HDMI 2.1 for Gaming: PS5, Xbox Series X and 4K/120Hz TV Mounting

You just bought a PS5 or Xbox Series X and want to play on your new 4K TV at 120Hz. But when you plug everything in and mount the TV, the game drops to 60Hz or the picture stutters. The problem is almost always the HDMI cable or the HDMI port rating — not the TV or the console.

Chicago gamers who mount their TVs without planning for HDMI 2.1 compatibility end up with frustrating setups: cables too short, wrong cable grade, ports blocked by the mount, or signal loss over long cable runs. Getting the HDMI chain right before mounting saves time, money, and a second trip to the store.

Quick Answer: What HDMI Cable Do I Need for PS5 and Xbox Series X?

You need a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1) to get 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz, or Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) from your PS5 or Xbox Series X. The cable must be plugged into an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV — not just any HDMI port. Use the shortest high-quality cable that fits your setup, and make sure your TV mount leaves enough clearance for the cable to connect.

What Is HDMI 2.1 and Why It Matters for Gaming

Bandwidth. HDMI 2.1 supports up to 48 Gbps of bandwidth, compared to 18 Gbps for HDMI 2.0. This extra bandwidth is what enables 4K at 120Hz, 8K at 60Hz, and advanced gaming features like VRR, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and QMS (Quick Media Streaming).

4K/120Hz gaming. PS5 and Xbox Series X can output games at 4K resolution and 120 frames per second. This requires an HDMI 2.1 cable and an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV. Without it, you are limited to 4K/60Hz or 1440p/120Hz.

VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). VRR lets your TV refresh at the same rate your console outputs frames, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. HDMI 2.1 supports both HDMI Forum VRR and VESA Adaptive-Sync VRR.

ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). When ALLM is enabled, your TV automatically switches to Game Mode when it detects a console, minimizing input lag without manual settings changes.

Common HDMI Mistakes With TV Mounting

Wrong cable grade. Using a standard HDMI cable (HDMI 2.0 or earlier) with a PS5 or Xbox Series X will limit you to 4K/60Hz. The cable must be certified Ultra High Speed HDMI.

Cable too long. Passive Ultra High Speed HDMI cables work reliably up to about 6 feet (2 meters). Longer cables require active or fiber-optic HDMI cables, which are more expensive but maintain signal integrity over distance.

Cable too short after mounting. If your console sits on a stand below the TV and the HDMI cable is only 6 feet, it may not reach after the TV is mounted on the wall. Plan the cable length before mounting.

Port blocked by mount. Some flat mounts sit the TV so close to the wall that the HDMI cable cannot plug in at the gaming port. Choose a mount with adequate clearance or use a 90-degree angled adapter.

Wrong TV port. Not all HDMI ports on a TV are HDMI 2.1. Many TVs have only one or two HDMI 2.1 ports, labeled as “HDMI 2.1” or “eARC” on the back. Plug your console into the correct port.

What Is Included in TV Mounting Service

• TV model review: we verify which HDMI ports on your TV support HDMI 2.1 and which port your console should use.
• Cable assessment: we check your HDMI cable grade and length, and recommend replacements if needed.
• Mount selection: we choose a mount that provides adequate clearance for your HDMI cable and gaming console connections.
• Wall assessment: we inspect the wall for studs, wiring, plumbing, and obstructions before drilling.
• Mount installation: secure mounting to wall studs or appropriate anchors for the wall type.
• Console connection and testing: we connect your PS5 or Xbox, verify 4K/120Hz output, and confirm VRR and ALLM are working.
• Cable management: HDMI cables are routed cleanly, either on the surface or through the wall (if code-compliant).

When TV Mounting Requires Specialized Help

• In-wall HDMI cabling. Running HDMI cable inside walls requires CL2 or CL3-rated in-wall cable. Standard HDMI cables are not code-compliant for in-wall use. If in-wall routing is needed, we use the correct rated cable.
• New electrical outlets for consoles. If your console needs a dedicated outlet behind or near the TV and none exists, a licensed electrician is required for new wiring.
• Multi-console or multi-ROOM setups. Installing gaming setups across multiple rooms or connecting consoles via matrix switches requires professional AV integration.

Chicago-Specific Considerations

Apartment gaming setups. Chicago apartments and condos often have limited space for consoles. Many gamers mount their TV and place the console on a media console, shelf, or desk below. This means planning HDMI cable length carefully — a 6-foot cable may not reach from the TV to a console on the floor.

Older building wiring. Pre-war Chicago buildings may have outdated electrical panels and limited outlets near TV mounting locations. If your console outlet is far from the TV, we can discuss in-wall power kit options or surface cable routing solutions.

Landlord restrictions. If you rent, mounting a TV and routing cables through walls may require landlord permission. We can work within your building’s rules and use surface-mount solutions when in-wall routing is not allowed.

Our TV Mounting Process

Step 1: TV and gaming setup review.
We check your TV model, identify HDMI 2.1 ports, review your console (PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC), and verify your HDMI cable grade and length.

Step 2: Mount and cable planning.
We select a mount with adequate clearance for your HDMI cable, plan the cable routing path, and confirm the console location.

Step 3: Mount installation.
The mount is secured to wall studs or anchored for your wall type. We verify the mount is level and securely fastened.

Step 4: TV mounting and cable connection.
The TV is hung, HDMI cables are connected to the correct HDMI 2.1 ports, and your console is connected and tested for 4K/120Hz output.

Step 5: Gaming verification and cleanup.
We launch a game, verify 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM are active, route cables cleanly, and clean up the work area.

Pricing Factors

• TV size and weight. — Larger gaming TVs (65″ and above) require more robust mounts and two-person installation.
• Mount type. — Flat mounts are least expensive. Tilting and full-motion mounts cost more but provide better cable access.
• Wall type. — Standard drywall over wood studs is straightforward. Plaster, brick, concrete, and metal stud walls require specialized anchors.
• Cable length and routing. — Shorter cables are less expensive. In-wall cable concealment adds time and requires CL2-rated cable.
• Number of devices. — Connecting a console, soundbar, streaming device, and cable box adds setup and testing time.

FAQ: HDMI 2.1 and Gaming TV Mounting

Q: Does my TV have HDMI 2.1 ports?
A: Check your TV manual or the labels next to the HDMI ports on the back. HDMI 2.1 ports are often labeled “HDMI 2.1,” “48G,” or “eARC.” Most TVs from 2020 onward have at least one HDMI 2.1 port, but not all ports on the TV are HDMI 2.1.

Q: Can I use a regular HDMI cable with my PS5?
A: You can, but you will be limited to 4K/60Hz. For 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, you need a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1).

Q: How long can an HDMI 2.1 cable be?
A: Passive Ultra High Speed HDMI cables work reliably up to about 6 feet. For longer runs, you need an active or fiber-optic HDMI 2.1 cable, which maintains signal quality over distances up to 32 feet or more.

Q: Which HDMI port should I plug my console into?
A: Use an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV. If your TV has multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, any will work. If it has only one, make sure your console uses that specific port.

Q: My TV mount blocks the HDMI port I need. What do I do?
A: We can swap to a mount with more clearance, use a 90-degree angled HDMI adapter, or reposition the mount slightly to expose the port. We check this before finalizing the installation.

Q: Do you test the gaming setup after mounting?
A: Yes. We connect your console, launch a game, and verify that 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM are all active. If anything is not working, we troubleshoot on the spot.

Get Your Gaming TV Mounted Right the First Time

A gaming TV setup is only as good as its weakest HDMI link. We verify your cable, port, mount clearance, and signal quality before we call the job done — so you get the 4K/120Hz experience you paid for.

Related: TV Ports Blocked by Mount | HDMI Cable Too Short After TV Mounting | TV Mounting Services