Can Any TV Run a PS5? The Complete Guide to Getting the Most out of Your PS5

Hey there! Your shiny new PS5 is waiting to unlock next-gen gaming in your home. But to really see what your supercharged console can do, it needs the right TV partner.

In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll get all the insider tips to pick and set up a TV that maximizes your PS5‘s performance, whether you‘re looking to upgrade your existing setup or want the best experience right out of the box.

Ready to make the most of your PS5? Let‘s dive in!

Minimum TV Requirements for PS5

Before we get into the ideal specs for a premium PS5 experience, let‘s cover the bare minimum you‘ll need to get up and running:

• An HDMI port – This allows video and audio output from the PS5 to your TV display. Aim for HDMI 1.4 or higher.
• 720p resolution – The PS5 will function on HD (1280×720 pixel) TVs and higher.
• 60Hz refresh rate – Your TV needs to support 60Hz, or 60 frames per second output from the PS5.

As long as your TV checks those boxes, you‘ll be able to power on your PS5 and enjoy gameplay. But you won‘t unlock the system‘s full capabilities without…

The PS5‘s Sweet Spot – 4K, 120fps, HDMI 2.1

To really let that PS5 horsepower loose, your television needs:

• 4K resolution – The PS5 renders games internally in 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) for incredibly detailed visuals.
• High refresh rate – Aim for 120Hz or higher for ultra-smooth 120fps gameplay.
• HDMI 2.1 – This latest HDMI standard has enough bandwidth for 4K video at 120Hz along with key gaming features like VRR and ALLM (more on these shortly!).

There are currently over 116 million PlayStation 5 consoles in homes globally as of January 2023 according to Sony. To live up to its full potential in all those living rooms, the PS5 desperately needs a 4K TV with HDMI 2.1.

Anything less and you‘re leaving performance and graphics on the table.

Do You Need a 4K TV for PS5?

This is one of the most common questions from new PS5 owners.

The short answer? 4K is a must-have if you want the complete experience.

Yes, your PS5 will function just fine on a 1080p HD TV. But you‘ll be missing out on a ton of visual detail across over 5,000 PS5 games and counting.

Let‘s dig into why 4K matters:

• The PS5 renders games internally in 4K, even if your TV is lower resolution.
• With 4K, next-gen graphics like ray tracing truly shine.
• Textures, objects, and environments are far more lifelike and detailed in over 8 million pixels.
• A 4K TV provides plenty of headroom for future PS5 titles that push graphics even further.

So while not absolutely necessary, a 4K television allows you to fully experience the visual leap next-gen consoles provide. Considering you can get excellent 4K TVs for under $500 these days, it‘s absolutely worth the investment.

Can PS5 Connect to Non-Smart TVs?

Don‘t want all the smart TV bells and whistles? No problem!

The PS5 will work just fine with any television that has the appropriate ports, even one lacking built-in streaming apps or "smart" capabilities.

As long as your non-smart TV has an HDMI input that supports at least 720p resolution, you can connect it to a PS5 and game away!

You‘ll just need to access entertainment apps like Netflix through a separate streaming device instead of the TV directly. But PS5 gameplay doesn‘t require any smart features.

This flexibility makes the PS5 easy to set up in environments like hotel rooms, vacation homes, or with older TVs you don‘t want to replace yet.

Replacing a Broken HDMI Port on Your PS5

Let‘s switch gears and talk about how to deal with one of the most common PS5 issues – a faulty HDMI port.

If your PS5‘s HDMI output suddenly stops working, tries wiggling the HDMI cable both at the TV and console ends. While rare, a loose connection can cause problems.

But if that doesn‘t resolve it, there‘s likely an issue with the PS5‘s physical HDMI port. Thankfully, replacing it yourself is totally doable with the right tools and some DIY repair gumption.

Here‘s a step-by-step guide:

1. Purchase a PS5 HDMI port replacement part. You can find these from reputable sellers like Amazon and iFixit for around $10-$15.
2. Open up your PS5 console by removing the plastic outer case. Refer to PS5 teardown instructions if you need guidance to access the internal components safely.



Credit: iFixit

3. Locate the HDMI port on your PS5‘s motherboard, usually on the far right side.



Credit: Playstation.com

4. Desolder the old HDMI port using a soldering iron or solder sucker. Apply heat to each solder point and gently lift out the port.
5. Solder in the replacement port, matching the original positioning and orientation.



Credit: Spawn Point Blog

6. Reassemble your PS5 and confirm video output is working through the new HDMI port!

This might seem intimidating, but replacing a PS5 HDMI port is very doable with some DIY repair experience. And it beats replacing the entire motherboard.

TV Features That Enhance PS5 Performance

You could spend hours poring over TV spec sheets looking for the perfect PS5 companion. But there are a few key capabilities that really matter:

• High Refresh Rates: 120Hz and higher enable ultra smooth 120fps gameplay.
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Prevents ugly screen tearing by syncing refresh rate to game FPS.
• Auto Low Latency Mode: Minimizes input delay between controller and on-screen response.
• HDMI 2.1: Next-gen standard with enough bandwidth for 4K/120Hz gaming.
• OLED: Perfect blacks and pixel-level light control result in stunning image quality.

Prioritizing these features means you‘ll get the responsive, tear-free, jaw-dropping visuals next-gen consoles promise. Now let‘s discuss exactly how big that pretty picture should be.

Finding the Perfect TV Size for PS5 Gaming

TV shopping can be overwhelming these days with sizes ranging from compact 43 inches up to cinema-worthy 85+ inch screens.

So what‘s the right PS5 gaming TV size for you? Here are some rough guidelines:

• For small rooms with 5-7 feet between seating and TV, aim for 55 inches.
• In mid-sized rooms with 7-9 feet distance, a 65 inch screen is ideal.
• For large spaces 10+ feet away, opt for massive 75 inch screens or bigger.

In general, err on the side of going slightly bigger than you have now for truly immersive PS5 gaming. Remember, 4K keeps things crisp even on a larger display.

You can always enter your room dimensions into a TV size calculator for a tailored recommendation. But those guidelines get you in the ballpark.

Scoring a Solid Budget 4K TV for Gaming

Gaming TVs with all the bells and whistles can cost well over $1,000 for premium brands. But you‘d be surprised just how affordable it‘s gotten to score a PS5-worthy 4K television.

Here are three of my top budget-friendly picks:

• TCL 6-Series: Mini-LED backlighting and full HDMI 2.1 for under $650.
• Hisense U8H: Next-gen gaming chops for $950 in the 65-inch size.
• Sony X80K: Reliable brand with sizes starting at $750 and HDMI 2.1 support.

And major brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio all offer capable entry-level models below $500. I‘d bookmark sites like Rtings.com to watch for TV reviews and holiday sales.

With the right research, 4K big-screen gaming is more affordable than ever.

Level Up Your PS5 with the Right TV Sidekick

Well my friend, that covers everything you need to pick out the perfect TV for your shiny new PS5 console!

The key is ticking all the boxes – 4K resolution, fast 120Hz refresh rates, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, and optimized gaming features.

Armed with those specs and guidelines for size and budget, you‘ll be equipped to shop smart. Once it‘s all set up, you can finally experience everything your PS5 has to offer through a gorgeous high-def display.

Let me know if any other questions come up in your search for PS5 TV nirvana! I‘m always happy to help a fellow gamer level up their setup. Enjoy next-gen!