One of the key selling points for the PS4 Pro is that it can output in high-dynamic range (HDR), which was pitched by Sony as working in tandem with the PS4 Pro’s 4K capabilities in order to provide the console’s games with notable visual enhancements. However, it has now been made clear that using HDR on your PS4 will be more than a little awkward if you also have a PS VR hooked up to the console.
The PS4 Pro’s inability to output in HDR when connected to the PS VR is outlined in the console’s manual. It reads:
“The PS4 must be connected directly from the PS4 to the TV to output HDR. It can’t be connected to PS VR, a receiver, or a switch box.”
The PS VR comes with its own processor that must be connected to the PS4 via USB. This means that whenever a PS4 Pro owner wants to use the console’s HDR feature, they must therefore disconnect their PS VR headset from the console otherwise they will not be able to do so.
Although Sony stated that the PS4 Pro will help improve PS VR games, this makes using the console to its full capabilities pretty awkward whenever you want to play a game that isn’t in virtual reality. If you own a HDR compatible TV and a PS VR, you will therefore need to routinely keep swapping cables around whenever you want to use the headset, as the PS4 Pro’s HDMI will run to the PS VR’s processor in order to output to your TV. If you unplug the PS VR, as you will need to if you want to access the PS4 Pro’s HDR features, then you will find yourself having to keep switching your HDMI cables around in order to continue using the PS4 Pro.
While cable switching isn’t the end of the world, it will prove to be an unfortunate annoyance for HDR TV owners. With the PS VR already requiring plenty of cables running from your TV and console in order to work, this will prove to be another headache for those who were looking to purchase a PS4 Pro to contend with.
You can check out our sister site PlayStation Lifestyle’s full review of the PS4 Pro right here.
