Before buying a PS5, it's essential to grasp the TV requirements to fully enjoy the console's next-gen capabilities. While the basic TV specs might appear simple, the details are more intricate than they initially seem. Do not worry, though, as we have broken it all down for you.
What are the TV requirements for PS5?
To ensure your TV is compatible with a PS5, and PS5 Pro these days, it should have a minimum resolution of 720p and be equipped with an HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 port. The PS5 supports several resolutions, including 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 4K, and 8K (potentially pending a future update). However, it does not support 1440p.
It's useful to understand the difference between 1080i and 1080p. 1080i uses interlaced scanning, where odd and even rows are refreshed alternately at 30 fields per second. On the other hand, 1080p employs progressive scanning, refreshing every row 60 times per second. The visual difference between 1080i and 1080p is subtle and unlikely to significantly affect your PS5 gaming experience.
While your current TV might meet the basic requirements to work with a PS5, it may not provide the optimal gaming experience you desire. For the best experience, consider a TV that offers higher resolution, faster refresh rates, and other features designed to enhance gameplay.
What are the TV requirements for optimal use of the PS5?
The PS5 offers cutting-edge performance, with capabilities like native 4K resolution at 120fps, ray-tracing, and ultra-fast loading times. To fully experience this high level of output, you'll need a TV that can keep up.
To game at the maximum resolution and frame rate, a 4K TV equipped with HDMI 2.1 is essential. HDMI 2.1 is the latest iteration of the HDMI standard, enabling 4K at 120Hz and even 8K at 60Hz. For optimal performance, investing in a high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable is also recommended to ensure full compatibility and support.
While 4K is currently the top resolution widely available, the PS5 does technically support 8K output. However, whether it's worth upgrading to 8K right now is still up for debate. If you're keen on 'future-proofing' your gaming setup and want to take advantage of 8K features as they become more prevalent, it might be wise to consider an 8K TV over a 4K model.
Which TV should I use for PS5?
Ultimately, your decision depends on what you want from your PS5. If you're a casual gamer with a 1080p TV that's compatible with the console, upgrading might not be necessary. However, if you're looking to elevate your gaming experience and fully embrace next-gen capabilities, investing in one of the best TVs for PS5, like the LG OLED evo C4, is definitely worth considering.
It's important to note that to achieve 120fps at 4K resolution, your display must have an HDMI 2.1 port, as this is required to handle 120Hz at 4K. HDMI 2.0 simply won't cut it. If you're unsure about your current setup, our HDMI 2.1 monitors guide can help you out.
Also, keep in mind that the PS5 doesn't currently support 1440p resolution. So, if your TV or monitor is 1440p, the console will automatically downgrade the display to 1080p.
Final Thoughts
While the PS5 is compatible with a range of TV setups, maximizing its next-gen (now current-gen) capabilities requires careful consideration of your display's features. Whether you're sticking with your current setup or upgrading to a 4K or even 8K TV with HDMI 2.1, the key is to match your gaming aspirations with the right technology. By choosing the ideal TV for your needs, you can unlock the PS5's full potential and enjoy an immersive gaming experience like never before.