If you want to take your TV time to the next level, Govee’s relatively inexpensive TV backlights are a fun, if hacky, upgrade. They’re even cheaper than usual now, starting at $63.99. The Govee has made a name for itself (at least, among home theater tinkerers) with its brilliant backlights that make it seem like the colors of your TV screen are seeping through the bezel and onto the wall behind it.
After years of dismissing them as gimmicks, The Verge’s review of the old Govee model finally sold me. As shown in the video below, backlights are great for high contrast content, and they work best in rooms where there aren’t many light sources that can be picked up by the camera.
Some of the Govi models are cheaper than usual right now if you want to try one of those out. Its base model, called the Envision T1 for 55 to 65-inch TVs, is selling for 20% off on Amazon. Normally $79.99, kit is $63.99. This is the model that I have, and the model that is featured in the image at the top of this post.
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Govi Visual
Prices taken at the time of publication.
This base model works on 55 to 65 inch TVs.
If you want to take advantage of Govi’s costlier model that includes dual cameras to capture color faster and more accurately on your screen than cheaper models, its Envision T2 is down to $89.99 from $139.99. We’re not sure how long this deal will last, but Govi usually runs deals on these models every couple of months.
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Govi Visual T2
Prices taken at the time of publication.
This advanced model works with 55 to 65 inch TVs.
To get it running you need to install the adhesive-backed LED strips on the back sides of your TV, then connect them to its adapter. It knows what colors to show via the included camera which can be located on top of your TV, or placed below while watching the TV.
I enjoy turning on the gooey backlight for all kinds of content, but especially for games, movies, and TV shows I’m really trying to get lost in. If you use a Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart speaker, the lights can be turned on using your voice, or you can toggle a shortcut on your phone to turn them on or off via Bluetooth. From the Govi app, it’s also easy to adjust their brightness, white balance, and other effects to get them looking just right.
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