Hisense CanvasTV Turns Expensive Wall Art Into an Everyday Option

Samsung has a reputation for creating televisions that merge easily into any house, much like a piece of framed artwork hanging on a wall. The problem is that those televisions have traditionally been too expensive for many purchasers. Hisense identified an opportunity with the 55-inch CanvasTV (55S7N), a set that costs around $600 (was $1,000), and the good news is that it still gives the same exquisite style without the enormous expensive price tag.

The extremely slim bracket that comes with the TV makes it easy to mount it to the wall, as it allows you to sit it virtually flat against the wall. Then, simply snap on the teak frame, and the borders will have that finished look that everyone talks about, similar to a magnificent stretched canvas over wood. The screen itself has a great matte finish that scatters light and reduces reflections from lighting and windows. This is especially useful in a sunroom, as the image remains clear even in intense lighting. If you aren’t watching TV, the display will switch to one of the hundreds of preloaded paintings or images. You can just load some of your own images using your phone app or a QR code, and then select how you want them to appear, with some great subtle borders that simulate actual matting. There’s also a motion sensor put in, so as you step into the room, the screen will instantly turn on and begin playing, and ambient light sensors will alter the brightness and color to match the room as the day progressed.

When you turn on the TV for regular viewing, you’ll experience 4,000 by 2,000 pixel resolution as well as quantum dot color technology, which brings the colors on the screen to life, whether you’re watching a movie, sports, or streaming show. Support for Dolby Vision adds depth to high dynamic range video, ensuring that shadows and highlights are perfectly balanced. With a nice 144Hz refresh rate, fast action remains seamless whether you’re streaming a game or playing it on your console. Gamers will like the variable frame rate and low latency options, which perform well on modern hardware. Four HDMI connections, including two that can handle 4K at full speed, making connecting your console or other devices a breeze. Google TV does a good job of operating the interface, pulling in all of the apps and recommendations you need, and you can even use voice commands via the backlit remote control, which lights up when you pick it up.

In terms of sound, you get a pair of primary speakers and some upward firing drivers for a total of 36 watts, as well as built-in processing that helps produce a sense of space and clarity that is beautiful and clear even in an average environment. At typical volumes, it’s distortion-free, and most users think it’s fine for everyday viewing, but if you have a larger room or prefer a lot of bass, a soundbar may still be a smart choice. The TV itself consumes only 160 watts of power during regular operation, and it is light enough for a couple to lift and safely hang on the wall.