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
Connect the PS4’s HDMI OUT port to a TV HDMI input, connect the console to power, and select that same HDMI input on the TV. HDMI carries both picture and sound. After the first image appears, use the PS4’s video and audio settings to match the connected display and listening device. The steps below cover original PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro; 4K output guidance applies to PS4 Pro.
Connect the PS4 to the TV
- Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the PS4’s HDMI OUT port and the other end to an HDMI input on the TV. PlayStation’s PS4 setup guide describes this connection and the first-run prompts.
- Connect the PS4 power lead to its AC IN port and a safe power outlet.
- Turn on the TV and choose the HDMI input used by the PS4. If this is the console’s first startup, follow the on-screen setup prompts.
For an initial setup, connect the console directly to the TV. This also makes it easier to isolate problems before adding a receiver or other device to the signal path.
Choose compatible picture settings
On the PS4, open Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings. Available options depend on the connected display. Use Automatic as a sensible starting point so the console can select an output supported by the display.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Set up HDR on a compatible TV
HDR requires an HDR10-capable TV, HDR-compatible content, and PS4 system software 7.0 or later, according to PlayStation’s HDR guidance. Not every HDMI input on a TV necessarily supports HDR, and TV manufacturers use different names for the required input mode.
#1 Best Overall
- Top Technology--8K@60HZ: This 8K Ultra-High Speed 2.1 HDMI Cable uses the most cutting-edge technology, which is compatible with 8K@60HZ,4K@240HZ and 4K@120HZ clearly displays every particle, and accurately processes every signal source.
- Upgrade Revolution: Highwings Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 2.1 8K supports 48Gbps (6GB/s) which can will no longer be stuck or dropped frames when watching video. It is also backward compatible with HDMI 2.0b/2.0a/1.4/1.3/1.2/1.1 versions.
- For Game Enthusiasts: This 8K Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable 2.1 can achieve a super smooth picture of 4K@120HZ. Its latest game mode supports variable refresh rate, maximizes the value of the graphics card and CPU to obtain a smoother and more detailed picture.
- Reinforced high-quality materials: This 8K HDMI Cord uses Highwings' most popular classic style. The tail's anti-bending design has been upgraded to make it more durable. The military grade tensile nylon material also greatly extends its life.
- The ultimate perfectionist: Highwings every parts of the cable has been put through rigorous the performance tests in the laboratory. After we've combined every flawless part into a perfect 8K cable and it can be presented to you.
- Check the TV manual to identify an HDR-capable HDMI input and any setting that enables its enhanced mode. Depending on the TV, the label may be HDR, Wide Color Mode, HDMI Enhanced Mode, UHD Color Mode, Ultra HD Premium, or Ultra HD Deep Color.
- Connect the PS4 directly to that TV input for this HDR setup; PlayStation’s guidance says not to put a receiver or switch box between the console and TV.
- On the PS4, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings and set HDR and Deep Color Output to Automatic.
- To check what the console detects, open Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > Video Output Information. Look for the HDR capability label. Use the console’s Adjust HDR option to follow the on-screen calibration.
PlayStation recommends a Premium HDMI cable for its HDR setup. If the cable you already have works with the selected input and signal, there is no need to replace it just for the sake of replacing it.
Set up 4K on PS4 Pro
4K output is a PS4 Pro feature. The TV and every device in the signal chain must support the chosen resolution and connection settings. For PlayStation’s highest-resolution guidance, the display must support 4K at 60 Hz; otherwise, output may scale down to 2K at 60 Hz. See the PS4 Pro 4K and HDR guide for the supported display path.
Rank #2
- 【HDMI 2.1 Certification】Only 1% of HDMI cables on the market have passed HDMI 2.1 certification. Scan with the QR code Scanner app for verification
- 【120Hz/144Hz Gaming Excellence】Elevate your gaming experience with smooth 4K@120Hz gameplay for PS5 and Xbox, and ultra-responsive 4K@144Hz for PC. Whether you’re pushing your console or PC to the limit, enjoy unparalleled performance across all platforms(Requires game to support 4K@120Hz)
- 【Exclusive "E-Braid" Technology】Experience unprecedented durability with our unique double-layer fishnet winding and nylon braiding techniques. Copper cores and ferrite magnetic beads ensure uninterrupted signals, eliminating black screens and flickering
- 【HDMI 2.1-48Gbps Bandwidth】Unleash the full potential of your devices with lightning-fast data transfer rates, ensuring seamless connectivity for all your high-definition needs
- 【Next-Level Resolution Support】Dive into the future with support for mind-blowing resolutions, including 10K 8K@60Hz, 12-bit; 5K@120Hz/90Hz, 12-bit; 4K@144Hz/120Hz, 12-bit; and 2K@240Hz/165Hz
- Enable 4K on the TV and on any receiver or other equipment between the PS4 Pro and TV, and connect to the correct 4K-capable input.
- Use Premium HDMI cables throughout the connection chain.
- Leave the PS4 Pro resolution on Automatic to select the highest output available for the display and content. Supported manual choices include 2160p-YUV420 and 2160p-RGB.
- Check the game’s own settings: some games have a separate 4K option.
HDCP compatibility also matters. PlayStation warns that a 4K TV without HDCP 2.2 support may not show 4K games or 4K streaming video from a PS4 Pro. HDCP 2.2 must be supported by all connected devices in the chain. Setting HDCP to 1.40 Only may restore an image, but can limit output to 1080p; see PlayStation’s PS4 Pro HDCP guidance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose where PS4 audio plays
TV or home theater over HDMI
When HDMI connects the PS4 to a TV or compatible home theater device, the console automatically optimizes audio output for that device. The default audio format priority is Linear PCM. To change it, open Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Audio Format (Priority). Choose a format supported by the receiving equipment; PlayStation cautions that an unsupported format could damage speakers. Refer to its audio output guidance if you need to check an output option.
Rank #3
- HDMI A Male to A Male Cable: Supports Ethernet, 3D, 4K video and Audio Return Channel (ARC)
- Connects Blu-ray players, Fire TV, Apple TV, PS5, PS4, PS3, XBox One, Xbox 360, computers and other HDMI-enabled devices to TVs, displays, A/V receivers and more
- Cable allows you to share an Internet connection among multiple devices without the need for a separate Ethernet cable
- Meets HDMI standards (4K Video at 60 Hz, 2160p, 48 bit/px color depth) that supports bandwidth up to 18Gbps and backwards compatible with earlier versions.
- Cable Length: 6 feet (1.8 meters), black color.
Optical audio
If your setup uses an optical cable, open Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings > Primary Output Port and choose DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL). Optical output is model-dependent: PlayStation says the CUH-2000 series has no optical digital output terminal.
Headphones
To route sound to compatible headphones, go to Settings > Devices > Audio Devices > Output to Headphones. The default is Chat Audio; select all audio if that is the listening setup you want and the headset supports it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- IN THE BOX: HDMI cable (A Male to A Male) for connecting 2 HDMI-enabled devices; 6 feet long in Black
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects Blu-ray players, Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and computers to TVs, displays, A/V receivers, and more
- SUPPORTS 4K VIDEO: Supports 4K video at 60 Hz, 2160p, 48-bit/px color depth, as well as bandwidth up to 18Gbps, Ethernet, 3D, and Audio Return Channel (ARC)
- EASY CONNECTION: Share an Internet connection among multiple devices (no need for a separate Ethernet cable)
- BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE: Works with earlier versions to allow for use with a wide range of HDMI-enabled devices
Rank #4
- 4K HDMI UHD Transmission, Stunning Audio & Visual for Home Theater & Gaming： Enhanced with gold-plated connectors for high-speed, interference-free signal transmission. Supports 4K*2K UHD resolution (3840×2160), delivering crystal-clear imagery and full HD stereo sound—perfect for immersive home theater movie nights, gaming marathons and big-screen TV viewing
- High-Speed Bandwidth, Instant Transmission for Real-Time Playback： Fully compliant with High-Speed HDMI cable 2.0 standard for max-speed data transfer. Blazing-fast transmission of audio, video and image files with zero buffering, ideal for 4K streaming, real-time gaming and seamless laptop-to-projector presentations. Plug-and-play design, no driver installation needed for effortless one-step connection
- HDMI 2.0 Standard Compliant, Universal Compatibility for All A/V Devices： Built to fully comply with official HDMI 2.0 standards after rigorous professional quality testing. Featuring broad backward compatibility with HDMI 1.4/1.3/1.2 generations, this cable effortlessly pairs with smart TVs, game consoles, Blu-ray players, projectors, laptops and set-top boxes. Enjoy stable plug-and-play connectivity across every piece of your home audio-visual gear.
- Premium Crafted Material, Ultra Durable for Daily Home Use & Frequent Use： Exclusive SR joint design at both ends to prevent joint cracking at the source. Rigorously lab-tested to withstand over 15,000 bends without performance loss, built to endure daily plug-and-unplug, messy entertainment area setups and regular home use—ensuring long-lasting durability against daily wear and tear hdmi cable
- 100% Component Inspected, Uncompromising Quality for Long-Term A/V Enjoyment： Every single component of the cable undergoes multiple rigorous lab tests for performance and sturdiness. Only flawlessly tested parts are selected for assembly, guaranteeing top-tier product performance and extended service life with strict quality control—reliable for years of home theater, gaming and everyday big-screen use hdmi
Troubleshoot a missing picture or sound
No picture
- Confirm that the TV is set to the HDMI input the PS4 is connected to.
- Reseat both ends of the HDMI cable, at the console and at the TV.
- Connect the PS4 directly to the TV while troubleshooting, removing receivers or switches from the path. PlayStation’s picture and sound troubleshooting guide also recommends checking the input and connections.
HDR does not appear as available
- Check the TV manual for which input supports HDR and enable that input’s enhanced HDMI mode.
- Connect the PS4 directly to the TV and verify HDR and Deep Color Output are set to Automatic.
- Confirm that the content supports HDR, then inspect Video Output Information on the console.
PS4 Pro shows a lower resolution or a blank screen
- Check that the TV input and every intermediate device support the intended 4K mode, and confirm HDCP 2.2 support throughout the chain.
- Try a direct console-to-TV connection to determine whether a receiver or switch is preventing the signal.
- If HDCP 1.40 Only restores the picture, bear in mind that this setting may restrict output to 1080p.
Picture appears but TV sound does not
- Check that sound is routed through HDMI or the intended output port, such as DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL).
- Confirm the selected audio format is supported by the TV, receiver, or speakers.
- If using headphones, check Output to Headphones and select the intended audio destination.
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.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
