Tech Setup Guide
Internet, TV, networking, and smart home for 160 E 91st
Fiber-to-the-unit. Symmetric speeds (same up and down). Best option for UES if available in the building. No data caps.
300 Mbps is plenty for a studio. You can bring your own router (Ubiquiti) and skip rental fees.
Cable. Available almost everywhere in Manhattan. Download-only speeds (upload is much slower). Acceptable if Fios isn't in the building.
Full enterprise-grade network in a studio. Overkill? Yes. But it's the Guthrie way.
Runs UniFi Network, Protect (cameras), and can run other UniFi apps. One box replaces router + switch + NVR.
Optional for a studio — the Dream Machine SE has built-in WiFi. But adding a ceiling-mount AP gives better coverage and lets you disable the built-in radio.
Place the Dream Machine SE near the Fios ONT (fiber connection point). Run an ethernet cable to the AP location. The AP gets power over ethernet from the Dream Machine's PoE ports — no power adapter needed at the AP.
The LG C5 wins on picture quality, price, and the built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner (free OTA 4K channels). The Samsung Frame is only worth it if art mode is a must-have. For a studio where the TV is the centerpiece entertainment, go C5.
Indoor antenna, 35-mile range. Multidirectional — no aiming needed in Manhattan where towers surround you.
The LG C5 has a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner, so all you need is the antenna — no separate tuner box. Stick it on the wall near a window or behind the TV. Scan for channels in TV settings.
The new broadcast standard. 4K over-the-air, better reception in buildings, and interactive features. NYC already has ATSC 3.0 broadcasts from major networks. The LG C5 picks these up natively — the Samsung Frame does not.
A dedicated box for Dave's media setup. Not needed on day one — this is a "once everything else is working" project.
Could be a Mac Mini, Apple TV, or dedicated HTPC. Decision depends on what Dave wants to run (Plex, local media, gaming, etc.).
For now: the LG C5 has built-in AirPlay and all the major streaming apps. That covers 90% of use cases out of the box.
One HomePod mini handles Siri, timers, music, and smart home control. In a studio, one is enough — place it where you spend the most non-TV time (kitchen counter recommended).
Pairs with the LG C5 via AirPlay for music, but NOT as a default TV speaker (that requires the full-size HomePod with eARC). Use the TV's built-in speakers or a soundbar for daily TV audio.
Small enough to sit on a shelf or mount above the door frame. Runs on UniFi Protect via the Dream Machine SE — no monthly cloud fees. Motion alerts to your phone. Records locally to the Dream Machine's 128GB drive.