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How to Connect a PS4 to a TV and Set Up Picture and Sound

By Freedom251 Team · · 5 min read

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Connect the PS4’s HDMI OUT port to a TV HDMI input, connect the console to power, and select that same HDMI input on the TV. Then choose video and audio settings that match your PS4 model and the equipment in the signal path. Standard PS4 and PS4 Slim support the basic setup; 4K output guidance applies specifically to PS4 Pro.

Connect the PS4 to your TV

  1. Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the PS4’s HDMI OUT port and the other into an HDMI input on the TV. See PlayStation’s PS4 setup guide.
  2. Connect the power lead to the console’s AC IN port and a safe power outlet.
  3. Turn on the TV and use its input/source control to select the HDMI input used by the PS4.
  4. Turn on the console and follow any first-run prompts on screen.

If you have a receiver or other device between the console and TV, connecting the PS4 directly to the TV is a useful first troubleshooting step. It also matters for the HDR setup described below.

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Choose a picture setting that your display supports

On the PS4, open Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings. The available output options depend on the connected display; start with a setting the display supports rather than forcing a resolution or feature it cannot handle.

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For HDR on a compatible PS4 and TV

HDR setup requires an HDR10-capable display, HDR-compatible content, and PS4 system software 7.0 or later, according to PlayStation’s HDR and video-output guidance. The TV’s HDR-capable HDMI input may need an enhanced or expanded mode enabled in the TV’s menus. Port capabilities and menu names vary, so check the TV manual; manufacturer labels may include HDR, Wide Color Mode, HDMI Enhanced Mode, UHD Color Mode, Ultra HD Premium, or Ultra HD Deep Color.

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  1. Connect the PS4 directly to the TV for this HDR setup. PlayStation’s guidance says not to put a receiver or switch box in the path.
  2. Use the TV manual to identify an HDR-capable HDMI input and enable its relevant enhanced HDMI mode.
  3. On the PS4, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings, then set HDR and Deep Color Output to Automatic.
  4. To check what the console detects, open Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > Video Output Information. Look for the HDR capability. The Adjust HDR option opens the console’s on-screen calibration.

PlayStation calls for a Premium HDMI cable in its HDR instructions. If your existing cable works with the required setup, there is no reason to replace it solely because you are following these steps.

For 4K on PS4 Pro

4K output applies to PS4 Pro, not the standard PS4 or PS4 Slim. The TV and every device between the console and TV must support the chosen 4K signal. PlayStation’s PS4 Pro 4K and HDR guide describes 4K/60 Hz support as a requirement for its highest-resolution guidance; if the display does not support it, output may scale down to 2K/60 Hz.

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  • Enable 4K on the TV and on any receiver or other equipment in the chain, and connect to the appropriate 4K-capable input.
  • Use Premium HDMI cables across the signal chain.
  • On PS4 Pro, Automatic selects the highest output available for the display and content. Supported manual options include 2160p-YUV420 and 2160p-RGB.
  • Some games have a separate in-game 4K setting, so check the game’s own options if the console is configured for 4K but a particular title is not using it.

A 4K TV alone does not guarantee a 4K picture. PlayStation says HDCP 2.2 support is required from all connected devices in the chain for 4K games or 4K streaming video. If a PS4 Pro is connected to a 4K TV that lacks HDCP 2.2, those may not display. Setting HDCP to HDCP 1.40 Only may restore the image, but can limit resolution to 1080p; see PlayStation’s PS4 Pro 4K troubleshooting guidance.

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Route PS4 sound to the TV, speakers, or headphones

HDMI audio to the TV or home theater device

When the PS4 is connected over HDMI to a TV or compatible home theater device, audio output is automatically optimized for that connected device. The default audio format priority is Linear PCM. To change it, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Audio Format (Priority). Choose only a format supported by the receiving equipment.

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Optical audio

To use an optical connection, open Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Primary Output Port and select DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL). This option is model-dependent: PlayStation says CUH-2000 series consoles do not have an optical digital output terminal. Check that the speaker system supports the selected output format; PlayStation cautions that an unsupported format could damage speakers. Details are in PlayStation’s audio output instructions.

Headphones

Connect compatible headphones, then go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices > Output to Headphones. The default is Chat Audio; compatible headsets can be set to output all audio or chat audio.

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Troubleshoot a blank picture, missing HDR, or missing sound

No picture

  • Confirm the TV is on the HDMI input the PS4 uses.
  • Reseat both ends of the HDMI cable.
  • Connect the PS4 directly to the TV while checking the signal, bypassing a receiver or switch box.

These are also the initial checks in PlayStation’s picture and sound troubleshooting guidance.

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HDR is unavailable

  • Check the TV manual for which HDMI input supports HDR and whether that port needs an enhanced mode enabled.
  • Connect the PS4 directly to that TV input and check the cable and HDR-compatible content.
  • Review the console’s Video Output Information screen to see whether it detects HDR capability.

PS4 Pro picture is blank or below 4K

Check that the TV, each intermediate device, and the HDMI cables support the selected 4K signal and HDCP requirements. A 1080p fallback can occur when using HDCP 1.40 Only; consult PlayStation’s 4K troubleshooting guide before changing the setting.

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Picture works but there is no TV sound

Check that audio is routed through HDMI or the output port you intend to use, and verify that the selected format is supported by the TV or speaker system. If using headphones, confirm the Output to Headphones setting matches whether you want chat audio or all audio.

Which setup should you use?

Console and goal Picture setup Audio route
Standard PS4 or PS4 Slim, typical TV picture Connect HDMI OUT to the TV; select that input and use a video output setting supported by the display. HDMI audio is optimized automatically for the connected TV or compatible home theater device.
PS4 with HDR-capable TV and HDR content Use the TV’s HDR-capable input, enable its enhanced mode if required, connect directly, and set HDR and Deep Color Output to Automatic. Use HDMI unless you specifically need another supported route.
PS4 Pro with a 4K display Confirm 4K support across the entire chain, use the correct 4K input and Premium HDMI cables, then use Automatic or a supported 2160p option. Use HDMI or a separately configured audio output supported by the receiving device.
Any compatible PS4 with optical audio Picture settings depend on the display and console model. Select DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) as Primary Output Port only if the console has the optical terminal and the sound system supports the chosen format.
Any compatible PS4 with headphones Picture settings depend on the display and console model. Choose Chat Audio or all audio under Output to Headphones, as supported by the headset.

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HDRPlayStation 4PS4 ProPS4 setupTroubleshootingTV setup

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