How To Connect PS4 To Any Monitor
You can easily connect your PS4 to any computer monitor. Those who have PS4 know how exciting it is to have such a fantastic gaming device. While some connect it to their television, others want to connect it to their monitor. Gamers might think that it is just simply plugging the two devices together, and then loading it. However, it is not as simple as that, and to understand the process, customers have to be patient and know how it is done.
PS4 vs. PS4 Pro
Before dwelling on how to connect PS4 with a monitor, it is best to talk about the differences between PS4 and PS4 Pro. These differences would give the user a general idea about what they should buy. The main reason why people purchase PS4 is that it gives them a better gaming experience, as compared to other devices.
Dimensions
The GPU in PS4 Pro is twice as powerful compared to PS4. A GPU is responsible for running 3D games smoothly. PS4 Pro can run at 4.2 teraflops, and PS4 can run at 1.84 teraflops. Both have the same memory, 8GB GDDR5, but the PS4 has quick speed, along with an extra 1GB of memory. Gamers can use this additional memory for non-gaming things like streaming Netflix.
While PS4 can’t play 4K videos, PS4 Pro can play 4K videos. Both have the same versions of Bluetooth, and the specification of Wi-Fi connectivity.
Graphics
It is not much difference in the graphics between PS4 and PS4 Pro. The main difference, and that too when the gamer pays close attention to details, is the lighting. The PS4 Pro has a higher number of pixels and can play 4K videos, which is why it shows realistic graphics on the screen.
The main thing about PS4 Pro is that it gives gamers the power to render more items in their games. This helps them create more details to the scenes on the screen and allows them to enjoy the gaming experience.
If a gamer is buying PS4 Pro, then they will enjoy it more on a 4K TV or monitor. This is why they should get a PS4, as it costs less, offers similar specifications, and plays all the games in high resolution.
There are several games that gamers can buy; these games run on PS4 and PS4 Pro both. No game is specifically designed for PS4 Pro, but the pro version will give better graphics and performance. However, those who are on a budget and can’t afford PS4 Pro won’t regret buying PS4.
Some of the most popular PS4 games are as follows:
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- Resident Evil 7
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- The Last Guardian
- The Last of Us Remastered
- Hitman
- Battlefield 1
Steps for Connecting PS4 To Monitor With OR Without HDMI
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Checking Monitor Ports
The first thing that you should do is to check the ports that his monitor has to offer. It is not necessary that a monitor comes with an HDMI port, and might only have a DVI port. If there is no HDMI port, then the user has to purchase one. There are several differences between HDMI and DVI cables.
How To Connect PS4 To Monitor using HDMI?
First, take the HDMI cable; connect one end of the HDMI cable to the monitor and the other end to the PS4. The user should make sure that when he is connecting the cable, he connects the marked HDMI Out to PS4. Connect the power supply to the back of the PS4, and then plug the connector into the power socket.
As for the controller, the user first has to connect it to the PS4. Connect the USB A cable to the USB port of the PS4. After that, connect the micro USB side of the cable to the PS4’s controller. This way, they will connect and charge at the same time. When all the cables are connected, the link between the monitor and the PS4 is successfully established. Turn on the PS4, and it will be ready for use.
Without HDMI
In case someone doesn’t have an HDMI cable, and their computer is old, then they can use the DVI port. For this, the user has to buy an HDMI-to-DVI adapter cable. This adapter will help the user connect the computer monitor to PS4, using DVI connectivity. In case the user’s monitor has a VGA port, then this means the monitor is old, and it needs an upgrade. However, if the user still wants to use the VGA port, then they should know that the quality of images won’t be as good.
If the user is playing PS4’s audio on the digital optical output, then they need to change the audio settings on their PS4. From the settings menu, select sound settings, then under audio output settings, select the connection that is required for digital optical audio.
HDMI vs. DVI – Which is Better?
DVI is a digital video cable, which users might have seen on desktops and LCD monitors. It is similar to a VGA connector and has around 24 pins. It supports analog videos and digital videos. DVI has the ability to stream HD videos, with a resolution of 1920×1200. If a gamer buys a dual link DVI connector, then that would support 2560×1600 pixels.
If a DVI is made for lower resolution videos, then it will have fewer pins. However, a DVI doesn’t give any support to HDCP encryption, and if the hardware has only DVI ports, then the user won’t be able to play HD blue rays. DVI doesn’t support audio, and in order to get sound on a monitor, the user needs a separate cable.
HDMI, on the other hand, is a default cable that comes with Blu-ray player, Apple TV and other new computer monitors. It supports many video devices, and they are very easy to use as well. The reason why they have become so popular nowadays is because they connect with USB devices. There are no pins in it like DVI, and all the user has to do, is push the cable in the USB port and play.
It streams digital videos and audios, and the user doesn’t have to buy another cable for audio. HDMI cables support 1920×1200 HD videos and HDCP encryption for HD content. HDMI is an affordable option, because all the user needs, is a single cable.
This is why, in order to connect PS4 to a monitor, use the HDMI cable.
Connecting Audio To Your Speakers
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Some monitors come with built-in speakers, while some have a 3.5mm headphone jack. If the user is not happy with the speakers, then he should get new ones; the preferred choice here would be to buy Bluetooth speakers, but it is not necessary.
The audio connection, as compared to the rest up of the setup, is easier, because it involves different possibilities and understanding of the audio ports. There are four possible choices here for the user, in the case of an audio port:
HDMI-built in speakers:
The user can just use the HDMI cable and the built-in speaker to get started. There is nothing technical in this aspect
HDMI+ Headphone Jack:
While the HDMI cable is used for converting video, the speaker can be connected using the headphone jack.
External speaker and a headphone jack:
If the user wants to use external speakers, then they need to buy RCA to 3.5mm converter and cable. The user’s life will become easy.
Headphone Jack:
If a user only wants to use their headphones for audio, then they can simply plug in the headphones in the jack.
Buying Guide For Gaming Monitors to connect with PS4
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There are several monitors that people can buy for gaming purposes. The gaming monitors are available in different sizes, prices and brands. They are available on online websites, or people can go to a store and buy them.
The things that gamers usually look for in a gaming monitor are:
- Screen size and resolution
- Maximum refresh rate
- Response Time
- Aspect Ratio
- Inputs
Monitor Size and Resolution
If someone has a big room, then they should go for a 27-inch monitor, because that gives them the opportunity to play games in HD or Quad High Definition. Most monitors have a maximum resolution of 2560×1440 pixels. If the pixel count is high, then the user will get to see a sharper image on their screen.
The problem with 24-inch monitors is that the gamer will be limited to a resolution of 1920×1080.
Refresh Rate
A gaming monitor is an ideal one if it has a high pixel response and a refresh rate. The most commonly used pixel responses in monitor specifications are gray to gray. This is the time, which a pixel takes to transition from one shade of gray to another shade, and it is measured in milliseconds. If the pixel response is low, then it will help remove the smearing of images and will make the graphics run smoother.
A refresh rate, as the name suggests, is the time that it takes to redraw the whole screen. This is measured in Hertz and the standard LCD monitors have a 60Hz rate. In 60Hz, a screen refreshes ever 60 times per second. However, if an image is fast moving, like in games, then this refresh rate is not enough and it might make the pictures look blurry. The screen will look like it is tearing, and it will ruin the whole gaming experience.
Gamers should always get a 120Hz refresh rate monitors because it will eliminate the image blurring. Moreover, if gamers are playing a 3D game, then that will function smoothly in 120Hz, and they won’t feel irritated.
Video Inputs
A gaming monitor should have video input, so it can be connected to other PCs or gaming consoles like PS4. If a gaming monitor has a video input, then an HDMI cable can be used for connecting the gaming console, like PS4, with the monitor. Moreover, a monitor should have a powerful built-in speaker system, so that the user doesn’t have to buy separate speakers. If the speakers are of good quality, then that would provide an immersive gaming experience to the user.
Price
Price is the most important factor that gamers consider when looking for a gaming monitor. Not everyone has the budget to buy a high end monitor, and most gamers only look for monitors, because playing games is their hobby. However, if someone is a professional gamer, then they would want an excellent resolution and high Hz monitor. Whether online or in physical stores, gamers can buy monitors at different prices.
Is a gaming monitor worth it for PS4?
Benefits- Gaming monitors come at various prices and are not very expensive
- They provide the gamer with an immersive experience that he might not get on a television
- Most of the time, television is a shared device among family members. This is why having a separate monitor for PS4 would be a blessing for passionate gamers
- The refresh rate of monitor screens is better, and the gamers can choose specifications according to their needs
- They can easily connect a PS4 with a gaming monitor, with just an HDMI cable
- When the gamer is not using the monitor for gaming, it can be used for other purposes
- Makes it easier to play with other gamers, in the same room
- Doesn’t hurt the eyes, because if the pixels are suitable, then the user doesn’t have to squint at the monitor
- Most people already have monitors, so they simply have to connect it with their PS4. It will give them an enjoyable playing experience as they will be able to see more details. There are games which have more peculiar details, as compared to other games.
- The monitors with good refresh rates and response times are usually expensive
- When a gamer buys a monitor, that monitor might not be compatible with PS4
Summing Up
There is no reason why gamers should not use a monitor for their PS4. Most people want better graphics when they are playing PS4, which their television doesn’t provides. Moreover, buying a television with better resolution will be expensive, and buying a monitor will be cheaper, comparatively. Most gamers play for fun, and they don’t have the budget to buy a TV. However, if they save money for a monitor, they can easily afford one with good specifications, in just a few months.
