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Unleash the Visual Power of Your PlayStation 4: Achieving the Best Resolution

The quest for the perfect gaming experience often boils down to one thing: visual fidelity. On your PlayStation 4 (PS4), achieving the best possible resolution involves understanding your console’s capabilities, your display’s specifications, and the interplay between the two. Simply put, to get the best resolution on your PS4, you need to:

Identify your PS4 model: Standard PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro. This dictates the maximum achievable resolution.
Determine your display’s native resolution: Check your TV or monitor’s specifications (usually found in the manual or online).
Adjust PS4 video output settings: Navigate to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings and configure the resolution to match or be compatible with your display. For a PS4 Pro connected to a 4K TV, choose 2160p – YUV420 or 2160p – RGB. For standard PS4 or PS4 Slim with a 1080p display, select 1080p.
Ensure proper HDMI connection: Use a high-quality HDMI cable and try different HDMI ports on your display.

Let’s delve deeper into each of these steps and explore some common troubleshooting tips to guarantee you’re getting the most visually impressive experience from your PS4.

Understanding Your PS4’s Capabilities

The first step in maximizing your PS4’s visual output is knowing what your console is capable of. There are three main versions of the PS4, each with different resolution capabilities:

Standard PS4: This original model is capped at 1080p (Full HD). It cannot output a 4K signal.
PS4 Slim: Similar to the standard PS4, the Slim version also supports a maximum resolution of 1080p.
PS4 Pro: This is the powerhouse of the PS4 family. It is capable of outputting a 4K (2160p) resolution, offering a significantly sharper and more detailed image when paired with a 4K-compatible display.

Matching Your Display’s Resolution

The best resolution setting for your PS4 is always going to be the native resolution of your TV or monitor. This means the resolution the display was designed to operate at optimally. Feeding it a signal that’s different from its native resolution often results in upscaling or downscaling, processes that can introduce artifacts and reduce image quality.

1080p Displays: If you have a TV or monitor with a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p), setting your PS4 to 1080p is the optimal choice for a standard PS4 or PS4 Slim.
4K Displays: If you own a 4K TV (3840×2160), you’ll want to set your PS4 Pro to 2160p (either YUV420 or RGB, discussed later). Even if you own a standard PS4 or PS4 Slim, you can still connect it to a 4K display, but the console will only output a 1080p signal, which the TV will then upscale to fill the screen. While not ideal, modern TVs usually do a decent job of upscaling.
Displays with Non-Standard Resolutions: If you have a display with a resolution like 1366×768, which is common in some older TVs, the best setting is often 1080p. The TV will then downscale the image, and this usually provides a better visual experience than forcing the PS4 to output at a lower resolution like 720p. The PS4 Pro can improve the look of games even on 1080p displays through supersampling.

Configuring Video Output Settings on Your PS4

Now that you know your console and display capabilities, let’s configure the PS4’s video output settings:

From the PS4’s home screen, go to Settings.
Select Sound and Screen.
Choose Video Output Settings.

Within the Video Output Settings menu, you’ll find several options:

Resolution: This is where you set the primary resolution. Choose 2160p – YUV420 or 2160p-RGB for PS4 Pro and 4K TVs, or 1080p for standard PS4, PS4 Slim, and 1080p displays.
RGB Range: This setting controls the color range output by the PS4. Generally, Automatic is the best option. If you experience washed-out colors, try setting it to Full. If you see crushed blacks, try Limited.
HDR: If your TV supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), set this to Automatic. HDR enhances the contrast and color range, resulting in a more vibrant and lifelike image. Note that not all games support HDR.
Deep Color Output: If your TV supports it, set this to Automatic. Deep Color increases the number of colors that can be displayed, leading to smoother gradients and richer colors.

For PS4 Pro users connecting to a 4K TV, there’s an important distinction between YUV420 and RGB:

2160p – YUV420: This is often the default setting. It uses a form of color compression that allows the PS4 Pro to output a 4K signal at 60Hz with HDR over HDMI 2.0.
2160p – RGB: This setting outputs a full, uncompressed 4K signal. However, it may not be compatible with all TVs, especially older 4K models, and can sometimes lead to bandwidth issues over HDMI. If you encounter problems like a black screen or flickering, switch back to YUV420.

HDMI Cables and Ports

The HDMI cable you use can significantly impact the quality of the video signal. A high-quality HDMI cable is essential for transmitting a 4K signal. For PS4 Pro, it’s recommended to use a Premium High-Speed HDMI cable, also sometimes referred to as HDMI 2.0.

Also, try different HDMI ports on your TV. Some TVs have specific ports that support the full bandwidth required for 4K and HDR. Check your TV’s manual to identify these ports.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re not seeing the expected resolution or experiencing visual problems, here are some troubleshooting steps:

Check your TV’s settings: Make sure your TV is set to the correct input and that any relevant picture settings (like game mode or enhanced HDMI) are enabled. Consult your TV’s manual for details.
Update your TV’s firmware: Manufacturers often release firmware updates that improve compatibility and performance. Check your TV’s settings menu or the manufacturer’s website for updates.
Try a different HDMI cable: A faulty or low-quality HDMI cable can cause a variety of issues.
Restart your PS4 and TV: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
Boot into Safe Mode: If you’re experiencing severe display issues, try booting your PS4 into Safe Mode (press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps) and selecting option 7, “Change Resolution.” This will reset the resolution to 480p, allowing you to troubleshoot further.

By carefully considering your PS4 model, display capabilities, and the settings discussed above, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible resolution and visual experience from your PlayStation 4.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does lowering the resolution on my PS4 increase performance?

Generally, no. On a standard PS4, there’s virtually no performance difference between running at 720p and 1080p. The game’s internal render resolution, set by the developers, remains the same regardless of the output resolution. On the PS4 Pro, some games might see a slight performance improvement at 1080p, but it’s not guaranteed and varies from game to game.

2. What resolution is PS4 Safe Mode?

PS4 Safe Mode defaults to 480p. This low resolution is used to ensure compatibility with a wide range of displays when troubleshooting display issues.

3. Can I improve the graphics on my PS4 with better colors?

Yes, you can improve color accuracy and vibrancy by adjusting the RGB Range, HDR, and Deep Color Output settings in the PS4’s Video Output Settings menu. Ensure your TV also has appropriate color settings enabled.

4. Will my games look better if I output a 720p signal on a 1080p TV?

No, your games will generally look worse. It’s almost always better to set the PS4 to output at the native resolution of your display (in this case, 1080p) and let the TV handle the upscaling.

5. What’s the best resolution for PS4 Slim?

The best resolution for the PS4 Slim is 1080p. This is the maximum resolution the console supports, and it matches the native resolution of most standard TVs and monitors.

6. What HDMI cable do I need for the best PS4 resolution?

For a standard PS4 or PS4 Slim, a high-speed HDMI cable is sufficient. For PS4 Pro and 4K gaming, a Premium High-Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.0) is recommended to ensure you can transmit a 4K signal at 60Hz with HDR.

7. Is the PS4 Full HD or 4K?

The standard PS4 and PS4 Slim are Full HD (1080p). The PS4 Pro supports 4K (2160p) output.

8. What resolution do most gamers use on PS4?

Most gamers on PS4 likely use 1080p, as this is the maximum resolution supported by the standard PS4 and PS4 Slim, and is also a common resolution for TVs and monitors.

9. My PS4 resolution looks bad. What should I do?

Start by checking your PS4’s video output settings, ensuring they match your display’s native resolution. Also, confirm your TV’s firmware is up to date and try a different HDMI cable.

10. I have a 1366×768 screen. Should I set my PS4 to 1080p or 720p?

Set your PS4 to 1080p. While your screen’s native resolution is lower, the TV will typically do a better job of downscaling from 1080p than the PS4 will of upscaling from 720p.

11. Does the PS4 upscale to 1080p?

No, the standard PS4 and PS4 Slim output at a maximum of 1080p. The PS4 Pro can upscale lower resolutions to 4K, and can also downscale from a higher internal resolution to 1080p for improved anti-aliasing on 1080p displays.

12. Does TV resolution matter for PS4?

Yes, absolutely. The TV’s resolution determines the level of detail you’ll see. A 4K TV will display a much sharper and more detailed image with the PS4 Pro than a 1080p TV.

13. What’s the maximum refresh rate for PS4?

The PS4 supports a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. Even if you have a monitor with a higher refresh rate (like 144Hz), the PS4 will only output at 60Hz.

14. Why does 1080p look better than 720p?

1080p has a significantly higher pixel count (over two million) compared to 720p (under one million). This results in a sharper, more detailed, and clearer image.

15. Will buying a PS4 in 2023 improve resolution?

A PS4 would not improve your resolution compared to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or PC that is already using a higher resolution. Newer generation consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X and PC graphics cards are able to produce far higher resolutions. However, a PS4 is still a fun device and a worthwhile purchase.

Gaming is not just about graphics but also learning, and you can learn more from the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where they explore the intersection of games and education!

How do I get the best resolution on my PS4?