By Super User on Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Category: Jonesboro, AR

5 Signs It’s Time for a Home AV System Upgrade

Home Entertainment Redefined

Home entertainment is advancing at an incredible pace. One minute, QLED TVs are the “in” video source. The next, MicroLED video walls have emerged as the ultimate immersive home theater experience. The concert-quality audio system that was once confined to one room is now available in every room and outdoors.

Today’s home entertainment experiences are nothing if not extraordinary. 

However, the pace of change makes it challenging to keep up. And, really, would you even want to? The goal is a scalable home AV system upgrade that delivers exceptional experiences now and well into the future. Whether watching a movie with the family or streaming ambient music as a backdrop at a dinner party, the experience should be enjoyable and effortless.

How do you know when it’s time to upgrade, and which systems offer the greatest enjoyment and the best experiences for you and your family? Here, we’ll explore the most common symptoms of outdated AV systems and the direction modern homes in Jonesboro, AR, are headed. 

SEE ALSO: Whole-House Automation Vs. Smart Home Control

The 5 Signs of an Outdated AV System

  1. Slow Response Times 

Slow response times mean your AV system can’t keep up with modern demands. Whether due to incompatibility with newer standards or older hardware struggling with higher bandwidth, the result is a delay in signal processing and playback. Key indicators include sluggish smart TVs that feel unresponsive and audio-video that doesn’t quite synchronize. 

  1. Complicated Remotes 

Most homes have multiple remotes for AV devices, such as TVs, streaming players, receivers, cable boxes, and sound systems. It’s normal to grow frustrated with all the clutter and confusion. 

Today’s “universal remotes” extend beyond AV systems, managing lights, automated shades, security, climate, and more, all with a single tap. These remotes effortlessly control your smart home systems and your home media.

  1. Poor Streaming Quality

Old firmware or a device’s inability to support modern 4K resolutions and HD bandwidth can cause poor streaming quality. Signs include buffering, lag, pixelation, and choppy playback. You may also find that your audio system can’t process advanced audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos. 

If you haven’t watched a movie in Dolby Atmos, it may be time to reconsider your media room or home theater’s sound system. Today, it offers the most realistic sound available, enveloping you in dialogue, music, and action sequences. 

  1. Mismatched Components

Mismatched components can cause poor audiovisual performance. For example, outdated amplifiers can create audio distortion or low volume when driving new speakers. Some older video components can’t support today’s higher resolutions and refresh rates, and a lack of modern inputs can limit connectivity and support for the latest devices. If you’re exhausted from trying to make your devices work together, never fear. Equipment upgrades and future-ready systems can provide you with a smooth experience going forward. 

  1. Rooms that Don’t Play Well Together

Home entertainment is typically room-specific with disparate components. Modern whole-home AV distribution systems bring high-fidelity music and high-resolution content to every room. These systems provide seamless streaming and integrated control, and the ability to synchronize the system throughout your entire home. Individual zones allow users to play their own audio and video content simultaneously. Any source can play anywhere, and hidden equipment preserves your home's aesthetics.

At HomeTroniX, our AV and automation experts combine cutting-edge technology with integrated design to craft one-of-a-kind home entertainment systems. To learn more about the latest home AV system upgrades or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact HomeTroniX today.