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Samsung’s hugely successful Frame TV has dominated the “TV that doubles as artwork” category for years. 

But with the release of the Hisense Canvas TV and TCL NXT Frame, Samsung finally has real competition. 

All three brands now offer TVs designed to look like artwork when not in use — featuring low-reflection matte screens, slim bezels, and wall-mounting systems that help them sit flush against the wall, much like framed prints or paintings. 

The Concept Behind Art Display TVs 

The idea is simple: 

Instead of a large black rectangle on the wall when the TV is off, the screen displays artwork in a low-power, standby mode. 

• One press of the power button → switches the TV into “art mode”
• Another press → powers the TV off completely

This creates a seamless blend between technology and interior design. 

Installation Experience — Frame TV vs Canvas TV vs TCL NXT Frame 

I recently mounted my first Hisense Canvas TV, and from an installation perspective, there were no major differences compared to the Samsung Frame or TCL NXT Frame. 

All three include their own low-profile wall brackets, designed to keep the TV as close to the wall as possible. 

However… the bracket designs vary in practicality 

In my experience: 

• The Samsung Frame TV bracket is the most flexible.
• The Hisense and TCL brackets work, but stud spacing and mounting locations are sometimes restrictive.
• Many customers end up choosing my Prolink low-profile bracket instead, which sits just 9 mm from the wall and provides better adjustability.

The Biggest Installation Difference: Cable Management 

This is where the brands truly differ. 

Samsung Frame TV 

• One nearly invisible, transparent cable
• Connects to the external One Connect Box
• Easiest for clean cable concealment
• Best option for brick walls or hard-to-access studs

Hisense Canvas TV & TCL NXT Frame 

• All HDMI and power connections are on the back of the TV
• Requires full cable concealment inside the wall
• Thick AV cables will hang visibly if not concealed properly
• No external box to manage, which some customers prefer

Bezel Frames & Art Mode 

All three brands offer magnetic bezel frames to complete the artwork look.  Important differences: 

• Samsung – Bezels are not included (additional cost)
• Hisense – Bezels included (selected models)
• TCL – Bezels included on most models

Art Gallery Access 

• Hisense – Artwork available through the VIDAA App (free, but somewhat limited)
• Samsung – Largest art library, but requires a paid subscription
• TCL – More limited artwork selection

Picture Quality Comparison 

While none of these models are designed to compete with premium high-brightness TVs, the hierarchy is clear: 

Picture Quality Ranking 

• Samsung Frame TV –best colour accuracy and contrast
• Hisense Canvas TV – solid performance for the price
• TCL NXT Frame – most affordable, but least refined image

Which One Should You Choose? 

Choose Samsung Frame TV if: 

• Picture quality matters most
• You want the cleanest cable setup
• You prefer the best app support, bezel options, and brightness levels

Choose Hisense Canvas TV if: 

• You want excellent value
• You prefer bezels included
• You’re happy with a slightly more limited app/art ecosystem

Choose TCL NXT Frame if: 

• Price is your main priority
• You’re willing to compromise on picture quality for savings

Final Thoughts :

From an installer’s perspective — and someone who handles TV wall mount installations every day — Samsung still leads in design, cable management, and screen quality. 

However, Hisense and TCL have absolutely closed the gap and now offer strong, more affordable alternatives for anyone wanting the “art TV” look without the premium Samsung price tag. 

A common misconception I often hear from customers is that they can combine their soundbar with their AV receiver and speaker system for a single home-theatre setup. 

In reality, it’s one or the other — you can’t effectively integrate a soundbar into a traditional surround system. 

Soundbars 

Soundbars are a convenient all-in-one option for rooms where running multiple speakers isn’t practical. 

They range from entry-level units (under $100) to premium soundbars priced over $1,000, which include wireless subwoofers and either detachable or additional rear speakers. 

High-end models feature advanced technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which use multiple DSP-controlled beam speakers to reflect sound off ceilings and walls — creating an immersive 3D sound field that simulates true surround audio. 

Soundbars are ideal for: 

• Apartments or smaller rooms 
• Simple, cable-free setups  
• Viewers wanting clear, balanced audio without complex installation 

AV Receivers and Speaker Systems 

An AV receiver (or amplifier) forms the heart of a traditional home-theatre setup. 

Basic 5.1 systems (five speakers and one subwoofer) start around $500–$600 and can be expanded with features like: 

• Bluetooth connectivity for streaming from your phone  
• Multiple zones (e.g., movie sound in the lounge and music outdoors) 
• Additional subwoofers or speakers for larger spaces

With this flexibility comes responsibility — ensure your amplifier’s impedance rating matches the total load of your connected speakers to avoid damage or performance loss. 

AV receivers are best suited to:

• Larger rooms or open spaces 
• Homes with existing speaker wiring  
• Users seeking premium, directional surround sound

Which Option Is Right for You? 

If you live in a small apartment or have limited space for wiring, a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer is a simple and effective solution. 

However, if you have a dedicated media room or want that authentic cinematic experience, a receiver-based system with wall or ceiling-mounted speakers will always outperform a soundbar in clarity and sound separation. 

While modern soundbars have improved dramatically and can replicate a surround experience, in my opinion, you can’t beat the real thing — an AV receiver, subwoofer, and strategically placed speakers tuned for your room. 

 Key Takeaway 

Choose your system based on room size, layout, and listening expectations: 

• Soundbar setup → convenience and simplicity.
• AV receiver system → performance and immersion.

Either way, the goal is the same: a clean, powerful, and enjoyable home-theatre experience that fits your space and lifestyle.