Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro finally adds 4K video support for local files

It still can't play 4K Blu-ray discs, but something's better than nothing.

Credit: Sony

The PlayStation 4 Pro is finally getting some serious 4K video playback capability. Since launch, the beefed up console has only worked with 4K video from streaming sites such as Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube. But Sony recently started rolling out a Media Player update for the PS4 Pro to add 4K local file playback.

With the new update, PS4 Pro owners can watch 4K content streamed from a home media server or files connected directly to the PS4 Pro via USB. Sony notes that any USB storage you connect to your console cannot use the extended storage format for the PS4—that’s only for games and apps.

Currently, the PS4 Pro only supports MP4 file playback. Other popular video containers are not supported. Home media servers should appear automatically as an option when you open the player app.

Beyond regular videos, the Media Player can also play 4K VR videos, but there’s a catch. The PSVR headset has a maximum resolution of 1080p, but VR content will look as good if not better than regular HD VR. That’s because the PS VR uses RGB OLED pixel tech that makes images “pop” a little more than they would on standard displays.

If you don’t see the Media Player app update yet it should roll out to all PS4 Pro consoles in the coming days.

The story behind the story: The PS4 Pro is slowly adding more 4K capabilities, but it’s lacking a big feature found on Microsoft’s 4K-friendly Xbox One S. The newer Xbox One is rocking an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive, which makes it possible to view 4K discs (in HDR, no less). The PS4 Pro, meanwhile, doesn’t support 4K Blu-ray. That’s a nice feature to have, but it’s not all sunshine and light for 4K on the Xbox One S, either. Microsoft’s console has its own growing pains when dealing with local media files—as we explained in our Xbox One S media review in November.

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags sonyPlayStation 4Xbox One

Keep up with the latest tech news, reviews and previews by subscribing to the Good Gear Guide newsletter.

Ian Paul

TechHive (US)
Show Comments

Most Popular Reviews

Latest Articles

Resources

PCW Evaluation Team

Cate Bacon

Aruba Instant On AP11D

The strength of the Aruba Instant On AP11D is that the design and feature set support the modern, flexible, and mobile way of working.

Dr Prabigya Shiwakoti

Aruba Instant On AP11D

Aruba backs the AP11D up with a two-year warranty and 24/7 phone support.

Tom Pope

Dynabook Portégé X30L-G

Ultimately this laptop has achieved everything I would hope for in a laptop for work, while fitting that into a form factor and weight that is remarkable.

Tom Sellers

MSI P65

This smart laptop was enjoyable to use and great to work on – creating content was super simple.

Lolita Wang

MSI GT76

It really doesn’t get more “gaming laptop” than this.

Featured Content

Product Launch Showcase

Don’t have an account? Sign up here

Don't have an account? Sign up now

Forgot password?