In order for the overall experience to be right, it's not enough for the PS5 to conjure up bombast graphics on the TV at home – the sound also has to be right. To make this work, Sony offers a practical PS5 feature that is intended to offer you a surround sound experience even with the speakers integrated into your television. But that doesn't work for everyone.
PS5 feature: 3D audio for TV speakers
4K resolution, HDR, 120 Hz – when it comes to optics, the PS5 already has a lot to offer. But when bullets fly and grenades go off on the screen, the sound has to be right too.
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In order for the audio backdrop to match the picture, you can't avoid an appropriate sound setup, but who currently does only uses his television's integrated speakerswith a bit of luck you can also squeeze a little more surround feeling out of your TV using your PS5.
In the sound settings of the PS5 there is the option to set up 3D audio for TV speakers. You can find the corresponding setting here “Settings” → “Sound” → “3D audio for TV speakers”.
In order to be able to use the function properly, you have to ensure that it works in the best case scenario when setting it up hardly any disturbing ambient noise gives. Now grab your PS5 controller, make sure that it is Integrated microphone activated is, sit down where you always sit when gaming and start the process.
Your television will now play some sound snippets, which will in turn be recorded by your PS5 controller. These recordings are used to tune the sound reproduction so that it appears more spatial. After completing the setup, you can test it Switch back and forth between 3D audio or normal stereo soundto compare the two options.
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PS5 players report: 3D audio doesn't always sound better
But should anyone who plays with internal TV speakers immediately go into the settings and blindly activate 3D audio? No. In various forums, many players report that they find the PS5's 3D audio soundscape to be worse compared to the normal stereo mix. Words like “tinny” or “dull” are used.
As with many things in life, the same applies to audio: That's a matter of taste. Some players may not like the PS5's 3D audio mix, but others find it much better.
What PS5 players should note: The 3D audio feature for TV speakers should not be used if you already have it have a soundbar connected – because the function is simply not designed for that. Of course you can still try it.
By the way: The PS5 also offers the same function for headsets. This might also be worth a try if you want to give your stereo headset a little more spatial sound.