May pickRoku Streaming Stick 4K — one stick, 500+ free live channels, no monthly feeAbout $40 one-time. The Roku Channel's clean live guide beats any antenna and works on every TV.Get one on Amazon →
AV System Designer · Phase 1 MVP
Build your AV system from gear → wires → settings.
Pick your TV, your AVR or soundbar, every source device, and your speakers. Output: connection diagram, setting checklist, compatibility flags, and a one-click Amazon cart. From a 28-year residential installer.
Step 1 of 7 · Pick your TV
Quick start — pick a pre-built scenario
Don't want to fill out 7 steps? Pick a scenario close to what you want and you can tweak from there. Or scroll past to start from scratch.
or build from scratch ↓
What TV do you have?
Pick the exact model so we can confirm HDMI ports, which port carries eARC, and which HDR formats it supports. Don't know the model? Use the "I don't know" link below.
I don't know my model →
How are you handling audio?
Three paths — an AVR (the most flexible, dedicated receiver), a soundbar (simpler, less channels), or just the TV's built-in speakers.
AVR (Receiver)Dedicated receiver + separate speakers. Best for Atmos and serious sound.
SoundbarAll-in-one bar under the TV. Simpler install. Sonos, Bose, Samsung, etc.
TV Speakers OnlyNo external audio. The TV's built-in drivers do everything.
Add a subwoofer
Pairs wirelessly with the bar you picked. Optional but recommended — most soundbar bass tops out around 60Hz; a sub fills the bottom octave for movies + music.
Add rear surrounds
Two speakers behind the listening position turns a 3.x bar into real 5.x surround. Discrete rear audio for movies and games.
Mount your rears
Surrounds need to be at seated ear level, behind and slightly to the sides of the couch. Floor stand or wall mount — pick one.
What sources do you have?
Every device that plugs into your TV or AVR: streamers, game consoles, cable boxes, Blu-ray, legacy gear. Add as many as you have.
What's your speaker layout?
Pick the channel count. 5.1 = 5 main + sub. 5.1.2 = 5 main + sub + 2 height speakers for Atmos. The "x.x.x" math: front + surround / subwoofer / height channels.
Front L/R speakers
Surround speakers
Atmos / height channels
Multi-zone audio?
Do you want this AVR to also feed audio to a second or third room? This affects channel availability — Zone 2/3 steals channels from your main listening room.
No additional zonesJust the main listening room. Most users.
+1 Zonee.g. kitchen or patio. Steals 2 channels from main.
If you're renovating, finishing a basement, or building new — give this section to the electrician BEFORE drywall goes up. Doing the runs at the rough-in stage costs ~10% of what it costs to retrofit later.
Note: All in-wall HDMI must be CL3-rated (fire code). All speaker wire 14 AWG minimum for runs over 30 ft. Network closet should be cool, ventilated, and central — not in a closet behind drywall with no airflow.
📧 Email me my full plan
Want a printable copy in your inbox? We'll send the full overview, compatibility flags, connection checklist, and pre-wire spec sheet — formatted for printing. Nothing stored on our end.
