screen mirroring kit, featuring an upgraded dual camera that effectively monitors every part of the display. Similar to backlighting that complements top gaming monitors, the T2 enhances the content on any flat-panel TV.

The Envisual TV Backlight T2 brings several advancements compared to the Govee DreamView T1, in addition to the improved camera. The Govee Home app's Vivid mode fully utilizes the T2's enhanced responsiveness by offering more lighting zones on a densely-populated LED light strip. Users who already own other Govee smart lights will appreciate that the T2 can synchronize with a variety of their wall panels, light strips, and bulbs, creating consistent lighting effects throughout the entire room.

In recent weeks, the Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2 was put to the test by Game Rant. This innovative device has undergone recent updates to incorporate a range of exciting new features. The T2 is available in three variations designed for TVs ranging from 55 to 100 inches. For the purposes of this review, we will be focusing on the 75-85 inch kit.

Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2

The Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2 now features an upgraded dual camera that accurately captures scene changes on screen, even at the corners and edges. With 60 LED lights per meter, the RGBIC lightstrip is brighter than ever. Govee fans can enjoy DreamView, which synchronizes the Envisual TV Backlight T2 effects with compatible Govee lights. The T2 is available in three different kits to accommodate TVs ranging from 55 to 100 inches.

Brand: Govee

Integrations: Google Home, Amazon Alexa

Protocol: WiFi, Bluetooth

Hub Required: No

Music Reactive: Yes

Wattage: 48 watts

Length: 11.8 to 21 feet

Pros: Powerful app with numerous settings and preset scenes.

Dual camera allows for fast and accurate tracking

Very bright and vivid images

Recent updates improve the experience considerably

DreamView extends screen mirroring across a room

Cons Still takes some adjustments to improve color accuracy

No easy way to bottom mount camera

Lacks some gaming integration that Nanoleaf 4D supports

$160 at Amazon $130 at Govee

Contents of Package

The Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2 is packaged in a square box. The moment buyers unpack it, they are greeted by the enhanced dual-camera unit. Adjacent to and beneath the camera, there are a set of black boxes containing the control box, power adapter, and manual.

Installation

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Familiarity with Govee's other TV and monitor backlighting systems will make the setup process for the T2 easier. While not mandatory, it is recommended to ensure that the light strip and control box are functioning correctly.

To ensure optimal adherence, the initial step of the installation process involves cleaning and dusting the designated area. In the case of this particular 85-inch wall-mounted TV, the task proved to be more challenging compared to TVs placed on stands. Nevertheless, there was just enough space to securely attach the lengthy LED light strip to the back of the TV.

The placement of the light strip around corners is facilitated by the presence of short, flexible wires that separate different segments of the lights. Despite the T2 kit being designed for TVs up to 85 inches, the light strip could easily stretch around the TV's edges and corners, with some extra leeway. However, buyers should be aware that a small amount of lighting is lost in each corner due to the unlit connecting pieces, although the extent of this loss depends on the exact dimensions of the display. Unlike the Nanoleaf 4D, the T2 light strip cannot be trimmed and must remain at its original size.

For enhanced light reinforcement, Govee suggests using the provided black plastic clips that come with pre-applied double-sided tape. Installers can also experiment with placing the clips on the corners to prevent the surplus connecting cords from obstructing the lighting. Nevertheless, employing black electrical tape might offer a more effective solution to prevent the material from popping up.

When setting up the Govee T2, the next step is to position the camera at the middle of the top edge of your TV. Unlike previous Govee cameras, the T2 is intentionally designed to be heavier and carefully balanced to stay in place on even the thinnest flat-panel TVs. The camera securely clamps around the TV's edge using a silicone pad for direct contact. However, on larger TVs such as an 85-inch, it can be challenging to find a stable position where the camera doesn't wobble with the slightest touch. Even adding an adhesive pad on the clamp doesn't provide a more permanent feeling to the setup. This is a concern because the heavy T2 camera could potentially fall down and cause damage. Unfortunately, there is no supported option to mount the camera at the bottom. The larger size of the T2 makes it more conspicuous compared to the smaller but flimsier camera that comes with the T1. The design of the stand's clamp also makes it difficult to orient the camera on a TV stand or behind a soundbar without some creative do-it-yourself efforts.

Finally, Govee advises buyers to position the control box at the rear of their TV, in a spot that allows for easy connection to both the camera and the light strip. The provided double-sided adhesive pads are once again useful for installation, but users should be cautious not to exert excessive pressure on the box and its connected cords. Otherwise, they might wake up to find the control box suspended in midair the next morning.

Software Setup

After securely placing the hardware, the Envisual TV Backlight T2 setup continues within the Govee mobile app. Upon opening the app, users are presented with a setup video. Ironically, this video instructs buyers on the physical installation, which they may have already completed. Similar to other Govee smart lights, the pairing process involves establishing a Bluetooth connection with the T2 and then configuring it on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Subsequently, the app proceeds with the calibration phase, ensuring that the camera precisely identifies the screen area to scan.

Fans of previous Govee backlights may have mixed feelings about the reappearance of the orange blocks used for T2 camera calibration. These foam pieces need to be attached temporarily to the screen corners with just the right amount of pressure. However, there is a delicate balance between them falling off too easily and sticking too strongly, potentially leaving residue behind. In the past, Govee kits could be calibrated using YouTube videos with simulated blocks on images, but the process has been modified for the T2.

With the T2's two lenses, users now have to align two sets of grids so that each corner intersects with an orange square in the captured images. This process can be a bit tricky, and it is suggested to set the TV to show a lighter-colored scene for better visibility. Occasionally, during setup, the Govee app may fail to display both sides of the screen, resulting in multiple refresh attempts before calibration is successfully completed.

Once the most difficult part of the Govee T2 setup is over, buyers can then see how well the system actually works.

Govee App and Performance

To users who may feel overwhelmed by configuring Govee light strips, bulbs, and wall panels, the Govee Home App might appear daunting. However, it offers various modes like Music, Video, Color, Scene, and DIY. The Video mode utilizes the camera's input to create captivating effects on the light strip, making it the preferred mode for most buyers. Nevertheless, it's worthwhile to explore the other options, especially Scene mode, which grants users access to an extensive array of preset scenes featuring intricate color schemes and animations. Govee lights have always excelled in responding to music with dazzling lighting effects, and the T2 continues this tradition.

In order to put these Govee lights to the test, YouTube test patterns were utilized to ensure that the camera accurately detected the displayed colors across the entire TV screen. Even when using the default Video mode, most colors were represented with sufficient precision, resulting in a rainbow glow that projected onto the wall along the edges of the display. It may be challenging for a buyer who hasn't experienced the T1 to notice any improvements, but the presence of a double camera in this model allows for a more rapid and accurate response to changes in the scene, as it shares the screen mirroring workload. The T2's hardware enhancements are fully utilized in the Vivid mode, which captures content in numerous distinct zones to prevent the neglect of any colors on any part of the screen.

Response time is often a concern for screen mirroring lighting that utilizes cameras, prompting certain buyers to explore alternatives such as the Govee AI Sync Box. Although the T2 falls short in delivering the swift lighting transitions seen in systems that directly connect to HDMI video signals, there were discernible but not significant enhancements to tracking compared to the T1.

To enhance the viewing experience, the T2 Video mode offers a range of customizable options for both movie enthusiasts and avid gamers. This dynamic system swiftly adjusts its lighting effects to synchronize with the fast-paced gaming action, ensuring a seamless and immersive gameplay. Meanwhile, the Movie option provides a more subtle and smooth transition between scenes, reducing any potential visual disruptions. Moreover, users have the ability to activate the sound effects feature, enabling the T2 light strip to respond to the rhythm of music or the intensity of explosions, amplifying the audio-visual engagement.

The Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2 may require some adjustment to achieve better color accuracy. The blacks may not appear as deep, and white scenes might have blue or yellow tints. To address this, users can make use of the app's sliders to lower the relative brightness and saturation levels. While these settings may not provide the same level of vibrant lighting effects, it would be beneficial if the app had a cinema mode for more precise control over black levels.

Without any adjustments, the T2 has a natural inclination to detect and enhance subtle hues within a scene, which may go unnoticed by observers. Conversely, certain viewers may appreciate witnessing captivating lighting arrangements in movies that usually incorporate a limited palette of colors.

With a blazing 60 LED beads per meter (approximately 3.3 feet), the Envisual TV Backlight T2 shines brilliantly, especially during captivating animations. Fortunately, when the mesmerizing effects start to overpower, the Govee Home app offers a convenient brightness slider positioned right at the top, allowing you to easily adjust the luminosity.

The T2 offers a visually appealing gaming experience as its camera can handle any type of content on the screen. However, it lacks the LAN control option necessary for Razer Chroma integration. This might pose a challenge for gamers who prefer larger size kits and often have their PCs placed in a different room from the T2, opting to game with consoles instead. In contrast, the recently released Nanoleaf 4D offers a seamless way to sync Govee screen mirroring kits with popular RGB case fans, keyboards, mice, and headsets.

A notable addition to the T2 is its complete compatibility with Govee DreamView. This technology allows users to sync the T2 with other Govee smart lights, which creates stunning whole-room or whole-home lighting effects. However, setting up this feature in the app can be quite complex. Users need to assign segments of light strips to specific areas of a room, indicated by selecting multiple numbered areas on a setup screen.

In the room where the T2 underwent testing, there is a DreamView-enabled Govee H6117 RGBIC light strip installed along the floorboards. Unfortunately, the app has a flaw in recognizing the individual segments of the strip, treating the start and end points as a single segment and confusing the positioning of certain segments on the starting side of the lights. Nevertheless, this feature holds great potential to uplift the atmosphere of a gaming room or media room, especially when combined with other light strips that extend the screen-mirrored lighting, as shown in the picture above. As the process of assigning specific colors to segments of the bottom strip faced some difficulties, it proved more effective to have synchronized lights display one color at a time.

Another exciting feature that has been added to the Envisual TV Backlight T2 is the option to customize the Blank Screen Settings. This feature is currently in beta testing. One common problem with TV backlighting setups is that users often forget to turn them off, resulting in a faint glow around their displays when there is no one in the room to notice. However, with the latest version of the Govee Home App, you can now easily configure the T2 to automatically power off after a specific amount of time if it detects the same content on the screen or continuously dark images.

Conclusion

Introducing the Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2!

Experience enhanced lighting with the Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2. Equipped with a state-of-the-art dual camera, this innovative device accurately detects changes in the scene, even at the edges and corners of your screen. Featuring an astonishing 60 LED lights per meter, the RGBIC lightstrip delivers vibrant and illuminating effects like never before.

Furthermore, Govee enthusiasts can delight in the DreamView technology, which seamlessly synchronizes the Envisual TV Backlight T2 with compatible Govee lights. Whether you have a 55-inch or a 100-inch TV, the T2 is available in three different kits to suit a variety of screen sizes.

Elevate your TV viewing experience with the Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2!

Brand: Govee

Integrations: Google Home, Amazon Alexa

Protocol: WiFi, Bluetooth

Hub Requirement: None

Music Reactive: Yes

Wattage: 48 watts

Length: 11.8 to 21 feet

Pros: Features a powerful app with numerous settings and preset scenes. Includes a dual camera for fast and precise tracking.

Very bright and vivid images

Recent updates improve the experience considerably

DreamView extends screen mirroring across a room

Cons Still takes some adjustments to improve color accuracy

No easy way to bottom mount camera

Lacks some gaming integration that Nanoleaf 4D supports

The Envisual TV Backlight T2 from Govee offers an impressive improvement over its predecessor, the DreamView T1. With dual cameras, this backlighting system efficiently monitors content on screens, resulting in more vibrant and responsive RGBIC lighting effects. Despite its larger size, the T2's enhanced screen mirroring system ensures a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and color palettes.

Setting up the Envisual TV Backlight T2 can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to installing the strip on larger TVs and calibrating it. However, the kit designed for 75-85 inch TVs provides a generous strip length, eliminating the need for reapplication. Furthermore, for those who value precise accuracy, the available modes may require some adjustment in terms of relative brightness, saturation, and white balance to meet their expectations.

With an extensive range of smart lights already present in its ecosystem, Govee's T2 holds great appeal for homes that already have the brand's other products. The company consistently releases software and firmware updates to enhance the performance of previous lights, and with the Envisual TV Backlight T2, they introduce some exciting new features. The standout feature is the DreamView technology, which enables this screen mirroring system to seamlessly synchronize its lighting effects with wall panels, bulbs, and various LED strips.

While achieving optimal color accuracy may require some additional effort, the Envisual TV Backlight T2 is a valuable addition to the lighting setup of any gaming or media room.

Related Products

In recent years, the competition in the TV backlighting industry has intensified. A new player in the market, Nanoleaf, has introduced its innovative 4D screen-mirroring solution, which incorporates a built-in camera. This feature distinguishes Nanoleaf 4D as a cost-effective option for TVs up to 85 inches, and it comes with a flexible camera placement option, either at the top or bottom. Despite its compatibility with other Nanoleaf lights, the range of additional light strips available for customization is limited compared to Govee.

Offering an alternative to camera-centric screen mirroring kits, Govee introduces the AI Sync Box. This device takes HDMI signals from PCs, consoles, and media players to control the lighting effects of a connected light strip. With a growing list of supported games, users can enjoy reactive lighting that responds to victories, defeats, and other critical gameplay moments. However, the AI Sync Box is relatively expensive and lacks compatibility with HDMI 2.1 and the highest refresh rates at 4K resolutions.

Surpassing the cost of the Govee AI Sync Box is the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, which has been available since 2019. The Hue Play system requires users to purchase a separate bridge and light strip, quickly increasing the overall expense. Nonetheless, Hue lights are highly regarded for their durability and accurate color reproduction.

FAQ

Q: What makes the Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2 different from other screen mirroring lighting kits?

Enhance your TV watching experience with the Govee Envisual TV Backlight T2. Equipped with a dual-lens camera, this innovative device effortlessly tracks scene changes on your entire screen, resulting in stunning RGBIC effects on its lightstrip. Moreover, the T2 offers compatibility with a wide range of Govee lights, allowing buyers to synchronize lighting patterns for a truly immersive ambiance.

Q: Do all RGB lights in a gaming or media room need to be made by the same brand to work together?

While it is typically more convenient to have RGB lights from a single manufacturer in a gaming room, there exist smart home platforms and software solutions that enable the integration of various devices into a cohesive ecosystem.