Introduction

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Definition

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Ambilight is a backlighting system imposed by Philips for the line of its plasma flat TVs and LCD. The Ambilight serves to regulate the contrast inside the room.

Ambilight is the result of an in-depth study of the way people watch TV at home. Among consumers who tested Ambilight, more than 70% felt that the lighting around the TV helped to make the experience more relaxing and improve picture parameters such as contrast, depth and vibrancy of colours. And the use of colour for the Ambilight function made an even bigger difference. The Society of Television and Motion Picture Engineers (SMTPE) also recommends backlit displays to maximise the performance of the TV.

Ambilight is a technology designed to enhance the viewing experience and can be used with any type of television signal. Whatever the signal source, Ambilight technology analyzes incoming signals and produces the right ambient side light for the content being displayed on the screen.

What are we going to do?

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Knowing what it is, what we are going to do is adapt this expensive invention, to a very small budget by doing it ourselves DIY Power!

Material

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1. Server Ubuntu Linux

2. Arduino

   • One
     • You can find it HERE
   • Mega
     • You can find it HERE

       

   • It says compatible, but the build uses exactly the same components as the originals. It’s the same board, assembled by another manufacturer.
   • I recommend the MEGA card, because for $5 you have a much more complete card that can later be used for other developments.

3. Strip of 50 LEDS

   • 50pcs 12mm IP65 F LED Pixel with WS2801 2801 IC
   • You can find them HERE (affiliate),
     • I bought them on Amazon but from that seller, only he no longer has an Amazon account.
     • It takes about a month and a half to arrive, at least in Spain. (A little longer than estimated, don’t panic).

       • 

4. Current adapter that has the following characteristics in the output:

   • OUT: 5V - 2A

     

     Power Supply

5. Cable Adapter to Universal Power Connector

   • You can find them HERE

     

     connectors

6. Here you must choose one of the two assembly methods

   1. Jumpers for license plates (RECOMMENDED)
      1. You can find it HERE

      2. 

   2. Three thumbtacks
      • Since I was in a hurry to tinker, this is the homemade method I chose.
      • If you want to do it this way, you will also need to
        • Tin Maker
        • Tin

7. Electrical tape

Tools

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1. Screwdriver

Specifications

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As you can see it is very cheap. :D

Until the next installment.