The living room television is undergoing a quiet revolution. No longer just a black rectangle for watching shows, it's becoming a piece of décor, a digital canvas that displays art when not in use. This "art TV" category, pioneered by Samsung's The Frame, has seen rapid growth as consumers seek to blend technology with interior design. Now, a major player is making a significant entry. LG has officially announced its Gallery TV, a design-focused, mini-LED television set to debut at CES 2026, marking a direct challenge to Samsung's dominance in this stylish niche.
LG Unveils the Gallery TV as a Design-First Alternative
LG has thrown its hat into the art TV ring with the announcement of the Gallery TV. Designed to sit flush against a wall, the television aims to transform from a screen into a seamless piece of wall art when not in use. This move represents LG's most serious foray into a category that has been steadily growing, with competitors like Hisense and TCL already offering their own takes. The Gallery TV is distinct from LG's high-end G series, positioning itself specifically for "interior-conscious consumers" who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.
Specifications and Features: Mini-LED, Matte Screen, and AI Processing
Underpinning the Gallery TV's artistic ambitions are several key technical specifications. LG has opted for a 4K mini-LED display panel, a choice that provides high brightness and contrast while avoiding the potential burn-in risks associated with OLED technology for static image display. A defining feature is its specialized matte screen coating, engineered to reduce glare and minimize reflections, creating a more canvas-like appearance. Powering the experience is LG's mid-range α7 AI processor, which handles picture optimization and AI Sound Pro audio for a virtual 9.1.2-channel surround sound experience.
Key Specifications of the LG Gallery TV:
- Display Technology: 4K Mini-LED
- Screen Finish: Matte, anti-glare coating
- Processor: LG α7 AI Processor
- Audio: AI Sound Pro (Virtual 9.1.2ch)
- Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch
- Art Service: LG Gallery+ (4,500+ artworks, subscription-based)
- Customization: Magnetic frames (white standard, wood-color optional)
- Special Mode: Gallery Mode with ambient light adjustment
The Gallery+ Art Service and Customization Options
Central to the art TV experience is the content displayed on the screen. LG is leveraging its Gallery+ service, launched earlier in 2025, which offers access to a library of over 4,500 pieces of art, cinematic scenes, game visuals, and animations, with new content added monthly. Similar to Samsung's Art Store, full access to this library requires a paid subscription, estimated at around USD 5 per month, though a limited free tier will be available. Users can also display personal photos or even AI-generated imagery. The TV will include a standard white frame, with optional magnetic frames, such as a wood-colored variant, available for purchase at an additional cost.
Smart Features and Gallery Mode for an Authentic Experience
LG has developed a dedicated Gallery Mode in collaboration with museum curators to enhance the art-viewing experience. This mode intelligently adjusts the picture's color, brightness, and texture to better replicate the look of original artwork on a physical canvas. Furthermore, the TV's sensors will adjust the display based on ambient light conditions throughout the day. To complement the visual art, users can add background music from built-in mood-matching tracks or stream their own playlists via Bluetooth, aiming to create a sophisticated gallery atmosphere in the home.
Market Context, Availability, and Pending Details
The announcement sets the stage for a head-to-head competition in the art TV space at CES 2026, which runs from January 6 to January 9 in the United States. LG's entry is significant as it represents a challenge from one of the industry's largest brands. The Gallery TV will initially be available in 55-inch and 65-inch sizes. However, crucial details remain unknown, most notably the official pricing and specific release date. These are expected to be revealed during the CES event, where consumers and critics will be able to see how LG's offering stacks up against the established Frame and other competitors in both design and value.