I originally bought one of the 6.5' sets to try out. I kind of had an idea on the look I wanted.
I loved everything about it that I bought 2 more, as well as this set that this review is under.
This set is the one behind my TV. The 3 smaller sets are at the desk.
1. I did read the reviews and found that the spacing of the LED's is wider. This is true, by almost twice as much. But in my situation I could loop this 10' string around the back of my TV twice. This is a 42" TV hanging 3 1/2" from the wall. The double loop around was actually enough to split the difference between the LED's so they wound up evenly spaced. It works perfect for me. Some of the preset scenes look strange. But they are not something I use anyway. Just mentioning that in case you care.
2. This set SHOULD work plugged into your TV's USB port. But keep in mind that when your TV is off (most TV's), there is no power going to the USB port. So they will turn off and on with your TV. I prefer dedicated power via the power strip behind my TV. You can then have control over it with the TV off. I prefer this as I have "scenes" set up in the app for day/night.
3. The App. THE APP!!!!!!! Holy h*ll they put together a very intuitive interface with a lot of features, without a mention of your credit card.
I know…. you read somewhere else that the App is shady/intrusive/etc. because it requires Location Permissions. The reason for this is because the app connects to the lights via Bluetooth. In 2019 the Android system was redone in a way that requires ALL apps working through Bluetooth to have Location permission. It is not because of the app developer. It is because of the programming of ALL Android operating systems since 2019. Any other Permissions can be individually addressed via your Settings>App Settings screen of your phone or tablet. You can do this for all apps. But if it uses Bluetooth, Location permissions must be granted.
What I love is the "Group" function within the app. You can link the lights you want together and assign different scenes. You can set up one touch scene changes by saving them. You can create your own scenes in the DIY section. You can break it down into segments on the same string! There's even timer functions, though I have not played with them yet.
I got my first set a few weeks ago and I'm STILL playing with the app and learning stuff when I'm bored. 🙂
Like I said, I bought one to "test it out" and should have bought all 4 sets at once.
So far the adhesion has held up really well. I've been keeping an eye on where I made my bends but it's still holding. I THOROUGHLY cleaned the surface. It's key guys! I'm talking multiple swipes with some 90% rubbing alcohol. Though I'm sure the little included swab would do the trick in a pinch. I didn't even use it. Went with my overkill approach. Another key is to not remove the protective backing all at once before you install. Peel a bit back, get it started and pull the backing as you follow pressing firmly with your other hand. Get it CLEAN and take your time. A 10 yr old could do it.
The ones at the desk are individually plugged into a cheaper stand alone 6 port USB box for power. It gets pretty warm but that may be because I went cheap there. I don't suspect an issue with the lights because they have been on 24/7 since install and I have never noticed a fluctuation in brightness or flickers. Not once. I needed the USB box for my particular setup but the heat is borderline concerning. Just a bit warmer than expected. So if you plan a similar setup, just something to keep in mind.
I have had no issues so I can't comment to the Company itself or their service. But they arrived as scheduled…. Quick. Instructions are clear and easy to figure out. And for a $20 set of good quality lights, I'd say they have their $h!t together. These aren't just some "cheap" string of LED's. You'd expect to find at least one flaw between 4 different sets with the "cheap" guys. I will be purchasing more products from these guys in the future.
As you can see…. I give this a HUGE thumbs up! 5 Stars so far! I'll update if I do have an issue.
If you're reading this, there's a reason.
BUY EM!
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