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TV and Displays
Source: Sony UK official spec — K-55S3
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Make / Model | Sony Bravia 3 K55S38BP (2025) — model ref K55S38B.UKA |
| Screen size | 55" (54.6" actual) — 139 cm diagonal |
| Panel type | LCD — Direct LED backlight. Frame Dimming (not zone dimming). |
| Resolution | 4K UHD — 3840 × 2160 |
| HDR | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
| Panel refresh rate | 50Hz native (UK spec). Motionflow XR 200/240Hz processed. |
| Processor | 4K HDR Processor X1 |
| Colour | TRILUMINOS PRO, Live Colour Technology |
| Picture modes | Vivid, Standard, Cinema, Game, Professional, Graphics, Photo, Dolby Vision (Vivid / Bright / Dark / Game) |
| Connectivity | |
|---|---|
| HDMI | 4 × HDMI 2.1 features: eARC/ARC and ALLM (all 4 ports). HDCP 2.3 on all ports. No VRR. Ports are clustered on the right-hand rear panel (left side when facing front) and face rearward — cables route cleanly behind the TV, not from the side. |
| eARC | Confirmed — supports lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA passthrough. In this setup: Sony TV → eARC → Apple TV 4K (not a soundbar). |
| Digital audio out | 1 × optical |
| USB | 2 × — USB HDD recording supported (1 stream) |
| LAN | 1 × Ethernet |
| Aerial / Satellite | 1 × RF coaxial, 1 × satellite IF |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E — 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz. Bluetooth (version not published by Sony). |
| Headphone output | None |
| BRAVIA Sync / CEC | Listed as "No" on Sony official spec — full Sony ecosystem sync not supported on this tier. Standard HDMI-CEC behaviour to be verified on setup. |
| Audio (built-in) | |
|---|---|
| Speakers | 10W + 10W (20W total) — X-Balanced Speaker, Bass Reflex × 2 |
| Formats | Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS Express, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS:X |
| Smart / Software | |
|---|---|
| OS | Google TV (Android TV base) — Google Play Store |
| Casting / streaming | Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, Apple HomeKit |
| Voice | Built-in microphone with mute switch. Google Assistant via remote and mic. |
| PS5 features | Auto HDR Tone Mapping, Auto Genre Picture Mode, ALLM. No VRR, no 4K 120Hz. |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| VESA mount | 300 × 300 mm |
| Dimensions (no stand) | W123.3 × H71.3 × D7.2 cm |
| Dimensions (with stand) | W123.3 × H78.4 × D33.4 cm |
| Weight (no stand) | ~16.0 kg |
| Weight (with stand) | ~16.3 kg |
| Bezel | Black, flush surface |
| Purchased from | John Lewis — arriving 13 June 2026. 5-year guarantee. Includes 5 Sony Pictures Core credits. |
| Status | Arriving 13 June 2026. Plan: bench test on kitchen table before wall mount. Electrician required before wall installation — see power note below. |
⚠ Wall power — electrician required: Current installation has a single cable from the wall to a white fused spur, positioned below the TV. Now need two sockets behind where the TV sits: one for the Sony Bravia 3, one for the Apple TV 4K. Electrician needs to replace the fused spur with a recessed double 13A socket positioned behind the TV so no cables are visible. Do not wall-mount until this is done.
⚠ Saturday setup plan: (1) Bench test on kitchen table — TV, Sky Q via in-wall HDMI, Apple TV 4K, HomePods. (2) Measure wall space: the 55" Sony is 123cm wide — check clearance between the window frame on the right and the shelf on the left before committing to a centre position. (3) Current bracket is a fixed flat mount — will need replacing. (4) Find combined TV installer / electrician — socket position must be confirmed before drilling, so having one person do both ensures it lands in the right place for the mount. Ask specifically for a recessed double socket behind the TV.
⚠ HDMI cable note: Two cables run in-wall since 2012 (~2m, unlabelled, likely HDMI 1.4). Sky Q works at HD through them now. Test 4K HDR on arrival — HDMI 1.4 may limit HDR 4K. eARC runs TV → Apple TV 4K via a separate short HDMI cable at the back of the TV and is unaffected by the in-wall cables. A right-angle/corner HDMI adapter may be needed where the in-wall cable exits the wall plate relative to the port cluster — but passive adapters can degrade a marginal HDMI 1.4 signal further, so test Sky Q picture quality carefully if one is used.
⚠ Wall mount — new bracket required: Replacing 46" TV (VESA unknown) with 55" Sony (VESA 300×300mm, ~16kg, depth 72mm). All ports face rearward — cables hide behind the TV. Requirement: low-profile full-motion — sits flush when straight on (4cm from wall), swivels right up to 90° to face sofa.
Preferred package: Vogel's TVM 5445 + TVA 6400
Also considered: Sanus VLFS820-B2 (£119, Richer Sounds) — good value, VESA 300×300 confirmed, ±58° swivel, 42mm flat. Ruled out: ±58° swivel not sufficient to reach outside viewing position (garden/patio). Vogel's ±90° is required for that use case. Permanent install — worth the extra.
Preferred package: Vogel's TVM 5445 + TVA 6400
| Vogel's TVM 5445 (Richer Sounds) | £249.99 — VESA 100×100 to 400×400mm (300×300 confirmed). 32–65", 35kg capacity. 40mm from wall flat, 180° swivel, 15-year guarantee. OneFinger movement, CIS cable management. |
| Vogel's TVA 6400 (add-on) | +£19.95 — Media box mount attaches to TVM 5445 arm. Fits Apple TV 4K (93×93×31mm, 243g) — well within 190×130×45mm / 1.5kg limit. No metal parts, no RF interference. Clips to bracket arm, back of TV, or wall. |
| Total | £269.94 |
Also considered: Sanus VLFS820-B2 (£119, Richer Sounds) — good value, VESA 300×300 confirmed, ±58° swivel, 42mm flat. Ruled out: ±58° swivel not sufficient to reach outside viewing position (garden/patio). Vogel's ±90° is required for that use case. Permanent install — worth the extra.
⚠ Apple TV 4K mounting: Preferred: hidden behind TV using the bracket's cable tray or velcro/command strips (ensure ventilation gap). If no clean behind-TV solution is available: mount above the TV on the wall — sits flush and cables drop straight down behind. Mount option: Amazon B07V2LJXBV. The combined installer should advise on the cleanest solution once the bracket is chosen.
ℹ JL spec inaccuracies: John Lewis listed "HDMI 2.0 × 4" and "60Hz native" — both wrong. Sony official confirms HDMI 2.1 features (eARC + ALLM) and 50Hz native panel. Use Sony's spec page as the authoritative source.
Audio
Problem statement: Large kitchen, poor hearing. Need full audio including dialogue clearly audible simultaneously at both ends of the kitchen. Solution: AirPlay 2 multi-room — Apple TV 4K feeds 2 HomePod minis simultaneously, each carrying the full audio mix. Sky Q audio routed via eARC.
Audio signal flow
HDMI cable
eARC
AirPlay 2
Proposed layout — kitchen left to right
| Position | Device | Role |
|---|---|---|
| TV end | HomePod mini (1 of 2) | Near-field audio at TV wall |
| Far end | HomePod mini (2 of 2) | Far-field audio at opposite end of kitchen |
Devices — arrived 11 June 2026 (Source: Apple Support UK — HomePod / Apple TV 4K spec)
| Device | Chip | Audio | Wireless | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) | A15 Bionic | HDMI 2.1 out — 4K HDR, Dolby Vision. eARC receiver: routes all TV sources to HomePods via AirPlay. Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Atmos. | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax, 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, Thread | AirPlay 2 multi-room audio source and eARC audio receiver. 4K HDR video output. Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos with HomePods. Released 2022 — current model. |
| HomePod mini × 2 | S5 SiP | Full-range driver + passive radiator. 360° audio. | 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Thread, Ultra Wideband | AirPlay 2. Smart home hub. Compact: 84mm diameter × 98mm height, 345g each. |
ℹ Sky Q audio path: Sky Q → HDMI → Sony TV → eARC (HDMI) → Apple TV 4K → AirPlay 2 → HomePods. The Apple TV 4K acts as both eARC receiver and AirPlay source, routing all TV audio through a single device. Test lip sync on setup.
ℹ Stereo pairing: The 2 × HomePod mini can be configured as a stereo pair. Running them as independent speakers gives wider kitchen coverage — TV end and far end. Either approach is supported by Apple TV 4K.
ℹ Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio on HomePods is supported with Apple TV 4K — available with this setup.
Streaming and Media
| Device | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sky Q | Main box — on the shelf to the left of the TV wall. Connected via 2× in-wall HDMI cables (~2m, 2012, unlabelled) that run from the shelf side through the wall to the TV. Keeping this. |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) | Received 11 June 2026. 4K HDR. eARC receiver — routes all TV sources including Sky Q to HomePods via AirPlay 2. |
Subscriptions and apps not yet documented.
Smart Home and Control
Not yet documented — invoke the home-entertainment agent and ask it to document your smart home and control setup.
Saturday Setup — 14 June 2026
Plan: Phase 1 — bench test everything on the kitchen table before any drilling. Phase 2 — wall mount once electrician has fitted the double socket.
Phase 1 — Bench Test (kitchen table)
| # | Step | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unbox Sony Bravia 3 | Check for transit damage. Place TV face-down on a soft surface (blanket or the foam from the box). Attach stand feet using the screws supplied in the box — stand attaches to slots at the bottom of the TV. Two-person job to lift it upright once the stand is on. Place upright on kitchen table. |
| 2 | Connect Sky Q via in-wall HDMI | Sky Q is already connected at the shelf. Run the in-wall cable to any HDMI port on the TV — not HDMI 3, that is reserved for Apple TV 4K. HDMI 1 or 2 recommended for Sky Q. |
| 3 | Connect Apple TV 4K | Must use HDMI port 3 — this is the eARC port on the Sony Bravia 3. Connect HDMI cable: Apple TV 4K → HDMI 3 on TV. Connect Apple TV 4K power cable. |
| 4 | Power on TV — initial setup | Follow Google TV setup wizard. Sign in to Google account. Connect to mesh Wi-Fi. Update firmware if prompted. |
| 5 | TV — disable power saving | Settings → Power and Energy Saving → Power Saving: Off. Also disable Ambient Optimization Pro. These affect picture quality during testing. |
| 6 | TV — picture settings (SDR) | Settings → Picture → Picture Mode: Professional. Brightness: 13 (≈200 nits — adjust to kitchen light). Colour temperature: Expert 1. Motionflow: Off (or Custom with Smoothness Film = 1 to reduce 24fps judder). Sharpness: 0. |
| 7 | TV — HDR settings | Settings → Video Signal → HDR Mode: Auto. When HDR content plays, a small HDR icon appears. Picture Mode: Professional. Colour temperature: Expert 2. Brightness: Max (set automatically). |
| 8 | TV — eARC settings | Settings → Audio Output → eARC setting: Auto. Digital audio output: Prioritize pass through. This enables lossless audio to route from TV to Apple TV 4K. |
| 9 | Set up Apple TV 4K | Power on. Use iPhone proximity setup (hold iPhone near Apple TV when prompted). Sign in with Apple ID. Connect to mesh Wi-Fi. Update to latest tvOS. Let it complete fully before configuring audio. |
| 10 | Assign rooms in Apple Home app | Open Home app on iPhone. Assign Apple TV 4K and all HomePods to the same room (e.g. Kitchen). All must be in the same room for Home Theater mode to work. |
| 11 | Set HomePods as default audio output | On Apple TV: Settings → Video and Audio → Audio Output → select the Kitchen room (HomePods). Under Audio Return Channel → Play Television Audio. Confirm it shows On (eARC) — not just ARC. If only ARC shows, recheck HDMI port 3 and step 8. |
| 12 | Test Sky Q audio path | Switch TV input to Sky Q. Play a live channel. Audio should come through all 3 HomePods simultaneously. Check: (a) all 3 HomePods active; (b) dialogue clear at far end of kitchen; (c) lip sync acceptable. If lip sync is off: Settings → Video and Audio → Audio Output → adjust Audio Sync. |
| 13 | Test 4K HDR via in-wall cables | Switch to Apple TV input. Play HDR content on Apple TV+. Check if TV shows HDR icon. If no 4K/HDR: in-wall HDMI 1.4 cables may be limiting — note for future upgrade. SD/HD Sky Q is unaffected. |
| 14 | Test AirPlay 2 multi-room | Confirm all 3 HomePods playing simultaneously — TV end mini, middle HomePod, far end mini. Adjust individual volumes in Home app if needed. |
| 15 | Audio clarity settings | In Home app: tap each HomePod → Settings. Boost treble slightly if dialogue is unclear. Apple TV: Settings → Video and Audio → Spatial Audio → enable. If dialogue still thin on Sky Q: Settings → Video and Audio → Audio Output → Dialogue Enhancement. |
Phase 2 — Wall Mount (after electrician)
| # | Step | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrician — recessed double socket | Replace fused spur with recessed double 13A socket. Position behind where the TV will sit — confirm exact position with installer after bracket is located. Socket should be above the counter/surface below TV. |
| 2 | Attach Vogel's wall plate to wall | Use DrillRight app (or drilling template from box) to mark first hole at correct height — centre of TV at seated eye level. Concrete/brick wall: 8mm drill for plugs, 5mm for guides. Fischer DuoPower plugs supplied. Use spirit level supplied in box. |
| 3 | Hang TV on wall plate | Two-person lift. Carefully hook interface strips (already attached to TV from Phase 1) onto wall plate. Listen for Auto-ClickLoc™ click to confirm locked. Verify spirit level. |
| 4 | Route cables | In-wall HDMI cables exit on left side of wall — route to HDMI port cluster on rear-left of TV. HDMI 1 or 2 for Sky Q. Short separate HDMI cable: HDMI 3 (eARC) → Apple TV 4K. Guide cables through CIS® cable management on Vogel's arm. |
| 5 | Attach Vogel's TVA 6400 with Apple TV 4K | Wrap strap around Apple TV 4K. Attach TVA 6400 to Vogel's bracket arm (preferred) or back of TV. Connect Apple TV 4K power cable. No metal parts so no RF interference with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. |
| 6 | Power up and retest | Power on TV and Apple TV 4K. Confirm eARC shows On (eARC) as before. Test Sky Q audio through HomePods. Swivel bracket right to check sofa viewing angle. Adjust bracket tilt if needed. |
Tools and items to have ready on Saturday
| Item | For |
|---|---|
| iPhone (with Home app signed in) | Apple TV 4K proximity setup + HomePod room assignment |
| Short HDMI cable (0.5–1m) | TV HDMI 3 → Apple TV 4K (eARC). Already purchased. |
| Power extensions if needed | Bench test on kitchen table — TV and Apple TV 4K both need power |
Network
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Mesh network — covers whole house including kitchen. All HomePods and Apple TV 4K should connect wirelessly without coverage gaps. |
Mesh system make/model and wired connections not yet documented.
Receipts
| Date | Item | Retailer | Amount | Hard Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-16 | Sanus VTVS1-B2 Universal TV Pedestal Stand | Richer Sounds | £59.00 | 📄 Order conf. |
| 2026-06-15 | Vogel's TVM 5641 Full-Motion TV Wall Mount | Vogel's | £239.00 | 📄 Order conf. |
| 2026-06-15 | Vogel's TVA 6400 Media Box Mount | Vogel's | £19.95 | 📄 Order conf. |
| 2026-06-15 | Cat6a 25m outdoor extension kit | loopsdirect.com | £49.00 | 📄 Receipt |
| 2026-06-10 | Sony Bravia 3 K55S38BP (55") | John Lewis | £565.00 | 📄 Receipt |
| 2026-06-10 | Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet 128GB | Apple | £169.00 | 📄 Order conf. 📄 VAT invoice |
| 2026-06-10 | HomePod (2nd gen, Midnight) | Apple | £299.00 | 📄 Order conf. · Returned 15 Jun 2026 |
| 2026-06-10 | HomePod mini × 2 (Midnight) | Apple | £198.00 | 📄 Order conf. 📄 VAT invoice |
Run
/receipt with the actual amounts and receipt files to complete these entries. Hard copies stored in _receipts\Personal\.
Lounge
TV
| Sony KD55A8 (2020 OLED) | |
|---|---|
| Model | Sony KD-55A8 — 55" 4K OLED HDR Android TV (2020) |
| Panel | OLED — Acoustic Surface Audio (screen vibrates to produce sound) |
| eARC | Yes — HDMI 3 |
| Optical out | Yes — runs independently from eARC (both can be active simultaneously, confirmed) |
| 3.5mm | Yes — headphone output (cuts TV audio when plugged in, but separate from optical and eARC) |
| BRAVIA Sync | Must be On for eARC to remain active when Sky Q is the selected input: Settings → Watch TV → External inputs → BRAVIA Sync settings → On |
| Audio output setting | Settings → Display & Sound → Audio output → Speakers → Audio system (routes all audio through eARC/optical — disables built-in Acoustic Surface speakers) |
| Sky Q audio | Set to PCM (not Dolby Digital or DD+). Dolby Digital and DD+ both cause silence through Apple TV eARC chain — only PCM passes reliably. |
| Current status | Sanus VTVS1-B2 pedestal stand ordered (due 23 Jun 2026) — replaces original spread-leg stand. Central column allows TV to be centred on furniture and swivelled toward sofa. TV to be mounted low initially; height adjustable up to 4.7" when Sonos Beam is added below. |
Current state
| Sky Q | Connected to HDMI 2 (standard port) |
| Audio output | TV built-in Acoustic Surface Audio speakers — no external audio system in lounge currently |
| Bluetooth transmitter | Connected to optical out — remains active alongside eARC when needed |
| Apple TV 4K | Plan: add to HDMI 3 (eARC port) — use as plain HDMI input initially, no eARC configured. TV speakers handle all audio as now. |
| HomePod minis | Tried as stereo pair in lounge — not loud enough for the room. Back in kitchen pending kitchen TV setup. |
Future audio options considered
| Option | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 + Era 100 pair | £802 set. Beam on eARC decodes Dolby Digital and Atmos natively (no PCM limitation). Era 100s as wireless rear surrounds. AirPlay 2 — integrates with kitchen HomePods. Requires wall mount or soundbar clearance solution first. | Under consideration |
| HomePod (2nd gen) stereo pair | Buy two HomePod 2nd gen (£299 each). Good for music and Apple content. Still limited to PCM from Sky Q via eARC chain. No Dolby Atmos from external sources. HomePod previously trialled was returned. | Under consideration |
TV stand options (if not wall mounting)
| Item | Detail | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Sanus VSTV2-B2 | Swivel TV pedestal stand. VESA 100×100 to 600×400 (300×300 confirmed). 40–86", 56kg capacity. 70° total swivel (±35°). Central column — replaces spread legs. £109. | Amazon |
| Sanus WSSBM1-B2 | Sonos Beam mount — attaches between TV VESA holes and stand. Beam hangs below screen and swivels with it. 12" height adjustment. Fits TVs 37–70". ~£49–65. | Amazon |
ℹ Stand + Beam combination: WSSBM1-B2 slots between the TV and the VSTV2-B2 stand so the Sonos Beam physically attaches to the TV and swivels with it — no separate soundbar placement problem. Combined cost approximately £158–174 for stand and bracket, plus Beam Gen 2 at £449. Note: Richer Sounds does not stock either Sanus product — Amazon is the reliable UK source.
⚠ Still to confirm: Lounge room name in Apple Home app (if audio upgrade is added later). Wall mount and audio decisions deferred until electrician visit is arranged.
To Buy
| Item | Purpose | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vogel's TVM 5641 Ordered | Kitchen TV — full-motion wall mount. VESA 100×100–600×400, up to 77", ±90° swivel, 65cm arm extension, 4cm from wall. | £239.00 | Vogel's |
| Vogel's TVA 6400 Ordered | Apple TV 4K media box mount — attaches to TVM 5641 bracket arm. No RF interference (no metal parts). | £19.95 | Vogel's |
| Sanus VTVS1-B2 Pedestal Stand Ordered | Lounge TV — swivel pedestal stand. VESA up to 600×400mm, 27kg limit, 74° swivel, 4.7" height adjustment. Base 67.2cm wide × 30.5cm deep. Due 23 Jun 2026. | £59.00 | Richer Sounds |
| Ugreen HDMI 2.1 cable 3m × 2 Ordered | Lounge — replace old Sky HDMI cables. Sky Q on HDMI 2, Apple TV 4K on HDMI 3. | £12.87 each | Amazon |
| Amazon Basics optical TOSLINK cable 3m × 1 Ordered | Lounge — extend optical out from Sony KD55A8 to Bluetooth transmitter in cupboard under TV unit. | £5.26 | Amazon |
| Ugreen 3.5mm aux cable 3m × 1 Ordered | Lounge — TV 3.5mm out to splitter in cupboard (Bluetooth transmitter + Bose headphones). | £8.89 | Amazon |
| TP-Link TL-SG108S 8-port Gigabit switch × 2 Ordered | Replace 10/100 switches throughout. One at main distribution point, one at lounge end of Cat6a run (feeds Sky Q, Apple TV 4K, KD55A8). | £17.98 each | Amazon |
| Cat6a 25m outdoor extension kit (loopsdirect.com) Ordered | Network cable run: hallway router → outside house → lounge near Sky Q. Includes 25m solid copper FTP gel-filled UV-resistant cable, 2 surface-mount faceplates, 2 back boxes, 2 brick buster plates, 100 cable clips. Sufficient for ~20m run. | £49.00 | loopsdirect.com |
Last updated: 24 June 2026