Meural Canvas art display review

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I get to review some pretty fun gadgets, and I recently had a chance to try one out that can make your home more beautiful and connected.
Meural is a large framed art installation; it looks just like a painting or portrait. Meural can be placed horizontally or vertically so it can fit any space. Meural plugs in and connects to Wi-Fi to connect to the Meural database so you can get access to art. There is a subscription fee to access the art.
"The Meural Canvas retails for $595 or $695 depending on your preferred frame finish, and includes a 27-inch diagonal full HD (1080P) display.
You can easily hang it on your wall with the included cleat and screws, and initially I elected to lean it against the wall, gallery style.
There's also a really neat swivel bracket the company makes that allows you to hang Meural securely, and swivel it to either portrait or landscape easily, just by twisting it.
The bracket installs easily enough...
Set up seemed easy but didn’t go smoothly. You’ll need to connect the Meural to power then download the Meural app.The canvas will walk you through some of the instructions while the app handles the rest.
You’re supposed to be able to connect the canvas to your phone by connecting to the Wi-Fi signal put out by the Meural. But initially I couldn't see the Meural's signal.
I went through the set up process numerous times and only once did I locate the Meural's Wi-Fi network. It seemed to pair just fine, but after a few minutes I got an error message that also said to fix the Wi-Fi connection issues, I had to start the set up process over again.
I did this several more times but again could not locate the Meural Wi-Fi network.
After unplugging and plugging in the canvas again a few more times… I left it alone for 10 minutes then came back and loaded up my Wi-Fi settings on my phone again. This time, there was the Meural Wi-Fi network and it connected easily.
Finally I was connected and set up and ready to go. Once you have everything set up the Meural will walk you through a video tutorial on the canvas including how to operate it. You have control over the device using gestures or you can use it by navigating through the app.
It's easiest to control Meural using the app. You can choose which art to show, which playlists to run or skip art, or set it permanently.
You can also use gestures so change things up, or to access the settings menu.
Famous Canadian painter Emily Carr's works are available on Meural, along with Frida Kahlo and Norman Rockwell. You can choose works bases on colour, subjects, or content as well as work from specific museums like the MOMA, The Tate London, Louvre and many other top international galleries. I was using a limited test playlist, but even so, I got a wide variety of nice works.
The problem with some display panels has been they look like computer screens - they can be glaringly bright and fake looking. Meural is definitely different. it has a soft light that i wouldn'tr even call a glow. It looks like realistic art, not like a blaring screen.
Meural has adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts the canvas' brightness to match ambient light in the room.
To get access to the full Meural library, you do need a membership. The subscription costs $4.95USD per month, and $39.95 for a year. If you aren’t interested in the Meural Membership, you’ll have access to a Sampler list of art only-a small collection of top works-but you will also have the ability to upload as many of your own images as you’d like.
One thing I enjoyed doing with this feature was sending photos to the canvas while I was at work and my husband was at home. It was a nice surprise for him to see special photos on the big screen! Wi-Fi connectivity means you can operate the Meural remotely.
Conveniently, it's possible to use Alexa voice control to operate your Meural.
I found Alexa had a hard time recognizing commands regarding Meural and I wondered if it was because of the spelling M-e-u-r-a-l. So I changed the spelling in the Alexa app to the more phonetic, 'mural' and from then on Alexa worked perfectly.
Despite a few glitches in the set up, Meural is easy to use. The display is lovely and realistic, and even in the trial level of art that I sampled, there was a nice variety of content.
The special swivel bracket is a nice addition, particularly if you want to enjoy both horizontal and vertical images to change things up.
I think if you're looking for something to add to your home's decor and you can afford both the price of the hardware and the subscription, you'll love this device.
Sells $799CAD for the 27" black and white frame from Best Buy canada.or get more info at meural.com

[@themallonee]

Excellent review. You literally covered every question I had, including the ambient lighting and whether or not It was glaringly bring. Thank you 🙏

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks so much for posting this. You made my day!

[@TVArtGallery]

Great review! I like the idea of displaying digital arts on screens. That’s why we created the channel to cast any art on our tv 😀

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks!

[@lanemcook1]

You are so right. The setup took about 15 tries, lots of frustration. The swivel mount is also a pain, thought it would fall off several times. There's no instructions in either the box for the Meural or the Swivel mount box. You must go to the website and there are no illustrations. Once done, it's pretty good.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Agree. Thanks for watching Lane.

[@Bsurfing]

Most likely it was due to a firmware update that the Meural builtin router had to go thru on the background before you could use it. The router is made by Netgear and they should alert the user, if that is the case.

[@flint350]

Well covered almost all anticipated questions. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the upcoming Canvia. One of the big issues for photographers is the questionable decision to make it a 16:9 aspect ratio. That requires cropping for almost all artwork and serious photography. Bummer.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thank you! And good points.

[@scottabergermd]

Great review, best I have seen yet on this interesting gadget that just went on sale at B&H… I am wondering why they did not make it so that it has a chargeable battery and you don’t have to see there’s dreaded cord coming out of your wall or have a handyman install it? Otherwise fabulous review. Thank you. You did not state what size mural was or I may have missed it? Thank you new subscriber.

[@krishnakanthcake]

Great review

[@dondimidelavega3835]

This is a great concept but it needs some refining to become a success imo. Maybe a second generation at a cheaper price could possibly sell really well. Another thorough and very informative review, Erin!👍 Extra marks for the really wonderful hair and make up. 😉

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for the compliments Don Dimi!

[@TheTechVengers]

Love it ! What a great idea! Curious about checking it out and would love to review it as well. Thanks for your unique take!

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thank you!

[@bochiloch9155]

I can only find the swivel mount online from their website but shipping to Canada will cost an extra 95$. Lame!

[@Alexread94]

Great video! I have a question about using your own photos. Is there any limitations on the amount of photos? Eg a maximum amount you can have? Also is there a memory limit for how many photos you can use? I intend to buy one of these to display my 10,000+ amateur photo collection on “shuffle”, is this product suitable?

[@tucciproducer]

As an artist, how do I create a publicly accessible playlist of my work?

[@philfyphil]

Excellent real-world review with some really useful suggestions, thank you. It makes a big difference when someone reviews a product properly and actually describes every step of the way, problems included. :-)

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful.

[@MannyG32968]

Great video! Had an issue with my Wifi but ultimately figured it out with regards to the connection. Thanks!

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks very much for watching!

[@dk12641]

beautiful

[@GhostLovr1]

I would like to lean mine on a table against the wall. My concern is if it slides or how did you troubleshoot this?

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

It's pretty heavy. If you put a bit of non-skid padding under it I think it would be fine. I had mine leaning before I got the wall mount and it worked great.

[@nissaflanagan8073]

I'm wanting to purchase this primarily to show my own photos. How often or how fast is the scroll? Meaning what do you estimate is the time lapse between the switching of each new pic?

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

You can adjust the scroll and timing to your liking.

[@SpankYa]

Does your Meural sit flush with the wall on the swivel mount? Mine leans forward despite the mount being tight and secure. Thanks

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

It's mostly flush. Not 100% flat, but good enough for me.

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

This is kind of neat. A nice way to have art on 'somewhat' of a budget (if you don't include the hardware cost). The swivel mount should be included. Black mark there. Also, needs to be motorized to rotate view automatically based upon the picture. Still, kind of cool.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Good points. Thanks for watching!

[@ED-gz8vr]

I just got it..but is not easy to connect with the App. I already connected with the Wifi, I followed every step they tell you..but it keeps telling me "the Canvas it's not detected " is frustrating thing....it's not worth it

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

I'm sorry to hear it's still a problem. :(

[@ED-gz8vr]

@@ErinLawrenceTV I made it work...it's Great, thanks for the Reply =)

[@ED-gz8vr]

Is really Awesome I might get another one in the future. 👍

[@JerryWanders]

How do you control 3 of them if i get . Can you connect a usb stick or SD card to play a slideshow?? Love this frame .

[@hectoro5144]

Hi Erin, I have a question, the pictures of your own that are being displayed have a 3:2 aspect ratio or are they being cropped to fill?

[@DamonBowe]

Samsung The Frame or Meural, since you've seen both in person????

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

If you want it just for the art, Meural. If you also want TV, Frame.

[@DamonBowe]

@@ErinLawrenceTV Thanks!!!

[@linnophoto]

I'm old school. Can I use it by just uploading my own photos without even using phone?

[@Leashaz]

If you want to showcase your own NFTs which blockchain does it support?

[@jeffreyhawkins4534]

This is a great review. Thank you.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@rogerwilco2]

How long will the app be supported? Can I still use this in 5, 10 or 20 years?

[@instajuelz]

how does it work at night? does it lower the brightness itself?

[@brainguynyc8729]

What is the difference between meural and meural 2?

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Wish I knew! I didn’t realize they had a new one out. I’ll have to get my hands on one.

[@adonistopofmen2571]

cool ......

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks!

[@xserve2472]

please don't directly use the wake word "Alexa"

[@mxrider564]

No comment on the power cord? No one wants a picture frame with a power cord showing. Great idea but the cord has got to go.

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Thanks for adding your thoughts!

[@mcelliot]

then, conceal it with the cord in the wall behind. How were you expecting it to receive power ?

[@Ninja_Sloth]

Most digital displays with a decent display require a power cord, not just Meural. Although you can go with the natural gas power approach

[@maestrohun]

@BeGood 2Me Not a great idea for a 27" backlit display with wifi connection... for e-ink without online connection maybe could be a solution.

[@rogerwilco2]

This is not going to run on a battery. What are you suggesting? Nuclear?

[@ivantomicic6799]

In this video, screen looks way too bright?

[@Monkey-u2h]

Please visit Artrina or eascan art on Amazon and Flipkart 🙏

[@karimjovian8793]

Angel I like it this device. But its prize to high 😕😕😕This is not in my budget

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

True! Not for everyone. A bit of a luxury item.

[@chukwumachibuzo3043]

Can it function in Nigeria without the meural wifi?

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

No, you need Wi-Fi to make it work. That’s how you upload your own photos, or connect to their network of photos

[@misternibba6100]

Erin is a art too ❤️

[@vaChiCago]

My sentiments too ... I just subscribed she's exquisite 👌🏽

[@NutQase]

What's the difference between this thing that I have to pay 800 EUR upfront for + another 50 EUR a year just to be able to use it... and a TV? Answer: a TV can do more. Also it's 1080p. Doesn't matter how many lights you put on it, it's less pixels than my cellphone, what?

[@psychotech3927]

can it do GIFs?

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

Good question! I'll have to try and see.

[@vaChiCago]

Yes perfect for cinematographs too it is heaven on earth and a creative persons dream. The only limitation is your creativity. I have crackling fire, waterfall gifs and aquarium video on my relaxing playlist.

[@chukwumachibuzo3043]

Is it rechargeable?

[@ErinLawrenceTV]

No.

[@kathymcqueen6275]

So hot! I love that top erin ❤️ you have my subscribe

[@abhisunkara]

don't say her name aghh

[@chumleyk]

No one even remotely serious is reviewing this dead-end tech for those who usually buy their art in Ikea.

[@shaolin95]

BLOCK "ALEXA" when doing a video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dkgong]

You could do almost the same thing with a monitor, raspberry pi, and a frame for a fraction of the cost.

[@flint350]

No, you could not. Not even close.

[@NutQase]

@@flint350 Please elaborate this instant

[@randyiron2]

flint350 right, there are many things going on with this digital picture frame. To be fair, he did say “almost”. By the time you bought the pi, monitor and the frame it would be about half the price. Then you would have to spend a lot of time getting it to just plain display pictures. You still wouldn’t have half of the features.

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

Maybe so, but where you'll miss the mark by a M I L E is refinement.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Nice! It’s look more like a digital painting picture but it’s a waste of electricity.

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

Plenty of fossil fuels to go around. No worries.