PS4 Pro Review

[sze5003]

Best Buy has the 55" KS8000 for $997 which is about $400 off the msrp. That's a full hdr10 tv (about 95% dci.p3 color space)with excellent input lag results in hdr, about 21ms. That's faster than my tv is at 1080p and is the lowest hdr input lag available currently. You don't have to wait for Black Friday either, that's the current price.

Yea I looked at that one. There is also the Sony for $899, xbr-55x850D. Not sure what the major differences are. I'm betting the Samsung should look better.

The Sony xbr-55x700D is $699 which seems like a great price too.

 

[cmdrdredd]

The Samsung is brighter in hdr, lower input lag, supports more of the wide color space, and the 850D has no local dimming at all. Even though the ks8000 is edge lit it does have local dimming which will reduce some of the blooming that the Sony would show. The panels used in the Samsung should have better black and grey uniformity as well.

 

[razel]

Lots of great sales have started. I finally got some PS4 Pro patched games:

X-Com 2
Supposedily has support at launch. No firm details given on whether it's 4k or 1080p enhanced. Patch is the same version relased Sept. I did not notice any difference switching between 4k and 1k. Isometric view's grid lines was blantantly still 1080p or even lower. In fact the game assests look so low resolution so I'm putting the game off at a later time when I actually want to play it and another patch is released.

Shadow of Mordor - Game of the Year edition
WOW. For a 2014/15 era game, my jaw dropped. The game can be set for enhanced visuals or ramp up to 4k when it can. At the title screen which is a up close zoom of your character you can see what's going to be the problem. The resolution is there, but it's not in the texture art. The opening cinematics mixed in with the game elements, there were times where I was fooled into thinking it was a real person and not a rendered video game. I think it's the increased temporal detail. There's just more things for your mind and eye to maintain focus on and and you keep your eye and focus on one place in the screen you can continue to see more detail just like in real life.

My jaw didn't drop though until the game started. At a further distance those lower resolution textures further away mixed in with the motion blur and the fact that your attention is now focused on playing the same, really was pretty stunning. The frame rate was at least 30hz. I didn't bother to try the 'favor quality.' I wanted to play the game. In fact if you have played it before on the non-GOTY version, you have no choice. You cannot use the same save file, you must start new. I'm not complaining.

By the way, Mordor GOTY was only $9 at PSN. Look for an additional 10% coupon when you are in the PlayStation Store. WORTH every penny.

Can't wait now for the Fallout 4 patch. Bethesda's Skyrim patch was well done. F4 is just another iteration of that engine.

 

[sze5003]

Newegg has the ps4 pro for $399 with a Plantronics wireless headset and a game, I think deus ex. I was thinking of ordering it but I'd rather just pick one up in the store since I'm not so interested in the offered game.

 

[Lil Frier]

I'm going to make attempt #2 later today, I think. Target had one in-stock last night, so If I can get a Wish List coupon and my sister to tag along back to Target with her Redcard, I'm going to pick it up.

From what I read on Rting (since it was mentioned), you'll get minor improvements from HDR because the thing can do take the GDR10 signal and is a 10-bit panel, but it doesn't have local dimming or WCG support, so it's not much. The only problem is IDK if I'll be getting any HDR-supported games. Only thing I will for-sure get is MLB 16 The Show. I might try to use the GameStop B2G1 today and snag Bloodborne as well, but I can't remember which all games had HDR support. I DID want to try Mordor's GotY version, so maybe I'll do that, too. It'll probably be a few hours before I can give it a test, though. Have to meet up with my sister (who is currently busy), deal with Target, then get it all home and set it up. I'll do my best to report back ASAP, though. Hopefully Target didn't sell that one.

 

[sze5003]

So I just stopped by best buy on my lunch break. They have the Sony xbr-700D 55 inch 4k with HDR bundled with a ps4 pro, dual shock charging stand, and 1 year PS plus for $1189 and I also think it includes an extra controller.

I was so going to just buy that until I saw the tv on display. The Sony 700D lacks color and vividness compared to the Xbr-850D. The 850D seemed much brighter and colors popped more even though up close you could see pixelation.

But that's a good price for that bundle.

I think I'm going to buy the ps4 pro separate and get this tv instead. This one on display looked even better than both Sony models, very sharp.

Too bad I don't think it will fit in my sedan. Box seems way too big. Although my seats may fold down in the back.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...h-dynamic-range-black/5146801.p?skuId=5146801

 

[Lil Frier]

That's not a bad choice for sure. The one complaint is that while it has HDR support and WCG to bot, it supposedly lacks the brightness of the 8000 series to full-on support HDR. It's still a very nice option, step up from the one I got (which lacks the WCG, but I think might be slightly more capable in the brightness department). If you're going to get something for gaming, Samsung is a pretty strong bet, thanks to great input latency--particularly with HDR enabled.

 

[sze5003]

That's not a bad choice for sure. The one complaint is that while it has HDR support and WCG to bot, it supposedly lacks the brightness of the 8000 series to full-on support HDR. It's still a very nice option, step up from the one I got (which lacks the WCG, but I think might be slightly more capable in the brightness department). If you're going to get something for gaming, Samsung is a pretty strong bet, thanks to great input latency--particularly with HDR enabled.

The only bad things I've read online about this model is only the first HDMI port supports HDR and it's not even full HDR 10 it's scaled I think 8bit/60hz.

So I started thinking of just going with the Sony 850D instead but that one got some bad reviews on Amazon.

My only other option although a bit more expensive is the Samsung ks8000 which got great reviews. Only drawback is the stand is not really a center stand but legs on the side so I need a new TV stand and there are no outputs in the back. You have to use the Samsung connect box to hook things up which means my standard definition cable box with AV cables won't have anything to plug into.

 

[cmdrdredd]

The biggest problem for hdr is not the brightness but the local dimming. Many tvs get to 1000nits and mine is only around half that and it's already super bright when i watch content in a darkened room (to avoid reflections hiding detail). The lack of local dimming would create some excessive blooming effects on low light scenes. For most gaming applications this is not going to be much of a concern as most hdr games are pretty bright across the screen. The real problem will come from movies filmed in low light with only a couple light sources in the scene.

Many tvs this year ditched legacy connections. Some people just use an avr and process the signal through that to the hdmi output.

 

[sze5003]

The biggest problem for hdr is not the brightness but the local dimming. Many tvs get to 1000nits and mine is only around half that and it's already super bright when i watch content in a darkened room (to avoid reflections hiding detail). The lack of local dimming would create some excessive blooming effects on low light scenes. For most gaming applications this is not going to be much of a concern as most hdr games are pretty bright across the screen. The real problem will come from movies filmed in low light with only a couple light sources in the scene.

Many tvs this year ditched legacy connections. Some people just use an avr and process the signal through that to the hdmi output.

The brightness dimming is the biggest issue with HDR especially when watching Netflix or any movie. I see this on the other tv reviews, for example the Sony 850D. Lots of people complained the colors weren't natural enough and brightness and bleed were somewhat of an issue.

I don't want an avr or have a need for one but then this would force me to pay more money to Comcast so I can get an hd box and I'm already paying quite a bit to have cable and internet for a decent price compared to just internet alone.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Yeah I just stream everything I can and do OTA HD.

 

[Lil Frier]

The only bad things I've read online about this model is only the first HDMI port supports HDR and it's not even full HDR 10 it's scaled I think 8bit/60hz.

So I started thinking of just going with the Sony 850D instead but that one got some bad reviews on Amazon.

My only other option although a bit more expensive is the Samsung ks8000 which got great reviews. Only drawback is the stand is not really a center stand but legs on the side so I need a new TV stand and there are no outputs in the back. You have to use the Samsung connect box to hook things up which means my standard definition cable box with AV cables won't have anything to plug into.

Something to note from Rtings:

"Update 10/26/2016: Our original test was showing 8 bit gradations due to incorrect drivers on our system. After some correction to our test apparatus, we have retested the color depth and found that it is able to display a 10 bit gradient smoothly."

I'm not too concerned about the HDMI port matter. It sucks, but I don't need both consoles pushing HDR that badly. I'll let the PS4 do it, and leave the XB1 on a non-HDR port (I could theoretically use the XB1's pass-through, but IDK how that would affect HDR). I wasn't that concerned with getting HDR, either. I wanted something decently priced and good for gaming, in that the input latency isn't trash. Coming from a 9-year-old, 720p TV, I'll be pleased with whatever (as long as it's not broken).

No chance to test shit today, sadly. I WAS able to sang the last PS4P from Target, though. Just over $370 after tax. I don't have any games though, so I can't actually give stuff a go. Haven't unboxed it or the TV, either, just in case there's a Pro deal we weren't told about on BF. Kinda annoyed that the box for the PS4P is beat to hell, too.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Monoprice sells HDMI 2.0a switches so you could have both hooked up if you wanted.

 

[sze5003]

Something to note from Rtings:

"Update 10/26/2016: Our original test was showing 8 bit gradations due to incorrect drivers on our system. After some correction to our test apparatus, we have retested the color depth and found that it is able to display a 10 bit gradient smoothly."

I'm not too concerned about the HDMI port matter. It sucks, but I don't need both consoles pushing HDR that badly. I'll let the PS4 do it, and leave the XB1 on a non-HDR port (I could theoretically use the XB1's pass-through, but IDK how that would affect HDR). I wasn't that concerned with getting HDR, either. I wanted something decently priced and good for gaming, in that the input latency isn't trash. Coming from a 9-year-old, 720p TV, I'll be pleased with whatever (as long as it's not broken).

No chance to test shit today, sadly. I WAS able to sang the last PS4P from Target, though. Just over $370 after tax. I don't have any games though, so I can't actually give stuff a go. Haven't unboxed it or the TV, either, just in case there's a Pro deal we weren't told about on BF. Kinda annoyed that the box for the PS4P is beat to hell, too.

$370 not bad for the ps4 pro. I was looking for some coupons or best buy certificates I could use. I think I'll be getting a tv and the console after dinner tonite.

I'm giving my ps4 to my brother and maybe down the road I'll trade my Xbox one in for the new Scorpio whenever that comes in.

I guess when you put it that way, there's no need for HDR on all ports. Most of my content will come from Netflix or streaming stuff from my phone or PC.

 

[Lil Frier]

Monoprice sells HDMI 2.0a switches so you could have both hooked up if you wanted.

Good to keep in-mind. I thought about maybe getting something like that. Any recommendation on one? I only saw a couple on there in a hurry, and both were 30 FPS @ 4K. I've never researched them, so not sure if they'd affect HDR or input latency or anything. I'm not that concerned with getting the barely HDR out of the barely 4K XB1S though, I suppose. I'll live.

$370 not bad for the ps4 pro. I was looking for some coupons or best buy certificates I could use. I think I'll be getting a tv and the console after dinner tonite.

I'm giving my ps4 to my brother and maybe down the road I'll trade my Xbox one in for the new Scorpio whenever that comes in.

I guess when you put it that way, there's no need for HDR on all ports. Most of my content will come from Netflix or streaming stuff from my phone or PC.

Did you decide on which TV to get? It's hard to argue against those KS8000 models, if you have the budget for it, given how well they handle HDR for gaming.

I don't use any streaming stuff. This thing's going to handle my consoles, and maybe my PC for a while (until I get a monitor or two set up at a desk in another room for the PC). Just couldn't ever find a reason for a streaming service.

 

[sze5003]

Good to keep in-mind. I thought about maybe getting something like that. Any recommendation on one? I only saw a couple on there in a hurry, and both were 30 FPS @ 4K. I've never researched them, so not sure if they'd affect HDR or input latency or anything. I'm not that concerned with getting the barely HDR out of the barely 4K XB1S though, I suppose. I'll live.



Did you decide on which TV to get? It's hard to argue against those KS8000 models, if you have the budget for it, given how well they handle HDR for gaming.

I don't use any streaming stuff. This thing's going to handle my consoles, and maybe my PC for a while (until I get a monitor or two set up at a desk in another room for the PC). Just couldn't ever find a reason for a streaming service.

I haven't decided yet. I'm bringing my friend with me to the store tonite after dinner to help me decide.

Either the Samsung ks8000, Sony xbr850D , or another Samsung model that's $750 which I think is a 7 series model, that's the one with the one HDMI port that has HDR.

I downloaded the target app and created a kids wish list but I haven't gotten any coupon code offer. Maybe I'll create another wish list and see what happens. If I could get the 10% off it would be nice because I don't feel like applying for the target red card, I don't shop that much at target.

 

[razel]

Off topic... coupons... The Target wishlist 10% coupon is a promotion during certain times. It looks like the current period might be over. On android I do not see the button anymore and off the iPad the promo code page errors out and the promo code shown is junk. Target will have more promotion frequently though especially between now and end of the year. The other list you can make is registry. Same Target account. You get 15% off after your event has ended. You usually need 30 days before you get that one. Your best bet is the cartwheel app. The more you use it to save coupons you like, such as games, electronics the more it targets you and begins to give you targeted generic coupons for items. It can be anywhere from a free $5 gift card to 20% off item categories, stackable. It'll be different for each person.

The Xbox1s passthrough is not entirely passive. The video is processed and not in a good way. It may not bother some, but you'll notice the frame rate seems inconsistent and laggy. I know. It's video and these game consoles are beyond powerful enough to process video with minimal lag. Oh well

For some it works as expected, where if the xbox is off, the video off HDMI can still show. It doesn't in my case. However HDMI-CEC off the xbox is a mess. I love the options, but they often don't make sense. I hope they sort it out. HDMI control off the base PS4 has it's own pretty big bug, but only when you put it in rest mode, your entire CEC may not work. Temporarily fixes is to turn CEC on/off on your TV or turn the PS4 back on, turn CEC off then power it off. I haven't noticed this bug with the PS4-Pro.

By the way more patches are showing up for the PRO. AssCreed Syndic and the Eizo Collection. Syndic is only $8 during BF. Early impressions are it's a hot mess, but I'm sure they'll be another patch. It's still early. We're bleeding edge, so expect to bleed.

 

[sze5003]

Yea I think the target wish list coupon deal is done. Had two wish lists and neither one generated a 10% off coupon.

Oh well I guess I will have to just pay the full price.

I wish the best buy Sony tv they are bundling with the ps4 pro would be a better model because that bundle deal is a good one for what you get.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Good to keep in-mind. I thought about maybe getting something like that. Any recommendation on one? I only saw a couple on there in a hurry, and both were 30 FPS @ 4K. I've never researched them, so not sure if they'd affect HDR or input latency or anything. I'm not that concerned with getting the barely HDR out of the barely 4K XB1S though, I suppose. I'll live.



Did you decide on which TV to get? It's hard to argue against those KS8000 models, if you have the budget for it, given how well they handle HDR for gaming.

I don't use any streaming stuff. This thing's going to handle my consoles, and maybe my PC for a while (until I get a monitor or two set up at a desk in another room for the PC). Just couldn't ever find a reason for a streaming service.

I'll ask a guy I know uses them for this purpose on avs forum and see what exact model he has working.

 

[Lil Frier]

I haven't decided yet. I'm bringing my friend with me to the store tonite after dinner to help me decide.

Either the Samsung ks8000, Sony xbr850D , or another Samsung model that's $750 which I think is a 7 series model, that's the one with the one HDMI port that has HDR.

I downloaded the target app and created a kids wish list but I haven't gotten any coupon code offer. Maybe I'll create another wish list and see what happens. If I could get the 10% off it would be nice because I don't feel like applying for the target red card, I don't shop that much at target.

The 7000 series is the 6300 with the added Wide Color Gamut, I think. The brightness, if I remember the Rtings review right, said its peak brightness was actually lower than the 6300, but I'm guessing that WCG is a big step in the right direction for HDR quality. Personally, I'd put up the extra $100 for the Samsung, based on these review comparisons on Rtings that say:

1. The Samsung is MUCH better at peak brightness, meaning the HDR quality will be better.
2. The Sony doesn't do local dimming.
3. The 4K+HDR input lag for the Sony is 57.4 ms, while the Samsung is at 21.1 ms. Massive improvement with Samsung.

Yea I think the target wish list coupon deal is done. Had two wish lists and neither one generated a 10% off coupon.

Oh well I guess I will have to just pay the full price.

I wish the best buy Sony tv they are bundling with the ps4 pro would be a better model because that bundle deal is a good one for what you get.

Yeah, the coupon I got last night said it expired 11/23. I wouldn't be surprised if it comes back right after Cyber Monday deals, though. You can go to Newegg for a PS4P right now and get it with a free headset and copy of Deus Ex, though. Not great, but better than nothing.

 

[cmdrdredd]

The hdmi switches that work he says are the HDMI 2x1 and 3x1 switches. They seem to have a few lower specs than the 4x2 models listed but anyway he said they are working fine.

 

[jpiniero]

You can go to Newegg for a PS4P right now and get it with a free headset and copy of Deus Ex, though. Not great, but better than nothing.

Yeah, I'm trying to decide on getting that or the Slim bundle that's $150 cheaper. If it was Uncharted 4 instead of Deus Ex I think I would have ordered the Pro by now.

 

[sze5003]

I ended up getting the Sony xbr850 after spending a lot of time in the store looking at the picture quality. The viewing angles are decent and the ks8000 is very bright but the colors from different angles were off. The colors on the Sony looked more natural and since I stream a lot, it has android tv and I could use that for Kodi tv too.

I'll pick up the ps4 pro tomorrow. The store was too busy and I already skipped the line by talking to the sales guy as he was trying to get me to wait in line with the people buying crappy door buster TVs.

 

[cmdrdredd]

It's very likely that the content you were watching was playing back with the wrong color space selected and oversaturating certain things. All the new HDR tvs have a way to select the wide color space for all content but that isn't accurate for non hdr sources.

 

[sze5003]

Did pick up the ps4 pro today. It's been taking its time transferring data from the regular ps4. I wanted to pick up dishonored 2 since it was $35 but when I took the case to the front after waiting in line, they only had the special edition which I didn't want.