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If you're like most people, your TV is the centerpiece of your living room decor. That means when it's off, all your furniture is pointed at a black rectangle. If this bothers you, the "art TV" trend that started with Samsung's The Frame could be the answer. These sets are made to look like a piece of art, and they display an image of your choosing when not in use. The Frame is a pricey option, but other brands have their own offerings—including Hisense and its CanvasTV, which I've been using and loving for the past six months.
Already a more affordable alternative to The Frame, you can currently get the 50-inch Hisense CanvasTV for $649.99 (down from $1,299.99). This is the lowest price ever, according to price-tracking tools. Other sizes are also discounted right now.
The primary attraction of the CanvasTV over Samsung's The Frame is the price: You'll pay $200 to $1,700 less for the same-sized TV (depending on which size you choose). Not to mention, The Frame requires you to buy the actual frames that go around the set and pay for most artwork separately, while Hisense includes all of that in the base price. Like The Frame, the CanvasTV also comes with a flush TV mount that will allow you to hang it so it looks like a piece of art.
I like that CanvasTVs come with the Google OS, which is my favorite smart TV operating system, as it lets you cast seamlessly from your phone (Android or iPhone). The CanvasTV is a QLED TV with Quantum Dot technology and 4K resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate in Game Mode Pro, according to CNET's review. What gives it the art look is the low-reflection Hi-Matte display, which combats glare. You can swap out the teak frame with different colors, including white and walnut frames.
Considering Hisense's take on The Frame is cheaper and includes fewer upfront costs, it's a great option for anyone looking to save money on a TV that won't dominate their decor—especially at the current discount.