Overview
Frame TVs provide a stylish way to display art when not entertaining guests or enjoying your favorite shows. However, beneath the ultra-slim form factors and sleek designs lie less-touted drawbacks ranging from high pricing to reduced viewing areas. As an experienced technology analyst, I have concluded there are 7 compelling reasons to avoid frame TVs for most consumers today.
In this article, I will leverage my expertise to analyze frame TV limitations in depth. My goal is to provide complete, fair-minded guidance to determine if a frame TV‘s benefits outweigh its shortcomings based on your household‘s needs and budget. I support my points with concrete pricing data and adoption statistics for context. There are affordable TV alternatives that may suit your lifestyle better. My hope is this analysis brings helpful clarity amidst the frame TV hype.
Key Reasons to Avoid Frame TVs
Here are the 7 most pressing reasons to avoid purchasing a frame TV this year:
- Price: Frame TVs range from $1,000-$2,000 for 55-65 inch models
- Art Display Fees: Ongoing subscriptions for new art cost up to $50/year
- Accessory Costs: Wall mounts, custom frames drive prices higher
- Limited Options: Only Samsung and LG offer frame TV models
- Image Realism: Electronic art lacks depth of real artwork
- Viewing Obstructions: Frames and logos reduce screen visibility
- Niche Appeal: Suited mainly for art lovers given the price
Now let‘s explore these key points in greater detail.
1. Steep Base Pricing
Frame TVs demand premium pricing for their improved aesthetic design and art display functionality. Costs quickly skyrocket compared to standard LED/LCD televisions:
| TV Type / Screen Size | 55 inches | 65 inches | 75 inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Frame TV | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,800 |
| LG C2 OLED TV | $1,300 | $1,900 | $3,000 |
| TCL 6-Series TV | $700 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
As this pricing table illustrates, both Samsung and LG‘s frame TV models command $200 to $800 premiums over comparable screen sizes from mainstream brands like TCL.
Over a 5 year ownership duration, that equals an extra $1,000 to $4,000 – a tough burden for many household budgets. And that‘s before accounting for supplementary costs of ownership.
2. Subscription and Art Display Fees
To display artwork on a frame TV, most models require subscribing to a proprietary art store. For Samsung‘s "The Frame" model, their Art Store subscription runs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year.
While helpful, these ongoing subscriptions hamper value and can feel nickel-and-dime-y. Some consumers may prefer using free sites like Unsplash to find art instead.
3. Mounting and Accessory Expenses Add Up
Installing a frame TV typically demands professional mounting and custom accessories for hiding cords.
You‘ll also need to account for add-ons like:
- Premium Frames: $100 to $300 depending on materials
- Recessed Wall Mount: $100 to $200 for specialized hardware
- Custom Cables: $50+ for hides cables behind walls
These extras can tack on hundreds more and may require professional installation. Some opt to hide cables entirely behind their drywall for the cleanest look!
4. Samsung and LG Dominate Selection
The frame TV market remains narrow. Samsung‘s "The Frame" series accounts for over 85% of all frame television sales. LG makes up the remainder with their Gallery OLED TVs.
Until more manufacturers enter with future frame TV options, pricing stays high from lack of competition. This limited selection also restricts feature and size choices for consumers.
5. Backlit Artwork Lacks Realism
While decorous, a frame TV‘s electronic artwork cannot match genuine framed pieces or canvas paintings.
The LED backlighting and anti-glare layers give displayed art a flatter, darker appearance. Truer blacks and more accurate color prove elusive.
For art connoisseurs, investing in an actual painting or gallery print may provide more viewing satisfaction long-term.
6. Frames Obstruct Viewing Area
Thicker frames are essential to simulate canvas borders. But these black bars inevitably obstruct 4-8% of the screen‘s potential display space.
Brand logos, control buttons, and sensors along the edges also hamper visibility – unlike a conventional TV‘s near edge-to-edge form.
While minor gripes, these facets detract from the overall experience over years of ownership.
7. Targets Niche Art Enthusiast Demographic
Given their premium pricing and artwork-focused nature, frame TVs remain a niche splurge item for fine art devotees. They best suit homeowners wanting to emulate an upscale gallery aesthetic.
More casual viewers or households on tighter budgets will likely find better satisfaction and value from cheaper smart TV alternatives. If artwork display holds minimal appeal, it becomes harder to justify a frame TV‘s asking cost.
For enthusiasts, the style merits may still outweigh financial factors. Nevertheless, frame TVs don‘t yet warrant mainstream appliance status given their prohibitive price points for many shoppers.
The Takeaway
In closing, today‘s frame TVs mark an alluring concept but falter in pricing and ergonomics compared to traditional flat screens. Early limitations around subscription fees, accessory costs, limited sizing options, and reduced viewing space still hinder their overall value.
I hope this transparent analysis helps provide helpful guidance amidst the hype. While the right fit for some art-loving homeowners, more affordable smart TV alternatives may better suit most household needs and budgets. But with visual appeal still the frame TV‘s mainstay advantage, sufficient competition could compel brands to address shortcomings.
For now, carefully weigh personal priorities before swiping a credit card. Frame TVs promise gorgeous aesthetics – yet best complement settings where form overtakes function. Their finest canvases display devotion towards design itself.
