With over 117 million units sold, the PlayStation 4 is one of the most popular gaming consoles ever made. Fortunately, you don‘t need a smart TV with streaming apps built-in to enjoy your PS4. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to set up your PS4 with any television.
HDMI: The Critical Connection from PS4 to TV
HDMI is the vital link that allows video and audio data to be transmitted from your PS4 to TV. This digital connection carries uncompressed high definition video for the best quality.
The PS4 console outputs at least 1080p resolution through HDMI. But it supports up to 4K and HDR visuals depending on the PS4 model and content. Here‘s a comparison of the different PS4 iterations and their video capabilities:
| PS4 Model | Resolution | HDR | Release Year |
| PS4 Slim | 1080p | No | 2016 |
| PS4 Pro | 4K | Yes | 2016 |
| Standard PS4 | 1080p | No | 2013 |
The HDMI ports on the back of the PS4 console support up to version 2.0 of the HDMI specification. This enables resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz refresh rate. HDMI 2.1 can theoretically go up to 10K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, but is not available on PS4 models.
According to display experts DisplayNinja, higher refresh rates up to 120Hz offer a much smoother experience especially for competitive online multiplayer gaming. So a TV with native 120Hz refresh rate delivers better gameplay performance if you aim to top the leaderboards!
What Kind of TV Works Best for PS4 Gaming?
The PS4 will function with practically any television that has an HDMI input. However, to get the best experience, here are some TV features to look for:
- 1080p or 4K resolution
- High refresh rate of 120Hz or more
- Low response time under 10ms
- OLED or LED LCD technology for image quality
- HDR support for expanded contrast and color
- Variable refresh rate for smoother visuals
Going with a 55-inch or larger screen allows you to better appreciate the benefits of HDR and 4K resolution. Curved screens also provide more immersive gaming visually.
Popular TVs that excel for PS4 gaming include the LG C2 OLED, Samsung QN90B Neo QLED, and Sony X90K LED. Review sites like Rtings.com comprehensively test TV gaming performance.
How to Connect PS4 to an HDTV or 4K TV
The connection process is straightforward:
- Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the PS4.
- Connect the other end into an HDMI input on the TV.
- Plug the PS4 power cable into an electrical outlet.
- Turn on the TV and select the corresponding HDMI input.
- Press the power button on the PS4 to turn it on.
After this one-time setup, the PS4 will automatically output video to the television whenever both are powered on. The console can be controlled with a DualShock 4 wireless controller.
Some TVs have multiple HDMI ports. HDMI port 1 is usually recommended for game consoles. Also, make sure to use a Premium Certified HDMI cable for best performance.
Can You Get Streaming Video Without a Smart TV?
While smart TVs integrate popular streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu directly into the television interface, there are several ways to enable streaming on a non-smart TV:
Streaming Media Devices
Adding an external streaming device via one of the TV‘s HDMI ports is the simplest option. Some top choices include:
- Roku Streaming Stick: Affordable at $50, with thousands of apps and voice search remote. Supports up to 4K HDR.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick: Alexa integration for voice control. Supports 4K and costs just $40.
- Apple TV: More expensive at $179, but brings Apple‘s ecosystem including AirPlay 2, HomeKit, and gaming.
Game Consoles
Contemporary gaming systems like the PS4 and Xbox One double as capable streaming devices thanks to built-in apps. The PS4 supports top services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, and YouTube.
Casting from Mobile Devices
With apps like AirScreen, you can wirelessly mirror your smartphone or tablet display directly onto a non-smart TV. This allows you to view content from streaming apps on your mobile device. Quality is dependent on your Wi-Fi connection.
An alternate method is using an HDMI cable to physically connect your phone or laptop to the TV. Then you can directly control the mobile device using the TV as an external display.
Enjoy Immersive PS4 Game Audio with Surround Sound
For awesome game audio to match the stellar visuals, hook up your PS4 to a surround sound system. The console supports standard 5.1 and 7.1 surround formats along with Dolby Atmos object-based 3D audio.
You can output sound directly from the PS4‘s optical digital audio port or HDMI ARC port. High speed HDMI cables carry uncompressed multi-channel audio alongside video.
Optical is limited to standard 5.1/7.1 audio, while HDMI ARC can transmit Dolby Atmos for more lifelike spatial sound. For the ultimate setup, connect both outputs to feed object-based Dolby Atmos sound to overhead speakers or soundbar.
Online Multiplayer Gaming Without a Smart TV
Lacking smart capabilities does not affect the PS4‘s online multiplayer functionality. You can enjoy competitive and cooperative play just fine.
The only requirement is an internet connection, which can be provided over Wi-Fi by your home router or modem. The PS4 just needs to be on the same network.
For a good online gaming experience, internet speeds of at least 15 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload are recommended by Sony. Higher bandwidths yield lower latency:
| Internet Speed | Online Gaming Quality |
| 15 Mbps/3 Mbps | Decent |
| 50 Mbps/5 Mbps | Good |
| 100+ Mbps/10+ Mbps | Excellent |
Testing during peak usage hours ensures you have sufficient bandwidth to avoid lag, rubber banding, and other issues.
Play PS4 Remotely on Your Phone then Cast to TV
Sony‘s PS Remote Play app for iOS and Android is a cool way to access your PS4 wirelessly on a phone or tablet. It streams video from your console, and lets you remotely control gameplay with on-screen buttons.
You can mirror the Remote Play screen casting from your mobile device to a non-smart TV using an app like AirScreen. This wirelessly beams the PS4 gameplay to the big screen TV!
For the best experience, connect your phone and PS4 console via 5GHz Wi-Fi. PS Remote Play requires a minimum of 5 Mbps internet speeds to avoid latency or compression artifacts.
Conclusion
The PlayStation 4 delivers incredible HD gaming experiences that can be enjoyed on virtually any modern television with an HDMI port. For optimal performance, go with a 4K TV that has high refresh rates, low response times, and HDR support.
Add capabilities like streaming video and surround sound to complete the ultimate PS4 entertainment system. With the tips in this guide, you‘ll be dominating games and enjoying media both online and off using your new or existing television.
