You’ll get the best image for newer consoles like a PS4 or Xbox One if you use a full High Definition (HD) 1080p monitor. Connecting HD consoles to a CRT (tube) will result in a blurry mess. [1] X Research source Older consoles that don’t output in HD will actually look better on older CRT monitors. Using a CRT for a system like an NES or Sega Genesis will give you a much more accurate image. Besides the image quality, it will improve your control in the game. This is due to the high refresh rate of the CRT monitor. The refresh rate is how fast the monitor updates the image on the screen. Connecting an older console to an HD monitor can result in poor control due to the low refresh rate. The image will also be stretched.
HDMI - This looks like an elongated USB plug with notches at both ends. It is the most common connector for modern monitors and consoles. DVI - This 24-pin connector is another common connector for monitors. It is not used for any video game systems. Luckily you can get converters. VGA - This is the old standard for monitors. Its 15 pin connector is typically blue. Most new monitors will not have this connector. No consoles support this, but you can get converters.
PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U - All of these consoles support HDMI. The only exception is the launch version of the Xbox 360. These consoles also support component cables, though very few monitors do. Wii, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, Nintendo 64, PS1, Super Nintendo, Genesis - These all support composite cables. The Wii, PS2, and Xbox also support component and S-Video, though it will be tough to find a monitor that does. The older consoles also support RF (coaxial) connections, which are essentially non-existent on monitors.
Newer consoles like the PS4 may only support digital/optical audio output if you’re not using HDMI for audio, which means you’ll need a converter to connect to speakers. If you’re using a PS4 and headphones, you’ll be able to connect a pair of headphones directly to your controller, which means you won’t need any converters or extra cables.
Some video converter boxes may support audio connections as well.
HDMI cables work the same for all devices that support HDMI. Older connection types will require a cable that connects to your specific console. For example, you can use the same HDMI cable with your Xbox 360 and PS3, but if you are connecting using component cables you’ll need console-specific cables. If your console is HDMI only, and your monitor only supports DVI, you can get an HDMI-to-DVI converter or special cable.
Skip down to the next section after connecting to get your audio working.
Many converter boxes have a pass-through to connect to your computer. This allows you to switch your monitor’s display between your computer and your console. If your box supports this, make sure to connect the box to your computer’s monitor port.
The process for changing your console’s audio output varies depending on the console. Generally, you can find this option in the Audio settings in your console’s main Settings menu.
