Can you watch TV on PS5?
# Can You Watch TV on PS5? The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Live TV, Movies and More
The PlayStation 5 is more than just a powerful gaming console. With its integrated 4K Blu-ray drive and support for all the major streaming apps, the PS5 can easily double as the media hub for your entire living room.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about watching live television, streaming videos, and enjoying other entertainment on your PS5.
## Streaming Capabilities of the PS5
Out of the box, the PS5 includes a HDMI 2.1 port capable of handling 4K video at up to 120fps. Combined with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support and instant loading times thanks to the SSD, the PS5 delivers an exceptional viewing experience whether you‘re playing games or streaming movies and TV shows.
The PS5 also makes it easy to access all of your favorite streaming services. Apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, and Apple TV are available to download right on the console. Many of these apps now stream select titles in 4K for PS5 users.
For live television, popular options like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and AT&T TV can be installed from the PlayStation Store. And thanks to the PS5‘s multitasking capabilities, you can seamlessly jump between gaming and streaming without hassle.
## Setting Up Streaming Apps on PS5
To start watching streaming content, you‘ll first need to download the apps onto your PS5:
1. From the PS5 home screen, scroll down to the **Media** tab.
2. Select **All Apps** to browse the available streaming apps.
3. Find the app you want and select **Download**. For example, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
4. Once the app is installed, you can select it to open and sign into your account.
5. Repeat this process to download additional apps for the services you subscribe to.
Popular options include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, Prime Video, Spotify, Pandora, and many others. Most apps are free to download on PS5.
## Finding and Streaming Content on PS5
Here are some tips for navigating and streaming content within the PS5 interface:
– After opening a streaming app, use the left/right buttons to browse rows and sections of content.
– Use the **up** button to access the app‘s main menu to search or access your watchlist and account settings.
– Press the **triangle button** while highlighting a title to view available options like adding to your list or playing a trailer.
– Use the **PS button** to minimize an app and return to the PS5 home screen.
– With certain apps like YouTube and Plex, you can stream personal content from your phone, tablet or computer to the PS5.
## Enjoying 4K Streaming on PS5
To experience streaming in 4K Ultra HD resolution, you‘ll need three things:
– A PS5 console connected to a 4K TV or display using an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
– A streaming app or subscription that provides 4K content, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or YouTube.
– Fast internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps or higher.
With those components, you can sit back and enjoy movies, shows, live events and more in gorgeous 4K quality directly through your PS5. Keep in mind only some titles within each streaming service are available in 4K.
## Watching Live TV on PS5
In addition to on-demand movies and shows, popular streaming services also provide live television access. Here are some of the best options:
### YouTube TV
One of the most robust options for cord-cutters with over 85+ channels, local sports and news. YouTube TV offers a cloud DVR and works seamlessly on PS5 with live pause, rewind and unlimited storage.
### Hulu + Live TV
Hulu‘s live TV plan adds over 75 channels to complement their on-demand library. Available add-ons include enhanced DVR, unlimited screens, and premium channels. Easy to use on PS5.
### Sling TV
With plans starting at just $40/month, Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV streamers. Their Blue and Orange plans offer 30+ channels including ESPN, AMC, CNN and more.
### PlayStation Vue
This TV service created by Sony seamlessly integrates live TV viewing and streaming on the PS5 interface. Plans offer 45-60+ channels. However, PlayStation Vue will be shutting down in January 2020.
### AT&T TV NOW
For access to 40-125+ live channels, AT&T TV NOW starts at $55/month . Their Max package even includes HBO and local sports networks.
Using one of these streaming TV providers on your PlayStation 5 provides a cable-like experience without the need for any additional hardware or setup.
## Streaming Sports on PS5
Here are some of the best ways to stream live sports through your PS5:
– **NFL on Fox Sports Go** – Stream local and primetime NFL games. Requires a TV provider login.
– **ESPN** – Access live games and events from ESPN‘s family of channels.
– **CBS All Access** – Offers live NFL games on Sundays.
– **NBC Sports** – Catch NBC‘s Sunday Night Football and Notre Dame games.
– **NBA League Pass** – Out-of-market basketball games.
– **MLB.TV**- Baseball games out of your region.
– **DAZN** – Boxing, MMA and other sports.
Many of these services offer free trials or single-game options so you can stream sports without cable. Using a streaming TV provider like YouTube TV also includes major sports channels.
## Casting Video to PS5 from Mobile Devices
Another handy streaming feature is the ability to "cast" video, photos, and music from your phone or tablet to the big screen. Here are a few methods:
– **Chromecast** – If you have the Chromecast device hooked up to your PS5, you can cast content to your TV from hundreds of apps on iOS and Android.
– **AirPlay** – For iPhone or iPad, use AirPlay in Control Center to stream content wirelessly to your PS5.
– **PS App** – Sony‘s PS App for mobile lets you push media from your device to the PS5.
Setting up casting only takes a moment, and allows you to queue videos, playlists, and slideshows from your phone to enjoy on the TV.
## Optimizing Streaming Performance on PS5
To ensure the best streaming experience through your PlayStation 5, here are some helpful tips:
– **Internet Connection** – Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible, or connect to a strong 5Ghz WiFi signal. Internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps are recommended for 4K streaming.
– **Allow 4K on Apps** – Enable 4K/HDR output in your PS5 system settings, and within each individual streaming app.
– **Adjust Video Settings** – Disable any video processing like HDR Tone Mapping in your PS5 settings. Allow direct passthrough to your TV.
– **Update Apps/OS** – Keep your PS5 OS and streaming apps updated to their latest versions for performance improvements.
– **Clear Cache** – Use the Clear Cache option under System Storage management to free up any old temporary streaming files.
## PS5 vs. Xbox Series X for Streaming
How does streaming on PS5 compare to Microsoft‘s new Xbox Series X console? The PS5 and Xbox Series X offer very similar media features, including access to all the same major streaming apps, 4K HDR playback, Dolby Atmos audio, and more.
A couple key differences:
– The Xbox Series X includes Dolby Vision support for enhanced HDR quality on compatible TVs. Currently Dolby Vision is not available on the PS5.
– Xbox consoles tend to receive new app updates first, such as the recent launch of Apple TV.
– The PS5 media remote is more convenient than the Xbox controller for streaming navigation.
Overall both consoles provide industry-leading streaming capabilities. PS5 may have a slight edge for the exclusivity of PlayStation Vue, but Xbox offers greater integration with Microsoft accounts and services like Groove Music.
## PS5 Remote Play Streaming
One unique PS5 streaming feature is Remote Play. This allows you to stream your PS5 games over the internet to other devices.
Simply download the PS Remote Play app on your mobile device, PC or another PS4/PS5 console. Once connected to your home network, you can play your PS5 remotely while away from home. This even works over mobile data, so you truly can game anywhere!
The ability to stream PS5 games on the go is an amazing addition for the new console generation. You‘ll need a solid internet connection to maintain performance, but it‘s a handy feature when traveling or in another room of the house.
Remote Play also enables online multiplayer gaming using the PS5 in one location. Friends can join and play together from their own homes.
## The Future of Streaming on PS5
While the PS5 already offers awesome media features, Sony will likely continue expanding the system‘s capabilities over its lifespan. We‘ll probably see new streaming services launch directly on the platform, as well as upgrades to take advantage of future display technologies.
Potential PS5 streaming features down the road include:
– Native 8K streaming support
– Expanded Remote Play capabilities
– 5G integration when cellular networks advance
– VR streaming to PS VR headsets
– Projects like Sony‘s PlayStation Productions could result in exclusive content
As home entertainment moves increasingly toward streaming, the PS5 is already prepared with day one support for all of your favorite services and impressively fast load times. We can expect Sony to further enhance streaming over the years and retain the PS5‘s standing as an industry-leading media device.
