Ambilight V2 is a huge reason to buy a Philips TV this year

There’s no doubt that Philips makes some of the best TVs around. One of the reasons for this – the same reason I’ve chosen Philips TVs for a decade now – is Ambilight.

For the uninitiated, Ambilight means LEDs on the back of the TV which change colour in real time with whatever is on screen. And in 2023, it’s going to get even better. 

At a launch event in Amsterdam, the brand revealed that certain models from the 2023 range of TVs will come with V2 of the Ambient Intelligence system. 

The firm explained it uses an “XYZ light sensor that can now measure the colour temperature of light in the viewing room, so that the white point of the screen image now exactly matches the real time tint of the room’s ambient lighting.” 

Made possible by the latest 7th Gen P5 AI processor, it will feature on new models such as the Philips OLED808 (below). Philips says the new Ambilight system means the lighting has improved colour accuracy and detail for a more immersive experience. 

The OLED808 also adds a new smaller 42in size to the range meaning those wanting a smaller OLED panel can now get one from Philips.

Ambilight Next Gen will also appear on the new flagship OLED+908 (at the top of this article) which you’ll be able to get in 55-, 65- and 77in sizes. It has a new ‘META OLED’ panel with “Micro Lens Array layer and a META brightness boosting algorithm to offer a potential peak light output of 2100 Nits, representing an increase of 70% while also offering a wider viewing angle and an energy efficiency improvement.” 

Sadly, Ambilight V2 won’t feature on the brand-new Philips ‘The Xtra’ range which will instead get a more basic three-sided version. These sets sit below the OLED models as a more affordable option and above The One models, arriving with Mini-LED technology which bridges the gap between LCD and OLED. 

The Xtra TVs will arrive in Q3 starring the 9308 MiniLED TV which comes in 55- and 65in sizes with the 7th Gen P5 processor, a 120Hz, 98% DCI WCG panel with 1000 nits brightness and a 64W 2.1 Bowers & Wilkins built-in sound system. 

Back to Amblight and it’s now expanding across the living room to provide lighting just about everywhere thanks to Ambilight Surround. Details at the press conference were light (excuse the pun) on the subject but essentially they are speakers with built-in Ambilight LEDs which will create an even bigger wash of light in your room – including behind you.

There will be speakers, subwoofer and soundbar options all of which are wireless and work with all Ambilight TVs. It appears to be an advancement on the Fidelio speakers with built-in Ambilight announced last year. 

If you’re after an upgrade or replacement right now, take a look at our roundup of the best TVs.