Frame TV ART Mode: Why can't I display a Slideshow of my own art anymore?

[spike27]

I've been successfully displaying my own photo slideshows for years, but now I get an error when I press the "Display all" button: .  "Get Membership": You need a subscription..."

All I'm trying to do is display a slideshow of jpg images which I OWN, imported from USB.

What I've tried so far:

• Sign out of SmartThings

• Disconnect Network

• Switch off at the plug, wait 10 minutes

• Ensure all artwork is exact size, normal jpg, no metadata

• Test with art that worked in the past

Nothing works!

2022 Frame TV - version 1661

[VarmintJim]

It does appear to be an issue with the latest version of the software. I was able to launch the slide show from the application on my phone as a workaround for now.  I initially received the error message you did.  However, I logged out of the Samsung App and then back in, and was able to get the photos to load through the app.  Once inside the app, i selected the ‘art mode’, then my photos.  Once they loaded I was able to select the display all function and it started on the Frame TV.  Hopefully this issue will be resolved in a quick firmware update!! 

[spike27]

The official response from Samsung tech support (contact form via their website) is just a guide on how to pay for monthly or annual subscription.

When I queried  the official Samsung Twitter accounts, their response was: 

"If this was the advice that was given to you by our TV Team, then you would need to pay to display the art."

Does anyone at Samsung understand their own products? 

I have uploaded MY OWN files from my USB drive (normal procedure). This is art I created. Samsung has NO RIGHTS over my art. It is NOT THEIR PROPERTY. They cannot charge me for this!

[Chuck702]

Fix this Samsung or I want a total refund. This is extortion. 

[userFad3TmB4L8]

Tech support said that this was due to the update but that it was intentional.  I would have to pay to see a slideshow of my own photos.  I can set it to show one.  They tried to talk me through a USB alternative: put the photos on a USB stick, navigate to it from home (not the art store) and play all.  This takes something like 9 clicks EVERT TIME I TURN OFF MY TV.  I hope they don't turn off the work around via the smart things app.  I bought this Frame for exactly this feature.  Tech support indicated that to "use any feature in Art mode now requires a subscription."

Samsung fix this!  or provide a free subscription to art mode that includes no art (just your own photos).  This destruction of a primary feature through an update is unacceptable.  I never would have bought the frame if this was the way it "worked."  I expect you will see a drop off in frame sales as people realize this by reading this column or other online reviews.

Please fix.

[spike27]

I can't believe it. As if we haven't already paid enough when we bought the hardware!

The play via USB option is not a viable alternative. Complete PITA to set up and the display duration is too short. 

If you think we shouldn't be forced to pay for a slideshow, contact them here.

[spike27]

Do any of the other Art TV makers charge customers to view their own photos?

Hisense Canvas TV

LG Gallery TV

TCL NXTFRAME

iFFALCON Mural TV

Skyworth Canvas Art TV

[JordanVisser]

I'm having this problem too, we shouldn't need a subscription to view our own pictures 

[jh2006]

based on the intentionally poor UI that Samsung has foisted upon us with ads and other nonsense, the removal of the personal photo slideshow functionality and the addition of the art subscription  feels VERY intentional

[Davin900]

I can’t believe this is intentional if it still works via the app but this is very frustrating 

[spike27]

In the last two years, control via the SmartThings app has been very unreliable. At the moment, when I try to play slideshow via the app, I just get an error message.  I tried with iPhone 16, and iPad Pro.