How do I change video settings on PS5?

To change video settings on your PS5, navigate to the Settings menu from the top right corner of the PlayStation 5 home screen, then scroll down to the Screen and Video options to access various display adjustments.

Adjusting Your PS5 Video Settings for Optimal Performance

Optimizing your PlayStation 5's video settings is crucial for the best gaming and media experience on your display. Whether you're aiming for sharper visuals, smoother gameplay, or better color accuracy, the PS5 offers a range of options to fine-tune your output.

How to Access Video Settings

Follow these simple steps to access and modify your PS5's video settings:

From the PlayStation 5 home screen, navigate to the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) in the top right corner.
Scroll down and select Screen and Video.
Within this menu, you'll find several sub-categories to adjust various display parameters.

Key Video Settings You Can Change

The Screen and Video menu offers comprehensive options to customize your visual output. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and impactful settings:

1. Video Output

This section primarily deals with how your PS5 communicates with your TV or monitor.

Resolution:
- Path: Screen and Video > Video Output > Resolution
- Description: Set your console's output resolution. Options typically include 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 2160p (4K). The PS5 will usually select the best resolution automatically, but you can manually override it if needed.
- Tip: For 4K TVs, ensure this is set to 2160p. For 1080p TVs, 1080p is the maximum.
120 Hz Output:
- Path: Screen and Video > Video Output > 120 Hz Output
- Description: Enables higher frame rates (up to 120 frames per second) for supported games and displays.
- Tip: Your TV or monitor must support HDMI 2.1 to utilize 120Hz at 4K resolution. If your display only supports HDMI 2.0, you might get 120Hz at 1080p or 1440p.
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate):
- Path: Screen and Video > Video Output > VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
- Description: Synchronizes your display's refresh rate with the PS5's frame rate, reducing screen tearing and improving visual fluidity in supported games.
- Options: Automatic, Off.
- Tip: Requires an HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible display. Keep it on Automatic for the best experience.
HDR (High Dynamic Range):
- Path: Screen and Video > Video Output > HDR
- Description: Enhances contrast and color depth, providing a more vibrant and realistic image on compatible HDR displays.
- Options: Always On, On When Supported, Off.
- Tip: On When Supported is generally the best setting, as it only activates HDR when the content or game supports it, preventing potential issues with non-HDR content.
Deep Color Output:
- Path: Screen and Video > Video Output > Deep Color Output
- Description: Controls the color bit depth. Keep this on Automatic unless you encounter specific display issues.
RGB Range:
- Path: Screen and Video > Video Output > RGB Range
- Description: Defines the range of colors transmitted.
- Options: Automatic, Limited, Full.
- Tip: Automatic is usually fine, but if you notice washed-out blacks or overly crushed blacks, try Limited or Full to match your display's setting. Full is generally preferred for PC monitors, while TVs often use Limited.

2. Screen Adjustments

This section allows you to modify the display area to ensure the image fits your screen perfectly.

Adjust Display Area:
- Path: Screen and Video > Screen > Adjust Display Area
- Description: Allows you to resize the on-screen image to ensure it fills your TV or monitor without being cut off or having black bars around the edges.
- Tip: Use the directional pad to expand or shrink the frame until the white corners perfectly align with the edges of your screen.

3. HDR Adjustment (Dedicated Setup)

If you have an HDR-compatible display, the PS5 also offers a dedicated setup wizard to calibrate HDR.

Path: Screen and Video > Video Output > Adjust HDR
Description: This guided calibration helps you set the optimal black and white levels for HDR content on your specific display, ensuring the best possible HDR visual quality.

Quick Reference Table: Common Video Settings

Setting	Path	Purpose	Recommended Value (General)	Notes
Resolution	`Video Output` > `Resolution`	Set output resolution	`Automatic` / `2160p`	Depends on display capability.
120 Hz Output	`Video Output` > `120 Hz Output`	Enable high refresh rates	`Automatic`	Requires HDMI 2.1 display.
VRR	`Video Output` > `VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)`	Reduce screen tearing	`Automatic`	Requires HDMI 2.1 VRR-compatible display.
HDR	`Video Output` > `HDR`	Enhance contrast and color	`On When Supported`	Requires HDR-compatible display.
RGB Range	`Video Output` > `RGB Range`	Define color range	`Automatic`	Adjust if colors look off (`Limited`/`Full`).
Adjust Display Area	`Screen` > `Adjust Display Area`	Fit image to screen	Manual adjustment	Essential for screen sizing.
Adjust HDR	`Video Output` > `Adjust HDR`	Calibrate HDR levels	Manual calibration	Guided setup for optimal HDR.

Troubleshooting Video Output Issues

If you encounter issues like a black screen, distorted image, or incorrect colors after changing settings, try these solutions:

Restart your PS5: A simple reboot can often resolve minor glitches.
Check HDMI cables: Ensure cables are securely connected and try a different, high-quality HDMI 2.1 cable if possible.
Try Safe Mode: If the display issues prevent normal navigation, boot your PS5 into Safe Mode to change resolution or reset video settings.
Check TV/Monitor settings: Ensure your display's input settings are correct (e.g., HDMI input, picture mode, HDR settings).

By carefully adjusting these video settings, you can unlock the full visual potential of your PlayStation 5 and enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience.