With all the hype about 4K resolution and the potential for gaming in Ultra High Definition, there is one question burning in the minds of all PS4 fans— when is the PS4 moving into the realm of 4K? Although we don’t have any definitive statements from Sony yet, there are rumors buzzing around in the world of console gaming— rumors of a 4K project in the works.
The Rumor
According to Sony headquarters, the PS4.5 is being developed right now. But will it really be called the PS4.5? Probably not. Some have suggested that the code name of the project is PlayStation Neo; but even if those rumors are true, it’s unlikely that the name PlayStation Neo would be the final name under which the console is released to the public. Others have mentioned the term “PlayStation 4K” as a cool potential name for the next-gen console. It also seems worth mentioning that Sony is also reportedly working on a PS4 Slim.
The Possibilities
Many gaming pundits have speculated that instead of starting fresh with a totally reworked console, Sony is merely tweaking its existing model. This makes sense, because the PS4 remains a vibrant and competitive presence in the world of console gaming. Its internal hardware make it a true powerhouse when it comes to modern video games; and although there is room for improvement, the PS4 and the more streamlined PS4 Slim remain at the very top of the list of available consoles for gamers.
So what’s the point of reworking the PlayStation 4 at all? The primary reason for an upgrade would be to adapt the PS4 so that it fully supports 4K resolution. It needs a graphics and video boost to handle Ultra HD’s potential for 60 frames per second for 8.2 million pixels. That’s a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, moving at 60 FPS, and even the PS4 doesn’t currently boast that kind of power. It can manage some 4K video and images, but it doesn’t support streaming content or 4K games.
The Security
Part of the reason for the upgrade also has to do with HDCP 2.2. That stands for “High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection,” and it’s the new way to ensure security and copyright protection for 4K content. With this new protocol, users should not be able to pull content from a source and put it onto a recording device to make a copy. With the strength of the encryption keys in HDCP 2.2, security is definitely enhanced; but the tech is not backwards-compatible, and there aren’t many devices that work with it yet. You’ll need to buy a brand-new 4K TV from LG, Panasonic, Sony, or Samsung to get that HDCP 2.2 compliance working for you, especially if you’re planning to invest in the upgraded PlayStation 4K when it finally makes an appearance.
The Future
Prices for 4K TVs are gradually dropping, and with bits of news continuing to trickle out of Sony’s inner sanctum, you can probably expect to see a truly 4K-capable version of the PS4 available within the next year or two. That is, unless some display tech that’s even more wonderful blindsides everyone and leaves Ultra High-Definition in the dust.
Are you buying your 4K TV now or waiting for the PS4 Neo? Let us know in the comments.
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