Sony has started distributing the PlayStation 5 version 5.5 software update. After there was no information about the changes in the updates for versions 5.02 and 5.1, this time the changelog contains an adjustment to the Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for the game console.
New setting for ALLM
The roughly 980 megabyte firmware update to version 22.01-05.50.00.08 for the PlayStation 5 not only mentions improved system performance, which Sony lists with every update, but also optimizations for ALLM, which thanks to the console's HDMI 2.1 port when connected to suitable television can be used.
Users now have the option to set ALLM to Automatic or Off in Settings. With Automatic, ALLM is always activated when playing games, while if ALLM is switched off, it is activated only when outputting with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate). However, when a media app is running, the PS5 console does not send an ALLM signal.
- If you are using a TV that supports ALLM (automatic low latency mode), you can access the ALLM settings under Settings > screen and video > video output > Adjust ALLM.
- If you select Automatic, the TV will automatically switch to low latency mode while gaming.
- If you select Off, ALLM will only be enabled when outputting variable refresh rate (VRR) videos.
- This system software update improves system performance.
ALLM not mandatory with HDMI 2.1
ALLM is an HDMI feature that causes the television to switch to the lowest latency mode for a more responsive experience, especially in games. However, an HDMI 2.1 connection does not necessarily mean that the television also masters ALLM. Gaming features such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) are also optional with HDMI 2.1, which makes the confusion about the standard perfect, because the maximum bandwidth can also be chosen differently so that not every HDMI 2.1 device offers the full 48 Gbit/s and therefore does not have to support every frame rate possible with HDMI 2.1 at full resolution.