How to Enjoy 4K HDR Gaming on Your PS4 Pro: Tips and Tricks

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, many players are eager to maximize their experience with cutting-edge technology. If you’ve recently purchased a PlayStation 4 Pro and are looking to dive into the world of 4K gaming with HDR, you may have a few questions about your setup, particularly when it comes to capturing gameplay. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the best possible gaming experience without the need for additional hardware.

Understanding Your Setup

After connecting your PS4 Pro to an HD capture card, you might have noticed that you’re limited to 1080p resolution without the option for High Dynamic Range (HDR). This can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to enjoy all the visual splendor that 4K HDR gaming offers. The challenge lies in how most capture cards handle video output. Typically, they can only pass through the resolution they are set to capture, which is where the limitations often arise.

Achieving 4K HDR While Recording 1080p

If you’re focusing on recording at 1080p while wanting to experience 4K HDR on your 4K TV, consider the following options:

1. Check Capture Card Specifications: Not all capture cards support 4K HDR. Ensure that your current card can handle 4K output even while capturing at a lower resolution. Look for settings that allow passthrough while recording in lower resolutions.

2. Use a HDMI Splitter: If your current capture card doesn’t meet these specifications, a quality HDMI splitter might be the answer. This device can duplicate the HDMI signal, allowing your PS4 Pro to output both to your capture card (for 1080p recording) and directly to your 4K TV (for HDR gameplay).

Playing on Multiple Monitors

For those who enjoy gaming on a variety of displays—like a 1080p monitor in addition to a 4K TV—setting up a seamless switching system is key. Here are a few methods to achieve that:

1. HDMI Switcher: An HDMI switcher can allow you to easily connect multiple displays to your PS4 Pro without the hassle of constantly swapping cables. This device lets you switch between your 1080p monitor and your 4K TV with the push of a button.

2. Manual Option: If a switcher is not feasible, you might have