Navigating the 4K/120Hz HDMI Issue with Your AV Receiver
Many gamers are currently facing a frustrating issue with their AV receivers and the latest gaming consoles.Specifically, some receivers are struggling to reliably pass a 4K/120Hz signal, impacting your high-performance gaming experience.Let’s break down the problem,potential solutions,and what to look for when considering a new receiver.
The Problem: 4K/120Hz Handshake Hiccups
Several AV receiver models from brands like Denon, Marantz, and Onkyo are experiencing compatibility problems with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S when attempting to output at 4K resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. This frequently enough manifests as a blank screen, flickering, or a complete loss of signal.
The core of the issue lies within the HDMI board used in these receivers. It appears a specific chipset isn’t consistently handling the high bandwidth demands of the 4K/120Hz signal, leading to a failed “handshake” between the console and your TV.
Workarounds to Get You Gaming
Fortunately, you have a couple of options to get back to enjoying your games.
* Direct Connection & eARC: Connect your gaming console directly to your 4K/120fps capable TV’s HDMI port. Then, route the audio back to your AVR using the eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) HDMI connection. This bypasses the receiver’s HDMI processing for video, letting your TV handle the 4K/120Hz signal directly.
* Reduce Resolution: Alternatively, you can simply output from your console at 4K/60fps. this resolution is still excellent and avoids the compatibility issues altogether. It’s frequently enough the default “premium display” option within your console’s settings.
Future-Proofing: New Receiver Models Offer a Solution
If you’re in the market for a new AV receiver, there’s good news. Yamaha has released new models – the RX-A8A, RX-A6A, and RX-A4A – featuring a next-generation HDMI board designed to avoid these compatibility problems.These receivers should provide a smoother 4K/120Hz experience.
How We Evaluate AV Receivers
When we test AV receivers for our recommendations, we put them through a rigorous process. We assess overall sound quality using a variety of media, including movies, music, and games. We also evaluate the accompanying software, focusing on ease of setup and use with a standard speaker system.
Here’s what else we consider:
* Connectivity: We examine the range of input and output options to ensure compatibility with your existing and future home entertainment devices.
* Power Output & Channels: We analyze the receiver’s power capabilities and the number of supported audio channels and subwoofer outputs.
* Audio Processing: We test the receiver’s ability to decode various movie soundtracks and handle different music sources.
* User Experience: We assess how intuitive the receiver is to operate and navigate.
We rate each receiver on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being the worst, 5 being the best). Receivers that excel in all areas earn our coveted Editor’s Choice badge.
Finding the Best Deals
[Buying Guide Multimodel widget]
We continually monitor the market to bring you the latest deals on top-rated AV receivers. Check out our current recommendations to find the best option for your budget and needs.
