LG C2/C3 + PS5: 4K 120Hz VRR Setup With No Blackouts

Pairing a PS5 with an LG C2 or C3 should be the best 4K@120Hz/VRR experience there is — both do HDMI 2.1 properly. But there's a well-known quirk: random black flashes (momentary signal drops) when VRR is active at 4K 120Hz. It's a handshake/VRR sensitivity, not a faulty panel or console, and it's fixable. Here's the setup that gets you 4K 120Hz VRR with no blackouts.

Step 1: Port and settings on the LG

All four HDMI ports on the C2/C3 are full 2.1, so any works — but you must turn on the full mode (the same LG OLED HDMI port and settings setup applies across the C and G series):

1. HDMI Deep Color = On for the port the PS5 is on: Settings > General > Devices > HDMI Settings > HDMI Deep Color. Without it you're capped at 4K60.
2. Turn on Game Optimizer (the gear menu while gaming) — it enables VRR/ALLM and drops input lag.
3. VRR = On under Game Optimizer.

Step 2: Settings on the PS5

• Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output: Resolution Automatic (or 2160p), HDR Automatic, 120Hz Output = Automatic, VRR = Automatic.
• Make sure Enable 120 Hz Output is on; 120Hz is per-title, so test with a game that supports it.

Step 3: The cable (the usual blackout cause)

The black flashes are very often a cable that can't sustain 48 Gbps with VRR. Use a certified Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps) cable, kept short (2 m / 6.5 ft or less). This single swap fixes the majority of LG + PS5 blackout reports.

Step 4: The firmware step

• Update the LG's firmware (Settings > Support > Software Update). LG shipped firmware fixes specifically for VRR blackouts on the C-series — an out-of-date TV is a common cause.
• Update the PS5 system software too.

If blackouts persist

1. Toggle "Fine Tune Dark Areas" / FreeSync Premium off and on in Game Optimizer — some users find the VRR flicker tied to it.
2. Drop to 4K60 to confirm it's VRR/120-specific — if 60Hz is rock solid, you've confirmed the cable/VRR path.
3. As a last resort, turn VRR off — you keep 4K 120Hz without the flicker, losing only tear-free sync.

FAQ

Why does my PS5 black-flash on my LG C2/C3? It's a VRR handshake sensitivity at 4K 120Hz. Most often the cable can't sustain 48 Gbps — swap to a certified short cable and update the LG firmware.

Which HDMI port should the PS5 use on a C2/C3? Any — all four are full HDMI 2.1. Just enable HDMI Deep Color for that port and keep your soundbar on HDMI 2 (eARC).

It's fine at 4K60 but flickers at 120Hz VRR. That confirms the cable/VRR path. Use a certified 48 Gbps cable, update firmware, and if needed toggle VRR off to stop the flicker.

Do I need HDMI Deep Color on? Yes — without it the port caps at 4K60 and you won't get 120Hz at all.