The CanvasTV is Hisense’s QLED competitor that doubles as an art frame

Hisense South Africa has unveiled its locally manufactured CanvasTV. The product is manufactured at Hisense SA’s Atlantis, Western Cape facilities. It’s notable because, when the CanvasTV is idled, it detects a viewer’s presence and displays art pieces without a backlight, allowing it to double as furniture and decor. Where have we seen that before?

CanvasTV goes hard in the paint

The CanvasTV’s Art Mode is the model’s calling card, transforming the device into digital artwork, similar to the Samsung Frame’s Ambient Mode. Combined with Dolby Vision and an anti-glare Hi-Matte display, Art Mode is not made to just be a screensaver. It’s intended to feel like a painting on the wall. An UltraSlim wall mount design makes it easier to mount straight on like a picture frame.

Available in 55in and 65in models, the CanvasTV combines 4K QLED visuals with smart home integration through Google TV, as well as control through Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. Hisense claims the device offers over 700,000 shows and movies, plus 800 free live channels.

This launch is Hisense’s bid to compete in the “lifestyle tech” niche, where electronics blend into living spaces as functional art, ensuring appliances aren’t just taking up unnecessary space when idled. It also allows the devices to be more customisable to each room and house they occupy.

Luna Nortjie, Hisense SA’s Deputy GM, highlights the local impact: “The CanvasTV represents South African innovation, merging world-class technology with stylish living.” Priced from R20,000, consumers can kill three birds with one stone as they get a TV, a customisable art piece, while also supporting locally produced goods. The CanvasTV is now available at major retailers nationwide.