Not a skylight, but a lamp that simulates daylight
Light for dark rooms: The Philips Skylight simulates a skylight, letting in natural light. And is designed to replace conventional lighting.
Bathrooms often lack natural light. Some basement rooms are used for hobbies or sport, and dark corners in flats now serve as home offices. Whilst I can brighten these areas with lamps and lights, it is still artificial light.
Philips, on the other hand, promises that Skylight provides (albeit artificial) light that creates the illusion of daylight. The lamp acts like a skylight through which I can see the blue sky. It simulates the colour tones, depth and brightness of sunlight.
Source: Philips
I attach the panel to the ceiling where a light fitting would normally be. Two sides light up, whilst the others remain in shadow. Throughout the day, shades of blue and white change gradually – just like real daylight. According to the manufacturer, it mimics a blue sky without casting a blue hue over the room.
Using a remote control, I can set predefined lighting scenes or activate an automatic daily cycle. The brightness can, of course, also be adjusted. The light is also available with the so-called «VitaUp» module. This generates UVB radiation for eight hours a day – that is, the high-energy, short-wavelength part of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. The radiation stimulates the skin’s production of vitamin D (but is also responsible for sunburn).
Source: Philips
UVB radiation just like in real sunlight
The topic of the remote control hints at the issue. The lamp cannot be integrated directly into a smart home system and is therefore not compatible with Philips Hue. Why not? In the presentation, Philips replied that they wanted to target a different audience. This argument doesn’t seem entirely convincing to me.
Philips already offers a similar product in the professional sector for open-plan offices and commercial premises. There, the modules cost well over 1,000 francs. The Skylight is now intended for domestic use and can be fitted like a ceiling light. It can also be used in the bathroom, as the light is rated to IP44 and can withstand moisture and splashes.
Source: Philips
The module is available in two sizes. «The medium version» costs 450 francs or 500 euros. The lamp measures 65 by 45 centimetres and produces a maximum of 3,200 lumens. This is enough to light a room of up to around 20 square metres. «Large» costs 550 francs or 600 euros and measures 90 by 60 centimetres. The maximum output of 5,300 lumens is sufficient for rooms up to 30 square metres. The module with UVB radiation costs an additional 100 francs or euros. The lamps are expected to be now in stock.
Gadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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