What HDMI cable comes with PS5?
Ever wonder what HDMI cable comes with PS5 and why? Look no further
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For those wondering what HDMI cable comes with PS5, we’ve got the details. The PS5 has been out for over a couple of years now, but that doesn’t mean it’s no longer relevant – not by a longshot. Let’s figure out which cable the PS5 uses below.
The PS5 has been Sony’s most successful console in years, selling out almost immediately and, still to this day, struggles to meet buyer demand. It was the first console that supported 4K gameplay at 120Hz, going toe-to-toe with Microsoft’s Xbox Series X in a battle for next-gen consoles superiority. Making full use of a great TV for gaming is definitely what you want from the PS5.
Ultimately, both consoles offer super performance – but what HDMI cable comes with PS5? This is a particularly important question as it not only enables the support for 4K@120Hz, but also dictates what TV or gaming monitor you can use with this excellent console.
What HDMI cables comes with PS5: video
The PlayStation 5 comes equipped with an HDMI 2.1 cable – the minimum HDMI standard for 4K gameplay @120Hz. Any older standard of HDMI cable will not allow for the full support of 4K gaming at 120Hz. Furthermore, with no DisplayPort input at the rear of the PlayStation 5, you are forced to use an HDMI 2.1 cable.
What is HDMI?
HDMI, or High Definition Multimedia Interface, is the most commonly used HD signal for the transfer of HD audio and video from one device to a display. While it is commonly used throughout the commercial AV sector, the most popular usage of the HDMI interface is within the home consumer – mainly used to connect devices such as DVD players, BluRay players, Xbox, PS5, Soundbars, and more to the Television. Users can also connect their PC, laptop, or even tablet to a TV or monitor, enabling them to maximize the viewing experience.
Unlike aging technology, the HDMI cable transfers HD audio and video via a single cable. HDMI cables come in a variety of lengths and standards, with the latest arrival being HDMI 2.1.
What is the difference between HDMI versions?
As we’ve just eluded to, HDMI has had a tonne of versions over the years, each offering up an increased level of bandwidth that allows for the transfer of higher resolutions and refresh rates.
HDMI has come a long way since the original arrival of HDMI 1.0. The latest iteration of HDMI offers up to 10 times the data transfer of the original standard, keeping up with the ever-growing performance of both consoles and PC hardware.
Below you’ll find an in-depth table that showcases the ‘Max Transmission Rate’ and ‘Max Data Rate’ of all the most popular HDMI iterations. We’ve added the DisplayPort specifications so you can compare the difference:
As you can see from the HDMI table (on the right), only the latest version of HDMI (2.1) allows for the transfer of 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. For many, this is why the PS5 became such an attractive prospect, featuring new levels of smoothness and immersion.
What HDMI cables comes with PS5? PlayStation 5 HDMI cable specs
Sony’s PlayStation 5 comes with an HDMI 2.1 cable that allows the console to produce its maximum resolution and refresh rate levels. The HDMI v2.1 cable that comes with the PS5 measures in at 1.5m or 59 inches, giving users plenty of range between the console and the display they plan to use.
PS5 owners must use an HDMI cable if they want to experience the full potential of this next-gen console. Using HDMI 2.0 will only offer 4K gameplay@60Hz. Furthermore, while DisplayPorts will offer more available bandwidth than HDMI, neither PS5 nor Xbox Series X offers this display output.
It’s worth mentioning that some PS5 games do allow you to choose between different frame rate modes – such as 4K@60Hz or FHD (1080p)@120Hz. Other games have speed limits that don’t allow for 4K@120Hz at all.
Finally, ever since Sony announced the arrival of VRR (variable refresh rate) technology support, games are now able to increase the fluidity of the gameplay. VRR is now available on PS5, with most of the platform’s AAA games will feature this frame rate matching technology. Of course, if you want to use VRR at 4K 120Hz, you will indeed need to utilize an HDMI 2.1 cable and display.
Why does HDMI matter when playing PlayStation 5?
As you likely already know, Sony’s PlayStation 5 relies heavily on the latest generation of HDMI. Why? Well, that all comes down to bandwidth. Thanks to the internal specifications of the PlayStation 5, it can now support 4K@120Hz. But why does the HDMI cable matter?
Good question. It matters because you need a cable that can handle that bandwidth. The higher the resolution and refresh rate, the higher the bandwidth. Unfortunately, older variations of the HDMI standard don’t support that level of bandwidth – meaning a HDMI 2.1 cable is essential.
FAQs
How long is the PS5 HDMI cable?
The PlayStation 5 console comes with a standard 1.5m long HDMI cable.
Does the PS5 have multiple HDMI ports?
No, the PS5 features just one HDMI port.
