NEWS
07/2026
Home theater upgrade:
I had a customer reach out to me on updating his 15 year old theater room. The existing set up used a front screen projection system and seating that was not conducive to the experience.
The customer was interested in a major update. Room decor, seating, equipment location and technology.
In discussing various options they settled on a 100″ flat screen, upgrading the front 3 speakers and adding 4 ATMOS speakers in the ceiling. Also, the equipment location was moved to accommodate changes in seating. Updating the surround receiver and adding a 4K Apple TV as well as a 4K Blu-ray player, all controlled with a universal remote.
State of the industry, 6-2026:
While researching current Spectrum 4K content for a customer, the following is what I found.
Currently, Spectrum in SE Wisconsin does not provide 4K content through the cable box. The current infrastructure, firmware/software, cannot handle the increased data throughput required for 4K video.
With the current rollout of fiber (fiber optics) based internet, that may change the game in the coming years. Spectrum is pushing their new fiber based internet service right now. AT&T has had fiber for a couple of years.
For the last several years, Spectrum has offered the XUMO box as it has newer technology to be able to “stream” 4K content. And with new accounts, is installing the XUMO box in place of the Standard Cable box. Although you can still request a standard cable box.
I have also found that current AT&T Uverse boxes are also capable of providing 4K content.
On each of these systems I viewed the FIFA World Cup games in 4K and they looked stunning! I believe the broadcast industry will continue to provide more 4K content in the coming years.
Here are the different ways to currently receive 4K content:
> Apple TV 4K streaming box, lets you stream 4K content from several sources including NetFlix, Spectrum, Disney+, HBO etc. 4K content based on source programming.
> XUMO streaming box, same as Apple TV 4K. Enables you to stream 4K content from various platforms/apps.
> Apps in a “SMART” TV, fine for a stand alone TV, not so much for a surround sound system.
Caveat’s
Nether Apple TV or Xumo can record. However, it can stream most episodes.
The cable box can record, for playback at another time, only in HD (2K).
Xumo box is free with Spectrum and has the ability to screen share from your iPhone.
Apple TV is $150
You do need a 4K TV as well as a compatible 4K surround receiver and compatible HDMI cables for home theater systems.
05/2026
New A/V system and Home Theater:
This customer bought a house and was looking to update the A/V in two rooms. One off the kitchen and another in the basement that is more of a home theater setup. The customer is very into quality audio and video. As this was a finished, move in ready house, much work needed to be done to install rear and ATMOS speakers in the ceiling as well as a in-wall center speaker in the family room system.
2018
Here is a very nice audio/video system I did years ago. Bryston, Marantz and McIntosh electronics with active cross over. Bluesound Icon music streaming. Bryston Model T speakers with GoldenEar center, rear and subwoofer.
