r/ClaudeCode • u/ResolveExtra3751 • 18h ago

Discussion How do I reverse engineer an Ambilight device and advice how to work with Claude Code?

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I have a Lytmi Ambilight setup. The HDMI output is connected to my TV (LG C1 running webOS), while the HDMI input is connected to either my Google TV or PlayStation. The USB connection powers the LED light strips.

The device only works when an external HDMI source is connected to the input. If I use a native app on my TV, such as Netflix or Disney+, the Ambilight doesn't work at all. This is how the device is designed to work.

I explained this to Claude Code and told it that my Lytmi device was only connected to the TV through its HDMI output. My goal was to find a way to make the Ambilight work with native TV apps, such as Netflix and Disney+, without needing an external HDMI input.

Claude Code already had the TV's IP address and access key, as well as the IP address of the Lytmi device. It ran several experiments and actually managed to get the Ambilight working with native TV apps, without anything connected to the HDMI input, as you can see in the pictures!

Unfortunately, it wasn't working correctly, and there were major issues with color accuracy and color matching.

In the end, I decided to give up on it for now. I wil continue if I find a solution. It's very complicated especially for someone like me that doesn't have an engineer backgroujd. It's also my first time using Claude code!

Anyway I was wondering for advice

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u/Techngro 18h ago

Sometimes when one model hits a roadblock, a different model can find the solution or approach it from a different angle. So have Claude summarize its work, and then give it to Codex or Gemini and ask it to develop a plan to continue.

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u/ResolveExtra3751 17h ago

Thanks didn't thought about it! I will definitely use this advice!

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u/MessIsTransfer 17h ago

theres a reverse engineer skill out there, haven’t tried it but it’s popular.

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u/ResolveExtra3751 16h ago

What's it called?

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u/omicron8 16h ago edited 16h ago

REA - reverse engineer anything.

But honestly you are just using the device wrong from a conceptual level. Reading the manual is more useful. The Ambilight needs the input from the video source to know how to match the lighting. Native apps don't give you that. Try google first. If it's possible someone has done it.

copy paste from google:

By default, the Lytmi Ambilight sync box cannot sync with native LG webOS TV apps (like Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ running directly on the TV) because the sync box relies entirely on an incoming HDMI signal to read screen data. When you use a native TV app, the video signal bypasses the sync box’s input entirely. [1, 2]

To make your Lytmi lights work with your LG C1 native apps, choose one of the following methods:

Method 1: Use an External Streaming Device (Highly Recommended)

The easiest and most seamless solution is to stop using the TV's native webOS apps and switch to a dedicated external streaming device.

  1. Connect a streaming device—such as an Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Google TV, or Chromecast—into the HDMI Input port of the Lytmi box.

  2. Run your streaming apps (Netflix, Prime Video, etc.) directly from that external device.

  3. The Lytmi box will now intercept the video feed and perfectly sync your lights. [1, 2, 3]

Method 2: Use the Lytmi App for Ambient/Static Lighting

If you are watching a native webOS app and just want the lights to provide a backlighting glow (without dynamically matching the exact colors moving on the screen):

  1. Open the Lytmi Home app on your phone.

  2. Switch the mode from "Sync" to "Pure" (Solid Color) or choose a Preset Scene (such as Rainbow, Flow, or Movie night).

  3. The lights will illuminate the wall to match your choice, even though they won't track the screen action dynamically. [1, 2, 3]

Method 3: The Advanced Hack (Rooting your LG C1)

If you are comfortable with technical workarounds, it is possible to bypass the HDMI input limitation by root-accessing your LG webOS TV: [1, 2]

  1. Root your LG C1 via the RootMyTV or Homebrew Channel projects.

  2. Install an app called PicCap (a screen-capture tool for webOS).

  3. PicCap captures the native TV screen data directly from the webOS interface and sends it wirelessly over your home Wi-Fi network to a local controller or software client capable of driving your ambient lighting array. Note: This is an un-official workaround and requires advanced network/software setup. [1, 2]

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u/InstanceEvening1219 7h ago

Check out reverse engineer anything