Unlocking the full graphical bandwidth of the PlayStation 5 requires matching the console’s HDMI 2.1 output capabilities with the display’s input configuration. Knowing how to execute Configuring HDMI 2.1, 4K 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM Video Output on PS5 resolves common handshake bottlenecks such as greyed-out refresh rate toggles, chroma subsampling downgrades, and screen flickering during high-frame-rate gameplay.

Configuring HDMI 2.1, 4K 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM Video Output on PS5: Bandwidth and port requirements

Delivering uncompressed 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) at 120 frames per second with 10-bit High Dynamic Range (HDR) requires an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable rated for 48 Gbps and a display equipped with full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports. While the PS5 hardware outputs up to 32 Gbps (FRL 4x8 Gbps) and PS5 Pro hardware expands display pipeline support for 8K 60Hz via Display Stream Compression (DSC), connecting the console to a legacy HDMI 2.0 port restricts bandwidth to 18 Gbps.

Before adjusting console menus, verify the physical display signal chain:

Connect the console using the included Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable directly to an HDMI 2.1-labeled input on the television or monitor.
Enable "Enhanced Format," "Input Signal Plus," or "HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color" inside the television’s external input settings menu to unlock full Fixed Rate Link (FRL) bandwidth.
If routing video through an AV receiver or soundbar, confirm the audio device supports 40/48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 passthrough; otherwise, connect the PS5 directly to the TV and route audio back via HDMI eARC.

Configure Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 120 Hz Output

Variable Refresh Rate dynamically synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the PS5 GPU’s real-time frame output, eliminating screen tearing and minimizing frame-pacing judder when frame rates fluctuate between 48 Hz and 120 Hz. Unlike DisplayPort Adaptive-Sync, PS5 VRR requires standard HDMI 2.1 Forum VRR support on the connected screen.

Navigate to Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output to configure the real-time synchronization parameters:

VRR: Set to Automatic so compatible displays dynamically match frame delivery.Apply to Unsupported Games: Toggle on to stabilize frame delivery in titles lacking native VRR patches, or disable immediately if a specific game exhibits brightness flickering.120 Hz Output: Set to Automatic to allow supported games to switch the display signal from 60 Hz to 120 Hz upon launch.ALLM (Auto Low-Latency Mode): Set to Automatic so the television bypasses post-processing interpolation filters and enters Game Mode automatically; note that active VRR forces low-latency mode even if ALLM is manually toggled off.

High-frame-rate modes rarely trigger on the PS5 home screen itself. To verify 120 Hz operation, launch a supported title, enable "Performance Mode" or "High Frame Rate Mode" inside the game’s internal graphics menu, and inspect Current Video Output Signal under the PS5 Video Output menu.

Diagnose 4K Video Transfer Rate and chroma subsampling limits

When an HDMI cable is slightly degraded or a display struggles to lock onto a high-bandwidth signal, the screen may intermittently black out or display white digital snow. The PS5 includes a manual 4K Video Transfer Rate limiter under Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output to stabilize marginal connections:

Automatic: Transmits maximum uncompressed bandwidth supported by the display (RGB or YUV444 at 60 Hz, switching to YUV422 at 4K 120 Hz on 32 Gbps pipelines).-1 Setting: Caps data rate to eliminate flickering by disabling 4K 120 Hz and forcing 4K 60 Hz HDR signals into YUV422 or YUV420 chroma subsampling.
-2 Setting: Further restricts bandwidth to YUV420 color format for older HDMI 1.4/2.0 chipsets or long passive cable runs.

Always leave the transfer rate on Automatic when using a certified HDMI 2.1 display so 120 Hz and VRR remain active.