I would run Cat6A not cat 5E. At least 5 runs to each room. I would run the largest reasonable gauge cable and have each rooms receiver in a closet along with the networking gear. I’d future proof running 2 fiber runs to each room.

Last week

Yes you should

Why wouldn’t you spend 30 more and get the latest and greatest from Costco?

I think it is.

Yeah my AV guy blames Apple for it. He wasn’t and doesn’t use crap… ever. And for whatever reason the Apple TVs prefer those ultra high bandwidth cables. At least in my environment.

Not in my experience. My Apple TV’s needed the damn belkin cable ultra high speed cable from Apple to function the way I wanted. It’s basically the only cable I use now.

Imho the Apple TV is what you want. I’ve used Rokus, fire sticks, shields, an HTPC and an Apple TV. I alternate between the shield and Apple TV. And only have the shield because sometimes for whatever reason older shows have a better picture with the AI enhanced picture.

Based on being tech support for elderly family, the Apple TV is the best bang for your buck. Sure other things are cheaper, but dealing with having to explain things over and over, explaining how to get apps, etc etc. TVos is a lot like your iPhone in ease of use. If they lose the remote, they can use their phone(the app is literally built into the iOS. All On top of being a top of the line set top box.