Why does you TV need HDMI 2.1?

In this article, we will explain why it is important that you choose the right HDMI to connect your TV with your new console. 

The new consoles, PlayStation 5, XBOX Series S and XBOX Series X are already out there and for you to get the most out of them, you need the right HDMI cable. The HDMI that we recommend you to choose, is the HDMI Version 2.1. We will explain you why.

It's an exciting time with new gaming consoles on the market. Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are being compared, discussed and tested by many. Many have already received their PS5 and Series X, some are still waiting. Whether you prefer PlayStation or XBOX is up to you, but if you want to get the most out of the two consoles, we recommend you to buy one a newer TV. More specifically, your TV should have HDMI 2.1 if you want to get the most out of PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X.

Better graphics, higher resolution, more fps

The new gaming consoles come with a huge hardware upgrade, which ultimately means better graphics and thus gaming experience. PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X can run games in up to 8K resolution. But even more interesting is that they can also run games in 4K resolution at up to 120 fps. PlayStation 4 Pro and XBOX One X can also achieve high resolutions, but not at more than 30 fps.

Fps is short for "frames per second" or pictures per second. The higher the fps, the more fluid and naturally calm the games feel. And for those who get into multiplayer, more frames per second means that you can react faster and more precisely, because the screen is updated more often. It is something that has long been a "must have" in PC gaming, but is only now becoming available to console gamers with PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X.

There is no doubt that games in 120 fps in 4K are among the biggest news in the new consoles, but your current TV will be guaranteed to be a bottleneck.

HDMI 2.1 is a must

Because if games for PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X are to be run at 120 Hz, your TV must be equipped with HDMI 2.1. And there aren't many of them yet, even though the technology was introduced back in 2017. In contrast, your TV "only" has HDMI 2.0, which is limited to a bandwidth of 18 Gbps, and thus 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second. If you want to achieve the 120 Hz on a TV with HDMI 2.0, then the resolution must be down to full HD or 1440p (1440p is only supported by Xbox Series X) – a huge downgrade compared to 4K. HDMI 2.1 has a bandwidth of 48 Gbps, which can handle both 8K resolution and 4K at 120 Hz.

So if you want to get the most out of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, then your TV must have HDMI 2.1. This does not mean that you need to invest in a new TV now, but it might be something to keep in mind for when you need to replace it. HDMI 2.0 handles fine 4K at 60 fps, which many will be fully satisfied with. Some TVs from Samsung, LG and Sony have HDMI 2.1, but you have to look in the specifications for the individual models until it becomes standard for Smart TVs.