Last year, Samsung introduced an innovative new product to the TV buying public dubbed ‘The Frame’. These Yves Behar-designed models attempt to make TV panels feel less like technology and more like art. Boasting a minimalist construction and ultra-thin bezels, each unit resembles a jumbo picture frame.
Originally only available in 55-inch and 65-inch iterations, you can now snap up a 43-inch model which is better suited for the bedroom (and kinder to your wallet). Here are the details.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/07/samsungs-new-4k-tvs-are-designed-to-look-like-picture-frames/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2017/07/TV-Sammy.jpg” title=”Samsung’s New 4K TVs Are Designed To Look Like Picture Frames” excerpt=”Samsung wants to make your TV feel less like technology. At least, that’s the idea behind the Frame TV. a swanky, minimalist television set that’s designed to look like a large picture frame.”]
The Frame is still a 4K LED Samsung TV at its core, just with fancier styling. As you’d expect, it supports the latest videophile tech like HDR10 along with an automatic brightness sensor for optimum art display.
It’s main claim to fame is a low-energy ‘Art Mode’ that’s specifically designed to display digital paintings and photos. This transforms your TV into an enormous digital picture frame when not in use. (Remember those?)
100 art pieces come pre-loaded on the device with more available at the Samsung Art Store. Obviously, you can upload and display your own content too.
From today, Samsung is adding a 43-inch model to join its larger siblings. Apart from panel size, each product is identical. Here’s the RRP for each model:
You can also buy customisable frames in White, Beige Wood and Walnut. These sell for between $199 and $299, depending on the panel size.
When you factor in the cost of frames and wall mounts, these TVs aren’t cheap – especially for the specifications. As we mentioned at the time of launch, you’re basically paying a premium for an upper mid-range TV. Here are the specs:
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
|---|---|
| Picture Engine | UHD Up-Scaling |
| Dynamic Contrast Ratio | Mega Contrast |
| Picture Engine | UHD Up-Scaling |
| Motion rate | 100 |
| HDMI ports | 4 |
| USB media playback | Yes |
| HDR (High Dynamic Range) | Yes |
| Sound Output (RMS) | 20W 2Ch |
| Dimensions (with stand) | 966.6 x 599.8 x 200mm |
| Weight (with stand) | 11.7 kg |
Like curved TV panels and (erk) 3D TV, this is only going to appeal to a niche market. But this time, that’s the intention. Samsung is aiming the device squarely at well-to-do, style-conscious homeowners.
If you hate the appearance of a big black rectangle in your otherwise fashionable home and don’t mind spending a bit extra, The Frame is precisely what your inner interior decorator has been looking for.
You can buy The Frame TVs now from Samsung.com.au, Harvey Norman and David Jones.
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/01/3d-tv-is-official-dead-and-buried/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2015/02/3DTV.jpg” title=”It’s Official: 3D TV Is Dead” excerpt=”We have some bad news for 3D TV aficionados (all three of you). LG and Sony have both confirmed they will be abandoning 3D TV support in 2017. These two companies were the final holdouts. In other words, it will soon be impossible to buy a 3D TV from a major manufacturer in Australia – and 3D Blu-rays are sure to follow suit.”]