For the best PS5 or Xbox picture, use the television’s Game or low-latency mode, connect the console directly to the HDMI input rated for 4K 120Hz or HDMI 2.1, select that port’s Enhanced/4K120/VRR signal format, and use the supplied or certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Then set the console to 4K, enable 120Hz and VRR where supported, and run its HDR calibration. A setting cannot create 4K/120 capability that the television, port, cable, game or console does not support.
Quick setup checklist
| Item | Recommended setting or connection | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| TV picture mode | Game mode or the set’s low-latency preset | Reduces image processing delay. ALLM can switch this mode automatically when supported. |
| HDMI input | Use the port labeled 4K 120Hz, 4K 120Hz/8K, HDMI 2.1 or VRR | Only the marked inputs may have the bandwidth and features needed for 4K at 120Hz. |
| TV HDMI signal format | Enhanced format, 4K120, 8K or VRR mode, according to the model | Many televisions ship with a compatibility mode that must be changed before HDR or 120Hz works. |
| Cable | Console-supplied cable or a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable | Older or uncertified cables can limit resolution, refresh rate, HDR or VRR. |
| PS5 | Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output: Resolution Automatic or 2160p; 120 Hz Output On; VRR On when supported; Video Transfer Rate Auto | These settings allow the console to negotiate the highest stable mode. |
| Xbox | Settings > General > TV & Display Options: choose resolution and refresh rate; then Setup > Calibrate TV and Setup > Calibrate HDR for Games | The Xbox menus verify the signal and provide display-specific calibration. |
What has to support 4K at 120Hz
4K/120 is a chain, not a single console option. The console, game, television panel, television HDMI input, cable and any device between them all have to handle the selected signal. If one link is limited to 60Hz, the console will negotiate 60Hz or a lower resolution instead.
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Console and game support
Sony states that PS5 supports the HDMI 2.1 specification and 4K 120Hz video output. Microsoft states that Xbox Series X and Series S support refresh rates up to 120Hz, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Those are output capabilities, not a promise that every game renders at 4K/120. A title may use a 60Hz quality mode, a 120Hz performance mode, dynamic resolution or another limit.
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Television panel and input support
Check the television manual and the specifications for the exact HDMI input. Some sets have one 4K/120 input while others have several; a port that accepts 4K/60 may not accept 4K/120. HDR support can also vary by input. A television advertised as 4K does not automatically support 4K at 120Hz.
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Receivers, soundbars and switches
A receiver, switch or capture device can become the limiting link. For the simplest test, connect the console directly to the television. Add other equipment only after direct wiring works at the desired mode, and confirm that every intermediary advertises the same 4K/120, HDR and VRR support.
Connect the console correctly
- Find the high-bandwidth HDMI input. Look beside the ports or in the manual for labels such as 4K 120Hz, 4K 120Hz/8K, HDMI 2.1 or VRR. Do not assume that the first HDMI socket is the fastest.
- Connect directly to the TV. Plug the PS5 or Xbox into that input while diagnosing picture or refresh-rate problems. Leave receivers, splitters and switches out of the path.
- Choose the right cable. Use the HDMI cable included with the PS5 or Xbox Series X, or a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Sony specifically recommends the included or Ultra High Speed cable for 4K/120Hz, and Xbox recommends its included Ultra High Speed cable for HDMI 2.1 features.
- Enable the port’s enhanced mode. Open the television’s external-input or HDMI settings and select the mode that exposes full bandwidth. The label varies by model and firmware.
- Power-cycle after changing signal modes. Turn the console and television off, disconnect and reconnect the HDMI cable, then start the TV before the console. This forces a fresh capability negotiation.
Set up the television
Use Game mode or low latency
Select Game mode, Game Optimizer or the equivalent low-latency preset for the console input. These modes bypass processing that can make controls feel delayed. Keep motion interpolation, noise reduction and other cinema processing off unless you have a specific reason to use them; they can add latency or interfere with a clean 120Hz signal.
Turn on ALLM when available
ALLM lets the console request the television’s low-latency mode when gameplay starts. On supported Sony televisions, PS5 ALLM behavior depends on the television’s implementation, and VRR output can also trigger low-latency mode. If the set stays in a cinema preset, select Game mode manually and check that automatic picture-mode switching is enabled.
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Select the enhanced HDMI signal format
Manufacturers use different names for the same basic requirement. Microsoft’s Xbox guidance gives these examples:
| Television family | Menu label cited in Xbox guidance |
|---|---|
| LG | HDMI ULTRA HD Deep Color |
| Samsung | HDMI UHD Color |
| Sony BRAVIA | HDMI signal format: Enhanced |
| Panasonic | HDMI HDR Setting |
| Vizio | HDR or HDMI Mode 2.1, where applicable |
Exact wording and menu location vary by model and firmware. If the manual lists separate Enhanced format choices, use Enhanced format (4K120, 8K) for a 4K/120 source or Enhanced format (VRR) when that is the available VRR option.
Enable HDR for the input
Some televisions expose a per-input HDR switch in addition to the enhanced HDMI format. Enable it for the console input, but verify that the exact port supports HDR. Sony cautions that not all 4K televisions support HDR, so the model manual and port specification are the authority.
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Best PS5 video settings
After the TV is configured, use the PS5’s video-output controls to negotiate the signal.
- Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output.
- Set Resolution to Automatic so the console negotiates the display’s capabilities, or choose 2160p when you want to force 4K and the television is confirmed to support it.
- Set 120 Hz Output to Automatic or On, depending on the wording shown by your system software. A game must offer a 120Hz mode for that mode to be used during play.
- Set VRR to On when the television supports VRR. Leave Apply to Unsupported Games off initially; use it only if you accept the possibility of visual artifacts in games that were not designed for VRR.
- Leave Video Transfer Rate at Automatic. If you see flicker or dropouts after confirming the correct port, cable and firmware, try -1, then -2 as troubleshooting values. These reduce the signal rate and may restore stability at the expense of the highest format.
- Open the HDR controls and follow the on-screen calibration after the television input is correctly configured. Calibrate with the TV in its final Game picture mode and with room lighting similar to normal play.
To confirm the result, return to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and inspect the information the PS5 reports for resolution, HDR and 120Hz compatibility. If 120Hz is unavailable, the console is reporting a limitation somewhere in the signal chain rather than a missing in-game option alone.
Best Xbox Series X|S video settings
- Open Settings > General > TV & Display Options.
- Set the desired Resolution, normally 4K UHD when the television supports it.
- Set Refresh rate to 120 Hz when the TV, input and cable support it. If the option is absent, use the troubleshooting steps below rather than forcing an unsupported mode.
- Open Video modes and enable HDR options only after the basic signal is stable. The available choices depend on the connected TV and current resolution.
- Use Setup > Calibrate TV to check black level, brightness and contrast for the display.
- Use Setup > Calibrate HDR for Games and follow each pattern until the symbol is barely visible at the specified point. Run this after changing the TV’s picture mode or HDR input setting.
- If supported by the display, leave VRR enabled for smoother frame pacing. When instability remains, select 60Hz or disable VRR as a deliberate fallback.
Xbox Series X|S supports Dolby Vision for supported games and entertainment, but availability depends on both the television and the title. Do not treat a Dolby Vision option as evidence that every game will use it.
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HDR: getting a correct, not merely brighter, picture
Why HDR can look washed out
A washed-out image usually means the console and television disagree about HDR, the input is still in a standard compatibility mode, or calibration was performed before the final picture settings were selected. It can also occur when a game’s HDR slider is set incorrectly.
Correct order for HDR setup
- Confirm that the HDMI input supports HDR and switch it to the television’s Enhanced or equivalent mode.
- Put the input in Game mode and disable temporary picture changes such as dynamic contrast while calibrating.
- Enable HDR on the console and run its built-in calibration tool.
- Launch a game with HDR support and adjust its own HDR controls only if the game provides them.
- Compare a known SDR screen with HDR content. If SDR is normal but HDR is consistently gray, recheck the input’s HDR toggle and the cable path.
Xbox HDR recovery
When Xbox HDR displays strange colors after the cable, input and firmware checks, Microsoft documents temporarily clearing Allow HDR10 and/or Auto HDR. Correct the signal path first, restart the console, then re-enable those features one at a time. This isolates a negotiation problem from a game-specific HDR issue.
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120Hz
A 120Hz output refreshes the display twice as often as 60Hz and can make supported games feel more responsive. It does not force a game to render 120 frames per second. The game’s graphics mode, resolution target and frame-rate cap still apply.
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VRR
VRR lets the display’s refresh timing follow changing frame delivery, reducing tearing and uneven judder when frame rate moves within the television’s supported range. Enable it on both the console and TV when available. If the screen blanks, flickers or shows corruption, disable VRR or return to 60Hz while diagnosing.
ALLM
ALLM is an automatic request for the display’s low-latency mode. It changes the television preset; it does not increase resolution or frame rate. A TV can support 4K/120 without ALLM, or ALLM without 4K/120, so check each feature separately.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting common problems
120Hz is missing from the console menu
- Move the console to the TV input explicitly labeled 4K 120Hz, 4K 120Hz/8K, HDMI 2.1 or VRR.
- Enable Enhanced, 4K120 or the equivalent HDMI signal format for that input.
- Replace the cable with the console-supplied cable or a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
- Disconnect receivers, switches and soundbars temporarily.
- Update the television and console firmware.
- Verify that the television’s specification promises 4K/120 on that exact input. If it does not, 120Hz may still be available at a lower resolution, but 4K/120 cannot be added by software.
The screen flickers, blanks or shows corruption
- Turn off the console and TV and reconnect the cable firmly at both ends.
- Confirm the enhanced HDMI mode and the correct input.
- Update TV, receiver and console firmware.
- Remove intermediary equipment and test a direct console-to-TV connection.
- On PS5, leave Resolution at Automatic or 2160p and Video Transfer Rate at Auto; if needed, test -1 and then -2.
- On Xbox, disable VRR or select 60Hz as a fallback. If 60Hz is stable, the problem is likely related to the high-refresh signal path, VRR implementation or bandwidth margin.
HDR is unavailable
- Check the TV manual for HDR support on the specific HDMI port.
- Enable the port’s Enhanced signal format and any separate HDR setting.
- Use the supplied or Ultra High Speed cable and connect directly.
- Confirm HDR is enabled in the console’s video settings.
- Run the PS5 HDR controls or Xbox Calibrate HDR for Games after the connection is stable.
HDR looks too dark or gray
- Repeat console HDR calibration with the TV in its final Game mode.
- Check the game’s HDR slider and reset it to its recommended starting position.
- Make sure a television energy-saving or automatic brightness mode is not changing the HDR picture.
- On Xbox, temporarily clear Allow HDR10 and/or Auto HDR, correct the signal path, restart, and re-enable the options individually.
Input feels delayed even in a 120Hz game
- Confirm Game or low-latency mode is active for the console input.
- Check that ALLM has not been disabled and that the television did not switch back to a cinema preset.
- Turn off motion interpolation and heavy image-processing features.
- Test the console directly on the TV rather than through an intermediary device.
How to compare televisions for PS5 and Xbox
Use the following criteria instead of relying on a generic “gaming TV” label. The official compatibility guidance establishes the requirements, but it does not rank current television models.
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| Comparison criterion | Questions to ask | Why it affects console play |
|---|---|---|
| Native 4K/120 capability | Does the panel accept and display 4K at 120Hz, and in which picture modes? | Some sets accept 120Hz only at a lower resolution or with restrictions. |
| HDMI 2.1 inputs | How many inputs support 4K/120, and do they also support HDR and VRR? | One high-bandwidth port can be limiting if you use multiple consoles. |
| HDR behavior | Which HDR formats are supported, and how does brightness behave in Game mode? | Format support alone does not guarantee a good or consistent HDR picture. |
| VRR range | What refresh-rate range is supported, and does VRR work at the chosen resolution? | A wider usable range can smooth more frame-rate fluctuations. |
| ALLM | Does the TV switch to low latency automatically with PS5 or Xbox? | Automatic switching prevents accidentally playing with high-latency processing. |
| Game-mode input lag | What measured lag does the manufacturer or an independent test report in Game mode? | Lower lag makes controls feel more immediate, especially in competitive games. |
| Menu requirements | Is an Enhanced, Deep Color, UHD Color or HDMI 2.1 toggle required? | A hidden compatibility switch can determine whether the advertised features appear. |
Three practical configurations
Maximum quality on a compatible TV
Use the 4K/120-capable input, Enhanced format, Game mode, supplied Ultra High Speed cable, 4K resolution, 120Hz, VRR and HDR calibration. Keep the connection direct until every feature is confirmed, then add a receiver or soundbar only if it supports the same signal.
Stable play on an older or limited TV
Choose the television’s highest supported resolution, use Game mode and HDR only if the input supports it, and select 60Hz when 120Hz is unavailable or unstable. A stable 60Hz signal is preferable to repeated blanking, flicker or corrupted colors.
Competitive play with minimum processing
Use Game mode, ALLM when supported, the direct HDMI connection and the highest stable refresh rate. Disable unnecessary motion processing and use VRR if it remains stable. Calibrate HDR once, then avoid changing the TV’s picture preset without recalibrating.
Quick Recap
Final verification checklist
- The console is connected directly to the TV’s 4K/120, HDMI 2.1 or VRR input.
- The cable is the console-supplied cable or a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
- The input uses Enhanced, 4K120, 8K, Deep Color, UHD Color or the model’s equivalent full-bandwidth mode.
- Game or low-latency mode is active, with ALLM enabled when available.
- PS5 reports the intended resolution, HDR and 120Hz capability, or Xbox TV & Display Options offers the intended resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
- HDR calibration was run after the TV input and picture mode were finalized.
- VRR is enabled only if the display remains stable; otherwise use 60Hz or disable VRR.
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