Cync reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar Review
One interesting trend in the smart home is the emergence of ELV smart lights and switches. What does ELV mean? It stands for Electronic Low Voltage and is designed for dimmer switches to handle electronic low-voltage transformers used in some lighting systems to control your LED light bulbs or bars. ELV dimmers are often used with LED and halogen fixtures that operate on electronic transformers. The technology behind ELV dimmers is specifically suited to manage the complex electrical characteristics of these transformers, providing smooth and stable dimming performance without the flickering and noise often encountered with standard incandescent dimmers. Recently, companies like Lutron and Leviton introduced new ELV switches and dimmers. I was introduced to the first ELV smart light bar by Cync and got to test it in our home. Check out what I learned from testing the first and only full-color and edge-lit smart undercabinet lights in the North American market, Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar.
What is Cync reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar?
The new Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar is the first and only full-color and edge-lit smart undercabinet lights in the North American market. This smart lighting device is designed to integrate seamlessly into any modern kitchen and set a new standard for functionality and style. Here are the key features of this new smart undercabinet bar.
Key Features:
- Compatibility with Voice Assistants: Fully compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, enabling voice control for ease and convenience.
- Matter Wireless Protocol: Operates on the universal Matter wireless protocol, allowing control through any compatible Matter controller.
- Integration with Savant Home: Enhances your smart home experience by smoothly integrating Savant Home systems.
- Exceptional Clarity and Color: This product Features reveal's technology, which provides clean, beautiful color or white light, enhancing the ambiance of your space.
- Vibrant Color Selection: Choose from millions of colors and light effects to perfectly match the mood or occasion.
- Smart Dimming: Easily adjust the brightness using the Cync App or a Cync dimmer switch. Note that the Cync dimmer is not compatible with standard dimmer switches.
- Connectivity and Control: Requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection and is compatible with smartphones running Android 8 or higher and iOS devices running iOS 14 or higher.
- Advanced App Features: The Cync app allows you to set schedules, create scenes, control your lights away from home, design light shows, and group devices.
- Glare Reduction: Designed to produce less glare than traditional undercabinet lighting, ensuring a comfortable visual experience.
- Easy Installation: Quick and easy mounting, with the ability to link up to 10 Cync bars together for expansive coverage.
- Available Sizes: Comes in three convenient sizes for specific needs: 12", 18", and 24". (Note: for this review, we tested the 12" device.)
With its slim profile and sophisticated edge-lit design, the Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar provides functional lighting and enhances your home décor. Whether preparing a meal, hosting a party, or simply enjoying your kitchen, these lights offer the versatility and performance to meet all your lighting needs. Transform your kitchen into a visually stunning and smartly managed environment with Cync reveal HD+.
How to install your Cync reveal HD+ Smart U.ndercabinet Bar.
During testing, I found the installation process easy, especially when installing the light bar underneath our cabinets, which didn't have any existing undercabinet lights. However, installing the reveal HD smart undercabinet lights was challenging when we went to a direct wire installation method, which required us to replace our existing undercabinet lights with the new Cync light bar. This method was a little difficult because we had to remove our existing undercabinet lights and connect the Cync Light Bar. If you are not familiar with or don't like working with electrical wiring, I recommend you get an electrician to help you with this installation. Or you can go with the installation process that uses the plug to power your light bar. Just make sure you have a plan to hide the plug's cord. You don't want that exposed.
Listed below is a guide I put together for either installation that will make it easier for you to install the Cync reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar:
Installation Guide for Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar
Step 1: Unboxing and Setup Preparation
- Begin by unboxing your new Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar. Check to ensure all components are included in the package.
- Check the Wi-Fi signal strength at the location where you plan to install the light bar to ensure optimal connectivity. Note: you will need to use a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection
- Turn off the power if you use a direct wire installation method.
Step 2: Installing the Light Bar
- Install the undercabinet lights at your chosen location. Make sure the surface is clean and suitable for installation. Follow the Cync app's installation directions. They will make the installation process easier for you.
Step 3: Download and Set Up the Cync App
- Download the Cync app from the App Store or Google Play. Scan the QR code in the instructions manual to find the app quickly.
- Alternatively, if you're using a Matter controller, scan the QR code on the light bar to connect.
Step 4: Powering and Pairing
- Once the light bar is installed, power it on and follow the pairing instructions in the Cync app.
- If you are an existing Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa user, the device will automatically connect to these systems once paired via the Cync app. Just be sure to name the light appropriately for easy voice control.
Step 5: Optional Matter Integration
- If you prefer to use the Matter wireless protocol, you can set up the light bar using a Matter-compatible app. Compatible hubs include Google Home, Alexa smart speakers and displays, Apple HomeKit hubs (Apple TV, HomePods), and Samsung SmartThings hubs.
- Remember: Scanning the QR code on the light bar will facilitate this setup.
Additional Considerations:
- The Cynbroader offers a wider range of features, including setting schedules, adjusting colors, and dimming lights.
- Choosing Matter setup provides broader compatibility with other smart home ecosystems but with access to a more limited set of smart features.
Final Steps:
- Once everything is set up, you can enjoy the versatile and dynamic lighting of your Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar, enhancing your space with beautiful, adjustable lighting.
How much does Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar Cost?
Testing Results
Over the past few months, I've tested the Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Bar in a natural home environment with average connectivity. Here's a detailed breakdown of what I liked and the areas where I see room for improvement.
What I Liked:
- Easy Installation: The undercabinet bar offers a flexible installation process. You can plug it into an outlet or opt for a direct wire installation, making it a versatile choice for different kitchen setups.
- Seamless Replacement: Replacing existing direct-wired undercabinet lights with the Cync bars was straightforward and hassle-free, a significant advantage.
- Expandability: Connecting up to 10 bars in a single system is incredibly convenient for larger kitchen spaces, allowing uniform lighting across all areas.
- Color Options: With access to 16 million colors, the customization possibilities are extensive, perfect for setting the right mood or matching any decor.
- Light Quality: The bars emit 750 lumens and offer a lifespan of 50,000 hours without any glare, which is excellent for both task lighting and ambiance.
- Smart Home Integration: Integration with Google Assistant, Alexa, compatibility with Savant Home for professionals, and support for the new Mater protocol make these lights a great addition to any smart home ecosystem.
- Design and Build: The strong, slim design allows the bars to be discreetly mounted under cabinets, providing a sleek look with durable build quality.
Areas for Improvement:
- Connectivity Protocol Confusion: Using a different setup for Matter versus the Cync app can be confusing. Currently, the Cync app connection offers more features, making it preferable until Matter's capabilities are fully realized.
- Wi-Fi Limitation: The bars only operate on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. Including support for 5 GHz would have been beneficial for faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Installation Assistance: Installation requires the Cync app, as the user guide directs to app-based support. This necessitates having a smartphone handy, which could be a hurdle for some users.
- Power Cord Design: The power cord is notably thick and stiff, which can be cumbersome to maneuver during intentionally, the plug's but also kiss might not blend well with all kitchen aesthetics.
Summary
- Ease of Installation
- Expandability
- Color Options and Lighting Quality
- Smart Home Integration
- Design and Build QualityCons:
- Connectivity Limitations
- App Dependency
- Physical Design of Power Cord
- Protocol Complexity
