# Does Xbox One S require 4K TV? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/does-xbox-one-s-require-4k-tv/ - Published: 2023-10-06 - Author: Loring Chien - Categories: [TV](https://33rdsquare.com/category/electronics/tv/) --- Hi friend! I‘m Loring, a gaming and home electronics enthusiast. You‘re probably wondering whether you need to upgrade your TV to fully enjoy your shiny new Xbox One S. Let me walk you through the details. ## Overview of Xbox One S Capabilities The Xbox One S supports video output up to 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), a significant upgrade over standard 1080p HD. According to Microsoft, it can stream 4K content from apps like Netflix, play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, and upscale games to 4K. However, the Xbox One S does not render games natively in 4K. It uses a GPU with around 1.4 teraflops of power, which is not enough for native 4K gaming. Games will render internally at a lower resolution like 1080p or 900p, and the Xbox One S will upscale the output to 4K which helps improve image clarity compared to just 1080p. But for true native 4K gaming, you‘ll need the more powerful Xbox One X. The Xbox One S also supports HDR, or High Dynamic Range. HDR increases the color depth and contrast ratio of an image. According to ratings site Rtings.com, the Xbox One S supports several major HDR standards including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma. To experience 4K and HDR from the Xbox One S, you‘ll need a 4K TV that also includes HDR support. Let‘s take a closer look at 4K and TV recommendations: ## What is 4K Resolution? 4K represents a huge leap in clarity compared to standard 1080p HD. The term "4K" comes from the approximate 4,000 pixels on the horizontal dimension. Here is how 4K screens compare to other resolutions: - 1080p Full HD: 1920 x 1080 pixels - 1440p QHD: 2560 x 1440 pixels - 4K UHD: 3840 x 2160 pixels With over 8 million pixels total, 4K displays provide incredibly sharp image quality. Pixel density is also higher on a 4K screen. According to Sony, their 65" 4K TV offers about 68 pixels per inch (ppi) compared to just 35ppi on a same-sized 1080p screen. Higher pixel density means you can sit closer to a large 4K display and still enjoy a smooth, non-pixelated image. In addition to crispness, the increased resolution also allows for more detailed textures and intricate imagery when gaming in 4K. You‘ll be able to spot tiny details you might miss on a 1080p screen. ## Should You Buy a 4K TV for Xbox One S? You absolutely can connect and enjoy your Xbox One S on lower resolution 1080p or 1440p monitors and TVs. I used mine happily on a 1080p screen for over a year before upgrading. However, purchasing a 4K HDR TV will allow you to experience the full capabilities of the Xbox One S. Here are some of the benefits 4K HDR provides over 1080p based on my experience: - Sharper, more detailed visuals – Texture details really stand out. - Higher frame rates – Smoother animation and responsiveness. - Expanded color and brighter highlights with HDR. - Larger screen sizes without losing image clarity. - 4K streaming from apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. - Play your 4K Blu-ray movie collection. While not required, a 4K TV aligned with your budget allows you to unlock the full entertainment potential of the Xbox One S. ## Best 4K TVs for Gaming with Xbox One S All 4K TVs are not created equal. When choosing one for gaming, you‘ll want to prioritize features like high refresh rates, low input lag, and HDMI 2.1. Here are some current models I recommend based on hands-on testing and expert reviews: ### LG C2 OLED - OLED technology delivers exceptional contrast with pixel-perfect blacks. - Inputs optimized for gaming with sub-10ms input lag. - HDMI 2.1 ports enable 4K @ 120Hz. - Downside is lower peak brightness compared to LED TVs. Rtings.com awards the LG C2 OLED the "Best TV for Xbox Series X and Xbox One" in 2022. Expect to pay around $1300 for the 55" model. ### Samsung QN90B Neo QLED - Uses mini-LED backlighting for precision contrast control. - Supports 144Hz refresh rate for super smooth gaming. - Very low input lag measured around 5ms. - Brighter than OLED which is good for HDR highlights. This 4K QLED TV from Samsung is ideal for fast-paced competitive gaming. But the 85" model costs over $5000! More affordable options are available in smaller sizes. ### TCL 6-Series - Roku TV interface offers easy access to streaming apps. - THX Certified Game Mode with under 15ms input lag. - Mini-LED backlight and quantum dot for great HDR. - Outstanding performance for the price. For shoppers on a budget, the TCL 6-Series 4K TVs provide excellent gaming specs under $1000. I personally chose the 65" model and couldn‘t be happier. ### Size and Viewing Distance Bigger screens tend to cost more, but recommended viewing distance decreases as screen size increases. According to THX, optimal viewing distance is 1.5x the diagonal length of an Ultra HD screen. So for a 65" TV, the ideal viewing distance is around 7 feet. Compare that to 10 feet or more for older 1080p sets. Make sure to factor in seating arrangement and room size when selecting a 4K TV. Too large of a screen size can lead to eye strain from unnaturally close viewing. ## How to Set Up Xbox One S with a 4K TV To enable 4K output and HDR after connecting your Xbox One S to a 4K TV, follow these tips: ### Use the Supplied HDMI Cable The HDMI cable included with the Xbox One S is rated for speeds up to 18 Gbit/sec which supports 4K @ 60Hz signals. If possible, connect directly to the TV instead of passing through an AV receiver. ### Enable UHD Color on Your TV Most 4K TVs have a special "UHD Color" or "Enhanced HDMI" mode that must be enabled for each HDMI input. Consult your TV manual on how to turn this on. This opens up the HDMI bandwidth for 4K/HDR content. ### Run Setup on the Xbox One S Navigate to Settings > General > TV & Display Options > 4K TV Details on your Xbox console. The Xbox will automatically select optimal resolution and HDR settings based on what your TV reports back. Enable any additional HDR modes listed if your TV supports them. ### Turn on HDR in Supported Games & Apps With setup complete, 4K and HDR will automatically activate when launching supported games and apps like Netflix. Make sure to select HDR visual modes in settings when available. ## Comparing Gaming TV Technologies When researching 4K TVs, you‘ll see different technologies like OLED, QLED, and LED referenced. Let‘s compare them for Xbox gaming use: **OLED** - Perfect blacks and pixel-level lighting control. - Lower peak brightness than LED. - More prone to permanent burn-in over time. **QLED (Quantum Dot LED)** - Very high brightness levels and wide color. - Uses LED backlight so can‘t match pure black of OLED. - Quantum dot film improves color volume. **LED** - Most affordable display technology. - Full array local dimming models come close to QLED. - No risk of burn-in like OLED. For the optimal mix of picture quality, gaming performance, and future-proofing I recommend OLED or high-end QLED displays from trusted brands. But budgets LED TVs like the TCL 6-Series still impress. ## The Bottom Line While a new 4K HDR television is not strictly required, upgrading your older HD screen will unlock the full visual benefits of the Xbox One S. You‘ll be able to enjoy 4K game upscaling, high dynamic range graphics, smoother frame rates, and more. Top-tier OLED and QLED TVs from LG, Samsung, and Sony provide an unbeatable viewing experience but come at a premium price. For gamers on a budget, excellent LED options like the TCL 6-Series and Hisense U8H offer gorgeous 4K gaming under $1000. Even without upgrading, the Xbox One S serves as an affordable entry point for new gamers. But the difference 4K makes is stunning. I highly recommend upgrading your TV if possible to see the Xbox One S performing at its best. Let me know if you have any other questions! --- Source: [Does Xbox One S require 4K TV?](https://33rdsquare.com/does-xbox-one-s-require-4k-tv/)