If you own a PlayStation 5 , or are considering getting one, you've probably also thought about buying a new TV compatible with the HDMI 2.1 standard . This new technology is being marketed as an essential feature to get the most out of the PS5. But as you'll see in this post, you might not need it at all right now.
What's new? HDMI 2.1 vs. HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.1 isn't a new standard either. It was released at the very end of 2017. Adoption of this new revision was extremely slow. Today, more than five years later, many manufacturers still don't offer support for this technology in some of their models, and the truth is, this version of HDMI is so much more than adequate that we're not really going to need it now.
The differences between HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 are quite significant. Below, we'll give you a quick overview of the new features offered by the connector, a brief comparison between the two, and a short explanation of how these technologies impact gaming.
Bandwidth
Every good standard in the world of connectivity typically doubles the bandwidth of the previous generation. HDMI 2.0 didn't quite double the data rate of its predecessor, HDMI 1.4 (18 Gbps versus 10,2 Gbps). However, HDMI 2.1 supports a data rate of up to 48 gigabits per second. This is 2,6 times more bandwidth than its predecessor , and there isn't a true generation gap between the two.
Automatic Low Latency Mode (AALM)
Smart TVs don't simply display the signal they receive through the connector. They also process the information to maximize image quality, sharpness, and color. This is why the firmware included in smart TVs is so important, with a lot of emphasis placed on the artificial intelligence algorithms that handle image processing.
All of this is interesting when watching a series, a movie, or any TV program, but it's a nuisance when playing games . The processing done by the television takes time, producing a phenomenon called "input lag," which is basically a delay from when you press a button on your console controller until the action is reflected on the screen.
Almost all modern TVs have a low-latency support mode ; you just need to activate it manually . Therefore, you'll only need to find out how to activate this feature for your specific TV model. AALM technology simply makes the switch automatically, which is completely unnecessary if you know which buttons on your remote control to press before starting a game on your PlayStation.
QFT or Quick Frame Transport
Another interesting feature for gaming is QFT, which uses the HDMI cable itself to reduce latency between the device transmitting the image and the screen. This allows for smoother gameplay , but where this technology truly shines is in virtual reality.
At the moment, if you have an HDMI 2.1 compatible TV, you can enjoy this feature, although you may not appreciate its benefits. In virtual reality it is interesting, but of course, in that case, we will have the screens placed a few centimeters from our eyes, so the experience will be completely different.
VRR or Variable Refresh Rate
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) allows you to mask the frame rate variations that occur while playing games. It's an interesting technology, but not exactly for home consoles. When we play games, especially on PC, it often happens that a frame isn't fully rendered by the graphics card right when it's supposed to appear on screen. This usually results in a slight stutter (also called lag) or even a merging of several frames to somewhat mitigate the situation.
With VRR, the screen is able to wait for that frame, creating a sense of fluidity . Even so, on consoles like the PlayStation 5, the framerate is quite stable, and this particular technology requires a good balance between the device and the screen to work correctly.
Color, dynamic range and sound enhancements
There are also improvements in HDMI 2.1 in terms of support for color spaces, sound and the use of metadata to process the image on our televisions:
- Extended color spaces (BT.2020)
- eARC, an enhanced version of ARC for high-resolution audio return
- Using dynamic metadata for high dynamic range content
New Cable: Ultra High Speed HDMI
The HDMI 2.1 standard is only compatible with the new cable called Ultra High Speed HDMI . This cable is what allows it to support the new bandwidth. While HDMI 2.0 is limited to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second or 8K at 30 fps , HDMI 2.1 effortlessly supports 10K resolution at 120 fps . In short, we've got a cable for the long haul.
However, some HDMI 2.1 features are fully compatible with HDMI 2.0 cables, such as eARC. The only requirement is that both the PS5 and the TV support HDMI 2.1. There's also a labeling issue here. It would be easier for everyone if HDMI cables were named after the technology they support, starting with the basic fact that the standard has always been backward compatible . 'Ultra High Speed HDMI' sounds great, but 'HDMI 2.1 Cable' prevents someone unfamiliar with the technology from making a mistake when buying a cable for their new TV.
PlayStation 5 and the HDMI 2.1 standard
According to Sony executives, a TV with HDMI 2.1 support isn't currently necessary to get the most out of the PS5. It's somewhat surprising that they admit this, since part of their business is also selling smart TVs. In fact, Sony even launched its own label to mark TVs compatible with its system, which we'll discuss in the next section.
The new generation has just started, and HDMI 2.1 was already created at the time to more than meet the needs of the market for a long time. It is normal that PS5 or Xbox Series X are not able to use each and every one of the features that the new connector offers.
Ready for PlayStation 5
Sony also launched a "Ready for PlayStation 5" label , which helps identify the ideal TVs for a perfect PS5 experience. However, this label is heavily marketed, as it's only included on 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz TVs, even though we know the PS5 isn't currently fully capable of handling those resolutions.
In addition, there have been many televisions that have been released after PlayStation 5. And most of them have not received the aforementioned label from Sony, regardless of whether they equal or even exceed the specifications of the products that do bear that seal « Ready for PlayStation 5”.
Beware of the standard
There's another important factor: the HDMI 2.1 standard itself is replacing 2.0. This is because it's a backward-compatible standard . All the features of HDMI 2.0 are included in 2.1. Currently, the HDMI.org standard is HDMI 2.1, and this might catch some people off guard.
Generally speaking, just because a TV supports HDMI 2.1 doesn't mean it supports all HDMI 2.1 features . You'll need to check the specifications sheet to see if the technologies you're interested in for gaming are available on the TV model you're considering.
The cable, an important element
You probably already know this, but just in case, we'll remind you: if you've made the effort to buy an 8K or 4K Smart TV with HDMI 2.1 and added the expense of a PS5 and games, don't skimp on a cable that's high enough quality to reliably handle the volume of data transferred between the console and the TV. That's why we offer a model with a speed of 48 Gbps, capable of smoothly displaying 8K resolution images at 60 frames per second.
Obviously you have many other alternatives that occupy different price ranges, but remember that the cable, when we talk about a standard focused on incredibly high resolutions, is as important as any of the other components needed to enjoy games in UHD.
See offer on AmazonWhat should we look for in a television to play?
Whether you're a PlayStation 5 or Xbox One owner, one of the most important features to look for is HDR support . This feature significantly enhances the console's user experience , as well as the viewing experience of any multimedia content.
The bottom line: 4K resolution and panel
Now that we are clear about what we need and what we don't, let's get down to business. What should a good television have to be able to play next-generation consoles?
Regarding the number of pixels, it's not at all necessary to go beyond 4K resolution if your goal is simply to play games on Sony's console. I mean, even though 8K TVs already exist, you won't see your PS5 games any better, nor will you be able to enjoy much content in that resolution, as it's practically nonexistent.
On the other hand, the panel technology is a crucial factor that will directly impact your user experience. Ultimately, the choice of panel type should be yours, depending on your budget. Of course, it will also depend on the types of video games you typically play. If you play games with very dark scenes or high dynamic range, opt for an OLED panel if your budget allows. Otherwise, there are alternative technologies that also deliver excellent results, such as Mini LED.
A TV with a higher refresh rate will benefit you in many shooting, racing and action titles, where seeing more frames per second gives you an advantage. In other more static titles, 120 Hz is not going to revolutionize your gaming experience either. In fact, it is in those cases that we should invest in a good panel and ignore other more technical features.
Don't Forget Support Technologies
As we have explained above, everything that complements the experience will be welcome. The variable frame rate or the automatic low frequency mode will come in handy on a television to play video games. In case you are hesitating between two models, these technologies can tip the balance to one side or the other.
HDMI 2.1. Yes or no?
Finally, if the Smart TV you've found meets all these requirements and also supports HDMI 2.1 … then go for it. You won't regret it. If, on the other hand, it only supports HDMI 2.0, don't panic, and don't get hung up on this standard. These days, it's not going to be a limiting factor when it comes to enjoying your PlayStation 5 games. Simply consider the types of games you usually play and whether or not it's worthwhile to get a TV that meets all the requirements to get the most out of the console.