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When it comes to choosing the ideal television for gaming, it’s essential to recognize that the best gaming TVs share many qualities with top-rated TVs overall. Whether you own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, certain features can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Below, we present key considerations for selecting a gaming TV along with a selection of well-reviewed models spanning various price points.
What to Look for in a Gaming TV
While all good TVs adhere to fundamental principles, specifically for gaming, there are specific attributes to prioritize. A 4K resolution is crucial, complemented by sufficient brightness to counteract glare and showcase HDR content effectively. A high contrast ratio with deep blacks, vibrant yet accurate colors, and wide viewing angles also contribute to a quality viewing experience. For gaming, minimize input lag and ensure fast motion response to avoid blurriness during rapid action scenes. Striking a balance between these features and maintaining budget constraints can be challenging.
OLED and LCD
Presently, OLED TVs are recognized for delivering superior picture quality for gaming and more. However, they often come at a higher price compared to LCDs, and some may not achieve the brightness levels needed for well-lit environments.
Modern OLED displays come in various types, including WOLED (White OLED) and the newer QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED). While the intricate differences between these technologies can be complex, the key takeaway is that QD-OLED generally provides a broader color range and enhanced brightness than conventional WOLED setups.
This does not imply that QD-OLEDs are categorically superior; performance can vary between models, and some high-end WOLED TVs, like the LG G4, are beginning to employ technologies like Micro Lens Array (MLA) that enhance brightness while maintaining color quality even with reflections. Overall, OLED displays feature inherent strengths, but QD-OLEDs have recently become appealing for those aiming for a blend of performance and value.
If you choose LCD due to budget or lighting conditions, seek models with advanced backlighting, utilizing mini LEDs or full-array local dimming to boost contrast and fine details. Many newer LCDs, including budget models, utilize quantum dot technology for improved color accuracy. Although not as vibrant or fast in motion as premium OLEDs, high-quality LCDs can still provide impressive images and typically come at a more accessible price.
HDMI 2.1
Maximizing the potential of your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S requires a TV that boasts full HDMI 2.1 support. This latest HDMI specification upgrade facilitates a substantial increase in maximum bandwidth—48 Gbps, up from HDMI 2.0’s 18 Gbps—and encompasses features that boost gaming performance, such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
Moreover, HDMI 2.1 allows for the transmission of 4K video at refresh rates of up to 120Hz, or even 144Hz with capable PCs. Although not all games for the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S cater to such high frame rates, those that do deliver especially smooth motion. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 includes support for Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), which facilitates the transfer of high-quality audio from compatible devices.
When selecting a TV, prioritizing models with multiple full HDMI 2.1 ports is advisable. It’s crucial to clarify which HDMI ports offer genuine support for these enhanced features, as some manufacturers misrepresent terminology by labeling older HDMI ports as “2.1” without full capability. We recommend verifying functionality when you purchase a TV for gaming.
HDR — High Dynamic Range
HDR technology enhances a TV’s capacity to represent a greater dynamic range between the darkest and brightest portions of an image. This expansion of range uncovers details in both shadowy and overly bright areas, along with stimulating improved color reproduction that mirrors the creator’s intent more closely.
To enjoy HDR content, both the TV and the content must support the technology. Various HDR formats exist, falling into categories that use either static metadata (like HDR10) or dynamic metadata (like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision). Dynamic metadata enables the TV to optimize settings on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis, while static metadata applies uniform adjustments across the content. Console compatibility can also affect HDR, as evidenced by the Xbox Series X and S supporting Dolby Vision for gaming, while the PS5 lacks this feature.
Fortunately, most TVs available in 2023 are HDR-compatible at least to some extent, even among budget models. However, the execution of HDR can vary significantly across different televisions. Although the number of games utilizing HDR is steadily increasing, the overall quality of HDR content can be inconsistent.
HGiG — HDR Gaming Interest Group
The HDR Gaming Interest Group (HGiG), which includes members from Sony, Microsoft, various TV manufacturers, and game developers, aims to ensure games recognize TV capabilities upon startup. This cooperation allows game settings to adjust automatically, optimizing for each display to provide the best balance of brightness and detail while avoiding overexposure or loss of detail.
While this intent is promising, fragmentation remains. Not all TVs prominently display HGiG compatibility, and only select PlayStation and Xbox games are designed to implement these guidelines. Enabling an HGiG option in your TV’s tone mapping settings before engaging the console’s HDR settings can facilitate superior picture quality during supported games. That said, the result may vary significantly based on the specific television and game being played.
ALLM — Auto Low Latency Mode
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) allows consoles such as the PS5 or Xbox to instruct the display to switch to a mode that reduces latency in displaying frames. This minimizes processing time, enabling more responsive gameplay that can prove crucial for competitive players. Modern TVs often automatically toggle game mode when a console is in use, reverting when watching other types of content.
VRR — Variable Refresh Rate
Familiar to PC gamers, VRR mitigates issues like slowdown, tearing, or stutter when frame rates fluctuate, commonly at 30 or 60 fps on TVs. With VRR, the display synchronizes with the system’s frame rates, avoiding a mismatched experience that can disrupt immersion.
Variations of VRR technology exist, including Nvidia’s G-Sync, AMD’s FreeSync, and the HDMI Forum’s VRR specifications, which are included in the HDMI 2.1 standard. Successful implementation of VRR necessitates compatibility between both the TV and the input device, and some devices may support VRR only in specific refresh rate ranges. For instance, the PS5’s VRR operates between 48Hz and 120Hz on a 120Hz display.
Recalling compatibility, the PS5 engages HDMI Forum VRR, while Xbox Series X/S supports both HDMI Forum VRR and FreeSync. Gaming PCs may back G-Sync or FreeSync models depending on the graphics architecture being used. A top-notch gaming TV should be equipped with major VRR formats, though lacking G-Sync support is not an issue if you’re solely gaming on a PS5 or Xbox.
8K (You Don’t Need It)
A key consideration is that you do not need to prioritize 8K support. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X can theoretically output 8K video; however, very few games are created for such resolution. The tangible benefits of 8K are often minimal unless you sit very close to a large screen. Additionally, the few 8K TVs available tend to be priced at a premium.
Good Gaming TVs You Can Get Right Now
Determining the optimal moment to purchase a new television can be complex, given the constant fluctuations in model prices and the anticipation of future upgrades. However, significant discounts commonly arise during events like Black Friday and within late spring to early summer as the current year’s models are phased out to clear inventory.
As of now, many latest offerings by major brands, including Samsung, LG, Sony, and Hisense, are available, with many previous models becoming significantly cheaper. Those on the market should look for older models still available at discounts to maximize value. Although some sought-after models may already be sold out, our analysis has identified several well-reviewed options from reliable review platforms like Rtings, Wirecutter, Reviewed, and PCMag.
Samsung
Screen sizes: 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | Display type: QD-OLED (WOLED panel on 83″) | Resolution: 4K | Max refresh rate: 144Hz (120Hz on 83″) | HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.1 | VRR: HDMI Forum VRR, FreeSync Premium, G-Sync compatible | Smart OS: Tizen | Screen form: Flat | ALLM: Yes | TV tuner: ATSC 3.0
The Samsung S90C features a QD-OLED display, effectively combining OLED’s deep blacks and contrast with improved brightness and color range due to the quantum dot technology. With four HDMI 2.1 ports capable of 4K 144Hz output, it ensures smooth, responsive gaming. The model is compatible with several HDR formats but lacks Dolby Vision support.
The S95C model, a more advanced offering, also supports 4K 144Hz but is positioned at a higher price point, making it less attractive for those mindful of budget.
LG C3 OLED
Screen sizes: 42″, 48″, 55″, 65″, 77″, 83″ | Display type: WOLED | Resolution: 4K | Max refresh rate: 120Hz | HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.1 | VRR: HDMI Forum VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync certified | Smart OS: webOS | Screen form: Flat | ALLM: Yes | TV tuner: ATSC 1.0
The LG C3’s WOLED technology provides excellent contrast and viewing angles, while compatible with all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, making it a solid choice for gaming. Additionally, its robust feature set includes ALLM and full HDMI 2.1 support, which can handle 4K 120Hz output.
Hisense U7N
Screen sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″ | Display type: QLED with Mini-LED backlight | Resolution: 4K | Max refresh rate: 144Hz | HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI ports: 2x HDMI 2.1 | VRR: HDMI Forum VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync compatible | Smart OS: Google TV | Screen form: Flat | ALLM: Yes | TV tuner: ATSC 3.0
This series also delivers improved brightness and up-to-date gaming features at a budget-friendly price, making it ideal for gamers looking to save.
Hisense U6N
Screen sizes: 55″, 65″, 75″ | Display type: QLED with Mini-LED | Resolution: 4K | Max refresh rate: 60Hz (120Hz at 1080p) | HDR formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG | HDMI ports: 4x HDMI 2.0 | VRR: HDMI Forum VRR, FreeSync, G-Sync compatible | Smart OS: Google TV | Screen form: Flat | ALLM: Yes | TV tuner: ATSC 1.0
For those on a tighter budget, the Hisense U6N exemplifies value, featuring a quantum-dot color spectrum and mini-LED backlighting, thus enhancing contrast and color saturation. Although limited to a 60Hz refresh rate at 4K, it still supports fast-paced gaming through lower resolutions.
Choosing the optimal gaming TV involves balancing the latest technologies and individual gaming preferences. With a selection of quality options available now, it’s easier than ever to enhance your gaming experience.
Source
www.engadget.com