What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For Death Stranding Director’s Cut on PS5, start with Fidelity Mode if you want the sharpest cinematic image, or choose Performance Mode if camera movement and traversal feel better at a steadier frame rate. Sony lists Fidelity as native 4K and Performance as scaled 4K at up to 60fps; both support HDR. There is no universal winner—the right choice depends on whether detail or motion is more important on your screen.
Use the television’s Game or low-latency mode, let the PS5 negotiate supported output automatically, calibrate HDR on the actual display, and enable VRR when the TV supports it. A compatible headset activates the game’s Tempest 3D AudioTech option, while Widescreen Mode creates a letterboxed 21:9-style composition inside a standard 16:9 signal.
Recommended baseline settings
Apply this baseline before changing individual options. It is designed for a PS5 connected directly to a modern 4K HDR television or monitor.
| Setting | Recommended value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Television picture mode | Game, Game Optimizer or equivalent low-latency mode | Reduces processing delay and avoids motion effects intended for films. |
| PS5 Resolution | Automatic | Allows the console to select the highest mode the display chain reports. |
| PS5 HDR | When Supported | Outputs HDR only when the game and display advertise compatibility. |
| 120 Hz Output | Automatic | Keeps 120 Hz timing available for supported games and displays. |
| VRR | Automatic on a compatible display | Lets the display synchronize refresh timing with variable game output. |
| Death Stranding picture mode | Fidelity for detail; Performance for smoother motion | The two official modes make a resolution-versus-frame-rate trade-off. |
| Audio | Compatible headset for positional 3D sound, or TV/soundbar for room audio | Tempest 3D AudioTech requires compatible headphones. |
| Widescreen Mode | Optional | Adds letterboxing for a cinematic composition; it is not native ultrawide output. |
After changing video options, open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output and check the console’s current video-output information. That screen confirms what the PS5 is actually sending, which is more useful than assuming an HDMI port or cable is delivering 4K, HDR, 120 Hz or VRR.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Fidelity or Performance: which mode should you use?
Death Stranding Director’s Cut exposes two official rendering modes. Sony describes Fidelity Mode as “native 4K” and Performance Mode as “scaled 4K and up to 60FPS”; both have HDR support. The labels describe a trade-off, not a quality ranking.
Fidelity Mode
Fidelity is the better first choice for a cinematic playthrough on a large 4K screen. Native 4K preserves fine geometry, distant terrain, text and facial detail. The additional clarity is easiest to notice when you sit close to a large panel, pause to look across a landscape, or read small interface elements. Camera pans and character animation may feel less fluid than in Performance Mode, especially if you are accustomed to 60fps games.
Performance Mode
Performance prioritizes a higher and steadier motion target. Traversing uneven terrain, rotating the camera around Sam and driving vehicles generally feel more responsive when the game has more frame-time headroom. Sony’s wording is “up to 60FPS,” so the mode should not be interpreted as a guaranteed locked 60fps in every scene. Scaled 4K can look softer than Fidelity on a close-viewed 4K display, although the difference is less obvious from a sofa-distance setup.
Choosing by screen and play style
| Your situation | Starting mode | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Large 4K TV viewed from a short distance | Fidelity | Native-resolution detail is easier to resolve. |
| Frequent camera movement, driving or motion sensitivity | Performance | Higher motion output can make control feel more immediate. |
| Small screen or typical sofa distance | Either; test Performance first | Scaled 4K may be difficult to distinguish at normal viewing distance. |
| Exploration-focused, screenshot-heavy play | Fidelity | Fine environmental detail has priority. |
| Display with effective VRR and visible judder in Fidelity | Performance, then compare | VRR can smooth timing variation, but the result depends on the display and scene. |
Switch modes from the game’s graphics options and spend several minutes in the same area with each setting. Compare a slow camera pan, a fast turn, distant rock or foliage detail and small menu text. Your own viewing distance and sensitivity are more meaningful than a universal recommendation.
Configure PS5 video output
On the console, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Set Resolution to Automatic, HDR to When Supported, and 120 Hz Output to Automatic. Set VRR to Automatic when the connected display supports it. Sony notes that actual 4K, HDR, 120 Hz and VRR capability depends on the complete home-entertainment setup: the console, HDMI cable, television or monitor, and any receiver or switch in between.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why Automatic is safer than forcing a number
Automatic output lets the PS5 read the display’s capability information and select a compatible signal. Forcing 2160p, HDR or 120 Hz can create a black screen or an image that falls back to a lower mode when one component in the chain cannot pass it. Automatic does not guarantee the highest result if a receiver, splitter or older cable reports incomplete information, so verify the current output details after setup.
Check the HDMI path
Connect the PS5 directly to a television or monitor input labelled for 4K/120 Hz, enhanced format or VRR when those labels exist. If you use an AV receiver, soundbar passthrough or HDMI switch, confirm that every device supports the desired bandwidth. A direct-console test is the quickest way to isolate a receiver or switch that is limiting the signal. Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable only when your display setup actually needs 4K/120 Hz or VRR bandwidth; a cable cannot add features that the television or receiver lacks.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Set up the television for game play
Select the TV’s Game, Game Optimizer or equivalent low-latency picture mode for the HDMI input used by the PS5. Manufacturers use different names, but the purpose is the same: bypass extra image processing that increases input delay.
Disable film-oriented processing
Turn off motion interpolation, frame smoothing, artificial sharpness and cinema-specific post-processing on the game input when those controls are available. These features can add latency, create halos around moving objects or alter the intended frame presentation. Keep separate settings for movie inputs if you prefer those effects elsewhere.
Enable the input’s enhanced format
Many televisions hide full-bandwidth HDMI features behind a setting such as Enhanced, Deep Color, Input Signal Plus or 4K Enhanced. Enable the enhanced format on the specific HDMI input connected to the PS5, then restart the console or recheck video-output information if the signal does not change. Menu names vary by manufacturer, so follow the labels shown on your set rather than copying a path from another brand.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Calibrate HDR correctly
Run the PS5 HDR adjustment from Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Adjust HDR. Perform it with the television already in its normal HDR/Game picture mode and with the room lighting you normally use for play. Sony does not publish one brightness number that is correct for every panel, so fixed “brightness 50” or “paper white” recipes are not reliable.
Recommended Free Tools
What the three HDR screens are doing
The first two screens establish the point at which the calibration symbol is barely visible against the background. Use the controller’s directional buttons to change the level slowly and stop when the symbol is almost, but not completely, invisible according to the on-screen instruction. The final screen sets the black-level relationship. Do not raise every value simply to make the picture look brighter; that can clip highlights or lift blacks.
Use the TV’s real HDR mode
If the PS5 calibration was performed while the television was in SDR, Standard or a store-demo mode, repeat it after switching to HDR Game. Tone mapping differs between modes, and the calibration must describe the signal path you actually use. A bright room may justify a different practical balance than a dark room, but the setting should still preserve shadow detail and highlight separation.
Fix a grey, dim or crushed image
- Confirm that the TV switched to its HDR picture mode when the game launched.
- Check the HDMI input’s enhanced or high-bandwidth format setting.
- Verify that the TV and PS5 use matching black-level or RGB-range options; an incorrect limited/full-range pairing can make blacks look grey or crush shadow detail.
- Run Adjust HDR again after correcting those settings.
- Temporarily connect the PS5 directly to the TV to rule out a receiver, switch or soundbar passthrough problem.
HDR performance depends on the panel’s brightness, local dimming and tone-mapping behavior. Two televisions can produce different results from the same console values, which is why a universal numeric preset is not appropriate.
VRR: when it helps and when to turn it off
PlayStation says Variable Refresh Rate can minimize or eliminate artifacts such as frame-pacing issues and screen tearing. VRR adjusts the display’s refresh timing to the game’s changing output, so uneven frame delivery can look smoother. The result varies by television, game and selected visual mode.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Enable VRR for a compatible setup
With a supported TV or monitor and a suitable HDMI path, leave VRR on Automatic. Start with the game’s normal VRR behavior before enabling any compatibility option. Observe a slow camera sweep, a dark scene and rapid movement; look for tearing, judder or brightness instability.
Apply to Unsupported Games
The PS5 offers an Apply to Unsupported Games option. Use it only if you accept that behavior can differ from the game’s tested presentation. It may improve motion on some titles and cause flicker, uneven frame pacing or other oddities on others. For a display that becomes unstable, compare the same scene with VRR off and keep the setting that looks correct on that particular panel.
What 120 Hz Output does—and does not do
Leave 120 Hz Output on Automatic if your display supports it. Death Stranding Director’s Cut is officially listed at up to 60fps, so enabling 120 Hz does not turn this game into a 120fps title. The console setting is still useful for other games and for displays that use 120 Hz timing while presenting a 60fps signal.
If enabling 120 Hz produces a blank screen, sparkles or an unexpected low-resolution image, test another HDMI input and connect the console directly to the display. Receiver bandwidth, an older cable or a TV input that is not in enhanced mode can limit the negotiated signal. Check the PS5’s current output information before changing the game’s graphics mode.
Audio settings for a cinematic soundstage
The official PS5 game page states: “Tempest 3D AudioTech on compatible headphones: Hear sound effects come to life in 3D Audio (requires compatible headphones).” A PS5-compatible headset therefore gives the most precise positional presentation for footsteps, weather, vehicles and environmental cues.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Headset setup
Connect a compatible wireless or wired headset, then enable 3D audio in the PS5 sound settings. The console offers a profile-selection process intended to match the listener’s headphones. Choose the profile that sounds most natural to you; there is no single equalizer curve that is correct for every headset or ear shape. Keep headset volume high enough for detail but low enough to avoid fatigue during long deliveries.
TV speakers and soundbars
Use the television or a soundbar when you prefer room-filling ambience or need to hear the game with someone else. These options can sound spacious, but they do not provide the same headphone isolation and positional precision. Avoid enabling multiple virtual-surround or dialogue-enhancement layers at once; stacked processing can make direction cues less distinct.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Widescreen Mode: cinematic framing, not ultrawide
Death Stranding Director’s Cut includes Widescreen Mode. Sony explains that it retains the console’s standard 16:9 aspect ratio and displays letterboxed gameplay equivalent to 21:9. The mode adds black bars above and below the image to create a wider composition inside the same output signal.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose it if you value a film-like frame and do not mind using less of the screen. It does not create native 21:9 output, remove the television’s need to process a 16:9 signal, or add extra horizontal detail. On an OLED or LCD with strong black levels, the bars should disappear into the bezel in a dark room; on a backlit panel they may remain faintly visible.
Practical presets for different players
Maximum cinematic detail
- Use the TV’s Game or low-latency mode.
- Keep the PS5’s automatic resolution and HDR negotiation.
- Calibrate HDR on the actual TV in HDR Game mode.
- Select Fidelity Mode in the game.
- Use Widescreen Mode only if letterboxing improves your preferred composition.
- Enable VRR if it is stable on your display.
Smoother movement and camera control
- Use the same low-latency TV configuration.
- Select Performance Mode.
- Keep VRR on Automatic when supported and stable.
- Leave 120 Hz Output on Automatic for compatibility with other games.
- Use a compatible headset if precise positional audio helps you navigate.
Living-room setup with a receiver or soundbar
- Confirm that the receiver or soundbar can pass the TV’s required 4K HDR and VRR signal.
- Test a direct PS5-to-TV connection if the output is soft, washed out or unstable.
- Use the TV’s low-latency mode on the input receiving the console signal.
- Choose TV/soundbar audio or a headset according to whether shared room sound or isolation is more important.
Troubleshooting common problems
The image looks softer than expected
- Check whether the game is in Performance rather than Fidelity Mode.
- Open the PS5 video-output information and confirm the active resolution.
- Ensure the PS5 is connected to the TV input intended for 4K.
- Bypass a receiver, switch or splitter temporarily.
HDR looks grey, too dark or loses highlights
- Confirm the TV entered HDR Game mode.
- Check enhanced HDMI format and black-level/range matching.
- Repeat Adjust HDR in the room where you normally play.
- Disable competing dynamic-contrast or tone-mapping layers while testing.
VRR flickers or the picture is unstable
- Compare the same scene with VRR disabled.
- Try a different HDMI input or a direct-console connection.
- Leave Apply to Unsupported Games off unless you specifically need it.
- Use the mode that remains stable on your display, even if another mode offers a theoretical feature advantage.
The console will not show 4K/120 Hz
- Check that the TV input supports 4K/120 Hz rather than only 4K/60 Hz.
- Enable the manufacturer’s enhanced HDMI format.
- Remove bandwidth-limited receivers or switches from the test path.
- Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable when the setup requires that bandwidth.
- Recheck current video-output information after reconnecting the cable.
How to evaluate a new display for these games
If you are choosing a television or monitor for cinematic PS5 games, compare more than advertised resolution. The useful questions are whether Game mode keeps input latency low, how consistently VRR behaves across the panel’s refresh range, how HDR tone mapping handles bright skies and dark interiors, and whether the HDMI input can carry the modes you intend to use.
| Display factor | What to inspect | Why it affects Death Stranding |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution and scaling | Native 4K panel and quality of the display’s scaling | Determines how much Fidelity’s extra detail survives at your viewing distance. |
| HDR capability | Peak brightness, black level and tone mapping | Controls separation between bright skies, fog and shadowed terrain. |
| VRR behavior | Supported range, flicker behavior and ease of disabling it | Affects smoothness when frame delivery changes. |
| Latency | Measured delay in Game mode, not the television’s movie mode | Changes how immediate camera and traversal controls feel. |
| HDMI bandwidth | Which inputs support 4K/120 Hz and VRR | Prevents the display chain from silently limiting PS5 output. |
| Viewing distance and size | Screen size relative to seating position | Determines whether native-versus-scaled 4K differences are visible. |
| Audio path | Headphone compatibility, eARC or soundbar support | Lets you choose between Tempest 3D headphones and shared room audio. |
For this game, a good display is the one whose strengths match your preferred mode. A very bright HDR panel does not compensate for high latency, and a 120 Hz input does not make a 60fps game run at 120fps. Prioritize the combination you can verify in the PS5 output-information screen and in your normal room.
Quick Recap
Final setup checklist
- TV picture mode is Game or an equivalent low-latency mode.
- PS5 Resolution is Automatic.
- HDR is When Supported.
- 120 Hz Output is Automatic.
- VRR is Automatic on a compatible, stable display.
- HDR was calibrated with the TV in its real HDR/Game mode and normal room lighting.
- The HDMI input and cable support the signal modes your setup requires.
- Fidelity Mode is selected for maximum detail, or Performance Mode for smoother motion.
- A compatible headset is connected if Tempest 3D AudioTech is desired.
- Widescreen Mode is treated as optional letterboxing rather than native ultrawide output.
- Current video-output information has been checked after installation or troubleshooting.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches
