While we're technically under embargo, we can probably just about get away with saying that PlayStation VR's setup has some… Minor shortcomings. Hopefully the Sony Ninjas don't lynch us for typing that. Anyway, it's about to get more complicated if you have an HDR television, because the Processing Unit – which is required for virtual reality to operate – isn't compatible with the spangly deep colour tech.
This means that if you're planning to take advantage of HDR and PlayStation VR, you're going to have to swap HDMI cables or invest in a splitter to handle all of that for you. It's a bit of a headache, but these are the sacrifices you have to make to enjoy virtual reality. The good news is that the Processing Unit can output in full 4K, so if you're upgrading to the PS4 Pro but don't have HDR, then you won't need to do any cable jimmying.
[source blog.us.playstation.com]
Comments 44
What a silly oversight.
@get2sammyb Is this an issue only when playing PSVR games, or are you saying you can't keep that box hooked up at all for HDR games? I'm a wee bit confused.
I just bought (quite literally) a tv with hdr because I have a PS4 pro on order. What an annoyance! This needs further explanation... what exactly needs to switch? The output from The PS4 to tv and then the vr processor?
I believe Pro comes with the type of cable that supports HDR. And correct me if I'm wrong but if a TV has HDR support then chances are it already has 4K support too so I'm failing to see the issue.
I'm a bit confused, do I have to swap HDMI cables if I have receiver? My receiver have a lot of hdmi port so I don't have to buy splitter right?
lol, so one of the touted resolution upgrades won't even technically work with their VR system...I figured all those cables were going to make this complicated.
Hopefully that's the extent of the problems.
@get2sammyb Sammy you should mention that now you'll need a 4K hdr compatible splitter as well. At this point, I'll have two splitters plus the built in inputs for my 5 devices!
Do you need a 4K Tele to wear the V.R. glasses.
@Bhattiboy No. This is a problem for people that have a 4K HDR TV and are getting a VR headset. It's because the small box (Processing Unit) that comes with the PSVR isn't compatible with HDR signals. So you'll either have to go through the hassle of unplugging the HDR HDMI cable and plugging a normal HDMI, or a having a splitter (A splitter that can send and receive HDR signals at that). This a headache within itself.
I'll definitely hold off on getting a VR headset then. I bought a 4K TV about a couple weeks ago, and was extremely tempted to buy a PS VR. However this, and the fact that my gaming room is quite small I will wait for a 2nd or 3rd wave. Thank you for this article!
@rjejr That's because it is confusing. It means if you want to have HDR and VR hooked up at the same time, you'll either need to manually switch the cables or use a 4K HDR splitter, as @Greenlightracer pointed out.
I'll just buy 2 Pros and 1 extra Slim to complement my current PS4, that way I'm pretty sure I'm safe.
Guess Sony's "confusing messaging" is paying off already, you nay- sayers...
Just wait a few months, there'll definitely be some kind of hardware revision/extension/plug in thing coming out by either Sony or opportunistic companies and voila!
@get2sammyb Thanks. Now I'm just confused how this got past R&D.
Hey guess what everyone, we have a new PS4 Pro that does HDR!
Hey, guess what everyone, we have a new PSVR headset!
Now pick 1, because you can't have both.
Brilliant.
Now that is funny. So you are saying Sony that makes all three items (PS4, 4K TV's, and PS VR) didn't have this feedback months ago?! Looks like Sony is getting a little too comfortable.
Slack marking by Sony there...a right messy job...
All the more proof that they should never have bothered developing Pro and VR at the same time. Clearly these are two teams that didn't bother talking to each other enough?
Well if the PS4 could get an update to make it compatible, why couldn't the PSVR box?
@Neolit So is it just the case of switching HDMI cables? If so then it's not that big of an issue or am I missing something?
To be fair, all PS4s do HDR right now. It's not a Pro specific issue.
@Pink_Floyd You're right, they're so comfortable that they're first to the market with all of these products while everyone else sits twiddling their thumbs.
It's a blunder, but this is far from an example of Sony being "comfortable". They could have not bothered with any of these products after all.
@adf86 to some people it means pulling out your whole entertainment unit every time you feel like playing a different game. Swapping the cables then pushing it back into place. Constantly swapping cables is a huge issue - I only used my uber expensive x360 turtle beach headphones 3/4 times over a couple of years as I had to constantly get around the back of the xbox and swap cables in and around with the kinect or to play out of the surround sound. Such a shame and everytime the headphones lost out.
@themcnoisy I can see why it would be an issue but I wouldn't be surprised if slitters were available and at not much cost. Clearly PSVR was not designed to support HDR due to it been much further down the line then Pro was.
@get2sammyb Also do we know when the PSVR embargo is up because there's a couple of specific questions I need to ask?
@adf86 This week. There'll be a venue for questions, worry not.
@get2sammyb I guess why I'm scratching my head is that unlike Oculus Rift Sony is making all the components required to play yet they never caught it in R&D. Back in early September when sony announced the PS Pro every thing was about 4K and HDR yet we are weeks away from PSVR and this issue has arose. I understand that VR is new but if you want new tech to gain momentum its best if you put time into it and making sure it works and not just shipping it out and have day 1 buyers out $400.
@adf86 only looked for 5 minutes, but literally the only splitter / switch I could find that supports HDR as well as 4K is £60 and not actually available to buy yet (Amazon UK pre-order). I don't think this will be fixable in firmware.
Massive oversight.
@get2sammyb might it be possible to simply run the vr box to a separate hdmi input on your tv? That way your ps4 would take up two hdmi inputs, but you wouldn't have to switch cables?
@JaxonH Hardware limitations. The PS4 doesn't even support HDR10, just some middle ground. The processing unit can't even handle that apparently. At least you can awkwardly use a splitter.
@Pink_Floyd I think they did. I just don't think they care. And they should, cause they'll regret it. Don't be surprised if future units come with an improved processing unit, with cheap spares sold on their site.
This is a snaffu on their behalf - early adopters are more likely to be those folks who invest in technology and probably will have invested in a high quality HDR tv so it will hit those guys where it hurts more. I would say we are a few years away from it being a problem for most average gamers - but they aren't the ones who will buy PSVR in the first instance!
Good on you guys for calling this out. If anything, this just seems confusing as to why this wasn't thought through properly.
I was thinking of getting PSVR a little later to see how it all handles first, so if anything I'm glad I took that stance so all the kinks can be ironed out.
Surely VR would be something you'd only plug in when you're using anyway? No point leaving both plugged in with the VR on your counter or whatever looking all messy, unless you use the headset every day.
Not sure why you'd always play through the processing unit anyway. Far easier to just manage when you're playing VR and swap up.
The PU is only there to convert what you see on the Headset into a 'watchable' 2D TV format - it un-warps the wrap-around effect so others can watch you socially. It also processes the sound for a 3D sound for the headset wearer. Its not used to boost gaming. I assume its essential for PSVR even if you don't intend to 'share' what you see on the TV.
It does seem odd though that you can't pass through a HDR image. I understand that a 4k Image can be passed through so unless its limited to 24-30fps (HDMI 1.4 will support 4k but only to a limited frame rate) it must have HDMI 2.0 ports. I can only assume though that the ports do not support HDMI 2.0a which is required for HDR, in particular the rec2020 Wide Colour Gamut - though I guess a firmware update could resolve this. It may not fix it though as that would depend on how the signal passes through the PU.
I know if I had a VR Headset, I doubt I would keep it permanently set-up - especially in my lounge. I try and keep cabling and all that to a minimum. Fortunately the KS Range (by Samsung) has a 'One Connect Box' which has all the HDMI ports separate from the TV with just one cable to connect it - great as mine is wall mounted. This means accessing the HDMI ports is very easy.
Cannot believe this, was Playing Deus Ex Mankind Divided last night with the HDR patch installed looks fantastic clear upgrade in terms of visuals very shiny, so your saying once I get my PSVR im going to have to start messing about switching cables or use a splitter every time I want to play an HDR enabled game not cool Sony such an oversite if this is true, would be great to get some official confirmation/advice on the situation Sony please!
@BrettAwesome The PS4 only has one HDMI output, so you'd still have to switch without a splitter.
@NintendoFan4Lyf It's not Apple mate. The same goes for Nintendo a new 3DS every year lol.
@rjejr HDR would be crazy on your eyes with psvr. No, this just means that if you have a HDR compatible display, and a game that supports HDR, then you won't experience the game if your running your wires through the VR box.
So if your a person with a HDR display and a psvr with a game that gat supports HDR then you'll be effected. If you haven't got a HDR tv, a psvr or a game that supports HDR then you won't notice a thing. it might not be as big a deal at first because I'm sure the majority of gamers on PS4 won't run into this issue unless they have all three factors. It's just a silly oversight that will just bug people to sit up and change around a few cables. Or just buy a splitter cable.
@Bad-MuthaAdebisi that's perhaps through that there's little reason (or reason not to in this case) to always play through the VR box but it's still a ridiculous oversight from PlayStation here. People aren't gonna be bothered to swap cables over constantly so will end up choosing one or the other and will either neglect the VR or HDR.
My only guess is that to include HDR pass-through would've bumped up the price of VR but it still seems really bizarre what Sony are doing at the moment with all this random hardware that doesn't seem to interact with each other.
And people say PCs are complicated
Very strange and confusing problem from Sony thanks to their pushing of HDR on the Pro (and base PS4 after the patch), but at the same time having it as a barrier to using PSVR. Could potentially see a few Christmases spoilt by this as people hook up everything and think there is something wrong with one of the components - won't somebody please think of the children!
Are they insane?!
I refuse to connect and disconnect cables on my amplifier on a daily basis.
Haven't seen HDMI 2.0a switches on ebay that passthrough HDR @60
I will most certainly postpone a Sony 65 inch HDR television now.
Fortunately, I don't have or want a 4K HDR TV or a PSVR, so when I get my Pro I'll just plug it straight in to my current Bravia.
But... But they're promoting HDR! This is beyond belief!
Tap here to load 44 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...