Yes, it is what I'd call semi-custom, by a company that specialized in making entertainment units. We were able to chose the dimensions, as well as the number of drawers/shelves, wood type, door style, hardware and finish. The console is actually maple with a stain that goes with our cherry cabinets in kitchen. Dimensions are 32Hx21Dx70L. There is nothing that special about the size of the drawers/shelves--we were most concerned about the overall size of the piece and as long the width of the shelves accomodated our largest component we were fine. As the trend in components tends towards smaller we were not too worried. What is actually very convenient is the drawers which are 5" deep full extension and made just deep enough to fit both CDs and DVDs. We saw other units with plastic slots, but given the way technology changes, we didn't want anything made for a specific media type. Also handy are the adjustable shelves which gave us the versatility to store the speaker there as well so switching over to the grille no only improved the ventillation for the components overheating but more also allows the sound though while obsuring the less attractive speaker. Excuse the dust, but you can get the idea: At the time we did it, it was made for a different spot in our FR and choose the height so that it would extend beneath some windows to either side as well as be a good viewing height for the TV as my DH prefers to look straight at the TV and not have to crane your neck up (reason why he prefers not to have it wall mounted though I know many prefer it that way). After we first switched it to the full height wall, I wished we'd gone with one that has a hutch top and even explored the option briefly of getting one made--however, there was not enough room for ventillation for our 46" TV so we scraped the idea. I ended up adding the ceramic urn and dried branches to obscure the less than attractive side view. Now, I am glad we did not get a hutch top as I think consoles are much more versatile with the ever changing technology. My DH works at Sony and likes to add various gadgets so this works well for us. If I were to do it over, the only thing I think I'd change is to have a darker finish. Other than that we are quite happy with it.

I can't speak to 4K TVs (which, btw, are often referred to as "UHD", not just "HD"). But most HD TVs available for the past 8-10 years or so have not done a good job displaying non-HD (or SD [Standard Definition]) content. The aspect (high-to-wide) ratio is different so the TV typically ends up remapping the display some to fill the screen as much as it can. This is very similar to changing the definition on a computer screen (essentially the same reasons). It's not clear to me whether you're discussing TV stations or all non-HD content. If you're trying to play videocassettes or MP4s through the TV, it won't look good because these sources don't have enough display information to look high-definition. You might try changing some features on the TV. Try changing the aspect ratio, perhaps accepting black borders on the screen rather than trying to fill the screen with the lower-definition signal. If you're talking about one particular input (say, VCR), you may be able to change that particular input and leave the rest optimal.

Ability to receive OTA (Over-The-Air) broadcasts is based on things in addition to distance. I live about 60 miles E of NYC, and can receive most, but not all broadcast channels from there (I even sometimes get reception from a station in NJ!). In most areas now, there are no longer any low-band VHF stations (channels 2-6), but many UHF stations. So I got a high-band VHF antenna and a UHF antenna and mounted them on a 20 foot mast. I also got the best preamp I could find for under $200. I put this assembly on my west-facing deck and ran an RG6 cable into the house where the other half of the preamp and the TV are located. This setup works pretty well, although sometimes the sound drops out, but I can live with that. I intended to move this to the roof, but that's 40 feet off the ground and I'm scared to climb up there! (Remember, that after the digital conversion of broadcast stations, most changed their frequencies. In the NYC area, all the high-band stations stayed where they were, but the low band ones, including CBS, NBC, and Fox, all changed their broadcast frequencies to ones in the UHF band, but kept their old channel numbers in their logos. Modern digital TVs will search for all stations and display the old station numbers, even though they are using the new ones).

Plan A is better in flow for the office and island. I suggest rotating the dining table to be parallel with the island. And how about switching positions with the loveseat with the chairs? Or, I wonder if the arrangement of sofa, loveseat, and chairs could be placed at a 45 degree angle with the TV in the corner next to the window? By rotating the other furniture the piano might be fine just where it is. Are you planning to use rugs to define the areas? I found them a little confusing in the drawings and conflicting with the open concept of the plan. Nice space.