Does PS5 do HDR10+? Short Answer: No, but here‘s what you need to know
The quick answer is that the PlayStation 5 supports 4K resolution and HDR10 high dynamic range format, but does NOT support the more advanced HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats.
In this detailed guide for PS5 gamers, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about HDR on Sony‘s latest console – from how it works to optimized game and TV settings.
What is HDR?
HDR or High Dynamic Range refers to display technologies that expand the normal contrast and color range of visuals. This allows brighter whites, deeper blacks, and a wider spectrum of colors.
The result? More realistic, nuanced, and visually striking images compared to standard dynamic range (SDR). HDR makes graphics seem to ‘pop‘ with vivid tonality.
On PS5, HDR enabled games masterfully showcase the console‘s powerful graphic rendering capabilities. The effect can be almost cinematic or 3D-like at times.
God of War Ragnarok with HDR enabled on PS5 delivers stunning realism
Now let‘s breakdown specifics on what HDR formats PS5 has and why it matters…
PS5‘s HDR Format Support
Specifically, PS5 includes:
- 4K resolution output
- HDR10 high dynamic range
- NO HDR10+
- NO Dolby Vision
Here‘s what this means:
| HDR Formats | Maximum Brightness | Color Depth | Metadata |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDR10 | 1,000 nits | 10-bit | Static |
| HDR10+ | 4,000 nits | 10 to 12-bit | Dynamic |
| Dolby Vision | 10,000 nits | 12-bit | Dynamic |
So while all three formats offer improved visuals over SDR, HDR10 provides the base level HDR experience while HDR10+ and Dolby Vision offer more advanced spec upgrades.
Unfortunately, the PS5 misses out on these enhanced formats likely due to HDMI limitations and licensing costs as explained next…
Why No HDR10+ or Dolby Vision on PS5?
HDR10+ and Dolby Vision represent better HDR solutions that allow per scene metadata to dynamically optimize brightness, color, and contrast on a granular level.
However, certain technological and business limitations mean PS5 sticks to plain HDR10:
1. HDMI Bandwidth – HDMI 2.1 ports are needed to handle the increased data bandwidth of advanced HDR signals. PS5 still utilizes the older HDMI 2.0b.
2. Licensing Fees – For products featuring their formats, Dolby and Samsung charge manufacturers recurring licensing fees which add to production costs. This may have deterred Sony.
3. Industry Support – HDR10+ adoption has been limited mostly to Samsung, Panasonic, and Philips TVs. Dolby Vision has wider compatibility across LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, and others. But still not enough to warrant PS5 implementation yet.
Therefore, while some may view lack of Dolby Vision or HDR10+ as a deficiency – Sony‘s choice makes practical sense for now given the state of market and display device support. Rest assured plain HDR10 still marks a big improvement.
With those basics clarified, let‘s explore which games actually use HDR…
