The short answer: 4K/120Hz or 8K passthrough works only when every active link supports the complete signal you selected. The console, its settings and cable, each AVR/soundbar/switch input and output, the interconnecting cables, and the TV port must agree on resolution, refresh rate, HDR, VRR, color depth, HDCP and timing. A device labeled “HDMI 2.1” or “8K” is not automatically compatible with every combination.
The fastest diagnosis is free: connect the console directly to the TV with the supplied or a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. If 4K/120 then works, the AVR, switch, intermediary cable or its settings are the bottleneck.
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First check what the console can actually output
“4K/120Hz” combines resolution and refresh rate; it is considerably more demanding than 4K/60Hz. “8K passthrough” describes what a receiver or switch can transport, not what every connected console can generate.
PlayStation 5
PS5 supports HDMI 2.1 and 4K/120Hz. Sony recommends the cable supplied with the console or a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, the TV’s correct high-bandwidth input, current firmware and a direct-TV test when an intermediary is involved. Check Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output for Resolution, 120 Hz Output, VRR, ALLM and Video Transfer Rate. Sony says setting Video Transfer Rate to -1 or -2 can stabilize flicker, but it removes some output combinations, including certain 4K/120Hz, RGB/YUV444 Deep Color and 8K/60Hz modes on supported CFI-7000 models: Sony’s PS5 4K guide.
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8K Output is not available on every PS5. Sony currently limits that option to the CFI-7000 model group; it also requires an 8K/60Hz display with DSC and a game or application that supports 8K: PS5 8K requirements.
Xbox Series X
Xbox Series X is a 4K/120Hz gaming source. Do not infer 8K console output from an AVR or TV marked 8K. Open the console’s current TV & display options and its TV-details or diagnostic screen to confirm detected 4K, 120Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision and VRR support. Microsoft changes dashboard wording, so use the labels shown by your current firmware and compare them with current Xbox support documentation. A receiver that reports only 4K/60 can cause the Xbox to hide 120Hz even when the TV itself supports it.
Understand the complete HDMI chain
Map the actual path, including every port:
Console → HDMI cable → AVR, soundbar, switch, splitter or capture device → HDMI cable → TV or projector
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Passthrough is forwarding an incoming signal, not upscaling it. Upscaling converts a lower-resolution signal; passthrough is intended to preserve the source format: Sony’s passthrough explanation.
The intermediary reads the display’s capability data (EDID), republishes that data to the console, negotiates HDCP and may process or scale video. If it reports only 4K/60, the console can correctly fall back even though the panel is 4K/120-capable. Yamaha explains this EDID negotiation here: HDMI bandwidth and EDID.
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- Bandwidth failure: the physical link cannot carry the selected combination.
- EDID failure: the source is told that a supported mode is unavailable.
- HDCP failure: protected content cannot authenticate; menus may work while a disc or streaming app shows black.
- Handshake failure: devices do not reliably agree when a game changes refresh rate, HDR or VRR.
- Physical-layer failure: a cable, connector, port, coupler or extender loses signal integrity.
Common causes of 4K/120 and 8K failures
The wrong TV HDMI input
Many TVs provide full bandwidth on only one or two ports. Connect the console to the port labeled 4K/120, 4K/120/8K or equivalent. Enable the manufacturer’s high-bandwidth mode: Sony calls it Enhanced format (including “Enhanced format (4K120, 8K)” or “Enhanced format (VRR)”); Samsung uses Input Signal Plus; LG uses HDMI Deep Color or a similar option. Labels vary by model and firmware. Sony’s port guidance is at this support page.
An AVR, soundbar or switch supports less than its headline
“8K” may apply to one designated input and output, while another input remains 4K/60. A soundbar may support eARC audio but only 4K/60 video. A capture card may be limited to 4K/60. Video processing, scaling or overlays can disable the highest mode. Check the exact port table, not the product title.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOn Denon and Marantz models, the relevant setting is often 4K/8K Signal Format, with an 8K Enhanced option. Yamaha models use model-specific 8K or enhanced settings. Enable the highest-bandwidth mode, disable processing for testing and verify the correct monitor output.
Some early HDMI 2.1 receivers had hardware compatibility defects. Yamaha documented a board exchange for selected 2020 receivers: Yamaha HDMI caution. Denon documented adapter solutions for certain 4K/120 and 8K problems: Denon adapter guidance and Denon chipset information. Search the exact model number on the manufacturer’s support site for firmware, exchanges and adapter programs.
An uncertified, damaged or overly long cable
For 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz, use a cable carrying the official name Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable and its certification label. HDMI’s certification program covers up to 48Gbps systems and features such as 4K/120, 8K/60, HDR, VRR and eARC: Ultra High Speed certification. Cable categories are explained at HDMI.org’s cable guide.
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“8K” printed on a package is not proof of certification. Long passive runs, optical cables installed backwards, loose connectors, wall plates, couplers, extenders and cheap splitters can work at 4K/60 yet fail at 4K/120. HDMI version numbers are not reliable cable names; use the official certification terminology: HDMI cable labeling guidance.
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Firmware cannot overcome missing hardware
Updates can improve EDID or handshake behavior, but they cannot turn an HDMI 2.0 physical path into a full HDMI 2.1 path. HDMI notes that some newer signaling capabilities require silicon designed for them: HDMI bandwidth and hardware requirements.
The definitive isolation test
- Write down exact console, TV/projector, AVR or switch model numbers, port numbers, cable lengths and enabled features.
- Remove every intermediary. Connect the console directly to the TV’s known full-bandwidth input using the original console cable or a certified Ultra High Speed cable.
- Enable the TV’s Enhanced, 4K/120, 8K or equivalent input mode, update firmware and reboot the TV and console.
- Check the console’s detected capabilities. Test 4K/120 with HDR and VRR separately before combining them.
- Reconnect the AVR or switch, using its documented 4K/120 or 8K input, highest-bandwidth setting and correct monitor output. Change only one cable or setting at a time.
| Result | Likely meaning | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Works directly, fails through AVR | Receiver, intermediary cable, port, setting or firmware is limiting the signal. | Check the exact model’s input table and defect notices; use direct-to-TV video. |
| Fails directly | Console, TV port, cable, firmware or display compatibility is involved. | Try the supplied cable, another full-bandwidth TV port and updated firmware. |
| 4K/60 works, 4K/120 fails | Bandwidth, cable integrity, port capability or enhanced mode is insufficient. | Use short certified cables and bypass every intermediary. |
| Works after power-cycling | EDID, HDCP or handshake instability. | Update firmware, simplify the chain and power devices in a consistent order. |
| Works with HDR or VRR disabled | The combined format exceeds a component’s capability or exposes a compatibility defect. | Test each feature independently and consult the device’s mode table. |
Test the signal in stages
Use this order so you know which feature introduces the failure:
- 4K/60 SDR
- 4K/60 HDR
- 4K/120 SDR
- 4K/120 HDR
- VRR
- ALLM
- Dolby Vision or other dynamic HDR
- Atmos and eARC audio
A 120Hz panel does not make every game render at 120 frames per second. The console’s output refresh rate, the display’s refresh rate, the game’s rendering frame rate and VRR operating range are separate. A game may require a performance mode and may still fluctuate below 120fps.
Use direct video and eARC when passthrough is the problem
The most reliable workaround is:
Console → TV directly
TV eARC → AVR or soundbar
Use it when the AVR passes only 4K/60, has a known HDMI 2.1 defect, loses VRR or HDR, has too few high-bandwidth inputs, or when the TV offers better gaming support. Sony recommends bypassing an intermediary that lacks the required Enhanced 4K or HDR passthrough: Sony’s direct-connection guidance.
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eARC is not universal: audio passthrough depends on the TV and receiver, and CEC or multichannel-format compatibility can still cause trouble. Confirm the audio formats your TV actually passes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do for specific symptoms
Only 4K/60 appears
Check the TV port and Enhanced mode, then connect directly to the TV. If direct works, the AVR or switch is presenting a 4K/60 EDID or lacks the required input capability.
The console falls to 1080p/120
Replace both HDMI cables with short certified Ultra High Speed cables and bypass the AVR. This is usually a bandwidth or handshake fallback.
HDR disappears at 4K/120
Test 4K/120 without HDR, then inspect the receiver’s exact mode table and firmware. The combined signal may exceed the receiver’s implementation.
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Enable the TV’s Enhanced/VRR mode, verify VRR support on the exact AVR input and test the console directly. VRR may be limited to selected ports.
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The screen flickers when a game launches
The system may be changing refresh rate, HDR or VRR state. On PS5, reduce Video Transfer Rate, temporarily disable VRR, or bypass the AVR: Sony’s troubleshooting steps.
There is a black screen
Power-cycle the console, TV and AVR; connect directly to the TV; use the supplied cable; disable HDR and VRR temporarily; then re-enable features individually. If menus work but protected applications fail, investigate HDCP rather than bandwidth. Sony identifies HDCP 2.2 as necessary for protected 4K content: HDCP and 4K passthrough.
The PS5 8K option is missing
Verify that the console is in the CFI-7000 model group and that the display supports 8K/60 with DSC. An 8K AVR cannot add 8K output to a PS5 model that does not provide it.
When should you replace equipment?
Keep using the AVR path when
- Every required input and output documents the desired 4K/120, HDR, VRR and HDCP combination.
- The direct and passthrough tests are equally stable.
- Current firmware and the receiver’s highest-bandwidth mode are enabled.
Use direct-to-TV video when
- The direct test works but passthrough does not.
- The receiver supports only 4K/60 or has a known chipset problem.
- The TV has more capable gaming inputs than the receiver.
Buy a switch or AVR only when
- You have confirmed the existing component is the bottleneck or you genuinely need more high-bandwidth inputs.
- The replacement specifies the exact number of 4K/120 inputs and outputs required.
- Its mode table covers your HDR, VRR, Dolby Vision, HDCP and audio requirements.
- The manufacturer documents reliable EDID handling and current console compatibility.
An “8K” switch can still fail 4K/120 HDR with VRR. A certified cable cannot repair an HDMI 2.0 receiver, incorrect TV setting or defective chipset. Diagnose first, then replace only the confirmed weak link.
Quick Recap
Reference checklist
| Device | Verify |
|---|---|
| Console | Exact model, supported output, game mode, 120Hz, HDR, VRR and current firmware. |
| TV/projector | Full-bandwidth port, Enhanced/high-bandwidth setting, firmware and gaming mode. |
| AVR/soundbar/switch | Exact input/output capability, 4K/8K signal mode, processing bypass, HDCP and known defects. |
| Cables | Official Ultra High Speed certification, shortest practical length, no couplers or extenders. |
| Audio return | eARC capability and supported formats if the console connects directly to the TV. |
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