We've been playing around with the PlayStation 4 Pro for a few days now, and while we're not quite ready to review it yet, we have fiddled around with the supercharged format long enough in order to bring you some first-hand impressions. We're really against the clock here so can only apologise for the brevity of this coverage, but do check out the video above for our full thoughts.
That said, we're quite hot on Sony's new hardware. The console itself is well made, balancing minimalism with a premium feel. It's quite large, but not ostentatiously so, and while it's got some meat on its bones, that all helps to give it the feel of a high-end product. Moreover, subtle improvements like the inclusion of a USB port on the rear really help with the format's functionality.
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The console undoubtedly shines best on 4K televisions with HDR enabled, but the supersampling on 1080p screens and PlayStation VR also ensures crisper image quality. While there's been much discussion about the checkerboard rendering system used to "upscale" some titles, the results are nothing short of astounding, with the high pixel density of UHD panels making it appear native.
And this is without even mentioning the improved Wi-Fi chip, larger hard-drive size, and compatibility with 4K streaming services. Sony's played it smart here: the PS4 Pro does not fundamentally change the existing PS4 experience – it merely adds a layer of icing and places a cherry on top. Enthusiasts looking for the best PlayStation visuals will want this box – but no one is being left behind.
Are you picking up the PS4 Pro this week? Do you have any questions about the console itself? Crank up the resolution in the comments section below.
[source bit.ly]
Comments 76
I'll be happy to answer any questions about the console that you have. Please just copy me in to your comments and I'll do my best to respond throughout the day.
You know how the string text in PSVR is not clear!! Is this much clear with PRO now?
Glad you are liking it, I'm committed now so will find out for myself either way but it would be nice to know if it improves previously released games in anyway that havnt been patched up. EDF might be a good way to try that out! Gets framey as hell on the standard PS4.
@bimobazinga It very much depends on the game, but supersampling with PS4 Pro can improve the clarity of things like text, while also reducing jaggies in games.
@get2sammyb is the fan less noisy than the existing Model Sammy?.
How do you see this affecting Push Square's reviews? Will you rate visuals or visual related problems on both machines?
I just thought, this doesn't affect users as most won't have both but it will affect you guys as you have to cater to two user groups!
@get2sammyb can you please share the improvements that battlefield 1 has on the multiplayer side? Did they manage to get it up to 1080p?
@stevie85 He already put the video on it on yt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91vsCrpBKy0
@kyleforrester87 I need to test it, but I don't think you see improvements in non-patched games. I think, because the GPU boost is so big, they switch off the extra power when running unpatched games for compatibility.
@stevie85 https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2016/11/video_ps4_pro_is_the_quietest_playstation_4_to_date
@Rudy_Manchego We'll display which version of the hardware we reviewed on in future reviews. That should be added this week.
@JoeBlogs Games like inFAMOUS: Second Son and Rise of the Tomb Raider include really meaningful improvements for 1080p. I also think the image quality boost is worthwhile. But your mileage may vary.
@get2sammyb That's a shame but it makes sense. Perhaps it's dependant on the engine the games built on also. Thanks
sammy 1 question. How can i persuade the wife we need a 4k tv so I can get a ps4 pro.
My last post here. I enjoyed some articles from Ramsey, but the rest is borderline clickbait. I can understand this is a playstation website, but i cannot excuse the dozens of articles that all just say the same.exact.thing.over.and.over. that i have to wade through to get to a decent article. We get it sammy, the Pro, and PSVR before it were the second and third comings of christ. But the amount of trash you're spewing out just to get a few clicks is severely off-putting. I found this site through N4G, and so far, every site i've found through there seems to turn up this way, so i'm steering clear of that clickbait generator as well. Thanks for some good articles Ramsey, you deserve better than the immaturity you're posting along side of.
I dont care if i shouldn't buy it. But i will buy it.
My PS4 is just too noisy,but even if it were fine I would get a pro. Lol
@get2sammyb hi, does the ps4 pro upscale bluray disks to 4k
@Napples
@Anguspuss I can answer questions about the PS4 Pro; I can't answer questions about women. Sorry.
@Napples Mind the door on your way out.
@THEundying27 Haven't tried Battlefield 1 yet, sorry.
@MoorePs4 Good question. I'll need to test this, as I don't know. I assume it would leave your TV to do that.
I can't believe how ignorant some people are!! Well I guess I can having frequented the internet this long!!
@THEundying27 - Sammy probably doesn't know 'exactly' how the Pro enhances BF1! Often you need special gear to check otherwise he could be giving false info.
@MoorePS4 - yes the PS4 will upscale Blurays - this was confirmed ages ago!
@THEundying27 Watch the tone, please - you won't be warned again.
My folks are thinking about getting me this for Christmas, thing is I've got a 2010 Sony HD TV so will I see an improvement, example better frame rates and a bit better picture?
@get2sammyb what about the games like uncharted 4 that do not have a specific 1080p enhanced mode. Do those look any better on 1080p TVs
@get2sammyb thankyou, I own the ps4 and xbox one s with a 4k tv, when I first got the xbox one s it upscaled standard bluray to 4k but then Microsoft removed it for some unknown reason with a patch, it would be a big bonus for Sony to upscale bluray to 4k seen as xbox one s doesn't anymore
@PlaytendoGuy @DualWielding Yeah, if they have been patched you will get a sharper image as a result of super sampling which has been mentioned in this article actually.
@kyleforrester87 I read somewhere that half of the new gpu is switched off unless there is a patch for the Pro so that it runs the same as a standard PS4. Having said that I assume the cpu will always be at its new speed so there could be small improvements in frame rate
@BAMozzy thanks 🖒
Can you get into a bit more detail on VR?
Many of us are hesitant to know how it improves titles like DriveclubVR or EVE Valkyrie and such. Maybe a "through the lens" screenshot comparison or something would help...
@ShogunRok I don't regret it. He deserved it. I've been trying to ask him some questions about the new console and he's been totally blowing me off on this article and the other one.
He's got a stick up his ass or something. If you want to ban me go for it. You guys are no help anyways.
@THEundying27 take a break son
a walk phone the Family
anything but this.
@get2sammyb As someone who only owns a standard HDTV and won't be having the cash to upgrade any time soon, is the Pro worth the investment for the overall performance hikes alone? I feel like, from what I've heard, the Pro will be the only way to play FFXV in any quality fashion.
@naut Your best bet is to wait for FF15 to launch before deciding, the demo was still pretty creaky but if they've optimised it further it should be fine on standard PS4. But who knows until it's out?
@PlaytendoGuy Yeah, you will see improvements in terms of image quality and (in some games) framerate and even effects enhancements.
@DualWielding You'll get image quality improvements via supersampling.
@Furtin I need to try it more. Battlezone looks noticeably sharper on PS4 Pro with better lighting. The PS4 Pro can't increase the resolution of the headset, however.
@THEundying27 I'm answering questions across YouTube, Facebook, and here. Have a bit of patience. I don't believe the patch for Battlefield 1 is out yet.
@naut I guess you need to consider how important a clean image is for you. Final Fantasy XV will be 900p on standard PS4, and much higher on PS4 Pro, which will result in a much cleaner image on Sony's new console. It'll still be the same game at the core, though.
@DLB3 Yeah, HDR is a game changer.
@get2sammyb Have been having a discussion elsewhere about the Pro and unsupported PS4 games running on it. It is my understanding that if there is no Pro patch for a game then the Pro will run in a 'base' mode that makes it effectively a base PS4 so the game will be indistinguishable between the two systems. It has been suggested to me though that the Pro will still run the game better, so we would have more stable frame rates etc even without the Pro being supported. I don't think this is true, but can you confirm it for me?
@get2sammyb well thanks! Obviously the resolution stays the same but as long as the image has less jaggies, it might be perceived as sharper.
@get2sammyb Do you have any thoughts on IGN's criticism that the lack of consistency in game benefits hurts the overall feel of the system? For example, some games looked brilliant at 1080p while others looked way better in 4K, while still others didn't really take advantage of the extra resolution or HDR, and it feels difficult to know which benefits you're getting with which game.
Nice to see such helpful feedback. Personally I'm going to have to get a hands on as I can't see the benefits of Pro on a 1080p TV/PSVR setup atm.
No
Has anyone got spare ps4 pro lying around? My wife wont buy me one and I'm skint until post Xmas.
@Neolit Fair enough - I think my phrasing could have been incorrect then, don't wish to complicate it further so won't attempt to clarify, but I am (hopeful!) we'll get an overall better image quality as a result of this super sampling
@themcnoisy I'll Facetime you while I play mine
I'm counting down the days... Let's GO!
@get2sammyb do you think I will still get a good quality boost on my 4k tv? Which isn't HDR enabled (8 bit panel). Can't find info anywhere. Thanks.
@StanleyM23 Yeah, of course. Games run at a much higher resolution on PS4 Pro, which will make a substantial difference on your TV.
"the PS4 Pro does not fundamentally change the existing PS4 experience.."
It will fundamentally change my bank balance though.
@get2sammyb just comes with a regular Dualshock 4 right? Thought I read there would be no controller upgrade.
@FaultyDroid Haha!
@audiobrainiac Correct, it's the same as the one that comes with the Slim, which has the LED light on the front.
@Napples Good riddance, you rarely contributed to discussions anyway outside your own negativity and criticism of hard working staff.
Hi Sammy any chance you could let us know about the Sata 3 speed when possible. Is it a noticeable improvement?
@get2sammyb I have a 4k tv that's not HDR it's UHD will I notice a massive difference as HDR seems to be the big thing with the pro?
Sammy is the console itself actually bigger than the original PS4?
@Anguspuss If you live in the US take advantage of Black Friday deals. Like a 50" 4k Vizio going for 348 @ Sams Club.
http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/BlackFridayScans/SamsClub/2
And there's a few others that are on sale at Walmart and Amazon.
@Chris0160 be careful though as I don't think this, and other cheaper 4K panels, are HDR capable and that is as big, if not biggger, than the resolution jump. Also need to be aware of input lag esp with HDR enabled. It's a bit of a minefield until it becomes more standardised.
@Chris0160 i live in Scottish highlands we have just got fibre broadband
Oh nooo Napples, please come back!!
...said no-one ever.
@Napples Bye Felicia.
@get2sammyb is there an improved controller bundled with the pro? Or have I heard wrong.
@get2sammyb Does the HDMI cable support 4k/hdr or we have to buy another? Should be really easy to upgrade the hdd? I think I have a spare SATA3 1TB Hybrid SSD lying around on my old PS3!
Also do you plan to do articles on specific game enhancements in the future? I am really curious about Final Fantasy 15 (my favourite game series). I am afraid it will run badly in the base model.
@get2sammyb I am thinking of getting this in the New Year
Hey Sammy do you know if the PS4 PRo enhanced the image from Netflix (non 4k account) and standard Bluray disc ? Thx (Btw my pro is already bought )
@DM666 Same case here
@aric201812 The Vizio does have some lag, but the TV has a special game mode so. The TV that I did find that plays excellent after a few calibration tweaks is this TV
http://www.samsung.com/us/televisions-home-theater/tvs/4k-uhd-tvs/40--class-ku6290-6-series-4k-uhd-tv--2016-model--un40ku6290fxza
The TV does support HDR, without a noticeable lag.
@Chris0160 @aric201812 : That model (the whole KU series) has an 8 bit panel and while it has an HDR input it cannot display HDR content with more colours. Effectively not HDR.
@BAMozzy to correct me since he knows this shtuff better than anyone.
@get2sammyb maybe this can be a separate article but how about talking about extended warranty options?
Since myself and others are having launch PS4 issues, I think that could be good information to know before buying a PS4 Pro.
@get2sammyb also could you guys test game performance with an SSD installed? with a 7200rpm driver installed?
I think I've used up my question allotment for the day.
Not too fond of the design. Kinda fugly if you ask me.
I'm just anxious to get this thing's HDD swapped out and transferred over from my current PS4. And get my new 4K HDR TV swapped out. Already got the HDMI 2.0 cords swapped. I'll be glad when all of this is done and over with and I can just sit back and relax.
Grabbed this Hisense 55" HDR 4KTV for $499
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hisense-55-class-54-6-diag--led-2160p-smart-4k-ultra-hd-tv-with-high-dynamic-range-black/5524900.p?skuId=552490
Got pretty decent review compared to the equivalent 55" HDR Samsung, Vizio and Sony 4K models, all of which cost around $1,000. Specifically for the gaming category, which it actually outscored all the top brands in. There are a few drawbacks but, for half the price of every other HDR 4KTV this size, I'm OK with that. Even moreso considering there were no really low scores in any one category, while top brands like Samsung actually scored a 4/10 for motion (for example). With the exception of Sony, pretty much all had one really weak area. So yeah I'm definitely happy with this
http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/hisense/h8c
@Chris0160 @aric201812 As @Mega-Gazz said, the KU Series does not meet the minimum standards for HDR10 - that's the wider colour (REC2020), 10 bit TRUE colour (some panels are 8bit bit have 'dithering;' to give a 'false' 10bit colour), can't deliver the quality of 'blacks' or reach the Peak Brightness to give the contrast ratio HDR10 specifies.
What these TV's (and other similar budget TV's) offer is more like SDR+ than HDR. They can receive and detect a HDR source and will give a generally brighter, higher contrasting image which should look better than SDR but can be a little underwhelming compared to what HDR10 can offer. They essential 'downsample' the HDR to fit the capabilities of the TV - like the Pro downsamples higher resolutions to fit a 1080p screen.
When most of these TV's released, HDR had no defined standards, so any TV could 'claim' HDR if they can play HDR content and offer a higher peak brightness than the standard 100nits SDR is mastered to. It would be like a manufacturer making a 1200p TV and calling it 'UHD' because its more than 1080p. HDR is currently mastered at either 1,000 or 4,000nits.
This year though the UHD Alliance, formed to bring a 'standard' to HDR, actually defined HDR with a minimum set of standards and also accounted for the difference in technology between LED and OLEDs too. If TV's meet these minimum standards, they are given UHD Premium accreditation. This is to ensure a minimum standard quality of HDR is met.
The KU series cannot meet this standard or even come close. It will still 'work' with the Pro, give you the benefits of the higher resolution screen and when playing HDR content, will look 'better' than it did. If you want a TV though that meets HDR10 standards, look for the UHD Premium logo. All of Samsungs KS series are HDR10 TV's and the PQ between these and the KU series is 'significantly' better. Sony won't put their range forward as not many will meet the standard - the ZD9 (which Sony have been using to demo the Pro and HDR) would meet HDR10 standards though. Panasonics DX902 meets the standards but others in their range don't and of course LG's B6, C6, E6 and G6 OLED's do as well.
I appreciate that 'budgets' may not stretch to a HDR10, UHD Alliance approved TV - they aren't cheap. If the KU series suits your budget then it will be a better fit than a standard 1080p TV - at least it can offer the extra pixel count and an improvement over SDR.
@BAMozzy it fits my budget for now since I still have to get the Pro. I have a GF that hated the idea of me spending more than 900 for gaming. So for now I'll take this. http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/samsung/ku6300
Yes you'll look and say that's not the 6290, Ratings add a few other sites say there are no noticeable differences between 6290 and 6300 series. Next year maybe, I can convince her to let me get a better 4k Tv. Oh and yes they did mention that it supports HDR content, but that it lacks the wide range color gamut.... something like that.
https://reviews.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/samsung-led-tv/samsung-ku6290.html
Here is another review that specifically states the only difference is the lack of a smart remote. Some users reported receiving a smart remote. On AVS forum post it is said the 6300 has bluetooth while 6290 does not.
@get2sammyb Will you guys still be doing reviews on games running on the old PS4/Slim or just the PS4 Pro only once it releases?
@Chris0160 The KU series looks a quite decent TV overall. Its black level looks good (thanks to a VA panel) but lack of local dimming may affect the quality of the picture - in particular HDR. At the moment, there isn't much HDR content out there and some of it, mainly the streaming, is quite poor compared to that on disc for example. Chances are that most of the content you will watch will be HD-4k with the occasional HDR game. It could represent a good stop gap for a few years and access to HDR features - albeit at a scaled down level but still better than just 4k SDR levels.
HDR is still very much in its infancy. The 'standards' for HDR10 are minimum standards. Ultimately HDR10 will provide a much wider colour gamut (its currently only able to offer around 70-75% of REC2020), darker blacks and much higher peak brightness - the best content is mastered to 4000 nits but the brightest is less than 2000 nits (the ZD9) but is delivering on the minimum 4k 10bit panels. It still has room to improve. Its a bit like HD (which can be as low as 720p) in that HDR10 is not quite up to delivering the 'full' 1080p but still meets the minimum to be classified as HDR10.
There is a good case to be made for buying a 'cheaper' TV that offers some HDR compatibility and improvement over SDR and waiting for manufacturers to improve the technology. Yes there are 'other' HDR types that could compete or work alongside HDR10 - Dolby Vision for example, but HDR10 has been adopted by all. Sony's TV's at least most of them may not reach HDR10 standards but their dedicated Bluray player must play UHD Premium (HDR10) content.
I opted for the KS series - mainly because it meets the minimum requirements and has a great input lag in game mode - including with HDR content. I know its expensive, not the most expensive, but I wanted it to last at least 5yrs until I can maybe afford to replace and HDR display technology has improved.
hey @get2sammyb thanks for the video. I wondered if you may be able to tell me if the playback of media is any different. Essentially will it play h.265 4k60p etc... Many thanks
People, you already have legit - professional reviews of PS4 Pro on Gamespot, IGN, Eurogamer, CNET,....
You can find all your answers already on the web, PS4 Pro is beingy fully reviewed yesterday.
@BAMozzy It is the most expensive with price ranging from $1099 to $24000. KS and JS both give me a heart attack looking at those prices. Most of them were sitting around 5000. Unless it comes with OLED, 3D, 8K, and a 4 yr guarantee. I will wait for those to come down in price.
Now onto the important part, yes the KS, and the 2015 JS series look amazing, not just the display but the design as well. For now, the KU series will be fine for me, it's main use will be streaming, or cable. The Pro will only be taking advantage of the Tv about one week a month, due to my job (truck driver). The rest of the month the Pro will be played on a 24" 1080p. I will wait for, if it ever happens, a decent priced 4k OLED TV.
@Neolit nobody makes 1080p hdr tv's unfortunately
@get2sammyb Just a little editing note. At the end of second to last paragraph you say "... UHD panels making it appeal native." I think you meant to say "appear".
Otherwise, thanks for your impressions so far. I look forward to reading the full review when it is done.
@Chris0160 The KS Series are the most expensive in Samsungs range and my TV came with a 6yr warranty. If you want an OLED (although those can suffer image retention/screen burn so maybe not the 'best' for long gaming sessions with a fixed HuD, Health Bar (like SFv) etc), 3D (although that seems to be on the way out) etc then LG do offer the C6 - the B6 doesn't have 3D - and meets the HDR10 standard for OLEDs. Its cheaper than Sony's ZD9 LED.
Samsungs KS range is at the lower end of the HDR10 approved price range - even if they are relatively expensive. They also won several awards inc Best TV for 2016 in What Hifi's annual awards. My first 1080p TV though cost more (not even accounting for inflation), was smaller and had no smart functionality either. The JS range is good - last years premium TV's - but only 1 would be good enough to pass HDR accreditation although these all offer the wider colour range and proper 10bit panels.
Chances are, these will drop in price in time. 4k Panels were a lot more expensive a few years ago - now you can pick up one for the same money I paid for my 48" 1080p Bedroom TV - even with some HDR capability. Black Friday could see prices drop too and the after Christmas sales too. January us where the TV manufacturers will showcase their 2017 range and 2016 TV's are sold off to make room for the new stock.
There is no right or wrong TV as such. I am only saying that a lot of the HDR TV's are NOT able to offer HDR10 quality but can still offer a 'better than' SDR quality. Like you said, if the majority of time, its not being used for HDR content - just the occasional use, and budgets dictate how much you can justifiably spend on a TV, then you need to pick a TV for your needs and circumstances. I agree it's no point spending 1,000s on something that barely gets used to its capacity (or used much at all). Please don't think I am criticising or trying to 'one-up' you because my TV is HDR10 or cost more - it suited my needs, budget and circumstances (If I had more to spend I would have gone bigger). I see it as future proofing for the next 5-10yrs but fully expect in a few years that HDR10 TV's will be better and cheaper than mine.
@BrettAwesome @Neolit I doubt we will see any HDR 1080p TV's either - at least not from the major companies. One of the minimum requirements for HDR in TV content is 2160p resolution and of course HDMI 2.0a/HDCP2.2 ports which is far more bandwidth than 1080p needs. It seems pointless to make a 1080p HDR panel to downsample 4k HDR content just because the XB1s and PS4 can't offer resolutions above 1080p in gaming. All other HDR content should be at 2160p.
@ccanfield1 Thanks for the correction, will fix now.
So...today I got notification from my retailer, that PRO is waiting for me. Wow, 2 days earlier...great
Anyway I ordered also active 4k HDMI splitter for that HDR psvr unit issue. Do you have guys some experience with hdmi splitters? If it supports 4k and hdr, it should solve the psvr hdr problem, shouldnt it? I also looked on some hdmi switches, but they are much more expensive then splitters.
@fybyfyby Lucky! I can't help with the splitter thing - I did think I'd found one, but wasn't convinced and it was £60 so didn't risk it.
On the topic of getting your console early, has anyone had their Amazon one ship / payment taken in readiness?
I pre-ordered on day one, but got an offer from them last week to change to a bundle at no extra cost, because it wasn't available when I made the original pre-order. So anyway, they've charged and shipped the game part today, but not taken the money for the console. The site says it will ship today, but I'm getting a bit nervous.
OK so pro si home! Now transferring data....but it's really slow (on gigabit network) so I skipped games and transfer only settings,saves and media. Then I'll download some games separately. Hope to see some nice 4K soon
Thursday i buy my ps4 pro, psvr, 2 move controllers and camera... Today i asked if they can throw me a free game in.... They consider it!
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