Playing your PlayStation 4 on a computer monitor can offer a superior gaming experience compared to a standard television, especially if you value responsiveness, clarity, and a smaller form factor. Perhaps you want to use your monitor for both PC gaming and console gaming, or maybe you simply don’t have the space for a large TV. Whatever your reason, connecting your PS4 to a monitor is a straightforward process with several methods available. This guide will walk you through each option, covering the necessary equipment, setup steps, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a seamless gaming experience.
Direct HDMI Connection: The Simplest Method
The most direct and often the best method for playing your PS4 on a computer monitor involves using an HDMI cable. This is the simplest approach and generally provides the best image quality and lowest input lag.
Necessary Equipment
To use this method, you’ll need the following:
- A PlayStation 4 console.
- A computer monitor with an HDMI port. Make sure your monitor supports HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) if you plan to watch Blu-ray discs or streaming services.
- An HDMI cable.
- Speakers or headphones (if your monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers).
Connection Steps
Connecting your PS4 to your monitor via HDMI is incredibly easy.
- Power off both your PS4 and your computer monitor. This is a crucial first step for any hardware connection.
- Locate the HDMI port on the back of your PS4 and the HDMI port on your monitor. Most monitors have more than one HDMI port, so choose one that is easily accessible.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your PS4 and the other end to the HDMI port on your monitor.
- Power on your monitor and select the correct HDMI input source. Most monitors have a button or menu option to switch between input sources like HDMI 1, HDMI 2, DisplayPort, etc.
- Power on your PS4.
Once your PS4 boots up, you should see the PlayStation interface on your monitor. If you don’t, double-check that you’ve selected the correct HDMI input on your monitor and that the HDMI cable is securely connected to both devices.
Audio Considerations
One potential issue with using a monitor is the audio output. Many monitors lack built-in speakers or have speakers of poor quality.
If your monitor has a headphone jack, you can connect headphones or external speakers directly to the monitor. The PS4 will send the audio signal through the HDMI cable to the monitor, which will then output the audio through the connected headphones or speakers.
If your monitor doesn’t have a headphone jack, you can connect headphones directly to the PS4 controller. This is a convenient solution, but it relies on the controller’s battery and may introduce a slight audio delay.
Alternatively, you can use an HDMI audio extractor. This device splits the audio signal from the HDMI signal, allowing you to connect external speakers or headphones directly to the extractor. These devices typically connect inline between the PS4 and the monitor.
Using Remote Play: Playing PS4 Games on Your Computer
Another option is to use the PS4 Remote Play feature. This allows you to stream games from your PS4 to your computer over your local network. This method does not require a monitor with an HDMI port, as the game is displayed on your computer screen.
Requirements for Remote Play
To use Remote Play, you’ll need:
- A PlayStation 4 console.
- A computer (Windows or macOS).
- A stable and fast internet connection (both for the PS4 and the computer). Sony recommends a minimum upload and download speed of 5 Mbps, but 15 Mbps or higher is ideal for a smooth experience.
- A DualShock 4 controller.
- The PS4 Remote Play application (available for free from the PlayStation website).
Setting up Remote Play
Setting up Remote Play involves several steps:
- Download and install the PS4 Remote Play application on your computer.
- Ensure your PS4 is connected to your home network, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Ethernet generally provides a more stable connection and lower latency.
- On your PS4, go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings and enable Remote Play.
- Activate your PS4 as your primary PS4. This is done in Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- In the PS4 Remote Play application on your computer, sign in with your PlayStation Network account.
- Connect your DualShock 4 controller to your computer using a USB cable.
- The application will search for your PS4 on the network. If it doesn’t find it automatically, you can manually register your PS4 by entering a code displayed on your PS4’s screen. This can be found under Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Add Device.
- Once connected, your PS4’s screen will be displayed on your computer monitor.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Remote Play
Remote Play offers the advantage of playing your PS4 games on your computer without needing a direct HDMI connection. This is useful if your monitor is already connected to your PC or if you want to play your PS4 games in a different room.
However, Remote Play also has some disadvantages. The streaming quality depends heavily on your network connection. You may experience lag, stuttering, or reduced image quality if your network is congested or your internet speed is slow. Also, input lag can be more noticeable compared to a direct HDMI connection.
Using a Capture Card: Advanced Setup for Streaming and Recording
A capture card provides another way to play your PS4 on your computer monitor. This method is primarily used for streaming or recording gameplay, but it can also be used simply to play games on your monitor.
What is a Capture Card?
A capture card is a device that allows you to record or stream video from an external source, such as a game console, to your computer. It typically connects to your computer via USB or PCIe and has HDMI input and output ports.
Equipment Required
To use a capture card to play your PS4 on your monitor, you’ll need:
- A PlayStation 4 console.
- A computer monitor.
- A capture card (e.g., Elgato Game Capture HD60 S, Razer Ripsaw HD).
- An HDMI cable.
- A USB cable (for connecting the capture card to your computer).
- Capture card software (usually provided by the manufacturer).
Setup Process
Setting up a capture card involves these steps:
- Install the capture card software on your computer.
- Connect your PS4 to the capture card’s HDMI input port using an HDMI cable.
- Connect the capture card’s HDMI output port to your computer monitor using another HDMI cable.
- Connect the capture card to your computer via USB.
- Open the capture card software on your computer. The software should detect the PS4’s video signal.
- Configure the software to display the PS4’s video on your monitor. Most capture card software allows you to view the live feed in full-screen mode.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Capture Card
Using a capture card offers several benefits. It allows you to record and stream your gameplay easily. It also provides a way to play your PS4 on your monitor without relying on Remote Play, which can be beneficial if your network connection is unreliable.
However, capture cards can be expensive. Also, they may introduce a slight input lag, although this is usually minimal with modern capture cards. Setting up the software can also be more complex than simply connecting an HDMI cable.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Regardless of the method you choose, you might encounter some issues when trying to play your PS4 on your computer monitor. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
- No signal: Double-check that the HDMI cable is securely connected to both the PS4 and the monitor. Make sure you’ve selected the correct HDMI input source on your monitor. Try using a different HDMI cable to rule out a faulty cable.
- Low resolution or blurry image: Ensure that your PS4’s video output settings are configured correctly. Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings and adjust the resolution, HDR settings, and other options. Make sure the resolution matches your monitor’s native resolution for the best image quality.
- Audio problems: If you’re not getting any audio, check the audio output settings on your PS4. Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Audio Output Settings and select the correct output device. If you’re using headphones connected to the controller, make sure the volume is turned up.
- Input lag: Input lag can be caused by several factors, including a slow network connection (when using Remote Play), a low-quality HDMI cable, or your monitor’s response time. Try using an HDMI cable with a lower response time, and close unnecessary applications on your computer.
- Remote Play connection issues: If you’re having trouble connecting to your PS4 using Remote Play, make sure both your PS4 and your computer are connected to the same network. Restart both devices and try again. Check your network settings to ensure that Remote Play is not being blocked by a firewall or other security software.
Conclusion
Playing your PS4 on a computer monitor can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you choose the simplicity of a direct HDMI connection, the flexibility of Remote Play, or the advanced features of a capture card, understanding the setup process and potential issues will help you get the most out of your gaming setup. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy your favorite PS4 games on your computer monitor with optimal image quality, responsiveness, and convenience. Remember to prioritize a stable connection and adjust your settings for the best possible performance.
What hardware do I need to play my PS4 on a computer monitor?
To play your PS4 on a computer monitor, you’ll primarily need the PS4 console itself, a computer monitor with an HDMI input, an HDMI cable to connect the two, and a DualShock 4 controller. If your monitor lacks built-in speakers, you will also require external speakers or headphones to hear the game audio. A stable power supply for both the PS4 and the monitor is also essential.
Optional accessories include a USB cable to charge your DualShock 4 controller if you plan to play for extended periods, and potentially a keyboard and mouse adapter if you desire to use these peripherals instead of the controller for certain games. Consider an HDMI to DisplayPort adapter if your monitor only has DisplayPort inputs, but be aware that this may introduce input lag.
How do I connect my PS4 to my computer monitor?
Connecting your PS4 to your computer monitor is a straightforward process. Simply locate the HDMI output port on the back of your PS4 and connect one end of the HDMI cable to it. Then, find the HDMI input port on your computer monitor and plug the other end of the HDMI cable into it.
Once the physical connection is made, turn on both your PS4 and your computer monitor. Use the monitor’s input selection menu (usually accessible through buttons on the monitor itself) to choose the HDMI input to which you connected your PS4. The PS4’s display should then appear on your monitor, allowing you to begin playing.
What resolution and refresh rate settings should I use?
The ideal resolution and refresh rate settings will depend on your monitor’s capabilities and your PS4 model. Most modern computer monitors support at least 1080p (Full HD), which is a good starting point. If your monitor supports 1440p or 4K resolution and your PS4 Pro or PS5 is capable, selecting these higher resolutions will result in a sharper image.
As for the refresh rate, the PS4 typically outputs at 60Hz, which is sufficient for most games. Check your monitor’s specifications to ensure it can support 60Hz at your chosen resolution. You can adjust the display settings on your PS4 through the “Sound and Screen” section of the settings menu to fine-tune the output resolution and other visual parameters.
Can I use my computer speakers for PS4 audio?
Yes, you can use your computer speakers for PS4 audio, but it depends on how your devices are connected. If your monitor has a headphone jack or audio output, and your PS4 is connected to the monitor via HDMI, the audio should automatically be routed to the monitor. You can then connect your speakers to the monitor’s audio output.
Alternatively, you can connect headphones directly to the DualShock 4 controller. However, if you want to use dedicated computer speakers directly connected to your computer, you might need to use a separate audio extractor to split the audio signal from the HDMI connection or utilize the PlayStation Remote Play app on your computer with appropriate audio settings configured.
Is there any input lag when playing PS4 on a computer monitor?
Some input lag is inevitable when playing on any display that’s not directly connected. The amount of input lag depends on the processing time of the monitor and the efficiency of the connection. Some monitors are specifically designed with low input lag for gaming, often advertised as having a “gaming mode” that bypasses certain image processing features.
To minimize input lag, ensure your monitor is set to its gaming mode (if available), and disable any unnecessary image processing features like dynamic contrast or noise reduction. Using a direct HDMI connection generally provides the lowest possible input lag. If you experience significant lag, consider trying a different HDMI cable or adjusting your monitor’s settings.
Can I play PS4 games on my computer using Remote Play?
Yes, you can play PS4 games on your computer using the Remote Play application. This feature allows you to stream your PS4’s display to your computer over your local network, enabling you to play games even when you’re not directly in front of your TV or monitor. You’ll need to download and install the PlayStation Remote Play application on your computer.
To set up Remote Play, ensure both your PS4 and your computer are connected to the same network. Enable Remote Play on your PS4 through the settings menu and link your PlayStation Network account to the Remote Play application on your computer. The performance of Remote Play will depend on the speed and stability of your network connection, so a wired connection is recommended for the best experience.
Will using a computer monitor instead of a TV affect game performance?
Using a computer monitor instead of a TV can affect the perceived game performance, primarily due to differences in response time and input lag. Gaming monitors typically have much lower response times than TVs, resulting in less motion blur and a more responsive gaming experience. Additionally, monitors often have lower input lag, meaning the time it takes for your actions to register on the screen is reduced.
While the actual frame rate of the game will remain the same (determined by the PS4 itself), the lower response time and input lag of a monitor can make the game feel smoother and more responsive. However, if your TV has a dedicated “game mode” that optimizes these factors, the difference might be less noticeable. Ultimately, the impact on game performance depends on the specific monitor and TV being compared.