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HyperHDR / Ambilight Project

This is a companion to my new HyperHDR / Ambilight Video. Please watch the video, then follow along this tutorial as you build the project, using my hand-made Level Shifter:

▶ HyperHDR / Hyperion / Ambilight Video (2025)

If you have not watched the video yet, please do so before following this tutorial, as it is specific to the hardware setup demonstrated in the video.

Also give the hardware page a quick read, as it covers a couple of things that are more up-to-date than the video. Especially read that page if you have ordered my Level Shifter with the Hyperion Bundle accessories.

This project works with either the WS2812B RGB LED strips, or the nicer SK6812 RGBW strip that adds a white LED to each pixel.

All components needed to build this are linked on this page.

Note: You do NOT need to understand the diagram; it is simply shown for completeness:


Click for Large Version

NOTE: If you see any differences between the video and this tutorial, use the TUTORIAL instructions -- this site will be updated if anything changes. The video cannot be updated easily, so this site will be the most up-to-date.

▶ It is best to use this tutorial on a Desktop PC (or Laptop), as there will be some parts you'll want to Copy & Paste. For much of the first part of this tutorial, it is not necessary to be in the same room as the TV or the Raspberry Pi, as long as you are on the same WiFi/Ethernet network.

For later parts (configuring the color settings, etc) I recommend a Laptop, or at least a tablet or phone, that you can use in the same room as the television.

Links to all hardware used can be found here.

Note: This project has now been tested on the Pi Zero W, as well as the Pi 3, 4, and 5 -- pick whichever fits your budget and needs best!

Installing Raspberry Pi OS

ANY TIME you see this dialog in Windows, DO NOT CLICK "Format Disk"!!!


First, you'll want to install the Raspberry Pi OS. Download the "Raspberry Pi Imager" from the official website for Windows, Mac or Linux (whatever your Desktop or Laptop runs).

Click or tap on any image below to expand.

You will be greeted with a screen asking to choose the OS and your storage device:


Click on CHOOSE DEVICE



Choose Your Particular Device



Next, click on CHOOSE OS, then click on Raspberry Pi OS (other)



Choose Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) or 32-Bit, depending on your Pi model.

Note that I do not recommend the Pi Zero 32-Bit as it's just not powerful enough; I recommend the Pi Zero 2 W instead.

Either way, be sure to choose the Lite version, as we don't need a desktop!



Next, click on CHOOSE STORAGE. Please, PLEASE make sure to select the correct device here. It is best that you don't have any other SD or Flash devices connected to your PC, so that ONLY ONE choice will be available -- just to avoid any potential mistake here.



Now click NEXT...



This will pop up, and choose EDIT SETTINGS -- this is very important!



Set the hostname to something you'll remember; simply hyperhdr works in my case.

Also select both Set username and password, and Configure wireless LAN and fill in those settings.

Make absolutely sure that you type your SSID and password correctly -- these are case-sensitive.

Also, make note of the username and password you choose here, and again these are case-sensitive.



Be sure to set your Country, as WiFi frequencies allowed do vary between different regions. Having the wrong region may cause the WiFi to not function properly.

Once you've double-checked the above, click the SERVICES tab.



Make sure Enable SSH and Use password authentication are both selected, then click SAVE.



Simply click YES on this pop-up (it may or may not pop this up...)



Make sure it is asking to write to the correct drive, and if so, click YES.



This process may take a while, depending on the speed of your SD card and reader...



You can let it complete the verify step, which takes almost as long as the write step, or you can click CANCEL VERIFY...



At this point, you can remove the SD card, and go insert it into the Raspberry Pi, label-side DOWN (UP on the Pi Zero W); then power up the Pi and move on to Step 2:

▶ Next: First Boot & Logging In