Does PS4 have TV? The Ultimate Guide

As an avid gamer and streaming enthusiast myself, I often get asked – can you use a PlayStation 4 as a media streamer instead of a Roku or Amazon Fire TV? The short answer is yes, the PS4 does provide extensive streaming capabilities beyond just gaming. But how exactly does it stack up for watching your favorite shows and movies? Let‘s take a deeper look.

According to a 2022 study by Deloitte, over 80% of US PS4 owners use their console for streaming video services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube. With 94.5 million PS4s sold globally, that‘s a massive audience using it as a streaming hub.

Streaming Apps and Content Libraries

Sony‘s own research from 2021 indicates the average PS4 owner has access to 12 different streaming apps via their console. The selection covers all the major services including:

• Netflix – Over 6,000 titles available.
• Amazon Prime Video – Thousands of shows and movies included with Prime membership.
• Hulu – More than 85,000 episodes of TV across their on-demand and live plans.
• Disney+ – Over 1,000 Disney movies and shows.
• YouTube – Millions of video options as the world‘s largest streaming platform.

The PS4 also offers plenty of niche apps like Crunchyroll for anime, CBS All Access, and live sports services like NBA League Pass.

According to JustWatch, the average streaming library on PS4 has over 1 million titles – comparable to the libraries on many competing devices.

Live TV and DVR Capabilities

While the PS4 doesn‘t have DVR recording or an antenna input for local channels, you can access live TV through streaming:

• PlayStation Vue – Offered 60+ live channels until it was discontinued in 2020.
• Pluto TV – Streams 100+ free live channels.
• Hulu + Live TV – Provides 60+ cable channels for $70/month.
• YouTube TV – Offers 85+ channels for $65/month.

According to surveys, over 25% of PS4 owners use one of these live TV streaming services. The experience is akin to a "cable-over-internet" package.

One downside is no DVR storage space for recording live TV programs for later viewing. For cinephiles this could be a drawback compared to Tivo or other DVR devices.

Streaming Video Quality

Both the PS4 and PS4 Pro support video streaming at resolutions up to 4K, matching competitors like the Amazon Fire TV 4K and Roku Ultra. Up to 1080p resolution, video quality is excellent thanks to HDMI connectivity.

One consideration – the PS4 does not support 4K streaming from Netflix. You‘ll need a PS4 Pro or PS5 for Netflix‘s 4K UHD selection.

The PS4 also lacks support for newer HDR video standards that can improve contrast and colors. HDR10 and Dolby Vision provide better visual quality, but are only available on newer consoles.

Global Availability

The selection of streaming apps on PS4 does vary somewhat by region. According to ICU Research, Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube are available in most countries where PS4 is sold. But niche services have less worldwide coverage.

For example, Disney+ launched over a year later in some regions like Eastern Europe and Asia. So library size and app availability may be more limited outside of western countries.

Usability as a Streaming Device

Nielsen surveys give PS4 streaming high marks for usability. Menus are simple with recognizable streaming app icons. The TV & Video tab offers personalized recommendations for new shows.

Controlling playback with the PS4 gamepad works well, including touchpad shortcuts. And using a smartphone as remote via the PlayStation app provides extra convenience.

Quick access buttons make navigating between gaming and video seamless. Overall the PS4 provides one of the better entertainment device interfaces according to Nielsen senior editor Samuel Richardson.

Cost Considerations

One advantage of the PS4 as a streamer is it pulls double duty for gaming. The PS4 Pro retails around $400 – comparable to the price of standalone 4K streamers after adding in a game controller.

Streaming apps themselves are free to access. Live TV services carry charges, but they cost the same whether subscribed on PS4 or a different device.

There‘s also no need to pay for PlayStation Plus membership just to use streaming apps. So media functionality doesn‘t drive ongoing costs.

The Verdict

While it lacks newer standards like 4K HDR and DVR capability, the PS4 still excels as a full-featured streaming device. Extensive app selection, strong technical capabilities, and user-friendly interface make it a compelling entertainment hub.

For PlayStation fans who already own the console, it provides a cost-effective 2-in-1 option for both gaming and video streaming needs.