Imagine you’re playing a role-playing game (RPG) and are about to defeat the final boss when, all of a sudden, your game starts lagging. If you’re an avid gamer, you understand the frustration that a high input lag can cause.
A smooth gaming experience is almost as important as the game itself, so is there a way to have crisp graphics while maintaining optimal gameplay?
Can HDR cause input lag?
How can you lower input lag on a TV or PS4?
Keep reading to find out!
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What is HDR?
HDR stands for high-dynamic range.
HDR, or high-dynamic range, amplifies the image’s contrast, making the colors and whites brighter and the black levels darker.
Not only does this make for a more visually stunning picture, but it can also help with gameplay, especially in dark-themed video games (like horror games). It allows the player to see the shadows more clearly and results in a crisper image.
Many modern games have amazing graphics, and HDR allows you to see them in all their amazing high-resolution glory. Thanks, HDR!
Can HDR Cause Input Lag?
Yes, HDR can cause input lag.
HDR can cause input lag on certain devices.
The HDR image’s high contrast causes the video’s processing time to lengthen. This means it takes more power to refresh the image and create those bright colors we’ve come to expect from HDR.
It may also take the device more time to display the image, resulting in your game briefly freezing or lagging.
HDR input lag may go unnoticed by the casual gamer playing passive adventure games. But, fast-paced RPGs require a quick response time to ensure you can properly interact with the game.
TVs
Every TV brand will respond slightly differently to HDR. Some TVs have been manufactured and marketed specifically for gamers, resulting in a lower HDR input lag. Other TV models may have a higher HDR input lag, making it more difficult to play RPGs.
If your TV was not designed for gaming, you most likely will experience input lag when using HDR.
You typically want an input lag of 15 milliseconds or less, especially if you’re playing competitively.
Although there are gadgets specifically designed to test a TV’s input lag, they are usually pricey and aren’t accessible to most people.
Luckily, there’s a less technical way to test your TV’s input lag using your laptop, HDMI cable, and your phone’s camera. This method may not be one-hundred percent accurate, but it will help you roughly estimate your device’s input lag without purchasing extra equipment.
Watch the video below to learn how to test your TV’s input lag. No fancy gadgets needed!
PS4
Some PS4 users have reported a high input lag. This could be a result of not only the PS4 but also the TV or monitor it’s connected to.
Every model of TV or monitor will respond differently to your PS4’s input, generating a varied input lag.
Additionally, online multiplayer games that require a stable internet connection (e.g., Call of Duty, NBA 2K22, etc.) may cause lag if your Wi-Fi connection is weak.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if the input lag is too high for your gaming needs.
If you find that HDR is causing too high an input lag on your PS4, follow our tips below to reduce the lag in no time!
How Can I Reduce HDR Input Lag on My TV and PS4?
Follow our suggestions below to reduce input lag on your TV and PS4.
Input lag can be annoying, but there is a solution! Try out our tips and tricks below to lower your TV or PS4’s input lag in a few simple steps.
Ensure Your Device is Set to Game Mode
Check that your TV or monitor is set to game mode. Game mode can drastically reduce input lag, though it will make the graphics a little less crisp.
Game mode allows the TV to process the image more quickly, ensuring you can see and play your game in real-time.
If your TV or monitor supports HDR, it should have a game mode.
Toggle game mode on or off in your TV’s settings, commonly found under External Device Manager or Scenes. Some TVs automatically turn on game mode when connected to a video game console or controller.
If you’re unsure how to turn on game mode on your TV or monitor, consult its manual or contact the brand’s customer service.
Check Your Internet Connection
Online multiplayer games mean the fun never has to end, but a slow internet connection can make it difficult to interact with other players.
Check that your Wi-Fi connection is stable by looking at the LED bars on your router, indicating signal strength.
Consider rebooting your router and moving it closer to your TV or PS4.
You can also plug your router directly into your PS4 via an ethernet cable.
Although you can connect your TV or PS4 to a mobile hotspot for gameplay, it’s not recommended. Online video games take up a massive amount of data, which could quickly incur very high charges.
If your Wi-Fi connection is still weak, try rebooting your TV, PS4, or monitor and see the results.
Reduce the Image Resolution
HDR in 4K looks amazing, but it comes at a price.
Reducing your device’s resolution can lower input lag by decreasing the video processing time.
A TV’s resolution can often be adjusted through its settings, but instructions will vary depending on the unit’s brand and model.
To change a PS4’s resolution, use the controller to open Settings. Click on Sound and Screen, and open Display Resolution. Now you can select a lower resolution.
We recommend first changing it to 1080p and seeing if the input lag improves.
Plug in Your Console via USB
Try connecting your console via its USB cable and see if the condition improves.
Connecting your PS4 console to your TV or monitor via Bluetooth may interfere with the signal.
Bluetooth signals can be easily interrupted and become unstable, but a USB cable is much more reliable.
Additionally, several Bluetooth devices in the same space could block one another’s signal. Taking your controller out of the equation could help strengthen the other devices’ connections, decreasing input lag.
Note that this may only slightly improve the input lag, but it’s worth trying if the above solutions haven’t helped.
Wrapping Things Up
There’s no way around it. Input lag can ruin a gamer’s experience. Luckily, there are ways to decrease it without purchasing new equipment.
Changing your device to game mode, checking your Wi-Fi connection, and reducing the image resolution are just a few ways to optimize your gaming experience.
If you’re unsure how to change the settings listed above on your device, check your user manual or contact customer service for help.
What’s your experience with HDR causing input lag on TVs or PS4s?
Have our tips helped you minimize input lag on your device?
Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.