I’ve been very much on board with a range of Govee smart lighting products for quite some time. I love the ability to change not just warmth or brightness, but also colors and patterns in order to create a personalized environment based on an event or mood.

I’m also someone who has — for some time — installed lights behind my smart TV , creating a unique effect when I watch anything on screen. These lights offered a variety of presets based on activities, seasons, and emotions, and I thought they were plenty fine with the features they offered. I wasn’t sure I needed something like Govee’s TV Backlight, a device that offered all those options I mentioned, but most notably, it would cast light on the wall around your TV that matched and complemented what was on it. A camera that looks down at the screen connects to strip lights behind the TV, casting colors that fit what you’re watching.

I assumed my TV lighting game was worthwhile; I didn’t realize how much I would like this extravagant convenience until I tested out this product. Here’s what I found out.

Specs, pricing, and availability

The Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite is available to purchase on Amazon or directly from Govee on its website. It retails for $90, though it’s frequently on sale or offered with coupons. You will need to choose the size that matches your TV, as the strip lights are spaced out to fit around the perimeter of the TV. In order to set up the device, you need to install and connect to the Govee app.

What I liked about the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite

A transformative entertainment viewing experience

I didn’t think too much of the possibilities of this backlight until I saw it in person, and it’s incredibly impressive. Once you calibrate the camera to capture the screen — a surprisingly simple process that only takes a few minutes — I was amazed at how perfectly the backlight complemented what was on-screen. When there were colors that dominated the screen, the backlight matched; when there was a mix of colors, the backlight seemed to find the perfect tone to enhance the content. Transitions were seamless and visually appealing; it never took away from the screen and just seemed to make everything more enjoyable.

There are a bunch of little thoughtful features, too. For example, you can instruct the camera to ignore black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, helpful for widescreen content. You can also dictate which sides of the screen the lights should respond to, as well as the brightness of each of the four sides. You can set the backlight to automatically turn off when the screen is blank for a prolonged period of time.

It’s easy to forget that the main draw of the TV backlight is supplemented by a slew of lighting features that have existed in Govee products for a while, which includes an ever-expanding list of lighting presets designed to fit a specific season, event, feeling, or activity. There are dozens of creative and fun patterns available to play around with, which comes in addition to the option of creating your own or simply opting for a solid color as a background.

The ability to toggle brightness, adjust the speed of the changing patterns, and set timers, allow you to personalize these lights to your needs and desires.

What I didn’t like about the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite

A delicate setup may prove more difficult than you’d expect

Getting the entire system setup and working can take a bit of time; how much effort will depend on your current TV setup.

The strips are set up to fit a TV, and it’s relatively easy to affix to the back of the unit, provided you have easy access to it. This backlight is best used for TVs that are situated close to a flat wall, free from nearby decor or furniture. However, if your TV is mounted flush against the wall, which will indeed enhance the effect of the lights, the process is even more difficult because you’ll have to take down your TV.

The camera can take a bit of time as well to set up. You’ll want to make sure it’s situated at the exact center of the TV, and looks down evenly at the screen. You’ll be able to view the angle from the Govee app when you calibrate, but it can take some trial and error. Your situation might be further complicated when it comes to finding a spot for the hub, which connects to the lights, the camera, and an outlet. It’s designed to be affixed to the back of the TV (it comes with adhesive), but as none of the cords are that long, and because those cords go in different directions, you don’t really have any other options when it comes to its location. However, access to the hub isn’t entirely necessary; it provides a physical means to turn on and off the lights and toggle some of the settings, but you can forgo it if you opt to exclusively use the app for control.

With myriad settings, you should be able to adjust the lighting system in a way that suits your needs, but there are times when it might be distracting. Namely, when the screen goes to black; the backlight will follow suit. And when the screen comes back on, the brightness can be a lot for a few moments.

Lastly, there is the matter of whether you want a camera in your home that’s connected to the internet. That’s a more personal question you’ll have to answer for yourself. The camera is pointed down at the TV screen, so it’s not exactly scoping out your space, but it may be too much a breach of privacy for you.

Verdict: Should you buy the Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite?

It’s completely frivolous and totally fun

I want to emphasize that I think lighting is quite personal; I don’t know if everyone will respond to the effect the same way I do. For me, however, this is a product I will use constantly and always have on, especially when watching blockbusters and more colorful movies, particularly sci-fi films. Not only does it offer an immersive sensory experience, but the added light helps complement the brightness of the TV at night, reducing strain on my eyes. The many presets offered are an added bonus, as I’m happy to use those too, whether my TV is on or not.

I’m all in on this admittedly unnecessary accessory, but it is one for me that changes my home entertainment experience for the better.