What Are the TV Requirements for PS5? Full Guide to Optimizing Your Setup

Before purchasing a PS5, it's essential to understand the TV requirements to fully enjoy the console’s next-gen capabilities.

While the basic TV specifications might seem simple, the details are more intricate than they initially appear. We’ve broken down everything you need to know to get the best performance from your PS5.

What Are the TV Requirements for PS5?

To fully enjoy the PS5 and, now, the PS5 Pro and their next-gen features, your TV must meet certain specifications. Here are the basic requirements:

• Minimum Resolution: 720p (though 1080p or higher is recommended for the best experience).
• HDMI Ports: Your TV must have at least one HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 port to connect with the PS5.

The PS5 supports various resolutions, including 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K, and even 8K (pending a future update). However, 1440p resolution is not supported by the PS5.

1080i vs. 1080p: What's the Difference?

• 1080i: Interlaced scanning refreshes alternating rows at 30 fields per second.
• 1080p: Progressive scanning refreshes all rows 60 times per second, providing a smoother picture.

The visual difference between 1080i and 1080p is subtle, so either will work for casual gaming. However, 1080p is preferred for a better overall experience.

Optimizing Your Gaming Experience

Although your current TV may meet the basic requirements for PS5, it might not deliver the best gaming experience. To unlock the PS5's full potential, consider investing in a TV with the following features:

• Higher Resolution: 4K or 8K TVs will take your gaming experience to the next level.
• Faster Refresh Rates, and features that enhance gameplay quality: TVs with higher refresh rates (120Hz or more) will provide smoother gameplay.
• Advanced Features: Features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) can greatly enhance your visual experience.

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Credit: Sony

What Are the TV Requirements for Optimal Use of the PS5?

To fully experience everything the PS5 has to offer, such as native 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, ray tracing, and ultra-fast loading times, your TV needs to support higher-end specifications.

4K Gaming at 120Hz

For PS5 gaming at 4K resolution with 120fps, your TV needs to meet specific criteria:

1. 4K Resolution: The TV must support 4K (3840x2160).
2. HDMI 2.1 Port: To enable 4K at 120Hz, your TV must have an HDMI 2.1 port, which allows the PS5 to output at these high settings.

Additionally, for the best performance, using a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable is recommended to ensure full compatibility.

Which TV Should You Use for the PS5?

Your decision on whether to upgrade your TV depends on how you use your PS5. If you're a casual gamer with a 1080p TV that's compatible with the console, an upgrade might not be necessary. However, if you're looking to elevate your gaming experience and fully embrace next-gen features, investing in one of the best TVs for PS, like the LG OLED evo C4, is definitely worth considering.

Remember, to enjoy 120fps at 4K resolution, your TV needs to have an HDMI 2.1 port, as this is essential for handling 120Hz at 4K.

HDMI 2.0 won’t support this level of performance, so if you're unsure whether your TV supports HDMI 2.1, check out our HDMI 2.1 monitors guide for more information.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best TV for PS5

To unlock the full potential of your PS5, selecting the right TV is crucial. Whether you’re sticking with a 1080p TV or upgrading to a 4K TV with HDMI 2.1, the right display will enhance your gaming experience.

Remember, if you want to enjoy 4K at 120Hz, ray tracing, and ultra-fast load times, investing in a high-quality HDMI 2.1 TV is the way to go. Choose wisely, and enjoy the best of PS5 gaming!