Sony and Microsoft have both already named ‘power’ and ‘speed’ as their two main areas of focus for their next-gen consoles, making them capable of achievements that current-gen consoles can’t even get close to.
Last month’s reveal of the Xbox Series X specs confirmed that Microsoft's new console will utilize a custom processor that allows for high frame rates of up to 120Hz and 8K resolution.
This is worlds away from the Xbox One X's 4K 60fps, so there’s a good chance that your TV sitting at home isn’t equipped to support the features of this console. Here’s why.
For both consoles to enable support for the high frame rates and resolutions, they will have to swap out the currently-used HDMI 2.0 ports (that support a maximum of 4K 60fps) for the latest HDMI 2.1 ports.
This has already been confirmed by Microsoft, and though Sony is yet to reveal the PS5 or any of its capabilities, it's pretty much a given that it will move on to the newest ports.
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The problem with TVs that feature the HDMI 2.0 port is that they won't support features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
In simple terms, you won't have to set the TV to gaming mode when you want to play as it will actually do it for you!
Yes, you heard that right - the TV will automatically set the display to its lowest latency mode (ALLM) and synchronise the screen's refresh rate to that of the game (VRR).
Essentially, a TV with HDMI 2.1 will allow you to enjoy your 8K 120fps content whilst providing a seamless gaming experience.
There are some leading TV manufacturers launching TV models that can support 8K 120fps, such as Samsung and LG.
LG recently revealed its line of OLED and NanoCell LCD TVs at CES 2020, while Samsung unveiled its flagship Q950TS and Q900TS QLED sets. You can click any of those links to start window shopping.
LG’s OLED and NanoCell TVs will roll out globally around the end of March, while Samsung will be launching its stunning TV sets alongside the Q800T - their more affordable option for gamers on a strict budget.
Both companies' TV ranges will fool-proof the process of setting up your next-gen console, and what’s more is that you can already pick them up!
That is, if you are worried about these TV ranges disappearing at the same rate that toilet roll currently is.
Now, of course the upgrade is not a necessity, as some developers may not release games that utilise the full collection of features available until we are at least a couple of years into the next-gen console cycle.
Another reason why we may not see these games coming out straight away is that many of these titles will be ‘cross-gen’, and many of the current-gen gaming community will not be able to make the transition to next-gen straight away.
For those of you that have gradually been saving up for the leap to next-gen, Samsung and LG are providing some really incredible 8K options that will have you fully-prepped for the launch of Xbox Series X.
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