Table of Contents

Which PS4 Supports HDR? A Complete Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Which PS4 supports HDR? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

All models of the PlayStation 4 (PS4), including the original PS4, the PS4 Slim, and the PS4 Pro, support High Dynamic Range (HDR). This means you can experience richer colors and a wider range of contrast on your compatible HDR television.

HDR on PS4: What You Need to Know

The introduction of HDR support across the entire PS4 family was a significant upgrade that improved the visual experience for gamers. However, to truly enjoy HDR gaming and media, you need the right equipment and understanding of some crucial factors. Let’s delve into the details.

Understanding HDR

Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify what HDR actually does. HDR, short for High Dynamic Range, expands the range of both contrast and color significantly. The brightest parts of the image can get much brighter, while the darkest parts appear deeper and richer. The result is a more realistic and immersive visual experience, with greater detail and more vibrant colors.

Which PS4 Model Do You Have?

While all PS4 models support HDR, the benefits you see can vary depending on the specific model.

Original PS4: The original PS4 supports HDR output but is limited by its processing power. Games will look better with HDR, but they won’t reach the same level of detail or performance as on the PS4 Pro.
PS4 Slim: The PS4 Slim also supports HDR and offers similar performance to the original PS4. It’s a more compact and energy-efficient alternative, but visually, it’s on par with the original.
PS4 Pro: The PS4 Pro is the most powerful console in the PS4 family. It’s designed to provide a superior gaming experience with enhanced graphics and higher resolutions. It leverages HDR more effectively and offers a noticeable visual upgrade over the original PS4 and PS4 Slim. Many games are specifically enhanced for the PS4 Pro, offering better textures, frame rates, and overall visual fidelity.

Setting Up HDR on Your PS4

Enabling HDR on your PS4 is usually a straightforward process.

Make sure your TV supports HDR: Check your TV’s specifications or manual to confirm that it supports the HDR10 standard, which is the standard supported by PS4.
Connect your PS4 to your TV using an HDMI 2.0a (or later) cable: This cable is necessary to transmit the HDR signal. Using an older cable might prevent HDR from working correctly.
Enable HDR on your TV: Most TVs require you to enable HDR in their settings. The specific menu and name of the setting vary depending on the TV manufacturer. Common names include HDMI Enhanced Format, UHD Color, or something similar. Consult your TV’s manual for instructions.
Enable HDR on your PS4: Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings. Ensure that the HDR setting is set to Automatic or On. Also, make sure the Deep Color Output setting is set to Automatic.
Test with an HDR-compatible game or video: Once everything is set up, launch an HDR-compatible game or stream an HDR video to verify that HDR is working correctly. You should see a noticeable difference in color and contrast.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, setting up HDR doesn’t go smoothly. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

No HDR signal detected: This is often due to an incompatible HDMI cable, HDR not being enabled on your TV, or incorrect PS4 settings. Double-check all connections and settings.
Washed-out colors: This can happen if the HDR settings on your TV aren’t properly configured. Experiment with different picture modes and settings on your TV to find the best configuration.
Input lag: HDR processing can sometimes introduce input lag. Try enabling Game Mode on your TV, which is designed to reduce input lag for gaming.
Incorrect HDR format: Ensure both your PS4 and TV are using the same HDR format (HDR10).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding HDR support on PS4:

Does the original PS4 support HDR? Yes, the original PS4 does support HDR via a firmware update.
Does the PS4 Slim support HDR? Yes, the PS4 Slim supports HDR, offering similar performance to the original PS4.
Does the PS4 Pro support HDR? Yes, the PS4 Pro supports HDR and provides a superior HDR experience compared to the original PS4 and PS4 Slim.
What HDMI cable do I need for HDR on PS4? You need an HDMI 2.0a (or later) cable to transmit the HDR signal.
How do I enable HDR on my PS4? Go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings and set HDR to Automatic or On.
How do I know if HDR is working on my PS4? You should see a noticeable difference in color and contrast in HDR-compatible games and videos. Check your TV’s settings, as some TVs display an HDR indicator when playing HDR content.
My HDR looks washed out, what should I do? Adjust the picture settings on your TV, experiment with different picture modes, and ensure your TV and PS4 are using the correct HDR format.
Does HDR increase input lag? HDR processing can sometimes increase input lag. Enable Game Mode on your TV to minimize input lag.
Do all PS4 games support HDR? No, not all PS4 games support HDR. Check the game’s packaging or online information to see if it supports HDR.
Can I use HDR with a 1080p TV? While you can connect your PS4 to a 1080p TV, you won’t be able to experience HDR unless your TV specifically supports HDR input, which is rare for 1080p TVs.
Is HDR the same as 4K? No, HDR and 4K are different technologies. 4K refers to the resolution (the number of pixels on the screen), while HDR refers to the range of colors and contrast. The PS4 Pro supports both 4K and HDR, while the original PS4 and PS4 Slim primarily focus on HDR with upscaled 4K in some instances.
What is HDR10? HDR10 is a common HDR format supported by most TVs and the PS4. It defines a standard for encoding and displaying HDR content.
Why does my PS4 say “Your TV does not support HDR”? This usually indicates that HDR is not enabled in your TV’s settings, your HDMI cable is not compatible, or your TV doesn’t actually support HDR.
Does HDR make a big difference in gaming? Yes, HDR can significantly enhance the gaming experience by providing richer colors, deeper blacks, and brighter highlights, resulting in a more immersive and realistic visual experience. The difference is more pronounced on the PS4 Pro due to its enhanced processing power.
What settings should I use on my TV for the best HDR experience with my PS4? Each TV brand and model has its own optimal settings. However, some general recommendations include: enabling HDMI Enhanced Format (or similar), using the Game Mode to reduce input lag, and experimenting with different picture modes such as HDR Standard, HDR Cinema, or HDR Game. Consult your TV’s manual for more detailed guidance.