PS5

How to tell if you are playing the PS4 or PS5 version of a game

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The PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition are backwards compatible with a vast majority of PlayStation 4 video games. Some of these games feature an upgrade option (where you can get the PS5 version of the same game if you already own the PS4 version) or cross buy option (where you can get both the PS4 and PS5 versions when you purchase a game).

Sony doesn’t exactly make it obvious which version of the game you are playing in the hub area of the system menu. If you are having trouble figuring this out, you can follow this guide at Seeking Tech.

Method #1

The first method is to scroll to the game from the main system menu. To the right of the game’s icon, you will see the plain text version of the game’s title. If you are playing the PS4 version, you will see “PS4” to the right of the title.

Method #2

The second method is by pressing the “Options” button on your DualSense (which has three horizontal lines and located directly left of the Triangle button) when you highlight the game in question from the main system menu. In the new submenu, scroll down and select “Game Version.” The current version of the game is displayed with a checkmark next to it.

How to switch between the PS4 and PS5 version of a game

To switch from the PS4 version to the PS5 version of a game and vice versa, first make sure you are on the main system menu. Afterwards, navigate to the game you want to switch.

With the game in question highlighted, press the “Options” button on your controller to bring up a submenu. In here, select “Game Version,” which shows what version of the game is currently being played on the PlayStation 5 via a check mark.

To switch to the other version, you first highlight it and then confirm your selection by pressing the X button on your controller. Keep in mind that you may have to download the version you selected if you haven’t done so already.

How to delete one version of a game

To delete one version of a game, first make sure you are in the main system menu. You can then navigate to the game.

With the game highlighted, press the “Options” button on your controller to bring up a submenu. Afterwards, select “Delete.”

If done correctly, you will be brought to the “Delete” screen. In here, you can select which version to remove from storage. Be default, both the PS4 and PS5 versions are selected. So, make sure you deselect the version you want to keep on your storage.

How to automatically mute the DualSense microphone

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One of the new features of the DualSense is the inclusion of a microphone. The mic is automatically activated when the PlayStation 5 controller is powered on. If you want to automatically mute the microphone when your DualSense is turned on, you can follow this guide at Seeking Tech.

1. After choosing a user, you will be at the main system menu of the PlayStation 5. From here, navigate upward and then right until the “Settings” option (which has a gear looking symbol that is directly to the left of your profile picture) is highlighted. Press the X button on your controller to enter settings.

2. In the “Settings” menu, select “Sound” from the list.

3. In the “Sound” menu, select “Microphone” from the list.

4. In the “Microphone” menu select “Microphone Status When Logged In.” The default option is set to “On” with “Mute” being the other option.

5. To deactivate the microphone on your DualSense when the controller is turned on, you need to change the option to “Mute.”

How to deactivate DualSense microphone when starting chat or broadcast

The microphone on your DualSense will also be automatically activated when you start a chat or broadcast session.

If you want to change this setting, you can take the following steps:

1. In the aforementioned “Microphone Menu,” select “Microphone Status When Starting Chat.” The default option here is “Don’t Change” with the other option being “Switch to Mute.”

2. To mute the microphone, you need to change the option for “Microphone Status When Starting Chat” to “Switch to Mute.”

How to manually mute and unmute the DualSense microphone

If you look at your DualSense, you will notice a white stripe underneath the PS button. When the microphone is muted, the stripe will show an orange indicator. When the mic is activated, the stripe won’t be lighted at all.

You can actually press this same stripe to mute and unmute the microphone of the DualSense. You will also hear a chime and get a visual notification on the top right side of your television when you mute or unmute the DualSense’s microphone.

What media discs and game discs can be played on PS5?

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The PlayStation 5 is compatible with 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray, which is a first for Sony gaming systems. The new console also supports a lot more other media discs as well, according to its safety guide.

You can take a look at the list in this guide at Seeking Tech.

Compatible Media Discs

In addition to the aforementioned 4K UHD, the PS5 can also play Blu-Rays and DVDs. You can find a list of compatible media discs below:

  • 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray
  • Blu-Ray
  • BD-ROM
  • BD-R
  • BD-RE 2.0 or later
  • DVD-ROM
  • DVD+R
  • DVD+RW
  • DVD-R
  • DVD-RW
  • AVCHD

Compatible Game Discs

With the PlayStation 5, you will be able to play PS5 Format Ultra HD Blu-Ray game discs and PS4 Format Blu-Ray game discs. In order to play physical PlayStation 4 videogames on the PlayStation 5, the PS4 games need to be compatible with the PS5.

Region Codes for U.S. PS5

You can find the region codes for the supported Blu-Ray media discs, DVD media discs and PS4 Blu-Ray discs for the U.S. region of the PlayStation 5 below:

  • Blu-Ray Disc: A
  • DVD: 1 and All
  • PlayStation 4 Blu-Ray Disc: 1 and All
  • Incompatible Media Discs

There are also a sizeable lists of incompatible media discs, the biggest of which is CD-ROM. You can take a look at the list below:

  • BD-RE 1.0
  • CD-ROM
  • DVD-A
  • SACD
  • 8cm discs
  • Cracked discs
  • Deformed discs
  • Repaired discs
  • Discs with stickers attached
  • Discs with paper attached
  • Non-circular discs

If you have a DualDisc, the PlayStation 5 can only play the DVD video side and not the CD audio side.

Incompatible Game Discs

The PlayStation 5 is not backwards compatible with PS1, PS2 and PS3 games. So, the fifth Sony home console won’t be able to play the following discs from previous generations:

  • PlayStation Format CDs
  • PlayStation 2 Format CDs
  • PlayStation 2 Format DVDs
  • PlayStation 3 Format Blu-Ray Discs

We should also note that the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Is not compatible with any media discs or game discs as it does not come with a disc drive. Furthermore, discs that have scratches, dust particles and/or incompatible recording process may not play on the PS5.

How to fix unresponsive microphone input in Astro’s Playroom

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Astro’s Playroom is a videogame that is pre-installed with every PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. When playing, you may eventually come up to a section where the game will tell you to blow into the microphone input of your DualSense controller.

If you are having issues in this section, you can follow this guide at Seeking Tech for some potential fixes.

Why the DualSense mic is unresponsive in Astro’s Playroom

Based on our tests, this issue mainly occurs when you are using a headphone or headset with your PlayStation 5. Once the system detects your headphone or headset, it will automatically switch the microphone input device from the microphone on the DualSense controller to the microphone on your headphone or headset. Keep in mind that not all headphones will have this issue.

You can check the microphone input device in the Settings section of the system menu. From there, select “Sound” and then “Microphone.”

Solution for Headphone

If you running into issues with unresponsive microphone input when using a headphone (which don’t have a microphone), then an easy way to get past these sections that require you to blow on a mic is by pressing the mic mute button. The button is located below the “PS” button on your DualSense controller. You can tell the microphone Is muted when it displays an orange light.

Once the Astro’s Playroom game detects that your microphone has been muted, it will move you through the problematic section without any inputs.

Solution for Headset

If you have a headset, you need to blow directly into the mic on your headset.

If you are still having issues, you can try going to “Settings” from the main system menu and then select “Sound.” From there, select “Microphone” and then “Adjust Microphone Level.” In this section, you can test out the sensitivity of your headset microphone and adjust the microphone level. If your input level is too low, try increasing the microphone level.

If blowing into your headset microphone still does not work, you can try muting your microphone on your headset during the mic-blowing sections in Astro’s Playroom and see if the game will move you through without any inputs.

If none of the above works, simply disconnect your headset from the PlayStation 5. The system will automatically revert the microphone input to your DualSense controller. So, you should now be able to blow on it. Once again, you can check your mic status from the main system menu by going to “Settings,” then “Sound” and then “Microphone.”

How to disable PS5 trophy screenshot capture and video clip recording

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The PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition automatically enable screenshot and video clip recording every time you earn a trophy. This can be troublesome as these media will take up space on the internal solid state drive on your system.

Fortunately, you can disable trophy screenshot capture and video clip recording.

To do so, you can take the following steps in this guide at Seeking Tech:

1. After turning on your PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, select a user to bring up the system menu.

2. In the system menu, navigate upwards and then scroll right until you see “Settings” (which has a gear symbol) and the X button on your DualSense to enter it.

3. Under the “Settings” menu, scroll down to “Captures and Broadcasts” and select it.

4. In the “Captures and Broadcasts” menu, scroll down and select the “Trophies” section.

5. In the “Trophies” submenu, you have three options: “Save Trophy Screenshots” (automatically take a screenshot when you earn a trophy), “Save Trophy Videos” (automatically record a video clip when you earn a trophy) and “Trophy Video Duration” (which lets you record videos in duration of 15 seconds or 30 seconds).

6. To disable “Save Trophy Screenshots”, press the X button with that option highlighted. To disable “Save Trophy Videos,” press the X button with that option highlighted. You will know if these options are disabled when the white circle next to them become transparent and move from right to left. When you disable “Save Trophy Videos,” the “Trophy Video Duration” option will also disappear.

How to delete PS5 trophy screenshots and video clips

1. You can also delete your existing trophy screenshots and video clips. To do so, you can take the following steps:

2. In the “Settings” menu, scroll down to the “Storage” option and select it.

3. In the “Storage” menu, select “Console Storage” and then down until you see “Media Gallery.” Press X to enter it.

4. In “Media Gallery,” scroll right to the “Trophies” tab.

5. You can now select any individual screenshot or video clip you want to delete.

6. With the screenshot or video clip highlighted, you can then press the “Options” button on your DualSense (the button with the three horizontal lines directly to the left of the Triangle button). You then select the option to delete that file from the storage drive.

7. Alternatively, you can scroll to the left to the “Select Multiple” (which has a check symbol) to select multiple media files simultaneously. You can scroll all the way right to the “Select All” option. After making you selection, scroll right to the menu and then down to “Delete” in order to remove the media files.

How to turn off PlayStation Plus Auto-Renew on PS5

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If you want to turn off automatic renewal for your PlayStation Plus service directly on your PlayStation 5, you can follow this guide at Seeking Tech.

About PlayStation Plus

The PlayStation Plus is a subscription service for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.

You need to be a member in order to play most multiplayer games online. You will also get access to select games, which are added on a monthly basis, in addition to exclusive discounts and other benefits.

About PlayStation Plus Auto-Renew

Automatic renewal is enabled by default. Even if you turn off auto-renew, PlayStation will turn it back on every time you decide to re-subscribe or extend your subscription.

Turning Off PlayStation Plus Auto-Renew on PS5

To turn off the auto-renew option of the PlayStation Plus on PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, you can take the following steps:

1. After powering on your PS5 or PS5 Digital, select the user that has an active PlayStation Plus subscription (the profile image will be have a yellow plus sign).

2. On the main system menu, press up or the directional pad or left analog stick. This will give you access to the options on the upper tab. From there, press right on the D-pad or left analog stick until you get to “Settings” (which has a gear symbol). Press the X button with “Settings” highlighted to bring up the “Settings” menu.

3. In “Settings,” scroll select “Users and Accounts.”

4. In “Users and Accounts,” press right on the D-Pad and left analog stick and then select “Payment and Subscriptions.”

5. In “Payment and Subscriptions,” scroll down and select “Subscriptions.”

6. In “Subscriptions,” select “PlayStation Plus.”

7. In the PlayStation Plus menu, you get to see the current membership status, including the start date, next charge date and next renewal date. In the same menu, you also have two options: “Extend” and either “Turn-Off Auto-Renew” or “Turn-On Auto-Renew.”

8. If you see “Turn-On Auto-Renew,” then you don’t have to do anything as your PlayStation Plus subscription is already set to disable automatic renewal.

9. If you see “Turn-Off Auto-Renew,” then you should select that option. You will then be prompted to confirm your action, which you can do by selecting “Yes.”

10. Afterwards, you will see a feedback page where you can give a reason as to why you want to disable automatic renewal. You can choose a reason or simply skip it. Either way, you need to select “OK” for the final confirmation.

11. If done correctly, you will be right back at the PlayStation Plus menu and you will see “Turn-On Auto-Renew” as an option.

12. If you want to turn automatic renewal back on, you simply select the “Turn-On Auto-Renew” option from the PlayStation Plus menu.

Compatible HDMI Cables for the PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

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Although the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S come with HDMI cables, these connectors may be too short in length to fit your setup in your entertainment center.

You can follow this guide to find compatible extra long HDMI cables for these videogame systems.

Quick Summary 

The PlayStation 5 comes with a 5.5 feet HDMI 2.1 cable, the Xbox Series X comes with a 6.5 feet HDMI 2.1 cable and the Xbox Series S comes with a 6.5 HDMI 2.0 cable.

If you want to use a longer cable that can take full advantage of these game consoles, then we recommend picking up either the 10-foot Zeskit 8K Ultra HD High Speed 48 Gpbs HDMI 2.1 Cable or 16-foot Zeskit 8K Ultra HD High Speed 48 Gpbs HDMI 2.1 Cable. 

HDMI Version Included with PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X come with a HDMI 2.1 cable.

The Xbox Series S comes with a HDMI 2.0 cable.

With HDMI 2.1, you will be able to play games in the following refresh rates and resolutions:

  • 30Hz at 1080p
  • 60Hz at 1080p
  • 120Hz at 1080p
  • 30Hz at 1440p
  • 60Hz at 1440p
  • 120Hz at 1440p
  • 30Hz at 4K
  • 60Hz at 4K
  • 120Hz at 4K
  • 30Hz at 10K
  • 60Hz at 10K

The HDMI 2.0 supports the following refresh rates and resolutions:

  • 30Hz at 1080p
  • 60Hz at 1080p
  • 120Hz at 1080p
  • 30Hz at 1440p
  • 60Hz at 1440p
  • 120Hz at 1440p
  • 30Hz at 4K
  • 60Hz at 4K

HDMI 2.1 also come with extra features not found in HDMI 2.0 such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) Display Stream Compression (DSC), Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).

In order to use HDMI 2.1 features, you need to connect your videogame system to a TV with HDMI 2.1 ports.

If you connect your console to a HDMI 2.0 port using a HDMI 2.1 cable, your video output will be limited to the HDMI 2.0 supported refresh rates, resolutions and features.

What all of this mean is that you need to know what version is the long HDMI cable you are buying.

Otherwise, you could end up missing out on some display features.

In general, we recommend getting a HDMI 2.1 cable over HDMI 2.0 cable as the newer version is future-proof. Even if your current television set don’t have any HDMI 2.1 ports, any new TV models will most likely have them in the future. Not to mention that HDMI 2.1 cables are backwards compatible with HDMI 2.0 ports.

PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S HDMI Cable Lengths

The HDMI 2.1 cable that comes with the PlayStation 5 is around 5.5 feet long.

The HDMI 2.1 cable that is included with the Xbox Series X is around 6.5 feet long.

Last but not least, the HDMI 2.0 cable that comes with the Xbox Series S is around 5.5 feet long.

Compatible Extra Long HDMI 2.1 Cable for PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

The best long HDMI 2.1 cable we recommend is the Zeskit 8K Ultra HD High Speed 48 Gpbs HDMI Cable.

The product supports all of the refresh rates, resolutions and features from HDMI 2.1.

It comes in lengths of 3 feet, 6.5 feet, 10 feet and 16 feet.

If you are interested, you can purchase the longer versions with the following links from Amazon:

Compatible Extra Long HDMI 2.0 Cable for PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

If you still want to get a long HDMI 2.0 cable instead, then we suggest buying the Zeskit Cinema Plus High Speed HDMI 2.0b Cable as it supports all the HDMI 2.0 refresh rates, resolutions and features.

This cable is available in six different lengths: 1.5 foot, 3 feet, 6.5 feet, 10 feet, 16 feet and 29 feet.

You can buy the longer lengths, if you are interested, on Amazon with the following links:

Is the Samsung TU8000 TV suitable for PS5, Xbox Series X and other consoles?

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In 2020, Samsung released the TU8000. So is the Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV series good for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and other gaming consoles?

You can find out with this guide at Seeking Tech.

Quick Summary

With the lack of HDMI 2.1 ports, along with underwhelming HDR, the Samsung TU8000 is not the most suitable TV for the PS5 and Xbox One X.

The low latency of this TV (with game mode activated) makes it great for older systems that use HDMI.

With that said, the HDR is not that great if you want to get the best out of the PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One S and/or Xbox One X.

Size Options

The Samsung TU8000 comes in multiple sizes: 43″ (UN43TU8000FXZA), 50″ (UN50TU8000FXZA), 55″(UN55TU8000FXZA), 65″ (UN65TU8000FXZA), 75″ (UN75TU8000FXZA) and 85″ (UN85TU8000FXZA).

Does the Samsung TU8000 have HDMI 2.1 ports?

The TU8000 has three HDMI ports.

Unfortunately, none are HDMI 2.1, which is recommend if you want to get the most out of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox One Series X.

Instead, all three ports are HDMI 2.0.

Samsung TU8000’s HDR Capabilities

According to the tests conducted by RTINGS, the HDR features of the Samsung TU8000 is somewhat underwhelming with a HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness of 271 cd/m² and HDR Sustained 100% Window of 291 cd/m².

Although the television set supports HDR10 and HDR10+, it doesn’t support Dolby Vision and Wide Color Gamut.

You can find RTINGS stats below:

  • HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness: 271 cd/m²
  • HDR Peak 2% Window: 161 cd/m²
  • HDR Peak 10% Window: 292 cd/m²
  • HDR Peak 25% Window: 291 cd/m²
  • HDR Peak 50% Window: 291 cd/m²
  • HDR Peak 100% Window: 291 cd/m²
  • HDR Sustained 2% Window: 158 cd/m²
  • HDR Sustained 10% Window: 291 cd/m²
  • HDR Sustained 25% Window: 291 cd/m²
  • HDR Sustained 50% Window: 291 cd/m²
  • HDR Sustained 100% Window: 291 cd/m²
  • HDR ABL: 0.042

Samsung TU8000’s Input Lag

Based on the RTINGS, the TU8000 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV has excellent when it comes to input lag.

With the game mode enabled, tests show that there is a 9.7 ms lag when running at 1080p resolution/60 Hz refresh rate, 9.5 ms lag when running 4K resolution/60 Hz refresh rate and 9.7 ms lag when running at 4K Resolution/60 Hz refresh/10-bit HDR.

PC gamers should also be happy to learn that the lag is only 9.6 ms in 4K Resolution/60 Hz refresh rate/4:4:4.

You can find RTING’s input lag test results below:

  • 1080p resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate (Game Mode Enabled): 9.7 ms
  • 1080p resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate (Game Mode Disabled): 87.2 ms
  • 1440p resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate (Game Mode Enabled): 9.9 ms
  • 4K resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate (Game Mode Enabled): 9.5 ms
  • 4K resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate + 10 bit HDR (Game Mode Enabled): 9.7 ms
  • 4K resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate (Game Mode Disabled): 85.3 ms
  • 4K resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate With Interpolation (Game Mode Enabled): 25.3 ms
  • 4K resolution and 60 Hz at 4:4:4: 9.6 ms

Is the TU8000 good for PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Based on the aforementioned information, the TU8000 is not a good television set for the PS5 and Xbox Series X as it lacks support for HDMI 2.1.

Although the input lag is excellent, the TV is also hindered by lacking HDR performances and features.

Is the TU8000 good for Switch, PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One, Xbox One S and Xbox One X?

If don’t care about HDR, then the TU8000 is great for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One, Xbox One S and Xbox One X due to the minimal input lag with the game mode enabled.

If you want to take full advantage of the HDR features in supported older consoles (which are the PS4, PS4 Pro, Xbox One S and Xbox One X), then you are better off getting another television set.

Legacy Consoles Support

The Samsung TU8000 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV comes with one composite input, so you will be able to directly plug in the PSOne, Nintendo 64, Xbox One and more.

The TV also includes one cable/antenna tuner. Thus, you will be able to directly plug in your NES, Super NES, Sega Genesis and more.