Plug your console into an HDMI 2.1 port if the TV has one, turn on game mode or ALLM, enable 120Hz and VRR in the console settings, and run the console's HDR calibration. Then turn off motion smoothing and heavy noise reduction, which add lag and blur. These steps take ten minutes and make a bigger difference than most upgrades.
Most TVs ship with settings tuned for films, not games. Fix that once.
Setup checklist
| Step | Setting | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Use an HDMI 2.1 port | TV ports |
| 2 | Game mode or ALLM on | TV picture settings |
| 3 | Enhanced HDMI or input signal plus | TV input settings |
| 4 | 120Hz output on | Console video settings |
| 5 | VRR on | Console and TV |
| 6 | HDR calibration | Console settings |
| 7 | Motion smoothing off | TV picture settings |
Picture settings to turn off
- Motion smoothing or motion interpolation.
- Heavy noise reduction.
- Dynamic contrast if it makes HDR look crushed.
Sound
Use the TV’s eARC port for a soundbar, or plug headphones into the controller; see our headset guide.
For more speed, read how to reduce input lag. Browse monitors and displays.
Common questions
Do all HDMI ports support 120Hz?
No. Many TVs have only one or two HDMI 2.1 ports. Check the TV manual or the labels on the ports.
What is ALLM?
Auto Low Latency Mode: the console tells the TV to switch to game mode automatically.
Do I need a special HDMI cable?
For 4K at 120Hz, use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable, such as the one included with current consoles.