Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For most setups, start with Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output, leave Resolution on Automatic, and check Current Video Output Signal before changing anything else. Automatic selects the highest resolution the connected TV supports, but it does not mean every game renders internally at that resolution. Getting 4K at 120 Hz also depends on the game, display, HDMI connection and other equipment—not just a PS5 setting.
Start with the PS5’s reported output
- Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
- Read Current Video Output Signal to see the resolution and refresh rate the console is actually sending.
- Change one setting at a time, then check the signal again. This helps identify whether a change improved output or introduced a compatibility problem.
PlayStation says, “Your PS5® console detects the capabilities of your TV and automatically selects the best available resolution.” For a typical TV setup, Resolution: Automatic is a sensible starting point. To select 4K manually, choose 2160p when the console is connected to a compatible 4K screen. PlayStation’s resolution and 4K support guide explains the available output options.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What resolution should you use?
Choose a resolution your display supports, and use the Current Video Output Signal to confirm what the PS5 is sending. The console’s output resolution and a game’s internal rendering resolution are not the same thing: selecting 2160p does not establish that every game renders natively at 4K.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor a 4K TV
Leave Resolution on Automatic unless you have a specific reason to force 2160p. Either way, verify the reported output signal. A compatible screen is necessary for 4K output, but the resolution shown by the console does not reveal every detail of a game’s rendering process.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K UltraHD Resolution: Experience incredible detail with 4X the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs
- QLED (Quantum Dot Technology): Rich, vibrant colors covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space to bring images to lifeQLED – Quantum Dot Technology: Rich, vibrant colors covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space to bring images to life
- 120Hz Panel Refresh Rate: Watch action-packed movies, fast-paced video games, and live sports with an ultra-smooth viewing experience, free of motion blur
- TCL AIPQ Pro Processor: Powerful, advanced processor that intelligently optimizes the color, contrast, and clarity for an unrivaled 4K HDR experience
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Advanced spatial audio processing can be found in movies, TV shows, and video games
For a 1440p monitor or TV
Use Test 1440p Output in Video Output to check whether your display supports the combinations the PS5 tests: SDR and HDR at 60 Hz and 120 Hz, as well as VRR. Sony notes that results vary by display. If you want 1440p output, set Resolution to 1440p after testing.
1440p output is distinct from a game rendering at 1440p. Sony says a game with a higher native resolution, such as 4K, may benefit from improved anti-aliasing when downsampled to a 1440p display. This is not a promise that every game renders at 4K or uses the same process. See PlayStation’s PS5 features page for its description of 1440p output.
How to get 120 Hz—and what it does not guarantee
The 120 Hz Output setting enables 120 Hz video output for compatible displays and games that support a 120 Hz frame rate. It does not make every game run at 120 frames per second; both the particular game and the display must support the mode.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- 4K UltraHD Resolution: Experience incredible detail with 4X the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs
- QLED (Quantum Dot Technology): Rich, vibrant colors covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space to bring images to lifeQLED – Quantum Dot Technology: Rich, vibrant colors covering nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space to bring images to life
- 144Hz Panel Refresh Rate: Watch action-packed movies, fast-paced video games, and live sports with an ultra-smooth viewing experience, free of motion blur
- TCL AIPQ Pro Processor: Powerful, advanced processor that intelligently optimizes the color, contrast, and clarity for an unrivaled 4K HDR experience
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Advanced spatial audio processing can be found in movies, TV shows, and video games.
If a monitor or another display has video-output problems with games using 120 Hz, Sony suggests turning 120 Hz Output off. For expected 4K/120 Hz output, check the whole connection rather than treating 120 Hz as a single console toggle:
- The display supports 4K at 120 Hz, and its firmware is current.
- The cable is the one included with the PS5 or an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for 4K/120 Hz.
- The console is connected to the display’s appropriate HDMI port. Consult the display manual; a label such as HDMI 2.1 alone does not guarantee that every port supports every feature.
- If a receiver or other device sits between the PS5 and display, verify that it supports the required signal, or connect the console directly to the display as a troubleshooting check.
- In Video Output, set Resolution to Automatic or 2160p and Video Transfer Rate to Automatic.
Sony states that PS5 supports HDMI 2.1 specification and 4K/120 Hz output, while noting that issues can arise during the technology’s market transition. Its 4K/120 Hz troubleshooting guidance lists connection checks. The label on a port or cable is not a substitute for checking the display’s specific capabilities.
Which HDR setting should you choose?
Under Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > HDR, the two modes handle non-HDR content differently:
Rank #3
- HI-QLED COLOR: Experience a visual treat with Hi-QLED Color. Every frame is rich, vibrant, and true-to-life, ensuring that every shade, from soft pastels to bold and striking tones, stands out in stunning clarity
- TOTAL HDR SOLUTION: See every basket and goal in all its glory. Total HDR Solution distinguishes between the colors you perceive on screen. That means ink-black blacks, not muddled tones and brighter, more vibrant colors with every HDR format, including Dolby Vision, HDR 10+Adaptive, HDR 10 and HLG
- DOLBY VISION AND DOLBY ATMOS: The fusion of Dolby Vision HDR imaging and Dolby Atmos sound transforms your TV into an entertainment powerhouse. These image and sound technologies from the cinema, now brought together for the home, provide amazing realism that you’ll see, hear, and feel like never before
- FIRE TV: Fire TV seamlessly integrates your favorite live channels and apps on the home screen, or you can browse the Channel Guide in Live
- PRESS & ASK | ALEXA: Just press and ask Alexa to find, launch, and control your content. Go beyond streaming to check sports scores, set timers, reminders, and more
| Setting | What it does | When to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| On When Supported | HDR output is used for content that supports HDR; unsupported games and apps remain in SDR. | A predictable compatibility default if you want unsupported content to stay in SDR. |
| Always On | Converts even games and apps that do not support HDR to HDR output. | If you prefer that output behavior on your display. |
Sony does not prescribe one universally best mode. Use Adjust HDR to make brightness adjustments and optimize HDR rendering. The available controls and results depend on your display and content. See the PS5 video-output settings guide for the menu behavior.
VRR and ALLM: smoother output and lower-latency mode
VRR
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) synchronizes a compatible display’s refresh rate with the PS5’s graphical output. It requires compatible equipment, and its results vary by display and game. If you enable Apply to Unsupported Games, Sony says you can try it to stabilize the frame rate in games without VRR support; turn it off if you encounter unexpected behavior.
ALLM
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) tells a compatible TV to switch to its low-latency mode during gameplay. Check the TV manual to confirm support rather than relying on an HDMI version label. The PS5 does not send an ALLM signal while a media app is running. When VRR output is in use, the display switches to low-latency mode even if ALLM is set to Off; Sony says to turn VRR off as well if you want to disable ALLM completely.
Rank #4
- TCL QM6K QD-MINI LED TV SERIES - AFFORDABLE PREMIUM PERFORMANCE FOR SPORTS, GAMING & STREAMING. Experience superior contrast, rich color, and ultra-smooth motion with TCL’s QD-Mini LED technology. Designed to outperform traditional QLED and OLED TVs, the QM6K is the best TV for every moment—whether you're streaming, gaming, or watching the big game.
- QD-MINI LED. IT’S MINI LED PLUS QLED COLOR - BREATHTAKING BRIGHTNESS AND COLOR IN ANY LIGHT. Combines ultra-precise Mini LEDs with Quantum Dot technology for incredible brightness, bold contrast, and over a billion vibrant colors.
- TCL HALO CONTROL SYSTEM - BETTER BLACKS. SHARPER DETAIL. NO BLOOMING. Advanced local dimming eliminates haloing, enhances shadow detail, and improves picture accuracy—so dark scenes look deeper, and bright scenes stay crisp.
- DOLBY VISION, HDR10+, HDR10 & HLG - STUNNING HDR IN EVERY FORMAT. Enjoy 4K content the way it was meant to be seen. Dynamic HDR support delivers exceptional color, contrast, and detail across all major formats.
- 144HZ NATIVE REFRESH RATE + MOTION RATE 480 - SMOOTH, FAST ACTION—PERFECT FOR LIVE SPORTS. Watch fast-paced action with incredible clarity and minimal motion blur—making this one of the best TVs for sports.
For display-specific details, consult Sony’s explanations of VRR and ALLM and the PS5 video-output guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if the picture flickers at 4K
If the screen flickers at 4K, try Video Transfer Rate: -1 or -2 under Video Output. These options limit the output signal and may resolve signal problems, but they also restrict available formats. They are troubleshooting steps, not settings to use by default.
| Video Transfer Rate | Restrictions Sony lists |
|---|---|
| -1 | Restricts 4K/120 Hz; 4K at 50/60 Hz RGB or YUV444 DeepColor; and 8K/60 Hz on the CFI-7000 model group. |
| -2 | Restricts 4K/120 Hz; 4K at 50/60 Hz RGB or YUV444; and 8K/60 Hz on the CFI-7000 model group. 4K at 50/60 Hz uses YUV420. |
After changing the transfer rate, check Current Video Output Signal again so you know which format the console is actually sending. The restrictions are described in Sony’s video-output support guide.
Best Value
- MINI LED PROCESSOR 4K: Our advanced processor delivers brighter highlights and deeper blacks,* bringing every detail to life with stunning clarity
- PURE COLOR SPECTRUM: delivers one billion true-to-life colors, powered by advanced color technology and MiniLED precision. Enjoy rich reds, deep blues, and vibrant greens, making every scene leap off the screen with breathtaking realism.
- MINI LED HDR: Experience HDR picture quality with brighter highlights and deeper blacks than traditional HDR TVs.* Enjoy vibrant colors and lifelike details as this technology enhances brightness and contrast, making every image stand out with remarkable depth and realism.
- ENDLESS FREE CONTENT: Watch 2,700+ free streaming options, including 750+ subscription-free channels on Samsung TV Plus. Enjoy news, sports, movies, kids' shows and reality TV — all without a subscription. Discover endless entertainment with new content added regularly, tailored to your mood and interests.*
- SUPREME MINI LED DIMMING: delivers deep contrast and bright highlights for a truly superb picture.*
What are PSSR and 8K output?
PSSR
PSSR means PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution. Sony describes it as improving image quality in certain compatible games. It is separate from choosing a display output resolution, and it should not be assumed to apply to every game. Sony’s support guide does not provide a universal supported-game list in its description.
The Enhance PSSR Image Quality setting is documented only for the CFI-7000 model group and applies to certain PSSR-compatible games. Turn it off if you encounter unexpected behavior.
8K
Allow 8K Output is also documented only for the CFI-7000 model group. Sony specifies an 8K display that supports 60 Hz and DSC, as well as games that support 8K. This output mode is not a guarantee that all games render or display in 8K. The model-specific requirements and settings are in the PS5 video-output guide.
Recommended Free Tools
How to compare two display modes
If you are choosing between modes on a TV or monitor, compare the signal and compatibility that matter for your setup rather than relying on a resolution label alone:
Quick Recap
- Check the PS5’s reported output resolution and refresh rate for each mode.
- Confirm that the game supports the frame rate you want.
- Check HDR behavior and whether the content supports HDR.
- Confirm VRR compatibility and how it behaves with the game and display.
- Verify the specific HDMI port, cable and any receiver or other intermediary in the signal path.
- On a 1440p display, use Test 1440p Output to compare supported SDR/HDR, 60/120 Hz and VRR combinations instead of assuming every combination works.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
