What Cable Is Needed for HDR on PS4 Pro?

To enjoy High Dynamic Range (HDR) gaming on your PlayStation 4 Pro, selecting the correct HDMI cable is essential for optimal visual performance. This article outlines the specific cable standards required, explains the difference between HDMI versions, and provides steps to ensure your display settings are configured correctly for HDR content.

The Required HDMI Standard

For the PS4 Pro to output HDR signals, you need a Premium High Speed HDMI cable. While the console comes with an HDMI cable in the box, not all older cables support the bandwidth required for 4K resolution at 60Hz with HDR metadata. The specific standard you should look for is HDMI 2.0a or higher. These cables are certified to handle the 18Gbps bandwidth necessary to transmit the wider color gamut and contrast ratios that define HDR gaming.

Checking Your Cable Certification

Many cables marketed as High Speed HDMI may only support 4K at 30Hz, which is insufficient for smooth HDR gaming. Look for the official Premium High Speed HDMI Certification label on the packaging or the cable head. This holographic label guarantees that the cable has been tested by an authorized center to meet the strict requirements for 4K and HDR transmission. If you are using an older HDMI 1.4 cable, you will likely need to upgrade to experience HDR on your display.

TV and Monitor Compatibility

Having the correct cable is only half of the equation; your display must also support HDR10, which is the format used by the PS4 Pro. Check your television or monitor specifications to ensure it supports HDR10 input over HDMI. Additionally, some displays require you to enable a specific HDMI port setting, often labeled as HDMI UHD Color, HDMI Enhanced Mode, or Deep Color Output, to allow the HDR signal to pass through correctly.

Configuring PS4 Pro Settings

Once you have connected your PS4 Pro to your HDR-compatible display using a Premium High Speed HDMI cable, you must verify the console settings. Navigate to Settings > Sound and Screen > Video Output Settings on your dashboard. Ensure that the HDR setting is set to Automatic. You can also select Set Up HDR here to run a calibration test, which will confirm if your current setup successfully supports High Dynamic Range content.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If HDR is not activating despite having the correct cable and TV, try switching to a different HDMI port on your television. Some older TVs only support HDR on specific ports, usually labeled HDMI 1 or HDMI 2. Additionally, avoid using excessively long cables, as signal degradation can occur over lengths greater than 10 feet without active amplification. If problems persist, testing with a different certified cable can help isolate whether the issue lies with the wire or the display settings.