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What version of HDMI does PS4 use?

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What HDMI Version Does the PS4 Use? A Comprehensive Guide for Gamers

The PlayStation 4 (PS4), a cornerstone of the previous console generation, utilizes the HDMI 1.4 standard. This allows for a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60Hz, which perfectly suits the console’s capabilities.

Understanding HDMI Versions: A Primer for PS4 Owners

Navigating the world of HDMI can feel like deciphering a secret code. With numerous versions floating around, each promising improved performance, it’s easy to get lost. Let’s break down what you need to know about HDMI and how it relates to your PS4 gaming experience.

HDMI 1.4: The PS4’s Faithful Companion

As mentioned, the original PS4, PS4 Slim, and even the PS4 Pro (in certain scenarios) rely on HDMI 1.4. This standard, while not the latest and greatest, is more than capable of delivering a solid gaming experience. It supports:

  • 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second (FPS): This is the sweet spot for many PS4 games, offering a balance between visual fidelity and smooth gameplay.

  • 4K resolution at 30 FPS (PS4 Pro only): The more powerful PS4 Pro can output 4K, but it’s limited to 30 FPS when using HDMI 1.4.

  • 3D video: If you have a 3D-compatible TV and game, HDMI 1.4 can handle the necessary bandwidth.

Why Not a Newer HDMI Version?

You might wonder why the PS4 didn’t adopt a newer HDMI version like 2.0 or 2.1. The answer is simple: cost and necessity. At the time of the PS4’s development and release, HDMI 1.4 was a well-established and affordable standard that met the console’s hardware capabilities. Upgrading to a newer version would have increased production costs without significantly improving the visual experience for most games, as the majority were designed for 1080p resolution.

Is Upgrading Your HDMI Cable Worth It?

The short answer is: it depends. If you’re using the original PS4 or PS4 Slim, swapping out your HDMI 1.4 cable for a newer one (like 2.0 or 2.1) won’t magically improve your graphics. The console’s HDMI port limits the output.

However, if you own a PS4 Pro and are connecting to a 4K TV, using an HDMI 2.0 cable is highly recommended. While the PS4 Pro can technically output 4K at 30Hz with HDMI 1.4, an HDMI 2.0 cable will enable you to enjoy 4K at 60Hz on compatible games and applications.

Choosing the Right HDMI Cable: Beyond the Version Number

While the HDMI version is important, consider these factors when purchasing a cable:

  • Cable Length: Choose a cable length that’s appropriate for your setup. Avoid excessively long cables, as they can potentially introduce signal degradation.

  • Build Quality: Look for well-shielded cables with sturdy connectors. A higher-quality cable will be more durable and less prone to interference.

  • Certification: Consider cables certified by HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. This certification ensures that the cable meets the specified performance standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PS4 and HDMI

Here are some common questions gamers have about HDMI and the PS4:

  1. Does using a better HDMI cable improve the PS4’s performance? No, not beyond its inherent HDMI 1.4 capabilities. A higher-end HDMI cable won’t magically unlock higher resolutions or frame rates if the console is limited to HDMI 1.4 specifications.

  2. Can I use an HDMI 2.1 cable with my PS4? Yes, HDMI 2.1 is backward compatible. It will work perfectly fine with your PS4, but you won’t see any performance improvements beyond what HDMI 1.4 offers.

  3. Does the PS4 Pro require a special HDMI cable? It’s highly recommended to use an HDMI 2.0 cable with the PS4 Pro to enjoy 4K resolution at 60Hz. While it works with HDMI 1.4, you’ll be limited to 4K at 30Hz.

  4. Does HDMI 1.4 support HDR? Yes, HDMI 1.4 can support High Dynamic Range (HDR), but the specific HDR formats supported may vary.

  5. Why is my PS4 HDMI not working? Troubleshoot by trying a different HDMI cable, ensuring the cable is securely connected, and checking your TV’s input settings. If the problem persists, try changing the resolution in Safe Mode.

  6. What are the HDMI ports on the PS4 labeled as? The HDMI port on the PS4 is labeled as “HDMI OUT.”

  7. How do I connect my PS4 to HDMI 2 on my TV? Simply insert one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI OUT port on the PS4 and the other end into the HDMI 2 input on your TV.

  8. Is HDMI 2.0 enough for PS5? Premium HDMI (HDMI 2.0) even supports 8K 30Hz, and that’s not happening on the PS5 and Xbox Series X

    S. Games in 4K 60Hz with HDR work perfectly on premium HDMI (HDMI 2.0), with room to spare. Note that the PS5/Xbox Series X

  9. Is HDMI 1.4 good for gaming? Yes, for the PS4. Here’s a quick guide to the right cables: PS4/ Xbox One/ Xbox One S can be put on an HDMI cable is 1080p 60Hz with HDR, high-speed HDMI or HDMI 1.4 is more than enough.

  10. Can HDMI 1.4 do 120Hz? As long as you have at least HDMI 1.4, 120Hz is doable on your compatible TV or monitor. You can even do up to 144Hz if your display supports it. For uncompressed higher resolutions, though, HDMI 120Hz connections need a next-generation HDMI connection.

  11. Is HDMI 1.4 better than 2.0 for 120Hz? To get HDMI 120Hz at native 1440p, the best connector is HDMI 2.0. It has double the bandwidth of HDMI 1.4, supporting both 1440p at up to 144Hz and 4K at up to 60Hz without any form of compression.

  12. Is ps4 HDMI same as PS5? Yes, you can use any HDMI cable for the PS5 as long as it meets the HDMI 2.1 specifications. The PS5 requires an HDMI 2.1 cable to take advantage of features such as 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and improved bandwidth.

  13. Does HDMI 2.1 work on PS4? Both the PS4 and Xbox have HDMI 1.4, so getting a 2.0 or 2.1 cable will not change anything. If I remember correctly the main difference between HDMI 1.4 and 2.0 is that 1.4 can only do 4K at 24 fps, while 2.0 can do 4k at 60 fps.

  14. How do I get 120 fps on PS5? Go through the following steps to allow 120 fps. Step 1: click the cogwheel at the top right of the home screen. Step 2: select ‘Display and video’ under ‘Settings’. Step 3: click ‘Video output’, scroll down, and click ‘Allow 120Hz output’.

  15. What HDMI do pro gamers use? The improved bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 translates into impressive resolution and refresh rate capabilities. It natively supports 4K gaming at 120Hz on consoles and up to 4K at 144Hz on gaming PCs with powerful graphics cards.

The Future of Gaming and Education

Understanding the technical aspects of gaming, like HDMI versions, is just one facet of the broader world of game-based learning. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring how games can be used to enhance education and engagement. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the exciting possibilities at the intersection of gaming and learning.

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