PSVR will pass through 4K but not HDR to your 4KTV
- Thread starter Marty Chinn
- Start date
Essentially Sony already came out and said it would not pass through HDR, the HDMI tranceiver in the PU just doesn't have the bandwith required to do HDR despite the SoC having 10bit capability.
All we can do is find the easiest way round it.
hikarutilmitt
Member
Well that sucks.
I suppose I could use the Monitor 2 output on my Denon receiver to do this. Basically keep Monitor 1 as the output to the TV and Monitor 2 as the output that goes to the box through to the TV. I can select which (or both) outputs it uses at a given time, so this may be a workaround, since the chain for the given signal shouldn't be broken. Basically go PS4 > Denon > TV (monitor 1) and PS4 > Denon > PU (monitor 2) > TV. Doing this would also allow me to use cinema mode with the Xbox One S, WiiU and Satellite...
hmmmmm
Unless the signal has to go PS4 > PU > Denon > TV like I have now. That could be a wrench.
So I saw a pic on Reddit that used a a combination 1-2 and 2-1 HDMI switches for pre-PU switching, would this work? There's a great offer on a 4KHDR Sony TV I'm tempted to get ($1100 off RRP via EB Games in Aus) but I'm not going to bother if this issue can't be resolved.
https://m.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comment...lution/?utm_source=mweb_redirect&compact=true
So I saw a pic on Reddit that used a a combination 1-2 and 2-1 HDMI switches for pre-PU switching, would this work? There's a great offer on a 4KHDR Sony TV I'm tempted to get ($1100 off RRP via EB Games in Aus) but I'm not going to bother if this issue can't be resolved.
https://m.reddit.com/r/PSVR/comment...lution/?utm_source=mweb_redirect&compact=true
Already tried, with issues.
Ok, as luck would have it i had to pop home to pick something up, so whilst there i tried it out.
Played Playroom Robot rescue and didnt notice anything, after booted up batman and noticed the odd random white / red sparkle, i'm saying 1 or 2 of them every 15 seconds or so.
So i can confirm i have the same issue, but i didn't have time to swap cables etc before coming back to work.
I will try the HDMI coupler tomorrow, seeing as that is just 2 connectors joining 2 cables and requires no power i'll expect no issues, but it may be the PU / headset is reliant on a specific signal reaching it and it could be that anything in the way of it could interfere.
EDIT - Doing a search online a few people have reported red static, a couple have resolved it by replacing cables, so again that might be a sign of the sensitivity of the headset to even the slightest change in signal.
Fess
Member
Sony should be the one taking care of this problem. They're updating OGPS4's to do HDR, right? Can't they just update the PSVR breakout box to pass through HDR? Or is this a hardware problem?
Hardware, they used a 10Bit SoC with a lower grade HDMI transceiver interface.
I wonder if using a powered switch would work if that's the cause...
Marty Chinn
Member
I believe it's a bandwidth problem. See the original PS4 can get away with it because it's limited to 1080p with HDR. The Processor Unit might be able to do that but won't be able to handle 4k and HDR.
DJ Lushious
Member
I have been wondering the same thing. Here goes round two. I ordered this VeLLbox switch and should expect it on Thursday.
There are two bullet points that I thought might give more luck as a potential solution. The first, as you've surmised, is that it is powered. The second is that it is touted by the manufacturer as being HDMI 2.0 compliant. At least it officially supports the 600Mhz transmission. So long as it is a dumb switch, and it appears so, then it should function the same as the Sewell switch and pass the HDR metadata along without blinking an eye.
Though we know how the Sewell switch turned out. Hopefully relying on external power may be just what is needed for the PS VR Processing Unit to stay happy. Stay tuned!
infinityBCRT
Member
I have been wondering the same thing. Here goes round two. I ordered this VeLLbox switch and should expect it on Thursday.
There are two bullet points that I thought might give more luck as a potential solution. The first, as you've surmised, is that it is powered. The second is that it is touted by the manufacturer as being HDMI 2.0 compliant. At least it officially supports the 600Mhz transmission. So long as it is a dumb switch, and it appears so, then it should function the same as the Sewell switch and pass the HDR metadata along without blinking an eye.
Though we know how the Sewell switch turned out. Hopefully relying on external power may be just what is needed for the PS VR Processing Unit to stay happy. Stay tuned!
Looking forward to your results.
One of these companies should just design a PSVR HDR passthrough box. It could just snap into the back of the breakout box and forego all of the extra wires required... which also makes it insane that Sony wasn't able to just build in this functionality to the breakout box. For passing through HDR all they needed was the right type of connectors and wire for the chain that goes from PS4 -> breakout box -> TV. It almost seems like they forgot about it.
DJ Lushious
Member
I received the VeLLbox HDMI switch today. And, my fellow GAFfers, I have good news and bad news.
Bad News
I purchased a 2x1 HDMI switch. It has two inputs and one output. Which doesn't quite help the situation. At all. Chalk that up to a moment of sleep-induced stupor, exhausted grasping for a solution, or anything else, like aliens.
So, yeah, I feel like a jackass.
Good News
I ran the PS4's video output through the VeLLbox HDMI switch and then to the Processing Unit to test what introducing a powered switch would do to the HDMI chain. And, if you'll recall, the Sewell passive HDMI switch introduced sparklies all over the place.
Now, and here comes't the good news part, I encountered zero sparklies! I played RIGS for a good 30 minutes and had zero issues. And had a ton of fun, too!
Now comes the hunt for a 1x2 powered HDMI switch capable of 2.0 speeds. Oy vey!
Bad News
I purchased a 2x1 HDMI switch. It has two inputs and one output. Which doesn't quite help the situation. At all. Chalk that up to a moment of sleep-induced stupor, exhausted grasping for a solution, or anything else, like aliens.
So, yeah, I feel like a jackass.
Good News
I ran the PS4's video output through the VeLLbox HDMI switch and then to the Processing Unit to test what introducing a powered switch would do to the HDMI chain. And, if you'll recall, the Sewell passive HDMI switch introduced sparklies all over the place.
Now, and here comes't the good news part, I encountered zero sparklies! I played RIGS for a good 30 minutes and had zero issues. And had a ton of fun, too!
Now comes the hunt for a 1x2 powered HDMI switch capable of 2.0 speeds. Oy vey!
infinityBCRT
Member
I received the VeLLbox HDMI switch today. And, my fellow GAFfers, I have good news and bad news.
Bad News
I purchased a 2x1 HDMI switch. It has two inputs and one output. Which doesn't quite help the situation. At all. Chalk that up to a moment of sleep-induced stupor, exhausted grasping for a solution, or anything else, like aliens.
So, yeah, I feel like a jackass.
Good News
I ran the PS4's video output through the VeLLbox HDMI switch and then to the Processing Unit to test what introducing a powered switch would do to the HDMI chain. And, if you'll recall, the Sewell passive HDMI switch introduced sparklies all over the place.
Now, and here comes't the good news part, I encountered zero sparklies! I played RIGS for a good 30 minutes and had zero issues. And had a ton of fun, too!
Now comes the hunt for a 1x2 powered HDMI switch capable of 2.0 speeds. Oy vey!
I don't understand, its a switch. Functionally the 2x1 one you got would be no different than the 1x2. ignore the input/output labels. Just that one cable conections is switching between 2 other connections. You should be able to buy another one of the same 2x1 switch.
DJ Lushious
Member
I had thought about trying that, but I was quite defeated and just wanted to play some Robot Jox, I mean RIGS.
I'll give it a another try in a few hours when I get home from work.
DJ Lushious
Member
Yeah, that doesn't work. The switch was only able to work in the 2x1 configuration. It must be certain pins in the HDMI cable are for one-way directional signals only.
.hacked
Member
tested that sewell switch, I am in a unique position having 2 identical setups
2 of the same sony HDR sets
2 PSVRs
2 switches
2 sets of identical hdmi cables
1 launch PS4
1 uncharted PS4
So both set up same way, launch PS4 gets red static and the uncharted Ps4 does not. Swap switches around same launch PS4 static, uncharted PS4 fine.
After testing each and every cable I fount if I used a pack in Xbox One HDMI cable to feed into the switch then I don't get static on the launch PS4.
I don't know what it is, my guess the launch PS4 is older, perhaps HDMI port is messed up or hardware issue with early PS4s, why else would it work with no issues on the Uncharted PS4?
I have it working now with no static, Xbox One pack HDMI into sewell switch then 2 6 ft amazon brand highspeed HDMI cables to the TV (well one to TV, 2nd to break out box thn TV).
2 of the same sony HDR sets
2 PSVRs
2 switches
2 sets of identical hdmi cables
1 launch PS4
1 uncharted PS4
So both set up same way, launch PS4 gets red static and the uncharted Ps4 does not. Swap switches around same launch PS4 static, uncharted PS4 fine.
After testing each and every cable I fount if I used a pack in Xbox One HDMI cable to feed into the switch then I don't get static on the launch PS4.
I don't know what it is, my guess the launch PS4 is older, perhaps HDMI port is messed up or hardware issue with early PS4s, why else would it work with no issues on the Uncharted PS4?
I have it working now with no static, Xbox One pack HDMI into sewell switch then 2 6 ft amazon brand highspeed HDMI cables to the TV (well one to TV, 2nd to break out box thn TV).
DJ Lushious
Member
I was thinking about this last night, actually. My guess is that a thicker gauge HDMI cable needs to go from the PS4 to the switch. Going to 1:1 causes too much of a drop-off. Which I still find odd, since I was using 1m HDMI cables throughout the chain.
Thanks for testing! I may have a thicker gauge HDMI cable by Twisted Veins. I know it will transmit HDMI 2.0a. I'll try it late today, as i have to go to a baby shower right now.
CrispyBoar
Banned
Looks like there's no need to waste $400 on PSVR now.
I can put that kind of money towards Nintendo Switch instead.
I can put that kind of money towards Nintendo Switch instead.
DJ Lushious
Member
Swap HDMI cables.
I tried a 3ft Twisted Veins HDMI cable to the Sewell switch. Everything looked great until I started a PSVR game. Then sparklies everywhere.
I then tried the Vizio HDMI cable that came with my P-Series UHDTV (P65-C1) and, like .hacked relayed, no issues! I have the Xbox One S HDMI cable, but it's still wrapped and in the box, so I didn't use that, though my Vizio cable was hanging out in the "spare cables" box. I can't, however, imagine my results would be any different than .hacked's with the Microsoft cable.
It seems pretty clear that an 18Gbps HDMI cable (Certified Premium) is required, should a switch be introduced into the chain. And, this is a completely unsubstantiated claim, but I would hazard a guess a 24AWG HDMI cable would also do the trick, due to decreased signal resistance.
I could use some spare HDMI cables, as a general rule, so I am going to be ordering these from MonoPrice. Since they are Certified Premium, I suspect they will work exactly the same as Microsoft's/Vizio's cable. I'll update the thread when I get them in. I am also curious about the 24AWG theory, so I'm snagging this HDMI cable, as well.
So, we can at least say with 100% certainty that two UHD device's packaged HDMI cables work.
Thanks to everyone that has helped dial this in! With the PS4 Pro a mere 11 days away, we've got this figured out with time to spare.
Marty Chinn
Member
I'd be more worried about the port.
That too.
I'm confused. Why won't a splitter just work?
This thread seems to have ballooned up with different theories and it's difficult to follow.
Sony should have a solution to this if they're pushing both HDR and VR 😑
DJ Lushious
Member
That is the concern, definitely.
SeanR1221, this has all been tested using a switch. A splitter won't work, as HDMI will fall to the lowest spec involved in the chain. In which case, this would be the Processing Unit not being HDMI 2.0a.
The whole drama unfolds over the past few pages, but long story short is that me and another GAFfer found that introducing a switch into the HDMI chain causes some signal loss. More details have been found, as relayed by .hacked.
Thanks for clearing that up. What a mess. Honestly Sony should let you send in the old breakout with proof of purchase of the pro and send out new ones.
That would be true if it were a mechanical switch. However solid state switches usually employ diodes, which do not operate the same way if you reverse their direction.
I hope this gets resolved cuz I'm planning to upgrade to a KS8000 by the end of the month. Since I don't want to do damage to the ports with frequent switching, I'm probably going to default leaving the PSVR unplugged and only use it during special occasions.
Edit: So since the 2x1 switch didn't work, would this 1x2 switch work? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LFX1UDM/ref=pd_sbs_23_3?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00LFX1UDM&pd_rd_r=4F5WSJF9WMZ2D74RJ4EC&pd_rd_w=9hXmq&pd_rd_wg=1ewb3&psc=1&refRID=4F5WSJF9WMZ2D74RJ4EC
Edit: So since the 2x1 switch didn't work, would this 1x2 switch work? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LFX1UDM/ref=pd_sbs_23_3?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00LFX1UDM&pd_rd_r=4F5WSJF9WMZ2D74RJ4EC&pd_rd_w=9hXmq&pd_rd_wg=1ewb3&psc=1&refRID=4F5WSJF9WMZ2D74RJ4EC
DJ Lushious
Member
As a community, we're practically there. Get a 1x2 switch (a few have been linked throughout this thread), use a 4K UHD device's packaged HDMI cable (certified premium?) from the PS4 to the switch, then profit.
I firmly believe, together, we will have the HDMI chain figured out so as to make the Processing Unit happy.
boredandlazy
Member
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PW04E6/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Or something similar. Means any potential damage won't happen to the PS4.
Surely the pro hdmi will be the right spec then, so just run that to the Sewell switch and we're golden?
DJ Lushious
Member
Hopefully! .hacked's discovery seems to lend credence to that theory. Nonetheless, only 10 more days to the Pro. I'm hyped!
f@luS
More than a member.
Quoting myself
This is what I just did. Easiest way imho
Double face duck tape / coupler on the PSVR. Which I will just switch these 2 hdmi from the PSVR box to the coupler. Will take me 2sec max and no hassle with cables
Since last of us had hdr upgrade I was able to test this coupler
HdR is working perfectly
It might help you guys. It took me 2sec to put both hdmi from PSVR to the coupler that I sticked to my PSVR unit.
Easiest method.
Ghost Lynx
Member
Awesome! Really happy to be reading all these updates.
I'm planning on ordering one of those sewell switches now, and take stock on what HDMI cables I have at home.
I'm also hoping I have an extra HDMI port open on my TV
I'm planning on ordering one of those sewell switches now, and take stock on what HDMI cables I have at home.
I'm also hoping I have an extra HDMI port open on my TV
AGRacing
Member
The coupler is a great inexpensive solution.
However :
https://sewelldirect.com/2x1-or-1x2-hdmi-bi-directional-switch-with-hdcp-passthrough
Has this bi-directional switch been tried by anybody?
There's mention of a switch in this thread but I'm not seeing this one specifically. Says 4K 60hz on the title line - and since it's a plain switch and just passing the signal through I'd imagine it has the bandwidth we need.
I'm thinking of attempting this with the 2 shortest , highest quality cables I can find to go PRO > SWITCH > VR BOX
I'm mostly concerned with switching out cables being hard on the ports. I don't mind standing up to hit a button since I'll need to get the headset from off the shelf as well. I've managed to keep my setup clean so far - I'm not going to let this colossal screw up by Sony get me down.
However :
https://sewelldirect.com/2x1-or-1x2-hdmi-bi-directional-switch-with-hdcp-passthrough
Has this bi-directional switch been tried by anybody?
There's mention of a switch in this thread but I'm not seeing this one specifically. Says 4K 60hz on the title line - and since it's a plain switch and just passing the signal through I'd imagine it has the bandwidth we need.
I'm thinking of attempting this with the 2 shortest , highest quality cables I can find to go PRO > SWITCH > VR BOX
I'm mostly concerned with switching out cables being hard on the ports. I don't mind standing up to hit a button since I'll need to get the headset from off the shelf as well. I've managed to keep my setup clean so far - I'm not going to let this colossal screw up by Sony get me down.
DJ Lushious
Member
Yep:
(It's a slow day at work for me, haha!)
Are you referring to this?
https://sewelldirect.com/2x1-or-1x2-hdmi-bi-directional-switch-with-hdcp-passthrough
I couldn't find any evidence that it supports 2.0a... Do you know for sure that it does?
I'm looking for a switch that could solve this annoying problem
To reiterate, this is the switch I purchased from Amazon, thanks to Ghost Lynx. Here's my full review:
The build quality on this switch is quite nice. It's built out of a very sturdy metal that is textured. It has a bit of weight to it, for being so small. In addition, the button has a good travel and click to it. The HDMI input/output ports are quite tight. More like snug. It took a bit more effort to plug in a cable than a normal HDMI port. This left me with confidence that the cables aren't going anywhere!
My only complaint is that it does not have any mounting holes in it. It is a solid box. I had to double up a zip-tie and wrap it around the box to mount it.
Last night I did some testing with Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. There's definitely going to be some option juggling if going from an HDR game to a non-HDR game (and back). As I mentioned above, the settings for HDR do need to be mucked with after switching. The odd thing about Deus Ex, however, was that it let me keep the HDR option on in the Video menu. I had to flick it on and off, depending on which source it was going to. However, the switch's main purpose, for me, is getting the HDTV back to HDR after playing a PS VR
I still feel the box is worth the money. It absolutely makes switching from the HDTV to the PS VR seamless, without worrying about wear-and-tear on the ports or having to constantly squeeze into a tight spot behind the media center.
For reference, here is my PS4 HDMI chain:
PlayStation 4 > Switch >
- Pioneer SC-95 AVR > Vizio P65-C1
- PS VR Breakout Box > Vizio P65-C1
Uh, I don't see which cable is connected where in this solution. I see the coupler, but how is everything wired, and how do you get an HDR signal to the TV like this?Quoting myself
Since last of us had hdr upgrade I was able to test this coupler
HdR is working perfectly
It might help you guys. It took me 2sec to put both hdmi from PSVR to the coupler that I sticked to my PSVR unit.
Easiest method.
Could you explain or draw a simple schematic? MS Paint might do... thanks!
Assuming this is the "solution" from a different thread, it doesn't fix anything, just makes manually switching out cables easier.
I just found out about this limitation of the PSVR pass through box and am honestly dumbstruck by it. To have willingly forced gamers to rely on a device that disables one of the most prominent updates to modern televisions and a key feature you're touting on the PS4Pro seems so asinine that I wouldn't believe it could have happened were it not actually happening right now! And this has barely been mentioned anywhere! I suspect many gamers have, like myself, simply not had the opportunity to notice because of a lack of HDR enabled games/hardware, but this is an absurd enough oversight that I feel Sony should provide some solution. I don't know what; it could be a credit on PSVR to offset the costs of switches, an official switch from them, or even a new upgraded pass through. But we should not let this oversight just slide. The stench from it can only rise as PSVR continues to sell.
metalmachine
Member
Quoting myself
Since last of us had hdr upgrade I was able to test this coupler
HdR is working perfectly
It might help you guys. It took me 2sec to put both hdmi from PSVR to the coupler that I sticked to my PSVR unit.
Easiest method.
Can you give me the link of that coupler please?
AnythingBut
Member
Quick Mustard
Member
Good God, a ton of testing has gone into this, lol
Happy to see Gaffers coming together to hopefully resolve this problem.
So, am I right in saying that after reading the last two pages, we're currently just waiting for a PS4 Pro to test the Sewell Switch to see if it works with no issues due to the PS4 Pro having the correct HDMI specifications?
Happy to see Gaffers coming together to hopefully resolve this problem.
So, am I right in saying that after reading the last two pages, we're currently just waiting for a PS4 Pro to test the Sewell Switch to see if it works with no issues due to the PS4 Pro having the correct HDMI specifications?