If you’re like me and love to keep your gaming setup clean and efficient, you’ve probably invested in an HDMI switch to manage all your devices with a single TV or monitor.
But recently, I ran into a rather frustrating issue – my PS5 was not playing nice with the HDMI switch.
After some detective work, I’ve figured out why this happens, and I’m here to share the insights with you.
In summary, if your PS5 is giving you trouble when connected to an HDMI switch, here’s what you need to know:
- HDCP Compatibility: Ensure your HDMI switch is HDCP 2.2 compliant and that your cables are up to the task. If not, consider disabling HDCP from the PS5 settings.
- Firmware and Compatibility: Check for firmware updates for your HDMI switch and ensure it’s certified to work with the PS5.
- Signal Loss and Power: Some issues can be resolved by trying a different power source for your HDMI switch, upgrading to a more robust switch, and using high-quality, shorter HDMI cables.
- Cable Quality and Length: Invest in high-quality HDMI cables that support the latest standards and consider cable length to minimize signal loss.
- Input Confusion: Label your HDMI inputs or manually select the PS5 input to help the switch recognize the correct source.
- Incompatible HDMI Switch: Ensure you have a high-quality HDMI switch that supports the required standards and is labeled as compatible with the PS5.
- Audio Settings: Adjust the PS5’s audio settings to use a common audio format like Dolby Digital or PCM that is supported by most HDMI switches.
- Port or Hardware Issues: Test other devices with the HDMI switch to rule out port or switch hardware problems.
- Signal Handoff Delays: Opt for a high-quality HDMI switch to minimize signal handoff delays.
- Insufficient Power Supply: Use a powered HDMI switch with its own power adapter to ensure a stable power supply.
- Firmware Bugs and Updates: Check for firmware updates for your HDMI switch to address potential compatibility issues.
1. HDCP Handshakes and Protocol Problems
HDCP, or High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection, is the pesky security protocol that restricts the copying of copyrighted content.
While this is great for content creators, it can be a pain when it comes to gaming setups.
Here’s what happens:
Your PS5 and HDMI switch need to establish a “handshake” to verify that the connected devices support HDCP. If this handshake fails, you’ll get no video or audio on your screen.
The Fix:
You can try a few things here. First, ensure that your HDMI switch is HDCP 2.2 compliant, as the PS5 requires this level of protection.
Also, make sure your HDMI cables are up to the task. If you’re still facing issues, connect your PS5 directly to the TV and disable HDCP from the settings.
Keep in mind that this might limit your access to certain streaming services.
2. Firmware and Compatibility
Another reason your PS5 might be refusing to cooperate with your HDMI switch is firmware and compatibility issues. Both your PS5 and the HDMI switch have their own firmware updates, and sometimes they just don’t play nice together.
The Fix:
Check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates for your HDMI switch.
Sometimes, a simple firmware update can make everything work smoothly.
Also, double-check if your HDMI switch is certified to work with the PS5.
Sony tends to provide a list of compatible devices, and it’s always a good idea to cross-reference it with your HDMI switch model.
3. Signal Loss and Power
HDMI switches, like any tech, can suffer from signal loss or insufficient power. If the switch doesn’t provide enough power to your PS5 or isn’t capable of maintaining the signal strength, you’re in for some trouble.
The Fix:
First, try plugging your HDMI switch into a different power source. Sometimes, this can resolve the issue.
If that doesn’t work, consider upgrading to a more robust HDMI switch that can handle the power demands of your PS5.
Also, make sure your HDMI cables are of good quality and not too long, as longer cables can lead to signal degradation.
4. Cable Quality and Length
HDMI cables come in various qualities, and if you’re using a low-quality cable or one that’s too long, it can lead to signal issues.
Older HDMI cables, particularly those that don’t support HDMI 2.0 or 2.1, might not provide enough bandwidth for the PS5’s 4K or high-refresh-rate output.
The Fix:
Invest in high-quality HDMI cables that are labeled as “High-Speed” or “Ultra High-Speed” and support the latest HDMI standards (2.0 or 2.1).
Also, consider the length of your cables – shorter cables can help reduce signal loss.
5. Input Confusion
Sometimes, the HDMI switch can get confused if you have too many devices connected to it. If the switch can’t identify the PS5 as the active input source, it won’t send the signal to your TV or monitor.
The Fix:
Label your HDMI inputs on the switch, or use a remote control to manually switch to the PS5 input.
This can help ensure that the HDMI switch knows where to send the signal.
6. Incompatible HDMI Switch
Not all HDMI switches are created equal. Some might be older models that don’t support the latest HDMI standards or HDCP protocols, leading to compatibility issues with the PS5.
The Fix: Ensure that you have a high-quality HDMI switch that is HDCP 2.2 compliant, supports 4K resolution, and is labeled as compatible with the PS5.
This will significantly reduce the chances of compatibility problems.
7. Audio Settings
The PS5 offers various audio output options, and if your HDMI switch doesn’t support the chosen audio format, it can result in no audio output.
The Fix: Go to your PS5’s audio settings and select a more common audio format like Dolby Digital or PCM.
This should be supported by most HDMI switches.
Alternatively, connect your PS5 directly to your TV for audio and use an optical cable for audio output to a sound system.
8. Port or Hardware Issues
Sometimes, it’s not the HDMI switch or cables causing the problem; it could be the HDMI port on your PS5 or the switch itself that’s malfunctioning.
The Fix: Try connecting other devices to the HDMI switch to see if it works with them.
If it doesn’t, the switch might be faulty.
Similarly, test the PS5 on a different HDMI port or TV to rule out any hardware issues.
9. Signal Handoff Delays
HDMI switches are designed to switch between inputs quickly, but some older or budget switches may have delays when transitioning between devices.
This delay can cause the PS5 to lose its connection.
The Fix: Invest in a high-quality HDMI switch that promises fast and seamless signal handoff between devices.
This should eliminate any delay issues.
10. Insufficient Power Supply
Some HDMI switches draw power from the connected devices, and the PS5 may not provide enough power to both itself and the switch.
The Fix: Use a powered HDMI switch that comes with its own power adapter.
This will ensure that the switch has a stable power supply and won’t draw power from the PS5.
11. Firmware Bugs and Updates
Just like any other piece of tech, HDMI switches can have firmware bugs that cause compatibility issues.
On the bright side, many manufacturers release firmware updates to address these problems.
The Fix:
Check the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer support to inquire about firmware updates for your HDMI switch.
An update might just be the solution you need to make your PS5 work seamlessly.
