PlayStation · Display & Sound

Configure video resolution, HDR, and audio output routing

Display settings control resolution, HDR, and refresh rate over HDMI, while audio can be routed independently to the TV/AVR over HDMI or optical, or to a wireless/wired headset — including PS5's Tempest 3D AudioTech for positional sound.

How to open Audio & Display Output

  1. Hold the power button for about 7 seconds until you hear a second beep — this forces a safe-mode video output.
  2. The console boots at a conservative resolution the display can handle.
  3. Go to Settings → Screen and Video and re-run "Adjust HDR" or reset resolution manually.
  4. Re-enable higher resolutions or refresh rates one at a time to confirm the display and cable support them.

What you should know

  • Video settings are under Settings → Screen and Video, covering resolution, HDR, and (on PS5) 120Hz/VRR output.
  • Audio output device and format are under Settings → Sound, with independent controls for TV/AV speakers versus a connected headset.
  • PS5's 3D Audio profile can be tuned to your ears using the built-in "Find Your Profile" feature for more accurate positional audio in supported headsets.

4K at 120Hz or VRR requires an Ultra High Speed (48Gbps) HDMI cable and an HDMI 2.1-capable input on the display — using an older cable or port silently caps output at a lower resolution or refresh rate.

Why it matters

Mismatched resolution, HDR, or audio output settings are a leading cause of "no picture" or "no sound" complaints after a TV swap or cable change, and are almost always fixable in this menu without a factory reset.

Best practices

  • Run the "Adjust HDR" calibration wizard any time you connect a new TV or projector.
  • Use Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output Information to confirm the resolution, HDR, and refresh rate actually being sent, not just what's selected.

Common problems and fixes

No signal or black screen after a resolution/update change
Hold the power button for 7 seconds for the safe-mode beep, which forces a compatible output resolution so you can reset it from the menu.
No sound through a connected headset
In Settings → Sound → Audio Output, set the output device to the headset explicitly — it doesn't always switch automatically when paired.

Tips and tricks

  • If dialogue sounds too quiet under music/effects, try the "Boost Audio for Dialog" or a Cinema-focused audio mode under Sound settings before adjusting the TV's own audio processing.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my TV show a lower resolution than expected?

Check the HDMI cable rating and which HDMI port is in use — some TV ports don't support full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth even if others on the same TV do.