I’m far from tech savvy so need a bit of advice about upgrading my TV…
I’m currently running a 40" Samsung with my Series X. I know little about it, except that I believe it’s only HD. I don’t really know what 1080p means (1080 pixels across the width?) but apparently this TV is outputting (or will output) a maximum resolution of 1920.
Now, I’m pretty happy with the way MSFS currently looks — however I’m aware I’m not using the Series X to its full potential — what differences would I notice running a 4K TV? Would it be like night and day or would it only be subtle? And are there things to look for in a 4K TV that will further improve the visuals?
Please bear in mind I’m pretty clueless with technology so in layman’s terms if possible, please.
I just read the other thread but it didn’t really reveal too much, save to say that you think the 4K is definitely better?
As far as I know (and my knowledge is VERY limited), 4K is 2160p? Is there an option to run 4K TVs in 1440?
How is the visual difference? Does it considerably improve immersion/realism, I suppose is what I’m asking? I’ve seen various pieces of advice, such as buying one with HDR (being a photographer, I at least understand that!), one that has HDMI 2.1, and one that refreshes at 120Hz rather than 60.
I can get one for GB£160, and they go up into their thousands. Using the adage ‘you get what you pay for’, I’m guessing the entry-level examples aren’t great?
I don’t know about 1440p and TVs. TVs seem to behave in ways that many bespoke displays do not. I have not educated myself enough to be able to explain or answer why that is. I’m sure someone more knowledgeable than me will chime in here.
4K with a Series X is a big deal and completely worth it. In many ways, you’re shortchanging yourself on the entire point of the step up from the earlier Xbox One. The biggest improvements with the Series X is 4K and fast loading times. You’re only getting the latter with a 1080p display.
I see a massive difference in visual fidelity when I use the Xbox on 4K vs. the PC on 1080p. The cockpit detail with labels and instrumentation is a major upgrade on 4K.
Regarding the 60Hz vs. 120Hz. If you’re only using the Xbox for MSFS, then the 120Hz is really not something that is essential or needed. My 28" 4K display is 60Hz. I have another Series X connected to a 55" 4K 120Hz display that is used for gaming, and it makes better use of that 120Hz. The Series X connected to the 60Hz display only has MSFS installed on it. MSFS doesn’t really benefit from the kinds of framerate boosts that a fast-paced shooter-type game does.
Thank you. I’m not one to spend significant time assessing technicalities so it’s good to know that, aesthetically, there’s a perceivable difference. The only other things I’d like to know is what difference HDMI 2.1 makes, over previous iterations, and if 120Hz refresh has a noticeable impact.
£160 sounds much more palatable than £1,000 but there seem to be some great ones for around £300.
HDMI 2.1 is required for 120Hz. If you aren’t using a 120Hz display, then HDMI 2.0 is fine (the standard) for 60Hz. Again, the 120Hz refresh rate is going to be really game-specific in terms of an FPS boost. Some games don’t utilize it except in very specific circumstances. I’ve tried to search for specific MSFS’ specifications for Xbox Series X and Series S, but I haven’t really found out if the sim is hard-capped FPS-wise at 30 FPS or 60 FPS on Series X. I cannot see how it could possibly run faster than 60 FPS.
I cannot answer that for you in terms of Series X performance. On a PC, there certainly is a penalty. With the Xbox, though, it may already be capped performance-wise that it would perform the same at 1440p and 4K other than the visual differences.
EDIT: Let me add that some claim the Series X is running the sim at 1440p upscaled to 4K. I’ve not been able to find data that confirms this.
I made the switch from a 1080p monitor to a 4K TV and there’s a difference. I’m able to read instruments and PFDs without zooming in and I’m able to see the landing runway from much distance than before. It also runs VRR and that makes much difference in framerate, it’s something you should consider because not every TV/Monitor have it.
I’m afraid I may need to revert back to 1080p because of the PC build I’m planning though. Well, for every choice there’s a sacrifice…
It’s all a question of personal taste. For some people VRR is not a game changer because MSFS is not a First Person Shooter. And VRR is not perfect too, because if the game chugs at a busy airport with a heavy add-on, it will chug even with VRR running.
But, speaking strictly for me, let’s say if for any reason I have to buy another 4K TV, and I couldn’t afford one with VRR, then I would choose a cheaper 1080p instead.
These TVs are actually much cheaper than I thought, certainly at 60Hz.
I’m just left with three final questions: what’s the difference between Ultra HD and Ultra HD Certified, and HDR10 and HDR10+? And if the TV is equipped with HDMI 2.1, does that automatically mean it has VRR?
MSFS is capped at 30FPS on both the Series S (1080) and X(4K) . Depending on VRR implementation it will either match refresh rate to your FPS or to a multiple of your FPS, this makes the game appear smoother it does not actually change your FPS. It is my understanding that if you are using a VRR screen MSFS on the Series X will unlock the FPS from 30 which may or may not get you higher frame rates depending on where you flying and what you are doing, you will rarely if ever get 60FPS.
Certified means that the company paid money to have the screen tested and it meets certain standards and they are allowed to use the logo. In theory you are getting a better screen, although a none certified screen might be identical, the manufacturer may have just not paid for the testing and right to use the certified logo.
Biggest difference between HDR10 and HDR10+ is how many nits of brightness are used 1000 vs 4000.
Thank you, all. You guys certainly know more than me!
I’m not sure VRR is worth it for MSFS, then, because I use a lot of detailed scenery packages which I’m sure wouldn’t allow for much more than 30fps anyway.
Sounds to me like the upgrade to 4K is the thing that’s going to make the most impact, rather than the different technical specs of TVs capable of that resolution.