System for 27-inch monitor: €55 or $60
The Ambibox system is a affordable and customizable Ambilight system that brings an cool lighting experience to your PC setup. The system is designed to extend the colors of your screen onto the surrounding walls, enhancing gaming, video watching, and general desktop usage. Unlike some high-end solutions, The system is a DIY-friendly system that can also be made with Arduino-based mirco controllers and other similar controllers instead of the LED BOX included in the ambibox pakkage. The ambilight system offers good performance at a fraction of the cost of a 'real' ambilight sollutions like the philips ambilight system. The system consists of three main components:- A adressable led strip that you install on the back of your monitor/ tv for the lighting.- A Controller for the leds, this controller controls the ambilight effect by capturing your screen with a special software – This box processes the color data captured from your screen and controls the LEDs accordingly.- 5v Power Supply – The powersupply supplies the external power needed to power the ws2812b or similar adressable LED strip.
Setting up the Ambibox system is easy, even for beginners in electronics. You’ll need to install the LED strips around your screen, cutting them into four pieces: two long strips and two short strips. Ensure the long strips have the same number of LEDs and that the short strips are consistent. The software allows you to configure your system and begin experiencing dynamic Ambilight effects. The more in detail ledstrip installation guide:
For those interested in an Arduino Ambilight setup, the Ambibox controller can also be emulated with a Arduino-based microcontroller check out the article above for more info.
One of the advantages of the Ambibox system is its versatility. The software has evolved significantly, offering broad compatibility with nearly all applications. In the past, Ambilight systems required software that specifically supported the technology. Now, Ambibox can capture screen content directly and display the appropriate lighting effects for nearly any application. This includes video content, games, and general desktop use. It does not matter anymore if you're gaming, watching a movie, or browsing the web, Ambibox or similar systems can seamlessly adapt to the content displayed on your screen, providing a easy and immersive experience. DIY Ambilight enthusiasts can use the system’s adaptable design to integrate Arduino or similar microcontrollers, taking the Ambilight possiblities even further.
The Ambibox system offers a range of benefits, but there are also a few drawbacks to consider. Here’s a breakdown and sort review of the ambibox system:
Positive Aspects of Ambibox Software Updates – The Ambibox software is continually updated, improving compatibility and adding new features. Customizable – The software provides many customization options, such as color zones, response speed, and timing. Immersive Experience – With multiple lighting zones, the system makes te viewing experience way better, offering a more engaging experience during gaming and video watching and also reducing eye strain. Compatibility with nearly all screen sizes – Ambibox is versatile and works with different monitor sizes, from small screens to large setups the only thing you will need to change is the length of your LED strip. Affordable Non-DIY Solution – Ambibox is one of the most affordable retail Ambilight solutions, offering a solid experience without the need for extensive DIY work. Negative Aspects of Ambibox Installation Difficulty – The system is affordable and efficient, but installation may be tricky for beginners. You’ll need to arrange the LED strips carefully and configure the software correctly for optimal results. Lack of Support – As a system that relies heavily on the community for software development and troubleshooting, occasional issues with updates and software bugs can arise.
Yes! Ambibox is compatible with nearly all applications, including games, movies, and general desktop use. The software captures the colors from your screen and adjusts the LED colors accordingly, regardless of what content is being displayed. This flexibility makes Ambibox a great option for anyone who wants to enhance their viewing or gaming experience. DIY Ambilight creators using Arduino-based solutions can also extend the functionality of Ambibox by integrating it with custom hardware for a fully personalized system.
The ambient lighting effect created by Ambibox can reduce eye strain by softening the contrast between the bright screen and the surrounding area. This is especially useful for long gaming sessions, movie marathons, or extended work hours.
While Ambibox is a nice, budget-friendly solution, it's important to consider your needs. Other options, such as Corsair iCUE LS100 and Philips Hue, offer different levels of performance and features, but they also come with higher price tags. Ambibox remains a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and customizable Ambilight setup. Moreover, if you’re looking to create your own custom Ambilight effect using an Arduino-based system, you can take a look at my DIY adruino ambilight page.
The Ambibox system is a great choice for anyone looking to add an immersive Ambilight effect to their PC setup without spending a fortune. While it does require some DIY effort, the result is a highly customizable and engaging experience for gaming, videos, and desktop applications. The system’s ability to work with almost any content, combined with its affordability and versatility, makes it a strong for a diy buget ambilight build. For more tips on setting up your Ambibox system and troubleshooting common issues, visit our Ambibox software installation guide.
created with
