Why Does My PS4 Screen Look Faded?

A faded or washed-out image on your PlayStation 4 (PS4) can be incredibly frustrating, diminishing the immersive gaming experience you expect. This issue typically arises from a combination of factors, often related to incorrect display settings, color range mismatches, or HDR configurations. To put it simply, your PS4 might be sending a color signal that your TV or monitor isn’t correctly interpreting, resulting in a less vibrant and dull picture. Several other culprits, like power-saving modes and even dust build-up, can also contribute to this visual problem. Let’s dive into the primary causes and how you can troubleshoot and restore the vibrant visuals of your PS4 games.

Common Causes of a Washed-Out PS4 Display

Several technical and configuration aspects can lead to your PS4 screen looking faded. Understanding these common causes is the first step in resolving the problem:

1. Incorrect HDMI Color Range Settings

One of the most common reasons for a washed-out PS4 display is a mismatch between the HDMI color range settings of your PS4 and your TV. Modern TVs and monitors often support a full color range (0-255), while the PS4, by default, sometimes outputs a limited range (16-235).

• Limited Color Range (16-235): This setting restricts the color gamut, which can lead to color clipping – a loss of color information, resulting in a faded and less vibrant image.
• Full Color Range (0-255): This setting utilizes the entire range of color information. When your PS4 is outputting a limited range signal into a TV expecting a full range signal, the image will look washed out.

To check and adjust this, go to your PS4’s Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings and look for RGB Range or similar option. Ensure both your PS4 and TV are set to the same range – if possible choose “Full”.

2. HDR Settings and Compatibility Issues

High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances the contrast and color range in compatible games and displays, which is great when working correctly. However, mismatched or improperly calibrated HDR settings can cause a faded or desaturated look.

• Incorrect HDR Calibration: If your TV or PS4’s HDR settings are not properly calibrated, you might see a washed-out image.
• HDR-to-SDR Conversion Problems: Some older content or certain game menus may not handle the HDR signal correctly, which will lead to washed out colors.

To troubleshoot this, go to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings and select Adjust HDR on your PS4. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate your HDR settings. Additionally, check if specific games have in-game HDR calibration options as these may need tweaking on a game-by-game basis. Sometimes, turning HDR off can help if your TV isn’t fully compatible or well-calibrated.

3. High Contrast Mode Enabled

The PS4 has an accessibility feature called High Contrast. While intended to assist users with visual impairments, if accidentally enabled it will result in a faded color scheme, sometimes making your screen look almost grayscale. To disable this setting, go to Settings > Accessibility > High Contrast and ensure the option is disabled.

4. Power Saving Modes

The PS4 has a power-saving feature that can automatically darken the screen to conserve energy. If your Power Saving settings are set too low, the screen may appear dim and washed out. Go to Settings > System Settings > Eco and set Power Saving to Normal to ensure the screen brightness is not being unnecessarily reduced.

5. Incorrect Resolution Settings

Using the wrong resolution can make your game look blurry and less vibrant. If your screen looks faded and blurry, ensure your PS4 is set to the correct resolution for your display. In Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings, make sure the resolution is set to 2160p (4K) or 1080p depending on what your TV supports. Use the option which has the refresh rate (e.g. 60Hz) your TV supports.

6. HDMI Cable Issues

Although less common, a faulty or low-quality HDMI cable can also contribute to visual issues. Try using a high-speed HDMI cable to ensure the best signal transmission, especially if your TV and console support 4K and HDR. Make sure the cable is not damaged and try another known working cable to check if that helps. If using an old or basic HDMI cable, especially if you are using HDR or 4K output you are likely to have issues.

7. Display Calibration Issues

The TV or Monitor itself might have incorrect color settings or calibration. Often different ‘Picture modes’ (such as ‘Standard’, ‘Vivid’, ‘Movie’ etc.) will give a very different look. If you have tried all PS4 settings and it still looks faded, try adjusting these on your TV itself. Also, consider calibrating your display’s color settings using your TV’s settings menu. If your TV has an auto-calibration function, this is also worth trying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you further understand and resolve the “faded PS4 screen” issue:

1. What does “washed out” actually mean in this context?

In this context, “washed out” means that the colors appear faded, dull, and less vibrant than they should. Blacks appear grey and bright colors can look muted and desaturated, this means your screen will lack the contrast and richness intended by the game designers.

2. Will a different HDMI cable solve this problem?

Yes, a different high-speed or premium certified HDMI cable, especially if you’re using a PS4 Pro with a 4K TV, can sometimes make a difference, particularly if your current cable is old or damaged.

3. How do I know if my TV is set to the correct color range?

Check your TV’s display settings and look for options related to HDMI RGB range or black level settings. Ensure it matches your PS4 setting (full or limited) or if it has an “auto” or similar setting use that. If there isn’t a specific setting, try to find a black level setting and make sure it is not set to ‘low’ as this can cause faded-looking images.

4. Does the PS4 have any built-in display calibration tools?

Yes, the PS4 has a basic HDR calibration tool found under Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings > Adjust HDR.

5. Why does HDR make some games look faded on my PS4?

In some cases, a game’s implementation of HDR may not be optimal, or your display may not properly interpret the HDR metadata. This can lead to a desaturated or faded appearance. Try turning off HDR in both the PS4 and your game to see if this resolves your issue.

6. Should I always use the highest resolution my TV supports?

Generally, yes, you should set the resolution to the highest supported by both your TV and PS4, but not if it causes performance issues or doesn’t display correctly. When setting the resolution, always pick the one that matches your display’s refresh rate, e.g., 2160p 60Hz.

7. How does High Contrast mode affect color?

High Contrast mode enhances the visibility of text and menus, but it can significantly alter the color palette, often resulting in a washed-out and less vibrant picture.

8. Will cleaning the PS4 resolve color issues?

No, cleaning the PS4’s internal dust build-up won’t directly impact color display. However, excessive dust can lead to overheating which in extreme cases, could potentially cause unexpected graphical artifacts. Cleaning it will help with performance and the life of the console.

9. What if my monitor screen appears dull when I connect the PS4?

Check the monitor’s brightness and contrast settings, as well as any other picture settings. It might also have an HDMI black level setting similar to some TVs which needs to be set correctly. Additionally ensure your PS4’s resolution is supported by the display and you have a good HDMI cable.

10. Does my PS4’s orientation affect screen colors?

No, the orientation of your PS4 (vertical or horizontal) does not affect the colors on your screen. However, ensure if standing vertically it has a stand as this could block some airflow and affect its performance and longevity, but it won’t affect color quality.

11. How do I know if my PS4 is starting to fail?

Common signs of a failing PS4 include a blinking blue or red light, frequent crashes or freezes, and loud fan noise. If the colors are faded and these symptoms are present, it may be worth getting a professional opinion, but most likely its a display/setting issue.

12. Can automatic brightness settings cause faded colors?

Potentially, a faulty implementation of automatic brightness may cause unexpected behavior, though more often than not it will lead to a screen which is too dark. Usually, turning automatic brightness off will resolve this.

13. Are there any specific game settings I should look into?

Some games have their own brightness and HDR calibration settings that may need adjustments in addition to the PS4 system settings. Always check the game settings menu for graphics options.

14. If I have a new TV, should I expect color issues?

Not necessarily, but a new TV might have default settings that don’t match your PS4’s output settings. Calibrating your TV and double-checking the HDMI settings is usually required for optimal color display.

15. How often should I be checking these display settings?

You should check the settings any time you change your display device or have visual issues. They can also be useful for optimizing and enhancing your gaming experience. As TVs and games get updated its always worth revisiting these settings to ensure you are getting the best possible visual experience.

By addressing these common causes and using the FAQs as a troubleshooting guide, you should be able to resolve any “faded screen” problems and restore your PS4’s vibrant visual performance.