Sony's answer to 4K HDR gaming is finally here in the form of the new PlayStation 4 Pro. Regarded as the best option for casual gamers who aren't ready to commit to a full-fledged PC rig, the PS4 Pro boasts of high-end specs rarely seen on a console.
This bad boy features a more powerful 2.1GHz octa-core AMD Jaguar x86-64 CPU compared to the PS4 and an 8GB DDR5 RAM capable of handling 218GB/s of bandwidth. It also comes with an AMD Radeon GPU that can produce 4.20 teraflops, which is double the graphics power of the standard PS4 console.
But perhaps the PS4 Pro's main selling point is its ability to crank up game resolutions to 2160p courtesy of its high dynamic range (HDR) picture technology. This means gamers can enjoy playing their favorite titles at higher resolutions with better brightness and a wider range of colors.
If you've just picked up a PS4 Pro but still aren't quite sure about how to optimize it for 4K HDR gaming, here's an easy-to-follow guide on how to properly set it up.
How To Set Up Your PS4 Pro For 4K HDR Gaming
1. Turn On HDR On Your TV
What makes the PS4 Pro such a good buy is that it already comes ready for 4K HDR right out of the box. However, while the console is capable of detecting most TV settings and adjust them accordingly, there are times when the HDR may not activated by default.
To turn on HDR on your TV, access the settings panel then make your way to the "Sound and Screen" section. Turn on the HDR option or have it se to "Auto".
Note: Some owners report that certain Samsung TV models have replaced the word "HDR" with "HDMI UHD Color" on the screen settings. Be sure to look out for this term on your TV if you can't find HDR on the display.
If you have an HDR-compatible TV but still can't find the correct option on the display, try searching the TV model's name on the internet. There's a chance that the manufacturer might be using a different name for HDR on the settings.
2. Check If You're Game Is PS4 Pro-Compatible
While the PS4 Pro is now readily available for consumers, not every game for the console is capable of churning 2160p-levels of graphics. Some titles might only be able to handle decent performance and graphical boosts.
See if your game is 4K HDR-ready by heading on over to its display settings. Look for an option for HDR and turn it on.
You might also want to check if your game already has the latest patch, which could help them be more 4K HDR-compatible.
Here's a list of game titles that are already optimized for the PS4 Pro.
3. Check If Your 4K TV Really Is Presenting 4K Videos
To make sure that your PS4 Pro and 4K TV are producing 4K video quality, you need to check the "Sound and Screen" option for your console. The settings should say that it is delivering 2160p video to your TV.
However, if 2160p video option is greyed out and has a "not supported" message right next to it, this could mean that there is a problem with your 4K TV or how the PS4 Pro is connected to it.
According to The Verge, some Vizio owners have experienced problems with the 4K and HDR settings on their TV sets. This could be because of a recent firmware update for the PS4 Pro, which prevents the console from presenting videos in 2160p resolutions.
There is also a chance that you might be using a different HDMI cable to connect the console other than the one that came with the PS4 Pro. Make sure you have the standard PS4 Pro HDMI cable connecting the console to the TV so that it can present the appropriate 4K video.
For gamers looking for some help in transferring their files to the new PS4 Pro, head on over to our guide so you'll know what to do.
