The Official Backlighting Discussion Thread.

**BruZZi** · 02-04-2011, 09:43 AM

" The Official Backlighting Discussion Thread "

Let's have a dedicated thread to discuss about Backlighting.

**gadgtfreek** · 02-04-2011, 09:49 AM

Thanks Bruzzi!

Here is a shot of my S2 with the Ideal Lume. I started out with a Lowes Cabinet Light (18") before I dropped a lot of money on the Ideal Lume a few years ago. As someone that always watched in the dark, I wanted to experiment with an el cheapo version before spending $70. The cabinet light and 18" 6500k bulb cost me about $18, and I loved it so much, I eventually bought the IL from Gregg Loewen.

Biggest pain on the cheap version was it was bulky, and it did not have an adjustable shield like the IL, which helps limit light. This pic is close, but realize the set is off, and there is some light reflection on the ceiling. Of course the screen is not affected, which is the point. I recently tried watching with a 40w lamp bulb, which I use for 100% of normal tv viewing, but it's too light for movies. I also do not prefer complete dark vs the backlight. Blacks tend to look a little deeper with the 40w, but Im willing to sacrifice that for a darker room.

**gadgtfreek** · 02-04-2011, 10:04 AM

Movement of posts messed up the order, so we'll just start a new discussion

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**gimp** · 02-04-2011, 11:09 AM

Ideal-Lume installation slideshow

How much are these and where is the cheapest place on the internet to buy one?

**gadgtfreek** · 02-04-2011, 11:27 AM

Nice. I tried 3M vecro but the heat over time got to them. I use small zip ties thru the slots in the back of the plasma.

Ideal Lume Store

**myared** · 02-04-2011, 04:31 PM

Anyone here tried the Ideal Lume panelight with its dual lamps? It's supposed to be better for flat pannels that are hung on the wall...

**gadgtfreek** · 02-04-2011, 04:33 PM

Mines a single, but you have a good point.

**micks_address** · 05-05-2011, 07:53 AM

are there any usb variants of these lights? cheers, mick

**speedking** · 05-05-2011, 02:43 PM

Forget about the price listed...check out the information provided in the article and below...click here

**chemical360** · 05-06-2011, 07:05 AM

I am planning a redesing of the aesthetics in my place. Is there a significant benefit to this Lume Light over using LED strips behind the TV and in the AV tower?

**BruZZi** · 05-06-2011, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by chemical360

I am planning a redesing of the aesthetics in my place. Is there a significant benefit to this Lume Light over using LED strips behind the TV and in the AV tower?

With the Ideal Lume you get the perfect specs. But you can have the same benefits using other types of Bias Lighting.

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**chemical360** · 05-06-2011, 10:10 AM

So, can we get this thread jumping a little bit? I am trying to find good lighting. What I want to do is light up the edges of my wall mounted 55" Plasma, the lip of the AV rack that will light up the components and then probably, the DVD and game racks, whenever I decide on what to buy.

The Ideal Lume is not what I am looking for. One giant bulb on the floor won'y work for a wall mounted TV anyway. So what do people use for purposes like mine? Everything I have found were kits for 50 bucks a pop and only like 6" of light.

Any ideas would help.

**gadgtfreek** · 05-06-2011, 10:18 AM

There is a nice thin LED kit posted in the Samsung D7000/8000 owners thread by Koffas, its a nice alternative to the Ideal Lume.

Here is mine:

Here is Koffas'

http://www.highdefjunkies.com/showth...l=1#post225355

http://lightenhancingdesigns.com/ledstripkitremote.html

**chemical360** · 05-06-2011, 10:58 AM

Wow! I need probably 6 to 10 strips. I figure 3 for the TV, sides and top. Then 3 for the AV rack. Then more for the DVD and Game racks. That is expensive for little LED strips. I wish they sold them without remote as this is where most of the money goes.

I am going to check Lowes, HD, or Target to see if they have it.

**gadgtfreek** · 05-06-2011, 11:01 AM

Keep in mind you dont want it too bright either.

**BruZZi** · 05-06-2011, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by elwaylite

http://lightenhancingdesigns.com/ledstripkitremote.html

Nice. It's better than those sold by Ikea.

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**gadgtfreek** · 05-06-2011, 11:16 AM

Yeah BruZZi, those look real good. I may swap if my IL ever dies, its right at 3 yrs old now. My spare bulb got busted in our move.

**Loves2Watch** · 05-06-2011, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by chemical360

Wow! I need probably 6 to 10 strips. I figure 3 for the TV, sides and top. Then 3 for the AV rack. Then more for the DVD and Game racks. That is expensive for little LED strips. I wish they sold them without remote as this is where most of the money goes.

I am going to check Lowes, HD, or Target to see if they have it.

Just make sure they are 65K

**clenz** · 05-06-2011, 01:42 PM

Will the IL lights plug directly into the TV so that they turn on/off with the TV power? Looks like they have an RF remote, but it would be more convenient tied to the TV power.

**rgladiator** · 05-07-2011, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by clenz

Will the IL lights plug directly into the TV so that they turn on/off with the TV power? Looks like they have an RF remote, but it would be more convenient tied to the TV power.

Not that I can see. They plug into a regular wall outlet so you'd need some other method to trigger them such as a "smart" power strip.