The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best TV for Your PS4 Slim
Hey there! If you‘re a PS4 Slim owner looking for the ideal TV to fully experience everything your console has to offer, you‘ve come to the right place. As an avid gamer and home electronics expert, I‘ve tested countless TVs over the years. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to find your perfect PS4 Slim gaming TV. Let‘s dive in!
TV Display Resolution – 1080p is All You Need
The PS4 Slim maxes out at a 1080p display resolution. This means you don‘t need to splurge on an expensive 4K TV to take full advantage of what your console can do. A good 1080p TV is sufficient for stunning graphics and immersion. Focus your budget on other vital gaming features instead.
HDR Enhances Graphics Beyond 1080p
HDR (High Dynamic Range) enables a wider spectrum of colors and contrast levels compared to standard 1080p. This makes in-game elements like explosions and sunlight rays look incredibly realistic. To experience HDR, your TV and games need to support it. Seeing is believing!
Aim for a 120Hz Refresh Rate
The refresh rate, measured in Hz (hertz), determines how many frames per second your TV can display. For silky smooth visuals and ultra-responsive play, a 120Hz refresh rate or higher is ideal for gaming. At minimum, aim for 60Hz. Slow refresh rates can ruin a game.
Keep Input Lag Under 15ms
Input lag is the delay between pressing a controller button and seeing the result on screen. For fast-paced action and precision timing, low input lag is a must. Any TV with lag above 15ms may negatively impact your gaming skills. Look for lag of 10-15ms or less.
OLED vs. LED/LCD – Image Quality vs. Burn-In Risk
OLED TVs produce stunningly detailed shadows and vibrant colors thanks to self-illuminating pixels. But they can suffer permanent burn-in from static images. LED/LCD TVs have lower contrast but no burn-in risk. OLED wins on image quality while LED/LCD is best for worry-free reliability.
40" – 55" Screens Are Ideal for Console Gaming
Bigger doesn‘t always mean better when console gaming on a TV. Very large screens make you move your eyes and head too much to see the action. For an immersive experience without excessive eye movement, most experts recommend screen sizes of 40 to 55 inches, depending on your seating distance.
Must-Have Gaming Features
Look for gaming-focused features like Auto Low Latency Mode, which automatically optimizes settings for fast response when it detects a game console. Variable refresh rate (VRR) helps prevent choppy images and screen tearing.
Great Budget 4K Options Under $600
4K isn‘t required for the PS4 Slim, but it does future-proof you for the PS5. Brands like TCL and Hisense offer high-quality 4K models under $600. The TCL 5-Series delivers superb gaming performance for the price. The Hisense U6G is also a top budget performer.
Premium Picks Worth the Investment
If you‘re willing to spend more, you can‘t go wrong with Sony, LG and Samsung. Their TVs offer best-in-class image quality, cutting-edge display technology and robust gaming features. Standout models include the Sony X90J, LG C1 OLED and Samsung QN90A Neo QLED.
Shop Smart – Check For Deals
Always check for sales, specials and price drops when buying a TV. Sign up for price alerts and check ads for the best deal. While cheap no-name TVs often disappoint, major brands go on sale often, so be patient. The savings are worthwhile.
Here‘s a quick comparison of top-rated models across various price points:
| TV Model | Screen Size | Display Type | Refresh Rate | Input Lag | Price |
| Hisense U6G | 55 inches | LED | 120Hz | 15ms | $500 |
| TCL 5 Series | 50 inches | LED | 60Hz | 14ms | $430 |
| LG C1 OLED | 48 inches | OLED | 120Hz | 13ms | $1,100 |
| Sony X90J | 50 inches | LED | 120Hz | 8ms | $1,000 |
(Input lag times sourced from rtings.com testing)
As you can see, there are great options at different price points to suit your budget. Keep reading for more tips!
Weighing OLED vs. LED
OLED and LED TVs each have pros and cons:
OLED Pros:
– Perfect black levels and incredible contrast
– Vibrant, cinematic colors
– Wide viewing angles without distortion
– Thinner displays
– Faster response times
OLED Cons:
– Risk of permanent burn-in
– More expensive (around 2-3x the cost of LED)
– Lower peak brightness
LED Pros:
– No risk of burn-in
– Typically more affordable
– Can achieve higher peak brightness
– Last longer (OLED wears over time)
LED Cons:
– Blooming around bright objects
– Narrower viewing angles
– Slower response times
– Can‘t match OLED black levels
As you can see, there are worthwhile tradeoffs to consider for your needs and budget. Burn-in risk may make OLED less ideal for extended gaming sessions. But some high-end LEDs come very close in picture quality if configured properly.
Sound Matters Too!
Don‘t neglect audio! Integrated TV speakers often sound thin and tinny. Investing in a sound bar or surround sound system can greatly enhance game immersion. Also look for Dolby Atmos support for lifelike 3D spatial audio effects.
Get the Right Connections
Ensure your TV has enough HDMI ports for your console and other devices. Look for the latest HDMI 2.1 standard for gaming features like 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. Faster eARC HDMI also enables higher quality audio passthrough to sound systems.
Calibrate Settings for Gaming
Out of the box, TVs are configured for general viewing. Switch on Game Mode and tweak settings to optimize for fast response and low input lag when gaming. Turn off unnecessary video processing like Motion Smoothing. Correctly set black/white levels and HDR for your viewing environment. Calibration pays off with a much more responsive and immersive experience.
Curved vs. Flat – A Matter of Preference
Curved screens can make you feel a bit more immersed when up close, but also distort edges and reflections. Flat screens offer more flexible seating positions. Curved TVs are less common now. This one comes down to personal preference.
TV Gaming vs. Monitors
Gaming monitors typically offer quicker response times and higher refresh rates in smaller screens sizes. But TVs give you more size options and can provide a more immersive experience. If you play fast competitive games, a monitor may serve you better. For adventure, action and racing titles, a TV‘s scale is harder to beat.
Brand Reliability Matters
While smart features and picture quality get the attention, don‘t forget about reliability. According to Consumer Reports‘ 2021 TV brand reliability rankings, Sony, LG, Samsung and Vizio had among the lowest failure rates reported by members. Off-brand TVs were significantly more prone to issues.
TV Placement Tips
Place your TV at eye level when seated and tilt the screen to reduce glare. Position it for optimal viewing angles to get the most accurate colors and contrast. Keep the TV out of direct sunlight. Allow ventilation space around the unit. These small setup steps make a noticeable difference!
Check Out Gaming TV Market Trends
As gaming consoles become more advanced, TV makers are responding with displays designed specifically for gaming. Per Omdia, the global gaming TV market is predicted to grow from $15 billion in 2021 to over $17 billion by 2026. Key drivers are the adoption of 4K and 8K resolution, larger screen sizes, higher refresh rates and HDR. By optimizing these features, TV manufacturers aim to provide gamers the ultimate big-screen experience.
Well, we‘ve covered a ton of ground here! To recap, here are the key factors in picking out the perfect companion TV for your PS4 Slim:
– Aim for 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution
– Low input lag under 15ms is ideal
– Higher refresh rates = smoother visuals
– Enable HDR for enhanced graphics
– Consider OLED for image quality or LED/LCD for value
– Look for screen sizes from 40" to 55"
– Check for gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode
– Budget brands like TCL and Hisence offer great value
– Sony, LG and Samsung lead in quality
– Shop sales and compare deals to maximize savings
– Don‘t neglect sound quality – add a sound system
– Carefully set up and calibrate the TV for gaming
I hope this comprehensive guide gives you all the tools you need to pick out an amazing TV tailor-made for your PS4 Slim. Let me know if you have any other questions! Happy gaming!
