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Our Sunroom’s New Masterpiece: The Hisense CanvasTV Review

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Finding the perfect balance between cutting-edge technology and home décor can feel like a never-ending quest. We didn’t just want another big screen; we wanted something to enhance our living space, not dominate it. Enter the Hisense CanvasTV, a television that promises performance and seamless integration into your home’s aesthetic.

PROS:


  • Stunning Art Mode with over 120 free artworks included.

  • Sleek, customizable frame blends seamlessly into any room.

  • Versatile setup options—wall mount or mobile stand.

  • Crisp, vibrant QLED display with 144Hz refresh rate for smooth viewing.

  • Eco-friendly design with responsibly sourced materials and efficient power use.

CONS:


  • Lacks Mini-LED backlighting, affecting black level depth.

  • Art Mode requires manual activation through the remote, limiting automation.

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

This TV turns your living room into an art gallery, transforming entertainment into a visual masterpiece.
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Designer: Hisense

 

A Sunroom Makeover

Our journey began in our sunroom, a bright and airy space with an entire wall of windows that flood the room with natural light. For too long, this beautiful room was overshadowed—literally—by an outdated, bulky 85″ VIZIO TV that felt more like an eyesore than a centerpiece. It was high time for a change.

Swapping it out for the sleek 65″ Hisense CanvasTV was like lifting a veil. The room instantly felt more spacious and inviting. The TV’s slim profile and minimalist design complemented the room rather than competing with it. It wasn’t just about replacing a piece of hardware; it was about transforming the atmosphere of our home.

Art Mode: More Than Just a Screen

One of the features that drew us to CanvasTV is its Art Mode. Instead of staring at a blank, lifeless screen when the TV is off, we’re now greeted by a rotating gallery of stunning artworks or our own cherished photos. Setting it up was a breeze—intuitive controls let us switch between various curated collections or upload our own images without any hassle.

What impressed us most is that the TV comes pre-loaded with over 120 free art pieces across multiple categories, such as landscapes, still life, and modern art—no subscription fees required. This thoughtful feature transforms the TV from a mere electronic device into an artistic statement that enhances the ambiance of any room.

Design That Speaks Volumes

The CanvasTV doesn’t just display art; it is art. Hisense has clearly put thought into every aspect of its design. The TV features a slim bezel that focuses on the content, not the frame. It comes standard with a teak frame, but thanks to its magnetic design, you can easily swap it out to match your décor or mood. We love the light wood tones, which perfectly complement our sunroom’s natural aesthetic.

One of my favorite moments was seeing Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” displayed on the screen. The soft blues, greens, and pinks seemed to come alive against the backdrop of our vibrant blue walls. This created a mesmerizing interplay of color that transformed the space and added a sense of tranquility and elegance.

Beneath the TV, we placed a natural wood console that echoes the frame’s light wood tones. The simplicity of its design, with clean lines and earthy textures, ties the whole look together. The result is a harmonious blend that feels more like a curated art installation than just a TV setup.

Versatility with the 55″ Model

While the 65″ CanvasTV found its permanent home in the sunroom, we decided to get adventurous with the 55″ model. Instead of mounting it, we opted for the mobile stand—a decision that has added a whole new layer of versatility to our home entertainment.

The mobile stand is a game-changer. Its clever design includes an integrated power outlet, reducing cable clutter and making it incredibly easy to move the TV from room to room. Need a screen in the kitchen for following a new recipe? Roll it in. Hosting friends in the dining room and want to display a slideshow of memories? Easy. Cozy movie night in the bedroom? Done.

All the necessary ports—power, HDMI, and USB—are neatly integrated into the back of the TV. There’s no need for external boxes or messy cables, keeping the setup clean and elegant.

For families, this flexibility is a huge plus. Imagine being able to wheel the TV into the kids’ room for a special movie night or setting up an impromptu gaming session in any part of the house. It’s the convenience of a portable entertainment center without sacrificing style or quality.

Ergonomic Design and User Experience

The CanvasTV is designed with the user in mind. Wall mounting the 65″ model was straightforward, thanks to its lightweight build and slim profile. It sits flush against the wall, enhancing that art gallery feel.

The remote control continues the minimalist theme. With its brushed metal finish, it feels substantial yet sleek in hand. The button layout is intuitive—quick-access buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+ are right at your fingertips. The inclusion of voice control via Google Assistant adds an extra layer of convenience. We can navigate content, adjust settings, or even control other smart devices in our home with simple voice commands.

Performance: A Visual and Auditory Delight

Now, let’s talk about performance. The CanvasTV might not feature Mini-LED backlighting—a technology known for delivering deep blacks and high contrast—but it makes up for it in other ways. The matte display is amazing, especially in a room like ours where the entire back wall is glass and the sunrise shines directly into the space. The CanvasTV’s matte screen does a fantastic job, offering more than adequate brightness, even under direct sunlight.

The matte display quite literally ‘eats up’ and swallows any shadow thrown at it—making the artwork look like real art instead of something viewed through a monitor. Add in the Quantum Dot (QLED) technology, and the colors are vibrant and true to life, enhancing everything from movies to artwork.

With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, the TV handles fast-paced action scenes and gaming without breaking a sweat. We connected our gaming console, and the experience was smooth and immersive. The visuals were crisp, with no noticeable lag or motion blur.

The audio doesn’t disappoint, either. With Dolby Atmos support, the built-in speakers deliver sound that fills the room. Dialogue is clear, music is rich, and the overall audio experience complements the high-quality visuals. While audiophiles might prefer an external sound system, we found the integrated speakers to be more than sufficient for our needs.

Navigating the TV’s interface is a breeze, thanks to the VIDAA U operating system. It’s clean, responsive, and doesn’t bog you down with unnecessary clutter. Integration with Google TV means easy access to all our favorite streaming services, including Dish Anywhere. If you’ve ever dealt with Dish Network, you know the hassle—wiring, coaxial cables, and setting up a box. With CanvasTV, it’s as simple as installing the Dish Anywhere app, and you’re good to go. The 55″ model on a mobile stand makes this even more convenient—art and entertainment on wheels, ready to roll into any room. Plus, support for Apple HomeKit and AirPlay 2 ensures seamless connectivity with our Apple devices.

Connecting my laptop and extending the use of CanvasTV as a second or third monitor makes life easier for meetings, streaming shows, and those long Zoom calls.

Sustainability Matters

Being eco-conscious is more important than ever, and we’re pleased to see that Hisense shares this value. The CanvasTV uses responsibly sourced wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring that materials meet high environmental and social standards.

Energy efficiency is another highlight. The TV includes advanced power management features to minimize energy consumption during use and standby. It meets or exceeds international energy efficiency standards, which not only reduces our carbon footprint but also helps lower our electricity bill.

Even the packaging reflects Hisense’s commitment to sustainability. They use recyclable materials and minimize the use of plastics, reducing waste without compromising product protection during shipping.

Value That Hits the Sweet Spot

One of the most compelling aspects of CanvasTV is its value proposition. The current price for the 55″ CanvasTV at Best Buy is $850, making it an appealing entry point for those looking to bring this blend of technology and art into their homes without breaking the bank. The 65″ model, priced around $1,100, offers many of the premium features found in higher-priced competitors like Samsung’s The Frame or TCL’s Nxtframe, but at a more accessible price point.

Including over 120 free pieces of curated art—without any subscription fees—is a significant bonus. Competitors often require monthly fees to access similar features. The ability to upload personal images at no extra cost adds another layer of personalization that enhances the overall value.

The TV’s compatibility with various smart home ecosystems—Google Voice, Google TV, Apple HomeKit, and AirPlay 2—makes it convenient for users across different platforms. The thoughtful design extends to every aspect of the user experience, highlighting Hisense’s focus on usability.

The versatile mounting options further enhance its utility. Whether you choose to wall-mount it for a sleek, integrated look or use the mobile stand for adaptable use throughout your home, the CanvasTV adapts to your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: A Seamless Blend of Lifestyle and Technology

The Hisense CanvasTV has redefined our expectations of what a television can be. It’s a device for consuming content; it’s an integral part of our home’s aesthetic and functionality. From its stunning design and customizable art displays to its practical mobility and solid performance, it checks all the boxes.

For anyone torn between wanting the latest technology and maintaining a stylish, inviting home, the CanvasTV offers the best of both worlds. It’s elevated our living space in ways we didn’t anticipate, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice.

Would We Recommend It? Absolutely.

If you’re in the market for a new TV that does it all, the Hisense CanvasTV deserves serious consideration. Its blend of art, design, and technology offers a unique experience that’s hard to find elsewhere, especially at this price point.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a tech lover, or someone who appreciates thoughtful design, this TV has something to offer. It’s become an integral part of our home entertainment setup; it’s a conversation piece, a mood setter, and, quite frankly, a joy to own.

Key Takeaways:

  • Art Mode with 120+ Free Artworks: Transform your TV into a personal art gallery without extra costs.
  • Sleek, Customizable Design: Slim profile and magnetic frames let you tailor the look to your home.
  • Versatile Mounting Options: Choose between wall mounting or a mobile stand to suit your lifestyle.
  • Solid Performance: Vibrant QLED display with 144Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos sound.
  • Smart Home Integration: Compatible with Google Voice, Google TV, Apple HomeKit, and AirPlay 2.
  • Eco-Friendly Features: Uses responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient technology.
  • Great Value: Offers premium features at a more accessible price compared to competitors.

The post Our Sunroom’s New Masterpiece: The Hisense CanvasTV Review first appeared on Yanko Design.

TCL’s Ultra-Slim 1.1 Inch NXTFRAME Smart TVs with AI Art Generation and Built-in Art Gallery

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If you still happen to have an NFT collection, TCL’s TV might just be the new way to display it.

It was probably Samsung that came up with the idea of transforming your TV into an ambient art frame when not in use, and I have to admit, it’s quite a stellar idea. The television is great when you’re watching something on it, but the minute you switch it off, it becomes an ugly black rectangle on your wall. Frame-inspired TVs are a great alternative, allowing you to turn your wall into home decor, and TCL’s jumped onto that trend with its NXTFRAME range of smart TVs. Measuring a mere 1.1 inches thick, the NXTFRAME televisions sit virtually flush against your wall, pretty much like a piece of framed art.

Designer: TCL

Ranging between 55 and 85 inches in size, the smart TVs blend right into your home seamlessly, with the QLED Pro screen mimicking the feeling of printed art really well thanks to its high contrast and clarity even in brightly lit rooms. The 4K TVs come with Google TV for watching all your streaming services, but the display’s beauty lies in TCL’s built-in curated art library as well as the ability to make and display AI-generated art. A gorgeous matte screen helps the art stand out well without any added glare from lights or nearby windows, and the TV even comes with wood-like veneers that attach onto the bezel, giving the NXTFRAME a bonafide outer frame.

As gorgeously slick as the NXTFRAME looks, its performance specs are equally impressive. With a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, it promises smooth and fluid visuals, whether you’re watching a high-action movie or playing the latest video games. The inclusion of Dolby Vision IQ ensures that the picture quality adapts to the lighting conditions in your room, offering the best possible image at all times. Additionally, the support for AMD FreeSync Premium makes it an excellent choice for gamers, reducing screen tearing and providing a more responsive gaming experience. Motion Rate 480 and MEMC motion smoothing technology further enhance the viewing experience by reducing motion blur and judder, making fast-moving scenes clear and crisp.

Under the hood, the NXTFRAME runs on Google TV, offering seamless integration with various streaming services and smart home devices. It supports Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2, making it easy to stream content from your devices. Voice control is also well catered for, with compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home. For gamers, the TV comes equipped with Game Accelerator 240, Auto Game Mode, and AMD FreeSync Premium, ensuring an optimized gaming experience with minimal input lag and maximum visual clarity. The sound system is robust, featuring two built-in 20W speakers and support for advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS.

The Pro version of the NXTFRAME takes the audio experience a notch higher by including a wireless 3.1.2 soundbar and subwoofer, developed in partnership with the renowned audio company Bang & Olufsen. This combination promises an immersive audio experience, enhancing everything from dialogue clarity to the rumble of on-screen explosions. The TV also boasts four HDMI ports, including one with eARC support, allowing for easy connection of multiple devices and ensuring that audio signals remain high quality.

Pricing for the NXTFRAME series starts at $1,499.99 for the 55-inch model and goes up to $3,999.99 for the 85-inch version. The Pro versions, which include the enhanced audio system, start at $1,999.99 for the 55-inch model and reach $4,999.99 for the 85-inch model. These models are expected to be available in September 2024, along with accessories like the movable floor stand priced at $699.99 and matching table feet at $149.99. It’s unclear if the art library and GenAI art features are available along with the TV or incur an added subscription.

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LG MyView 32-inch 4K monitor is like having a smart TV for your desk

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The lines that separate large displays at home are becoming blurrier by the day. Although TVs still have the size advantage, the computer monitors on our desks are catching up slowly but surely. And that’s not even considering how many of the functions they have are now being shared by both devices, especially when it comes to supporting a variety of input sources, both wired and wireless. In fact, smart TVs are pretty much gigantic computer monitors, if you want to hook up your desktop, laptop, or even handheld to your living room screen. LG’s latest batch of smart monitors is now turning the tables by incorporating those very same features and putting them at the service of computer users, allowing them to switch between work and play seamlessly, without even mixing those worlds together.

Designer: LG

The needs of computer users and TV owners can be very different, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have things in common as well. In addition to picture quality, both groups probably want to have a wealth of content to choose from, whether it’s for productivity or for entertainment. To some extent, smart TVs actually have the edge with a multitude of connectivity options and built-in support for streaming services. The latter is what LG’s MyView line of smart monitors is bringing to the table, quite literally, giving users a bit more freedom in what they can do on their desks.

The 2024 LG MyView lineup consists of 31.5-inch 4K monitors that, to be honest, might not make PC gamers that happy with their 5ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate. Content creators, in contrast, will be satisfied with the DCI-P3 95% color gamut support and adjustable stands that will let them work at a more comfortable level. Simply based on those specs, the LG MyView sounds pretty mediocre, but as they say, wait, there’s more!

The real highlight here is that the monitors are running webOS, which practically makes them 32-inch smart TVs. This gives them access to a variety of streaming services as well as apps such as Microsoft 365 and Google Calendar, all without even connecting to a computer. Of course, you’re most likely to already have a computer attached anyway, but this independent mode will let you enjoy watching videos without distractions from your computer’s notifications.

Admittedly, it might sound like a niche use case, one that will cost you $599.99 if you do subscribe to that kind of workflow. It could even encourage unhealthy habits, with people preferring not to get up from their desks since they can just watch their favorite flicks from there anyway. Then again, this isn’t LG’s first MyView monitor, nor is it alone in this market, so it might only be a matter of time before all computer monitors become smart computer monitors without exception.

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Enchanting TV concept transforms from regular TV to gaming by pushing the screen forward

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Gaming has always been a lucrative business, but it has come under the spotlight lately due to certain global events. Even those who wouldn’t label themselves as a gamer may have found enjoyment in some kinds of games, from location-based AR types like Pokemon GO to exercises and sports on the Nintendo Switch. Regular gamers, however, prefer to use bigger screens, sometimes a computer monitor, and other times a larger TV. There is a bit of a dichotomy, however, between TVs for gaming and TVs for other kinds of entertainment, like watching videos, even if both kinds of TVs offer almost the same features nowadays. Gravity is a design concept that tries to bridge the gap by smashing both worlds together, offering a single TV that can change its form a bit depending on whether you’ll use it for gaming or just for streaming.

Designer: Ibrahim Can Erdincmer

Many of the advanced and smarter TVs these days can also be used for gaming, thanks to specs and quality meeting gamers’ requirements. At the same time, however, these different groups of people have different preferences when it comes to the aesthetics of their screens. Most TV viewers want something sleek and stylish that looks almost like a work of art on their wall. Gamers, on the other hand, go for maximum visual impact, usually with kaleidoscopic lights inside or around their gear.

Gravity tries to cater to both audiences at the same time, using a rather interesting strategy to give both groups what they want. In its normal state for regular TV viewing, the actual screen sits flat inside the frame, surrounded by angled bezels that give it a faceted appearance, like a picture frame with its edges raised around the image. In gaming mode, however, this screen shifts forward, revealing lights that shine behind the screen and on the frame, creating that colorful light show that gamers seem to crave.

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That isn’t the only shape-changing trick that this TV knows, though. There is a built-in camera on top that reveals itself in gaming mode, for example. The lower bezel also becomes a second display, showing notifications and other information that gamers might want to always be within their peripheral vision. The concept doesn’t mention whether these features are only available in gaming mode, which would be a shape since they could also add value to the TV, like for making video calls.

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Gravity is definitely an interesting design that tries to solve what may be a problem in households that use the same TV for both viewing and gaming. Then again, it might also be an overly complex design when both parties can settle on a compromise instead. Shape-changing TVs, however, seem to be where the industry is heading to anyway, so something like this might not be that far off in the future.

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TCL just announced a pair of sleek AR Glasses along with a bunch of other tech devices at CES 2023

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While the AR glasses stopped us dead in our tracks, the company also unveiled a host of other devices from TVs to soundbars, ACs, refrigerators, tablets, phones, TWS earbuds, and a VR headset.

I was today years old when I learned that TCL is USA’s 2nd largest TV seller. The company clearly is doing something right, with its high-quality display units that are also exceptionally affordable. The company revealed this fact at their CES 2023 keynote, before highlighting all the innovations it has planned for the year. It debuted 2 ranges of new TVs, the S series of smart TVs that also double as monitors, should you choose, and the Q series of QLED TVs with more dimming zones and better brightness, and the flagship QM8, a Mini QLED television that can go up to 98 inches in size to provide a whopping 5000 dimming zones. The company also unveiled a set of sub $300 soundbars in S and Q series too.

Designer: TCL

A pioneer in displays, TCL also debuted two tablets that rival the iPad Pro with their sleek and functional designs. The NXTPAPER 12 Pro comes with a 12.2-inch 2K display that feels just like paper. It has four speakers, stereo microphones, and dual 8MP front-facing cameras to rival Apple’s own tablet, along with the ability to snap onto a wireless keyboard for a laptop-like experience. The NXTPAPER 12 Pro also has support for a stylus and runs Android 13 on an 8000mAh battery that gives it 13 hours of use.

The Book X12 Go was also announced as TCL’s new hybrid laptop with a detachable keyboard for ultimate usage flexibility. It too runs a 12.2-inch 2K screen but runs Windows 11 instead of Android 13. It also has a 30Wh battery that provides 14 hours of productivity with also the ability to reverse-charge.

The company’s displays also now benefit the everyday user thanks to TCL’s 40 series of smartphones that contain 3 different models, all with 90Hz displays and built-in 5G, and a special 2-in-1 ‘hyper-camera’ on the 408 model for photography nerds.

TCL also announced the MOVEAUDIO Air, their pair of TWS earbuds with an AI-enhanced quad-mic system for the clearest call quality. The earbuds also weigh a stunning 4.4 grams and boast of a 32-hour battery life (with the charging case) and IPX4 waterproof rating.

The RayNeo X2 was perhaps the most anticipated new tech in TCL’s lineup. Designed as a successor to the company’s previous NXTWEAR S, the RayNeo X2 are the world’s first binocular full-color microLED optical waveguide AR glasses. That’s just fancy talk for the fact that they have the best displays ever built into a pair of AR glasses as small as this, with 1000 nits of brightness and displays in both eyepieces for the perfect AR experience in indoor and outdoor applications. The glasses sit on your face without really occupying too much real estate, and can provide real-time subtitles just like Google’s demo concept from earlier this year, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset on the inside. They even have cameras built-in, capable of taking FPV photos and videos like Facebook and Ray-Ban’s Stories glasses.

Finally, TCL also revealed the NXTWEAR V, a flagship-level VR headset with 4K+ displays in both eyes offering 1512 PPI resolution for optimal clarity, along with a 108° FoV and 6 degrees of freedom – a feature that’s come to be expected from all good VR headsets. Two cameras on the front also enable the headset to have a ‘transparent mode’ that lets you basically use the cameras as eyes to see what’s in front of and around you as you move around.

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TCL Flip concept display transforms into a digital board game, drawing table, and more

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DIA 2022 Flip Concept Design

The future of TV will only bring us smarter solutions and innovations, as well as a level of convenience never known before. Even if people no longer watch traditional TV, the demand for television sets as electronics has increased significantly, especially during the pandemic, alongside computers and other gadgets. Moreover, people’s use of TVs and similar displays has changed throughout recent years, thanks to the addition of touchscreen goodness. As a result, display technology has immensely evolved, and with touchscreen technology being invented, our digital lives are forever changed. And as the world prepares to live in a post-pandemic world, we can expect further changes and enhancements not only at home but in offices, schools, and businesses all over the globe.

Designers:  Ramos Pina de Abreu Tiago Luis, Weisi Zhan, Chingyu Chen, Chunhua Yu, Zhonghao Huang

Click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE!

TCL Flip Concept

People’s resilience means companies and brands will have to listen and adjust to our needs, and it is for this reason, a group of designers has thought of a new multifunctional smart screen called Flip. The TCL Flip is a smart display that offers a better interactive experience between the screen and every user. Moreover, it adapts well to the different activities at home or wherever you decide to use the Flip.

DIA 2022 Flip Concept Features

The Flip display is only a concept for now, but a prototype was made for testing among a group of Millenials and Gen Z users. About 75% of the 80 testers said that the concept is very cool, while 56.34% said the board game mode is what will make them purchase the Flip. The display can be used in different ways, depending on the need at the moment—whether as a regular TV, an upright display for your phone, a digital board game, or a large drawing pad.

TCL Flip Concept Demo

TCL Flip Concept Drawing Mode

The TCL Flip comes with storage underneath for small items like maybe a remote, charger, or a power adapter. The screen works with a magnetic stylus pen at the rear of the shell for easy use and storage. The main display is supported by what seems to be a folded board in a triangle position with wheels. The covered portion is the storage, while another layer is the additional support for the display when you want to use it as a board game or drawing board.

TCL Flip Concept Sample

TCL Flip Concept Upright Portrait Mode

We can imagine playing air hockey or finger soccer with this TCL Flip, while artists would love to use this to put their creativity to a digital board that can make their lives easier. This is only a concept, but we know TCL will make a lot of money once this project goes into production. It was given an Honorable Mention Award at the Design Intelligence Awards last year (DIA 2021) for its ingenious design and aesthetics. We have seen similar products, but we think this version is more attractive, convenient, and easier to use. If you also have a similar design you want to share with the world, click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE!

TCL Flip Concept Features

TCL Flip Concept Parts

DIA 2022 Flip Concept Details

DIA 2022 Flip Concept Functions

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