Philips Hue Lighting

wilked

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
4,044
Is anyone using Panasonic Vue lights?

I just ordered a 2nd Gen Panasonic Light Strip, a 2nd Gen Hue Hub, and a Hue dimmer. I plan to use it in our playroom / home theater room, and run the light strip on the top of the projector screen (essentially on the top of this https://3.imimg.com/data3/ME/MX/MY-7282410/motorized-projection-screen-with-remote-control-250x250.jpg )

In that same room I have two overhead lights (3 bulbs per light fixture). Ideally these lights get controlled with the Hue as well (making all lighting in the room 'smart') but at $15 a bulb that is a decent additional outlay ($90). Is $15 the best I can do here?

Finally, once I get all of the above setup, I will integrate it with Siri. I would also like to integrate it with Alexa, and likely mount an Echo Dot on the wall, which itself is integrated into the home theater speakers (via bluetooth).

OK, so questions -

1) Does anyone have this light strip? Any feedback on it?
2) Does anyone have some advice for Hue setup in general?
3) Is $15/bulb the best you can do on Hue-compatible bulbs?
4) Anyone integrated Alexa / Siri, and any gotchas to be ready for?

Thanks
 

genivive

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 2, 2007
972
On a higher plane
Is anyone using Panasonic Vue lights?

I just ordered a 2nd Gen Panasonic Light Strip, a 2nd Gen Hue Hub, and a Hue dimmer. I plan to use it in our playroom / home theater room, and run the light strip on the top of the projector screen (essentially on the top of this https://3.imimg.com/data3/ME/MX/MY-7282410/motorized-projection-screen-with-remote-control-250x250.jpg )

In that same room I have two overhead lights (3 bulbs per light fixture). Ideally these lights get controlled with the Hue as well (making all lighting in the room 'smart') but at $15 a bulb that is a decent additional outlay ($90). Is $15 the best I can do here?

Finally, once I get all of the above setup, I will integrate it with Siri. I would also like to integrate it with Alexa, and likely mount an Echo Dot on the wall, which itself is integrated into the home theater speakers (via bluetooth).

OK, so questions -

1) Does anyone have this light strip? Any feedback on it?
2) Does anyone have some advice for Hue setup in general?
3) Is $15/bulb the best you can do on Hue-compatible bulbs?
4) Anyone integrated Alexa / Siri, and any gotchas to be ready for?

Thanks
If your power goes off periodically like mine does, the Hue hub has to be reset within. Put the hub on a UPS. Alexa works with the bulbs just fine once you get them named (identified) and the power supply is consistent.
 

smastroyin

simpering whimperer
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2002
20,684
Mine comes back now after the power comes back on. It takes a little while to re-pair the wireless connections but I've never had to do a reset. Wonder if that is a software upgrade they have done since you changed your set-up. But, your advice is sound anyway.

My favorite Hue thing is that I now use my bedroom light as an alarm instead of sound. although once the sun starts coming up before my wakeup time I'll probably have to go back to sound.

Your fixtures now are probably switched. Note that the Hue does not retain settings through power cycles. So if you flip the switch off when the lights are dimly lit red (e.g.) when you flip them back on, they will be in the default bright soft light (essentially emulating a 60 W incandescent bulb). Also, if they are currently on dimmers, it is recommended to swap them out for either the Hue dimmer or a traditional switch.

Also, the $15 bulbs are whitescale only. If you are only doing them, you might be better off with a wifi dimmer and traditional lights. I think the Lutron system will pair with Alexa. The full color bulbs are $45 and you really want to make sure you get gen 3 if you want light in the green scale.
 
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wilked

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 17, 2005
4,044
Good point on smart switch vs smart bulbs. I don't really want two hubs, so might just go with this


Leviton DW6HD-1BZ Decora Smart Wi-Fi 600W Universal LED/Incandescent Dimmer, No Hub Required, Works with Amazon Alexa
All this crap is so expensive...