Do I need a 4K TV for PS4 Pro?

If you‘re a PlayStation gamer, you may be wondering if it‘s worth upgrading your TV to 4K for an enhanced experience with the PS4 Pro. This definitive guide will explain what you need to know to take full advantage of your PS4 Pro with a new Ultra HD television.

What is 4K Resolution?

4K refers to a display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This is called 4K because the horizontal pixel count is approximately 4,000 pixels. The total pixel count of a 4K display is 8,294,400 – four times greater than the 1,920 x 1,080 pixel resolution of a 1080p full HD TV.

With this higher resolution and pixel density, 4K TVs can display much finer details and textures than HD. This allows you to see more of the visual information in games, movies and videos, from subtle environmental clues in the background to every whisker on a character‘s face in close-ups.

4K screens support high dynamic range (HDR) forExpanded color gamut and contrast compared to standard dynamic range (SDR) displays. HDR allows for brighter whites, deeper blacks and a wider range of colors that appear more natural and realistic to the human eye.

To handle the increased bandwidth requirements of 4K HDR content, these TVs require HDMI 2.0 ports or newer that offer 18Gbps throughput. For the smoothest 4K gaming, an HDMI 2.1 connection supporting up to 48Gbps is recommended.

PS4 Pro 4K and HDR Capabilities

The PS4 Pro includes a more powerful GPU that is nearly double the graphics processing power of the standard PS4 and PS4 Slim. This added horsepower enables the Pro to render games natively at 4K resolution, or use extra rendering techniques like checkerboard rendering to achieve near-4K fidelity.

In addition, the Pro supports high dynamic range for games and media. When combined, 4K resolution and HDR provide the highest level of visual quality possible on the PS4 platform. HDR significantly expands the range of colors, brightness and overall contrast that can be displayed.

To enjoy 4K and HDR from your PS4 Pro requires connecting it to a compatible 4K TV using an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Nearly all 4K TVs support HDR10, while some higher-end models also support Dolby Vision, HLG (hybrid log-gamma) and other HDR formats.

Benefits of 4K Gaming

Here are some of the key visual improvements you can expect from 4K gaming on a PS4 Pro:

• Sharper image with more clarity in textures, objects and intricate details in environments. You‘ll be able to appreciate finer nuances and spot elements you may have missed at lower resolutions.

• More immersive, life-like worlds with added depth and perspective. Distant objects appear clearer native 4K.

• Improved visibility seeing enemies, NPCs and game elements especially at distance in large environments like open world games. This can provide a competitive edge in multiplayer.

• HDR colors seem to pop from the screen, with expanded range and saturation closer to real-world vision. Contrast is enhanced with brighter brights and deeper darks.

According to analysis by the gaming site Digital Foundry, tests ofSpider-Man on PS4 Pro show improved texture filtering and level of detail in 4K over 1080p. Loading times can also be faster by up to 8 seconds in some games since assets don‘t need to be scaled down to HD.

Enhancements on 1080p TV

The PS4 Pro will still provide visual and performance benefits if you don‘t yet have a 4K television. When rendering on a 1080p screen, the Pro‘s extra horsepower can be used to achieve higher and more consistent frame rates for smoother gameplay.

Titles with unlocked frame rates can get up to 60fps on the Pro at 1920 x 1080 resolution, where the base PS4 may have dipped to 45-50fps in demanding scenes. This results in more responsive controls and gameplay.

You‘ll also still benefit from HDR‘s expanded contrast and color gamut on a 1080p HDR display. The wider range of shades and hues can make games feel more immersive even at full HD resolution.

Supersampling is another technique where games are rendered at resolutions higher than 1080p then downscaled to your display‘s native resolution. This helps smooth out jagged edges for cleaner images.

4K HDMI Cables

To enjoy flawless 4K HDR gaming and media from your PS4 Pro, it‘s important to select the right HDMI cables. The increased bandwidth demands of 4K HDR require cables rated for at least HDMI 2.0 speeds of 18Gbps.

Look for cables clearly labelled as "4K", "UHD", or "High Speed HDMI" that mention compatibility with HDR, PS4 Pro and HDMI 2.0 or later versions. Premium certified cables provide the reliability needed for high bandwidth 4K video.

While some standard HDMI cables may work, others may experience issues like image distortion or lost signal. Upgraded cables help ensure you are getting pristine 4K quality free of technical glitches.

Optimal Setup and Settings

To enable the PS4 Pro‘s best graphics, you‘ll need to adjust both console and TV settings accordingly:

On your PS4 Pro, under Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings:

• Set Resolution to Automatic or 2160p (3840 x 2160)

• Set HDR to Automatic

• Set Deep Color (Chroma Subsampling) to match your TV‘s supported values

On your TV under picture settings:

• Set Picture Mode to Game (reduces input lag)

• Enable UHD HDMI Deep Color/UHD 4K@60Hz support

• Turn on HDR and set Display Type to match content

• Set Color Gamut to Auto or Wide

• Set sharpness to 0 (avoids artificial edge enhancement)

• Set Color Temperature to Warm (for accurate white balance)

Matching your PS4 Pro and TV output settings helps ensure you are getting the highest quality 4K HDR signal. Testing with familiar content helps dial in the optimal configuration.

4K vs 1080p – Framerates and Fidelity

The PS4 Pro is designed to take advantage of 4K TVs to deliver ultra-sharp high definition gaming. Exact improvements vary by game:

• Middle-earth: Shadow of War sees native 4K (3160 x 2160) on the Pro at 30 fps, vs upscaled 1080p on base PS4.

• God of War achieves a 2160p checkerboard resolution upscaled from 1440p with HDR enabled. Base PS4 renders at 1080p.

• Horizon Zero Dawn has an 1800pcheckerboarded 4K mode on Pro, versus 1080p on standard PS4.

While 4K provides the maximum visual fidelity, the higher resolution can impact frame rates on demanding titles. For competitive multiplayer games where split-second reaction times are key, higher consistent framerates at 1080p may sometimes be favorable. The PS4 Pro gives you flexibility.

Analysis by Eurogamer found Assassin‘s Creed Odyssey hitting 1080p60fps consistently during gameplay on PS4 Pro, while 4K mode dropped to around 45fps in taxing scenes.

Is Upgrading to a 4K TV Worth It?

If you‘re investing in a PS4 Pro, a 4K HDR television allows you to fully realize its capabilities. However, upgrading your TV just for the Pro may not make sense depending on your situation:

Pros of 4K for PS4 Pro:

• Sharper, more detailed graphics and textures

• Expanded color range and contrast with HDR

• More immersive environments and visuals

• Potentially faster load times

Cons of 4K:

• 4K TVs cost more than 1080p – budget at least $500+ for good entry-level models

• Some titles may sacrifice optimal frame rate for visuals

• You‘ll also need to upgrade HDMI cables and Blu-ray player for 4K movies

If you decide upgrading to 4K right now isn‘t feasible, you can still enjoy enhanced PS4 Pro performance on a 1080p TV for now. Down the line, 4K TV prices will continue to fall, bringing this premium experience into reach.

4K Gaming Monitor vs TV

Both monitors and TVs have advantages for 4K gaming depending on your priorities:

4K Gaming Monitors

Pros:

• Faster response time and pixel switching for less motion blur

• Higher refresh rates up to 144Hz supports smoother gameplay

• Lower input lag with dedicated gaming features

• Smaller 27-32 inch screens allow seeing detail easily up close

Cons:

• More expensive than same-size 4K TV

• Smaller maximum screen size compared to TVs

4K TVs

Pros:

• Large screen sizes 55-85 inches for immersive gaming

• Dolby Atmos and premium audio not found in monitors

• Smart TV features like built-in streaming apps

• Lower cost than same-size gaming monitor

Cons:

• Slightly higher input lag than monitors

• Limited to 60Hz refresh rate on most models

For serious competitive gamers who want razor sharp response, a high-performance gaming monitor is ideal. Casual gamers or those who prioritize large screen cinematic gaming are better served by an equally capable 4K TV.

Choose based on your gaming habits and environment – smaller screens work best at a desk, while you may want a giant display when gaming from the couch.

Recommended 4K TVs for PS4 Pro

Here are the top 4K TV recommendations for use with the PlayStation 4 Pro:

LG C2 OLED – The best 4K TV for PS4 Pro with stunning OLED image quality, HDMI 2.1 features, ultra-low input lag and 120Hz refresh rate support.

Samsung QN90B Neo QLED -Loaded with gaming features including variable refresh rate (VRR), ALLM and nearly instant response time. Mini LED backlighting delivers incredible contrast and brightness.

Sony X90K LED TV – Includes PS5-optimized gaming settings and input lag as low as 8.5ms. The X90K handles motion extremely well without smearing or blurring.

Hisense U8H ULED TV – Thisbudget-friendly option offers impressively bright HDR performance and THX Game Mode for under $1000. Great bang for the buck.

Asus CG32UQ Gaming Monitor – 4K 144Hz monitor with DisplayPort and HDMI 2.1 inputs ideal for PC and console gaming. 32" size provides immersive 4K visuals at a desk.

I recommend opting for an OLED or high-end QLED/Mini LED 4K TV to experience the stunning visuals PS4 Pro is capable of. Avoid cheaper models that cut corners with subpar HDR.

Optimal Picture Settings for 4K HDR Gaming

Calibrate your new TV‘s settings using these recommended picture adjustments for the best 4K HDR gaming experience:

Picture Mode – Game mode for lowest input lag

Brightness – Match content, max OLED light for HDR

Contrast – 100

Color – 50

Tint – 0

Sharpness – 0 (avoids artificial edge enhancement)

Color Temperature – Warm (accurate white balance)

Motion Settings – Off for fast response

HDMI Ultra HD Deep Color – Enabled for 4K/60Hz

Gamma – 2.2 is ideal, set to match mastering display

HDR Mode – On and set to match content type

Color Gamut – Auto or Wide

Black Level – Low is preferred on TVs that allow setting

Every television is slightly different, so individual calibration with test patterns truly optimizes a TV‘s gaming performance. An HDMI cable and source like the PS4 Pro that fully supports 4K HDR enables the most accurate configuration.

4K 60 FPS Gaming

The PS4 Pro can play select games at native 4K resolution while maintaining a smooth 60 frames per second when supported. Examples include:

• Doom Eternal – Dynamic 4K resolution up to 60fps

• Wipeout Omega Collection – 3D racing action at native 4K/60fps

• Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 4K resolution with HDR at 60fps in Performance Mode

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 – Scaled 3200 x 1800p up to 60 fps

To enable 4K 60Hz you‘ll need an HDMI 2.1 equipped television like the LG C2 or Samsung QN90B. Some HDMI 2.0 TVs also support 4K 60Hz through 4:2:0 chroma subsampling. Refer to your user manual for specifications.

Match the PS4 Pro Video Output Settings to your TV‘s capabilities for optimal 4K 60fps performance. Prioritize framerate over resolution for faster response in competitive multiplayer titles.