"Major bug" hits PS5 and Xbox Series X-friendly AV receivers

"Major bug" hits PS5 and Xbox Series X-friendly AV receivers
(Image credit: Future)

The PS5 And Xbox Series X are so advanced they're giving some audio firms a serious headache. Forbes reports that a number of gaming-friendly AV Receivers have been "hit by a major HDMI bug" that causes a black screen on your TV. 

The glitch appears to affect 2020-launched AV receivers from Denon, Marantz and Yamaha. We've listed the models below but they all have one thing in common: the latest HDMI 2.1 chip.

The presence of HDMI 2.1 is a big deal for gamers as it provides support for high frame rates, allowing next-gen consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X to deliver stunning scenes in 4K.

Unfortunately, German website Heisse Online claims a bug in the HDMI chip in Denon, Marantz and Yamaha's latest receivers has "rendered them incapable of passing through either 4K video at 120Hz or 8K video at 60Hz from the Xbox Series X and Nvidia PC cards", although Sound United, which owns Denon and Marantz, has since been in touch with What Hi-Fi? to clarify that it's only 4K at 120Hz signals that are affected.

Trying to pass through such signals will result in a black screen on your TV or games monitor, apparently. Hardly ideal for those who have been waiting patiently for their Xbox Series pre-orders to arrive

The affected products are said to include: Marantz's new SR range (SR5015, SR6015, SR7015 and SR8015), Denon's X-series range (AVR-X2700H, AVC-X3700H, AVC-X4700H, AVC-X6700H) and Yamaha's RX-V4A and RX-V6A.

It's not all doom and gloom, though. Sound United, which owns Denon and Marantz, told Forbes it has already come up with a couple of workarounds and is "working tirelessly to release permanent solution" so that gamers can enjoy a full 4K@120Hz experience. 

Heisse Online also points out that PS5s may not be affected by this issue as they use different HDMI chips, though that's yet to be confirmed.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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