TL;DR
Manufacturers including Samsung, Amazon, Hisense, TCL and LG are pushing televisions that look like framed artwork when not in use, a trend driven by smaller urban living spaces and new screen technologies. New models use matte finishes, improved backlighting and software art modes; some, like Amazon’s Ember Artline, also bundle digital art and AI tools.
What happened
Since Samsung introduced the Frame TV in 2017, a growing number of makers have released television models intended to resemble framed paintings when idle. At CES 2026 Amazon unveiled the Ember Artline, a $899 set that ships with access to about 2,000 artworks and an Alexa-assisted tool to suggest pieces for a room. Hisense, TCL and LG have rolled out or announced competing products — Hisense’s CanvasTV, TCL’s NXTvision (promoted with a van Gogh image) and LG’s upcoming Gallery TV. These “Art TVs” pair picture-frame bezels with matte, anti-glare panels and software art modes. Recent advances in backlighting, local dimming and ambient-light matching help displays render art more convincingly, while matte surfaces reduce reflections and give images a canvas-like appearance. Reviewers note the appeal for people in compact apartments, though the category remains niche and often costs more than comparable non–art-focused models.
Why it matters
- Design-conscious buyers in smaller homes can have a television that doubles as wall art, reducing the visual impact of a blank screen.
- Advances in matte displays and refined backlighting make digital reproductions of paintings and photos appear more realistic.
- Major brands entering the segment signal a shift from a single pioneer product to broader market competition and variety.
- Despite aesthetic benefits, these models tend to be priced above similar-performance televisions, keeping the market specialized.
Key facts
- Samsung’s Frame TV was first introduced in 2017 and helped define the ‘Art TV’ category.
- Amazon announced the Ember Artline TV at CES 2026, priced at $899 and offering around 2,000 artworks to owners.
- Amazon’s Ember Artline includes an Alexa AI tool meant to recommend artworks suited to a room.
- Hisense’s CanvasTV and TCL’s NXTvision (which uses van Gogh imagery in marketing) are early competitors; LG has announced a Gallery TV for later in the year.
- Matte, anti-glare screens are central to the effect, absorbing light rather than reflecting it, which makes displayed art look more like a physical canvas.
- Improved backlighting technologies — including local dimming and ambient-light matching — help art modes look more convincing while keeping sets slim.
- Frame-style TVs remain a niche and usually carry premium pricing compared with similar non–art-focused models.
- A 2025 review unit of Samsung’s Frame Pro had significant issues for the reviewer, leading them not to recommend that specific unit.
What to watch next
- Real-world performance and user feedback on Amazon’s Ember Artline after it ships — not confirmed in the source.
- LG’s Gallery TV reception and picture quality when it reaches the market later this year — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Art TVs move from a niche, premium segment to more affordable mainstream options — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Matte screen: A display finish that scatters reflected light to reduce glare and make images appear less mirror-like.
- Backlighting: Light sources placed behind or around a display panel to illuminate pixels; advances affect contrast and perceived depth.
- Local dimming: A backlight control technique that dims specific zones to deepen blacks and improve perceived contrast.
- Art mode: TV software feature that displays high-resolution images or artworks and often adjusts brightness and color to mimic framed art.
- Frame-style / Art TV: Televisions designed with bezels, matte panels and software to present digital artwork and resemble a framed painting when not used as a TV.
Reader FAQ
Are Art TVs a new category?
No. Samsung’s Frame popularized the concept in 2017, but multiple brands are expanding the category now.
How much does Amazon’s Ember Artline cost?
The Ember Artline was announced at CES 2026 with a price of $899.
Do these TVs come with artwork?
Amazon’s Ember Artline includes access to about 2,000 works for owners; other brands may offer galleries or content but specifics vary.
Are Art TVs cheaper than regular TVs?
No. The article reports that frame-style models typically command higher prices than comparable non–art-focused sets.
Will Art TVs replace traditional framed art or décor?
not confirmed in the source
PARKER HALL GEAR JAN 6, 2026 3:41 PM The Inevitable Rise of the Art TV New televisions from Amazon, Hisense, TCL, and others are designed to display fine art and…
Sources
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