If for the last few months, even the last year and a half, you have put off the idea of buying a new TV for models with an HDMI 2.1 connection , stop doing it. For Sony this connection is not essential to enjoy your new Playstation 5 console or, at least, it is not for now. Hence, there are new releases that do not include it.
Playstation 5 and the HDMI 2.1 standard
During the last year and a half, there has been a lot of talk about the need to have a television with an HDMI 2.1 connection if you want to enjoy the new generation consoles to the fullest. And the advantages of this standard seem clear: you have a greater bandwidth and that allows you to transfer more information. Therefore, better quality in both image and sound.
And yes, it is true, the advantages of the new version of HDMI are those that are thanks to the increase from 18 Gbps of HDMI 2.0 to 48 Gbps of HDMI 2.1. This makes it possible to offer video at 4K resolution at 120 Hz or even 8K at 60 Hz. But it is not the only thing, other important technologies offered by the new version are, along with being able to offer images with higher resolution and refresh rates:
- Expanded color spaces (BT.2020)
- eARC, improved version of ARC for high resolution audio return
- Using dynamic metadata for high dynamic range content
- VRR or variable refresh
- ALLM or Automatic Low Latency Mode
- QFT (Quick Frame Transport)
- QMS (Quick Media Switching)
All of these technologies are important, but not right now. Hence you are or can see how new high-end televisions or projectors are launched also intended for demanding users that do not include this standard.
According to a Sony executive, this is because it is not really necessary for now to have such a connector. Something that could be understood as a way to justify their desire to sell products now and in a couple of years too, when it is already normal in all range of image products.
And yes, it is true that on the one hand it can look like this. But you also have to be aware of what the world of video games offers right now. Because in that sense and starting the new generation right now, current games are unable to make the most of the new hardware. Therefore, removing some that can reach high resolutions, the rest will basically offer the same experience and quality of game seen on PS4 or Xbox One, only with an extra performance at the graphical level by going more loose.
Therefore, if you were planning to buy a new TV for your PS5 or Xbox Series X, don’t obsess over the HDMI 2.1 connection. The day will come when it will be interesting, but it is not 100% now nor does it mean that you will not be able to play future games on these consoles in a few years when it has become popular.
Without going any further, that is why Sony has launched a stamp with the text Ready for Playstation 5 so that you easily know with which televisions you can get an ideal experience (games at 4K and 120 Hz or 8K at 60 Hz). But if not, calm down. At present, if you had to bet on a specific quality when looking for a television recommended for new generation consoles, it would be HDR support for high dynamic range images. That will be the characteristic that will mark the user experience now and in years to come. And not only in terms of games, but also in the rest of the content that you can enjoy online.
