Understanding and Troubleshooting Monitor Artifacts with Next-Generation Consoles: A Case Study
In the rapidly evolving world of gaming and high-resolution displays, compatibility issues can sometimes arise, even with premium hardware. A recent experience highlights the complexities of connecting a new PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro) to a high-end LG UltraGear 32GR93U-B monitor and the troubleshooting steps involved.
Background
The user purchased an LG UltraGear 32GR93U-B, a 31.5-inch 4K IPS monitor with a 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate, approximately one month ago. Initially, connecting the PS5 Pro to the monitor resulted in a seamless experience, with no visual anomalies. The user also connected a laptop to the same monitor without issues.
Emerging Issue
Problems began when repeatedly switching between the laptop (connected via HDMI 1) and the PS5 Pro (connected via HDMI 2). Upon switching to the PS5 Pro, a thin horizontal black line appeared across the screen. Notably:
- Adjusting the laptop’s refresh rate from 144Hz down to 60Hz caused the black line to appear.
- Restoring the laptop’s refresh rate back to 144Hz made the line disappear.
- The black line persisted invariably when using the PS5 Pro, regardless of resolution or refresh rate settings.
Troubleshooting Attempts
A comprehensive series of tests and adjustments were conducted, including:
- Switching HDMI ports and using different HDMI cables, including certified HDMI 2.1 cables.
- Changing display resolutions and refresh rates (1080p, 1440p, 4K; 60Hz, 120Hz).
- Modifying HDR and color format settings (RGB Limited, YCbCr 4:2:2).
- Toggling VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and Adaptive Sync features.
- Performing a factory reset on the monitor.
- Testing the PS5 Pro with other displays, with no issues observed.
- Connecting a laptop to the monitor, which also functioned correctly.
Key Observations
The problem appears isolated to the PS5 Pro when used with this specific monitor. The PS5 functions correctly on other displays, and the laptop’s connection to the monitor remains stable under various configurations. The issue’s persistence regardless of resolution, refresh rate, HDR, or sync settings suggests a compatibility or firmware-related challenge.
Potential Causes and Recommendations
While the exact cause remains uncertain, the following factors
Share this content: