26September

How to fix HDR washed out colors PS5

Introduction

Imagine you’re immersed in a gripping game on your PS5, or you’re about to watch a stunning 4K HDR movie, only to find that the colors appear faded, washed out, or lacking the vibrant richness you expected. This unfortunate scenario can ruin your gaming or viewing experience. Fortunately, you’re not alone, as many PS5 users encounter the issue of HDR washed-out colors. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this problem, explore the common error codes you might encounter, and provide detailed steps to fix HDR washed-out colors on your PS5.

Real-Life Scenario

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of fixing HDR washed-out colors, let’s illustrate the benefits of having an HDR-capable display. Imagine you’re playing a visually stunning game like “The Last of Us Part II” on your PS5. With HDR enabled, you’ll experience:

  • Enhanced Realism: HDR technology allows for a broader range of colors and luminance levels, making every detail pop and enhancing the overall realism of the game world.
  • Deeper Contrasts: Dark scenes become more detailed, with shadowy areas revealing hidden nuances while maintaining clarity.
  • Vivid Colors: HDR brings colors to life, making them more vibrant and true to life.

Now that you understand the incredible benefits of HDR, it’s time to address the issue of washed-out colors and how to fix it.

Reasons for HDR Washed Out Colors

Before jumping into solutions, let’s explore why this issue occurs:

  1. Incorrect Settings: Often, the problem is simply due to incorrect settings on your PS5 or TV.
  2. Unsupported HDMI Cable: Using an HDMI cable that doesn’t support the required bandwidth can lead to washed-out colors.
  3. TV Compatibility: Not all TVs are created equal. Some might not be fully compatible with HDR, leading to issues.
  4. Firmware Updates: Outdated firmware on your PS5 or TV can cause compatibility problems.
  5. Software Glitches: Sometimes, software glitches can lead to HDR display problems.
  6. HDR Content: Not all content is created equally. Low-quality HDR content can result in washed-out colors.

Common Error Codes

When dealing with HDR washed-out colors on your PS5, you might come across error codes such as:

  • CE-38703-1: This error code often indicates a problem with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), which can affect HDR output.
  • CE-30005-8: This error suggests an issue with the HDMI cable or connection, which can lead to color problems.

Now, let’s explore the various methods to fix the issue:

How to Fix HDR Washed Out Colors on PS5

Automatic Calibration

  1. Enable HDR on Your PS5: In the PS5 settings, navigate to “Settings” > “Screen and Video” > “Video Output Information” and ensure that HDR is turned on.
  2. Automatic Setup: Most modern HDR-capable TVs have an automatic HDR calibration feature. Follow your TV’s on-screen prompts to calibrate HDR settings automatically.

Manual Calibration

If automatic calibration doesn’t yield satisfactory results, you can manually calibrate HDR settings:

  1. Set PS5 Output: In “Settings” > “Screen and Video,” manually select the highest resolution and RGB range supported by your TV.
  2. TV Settings: Access your TV’s settings menu and adjust the following:
    • Picture Mode: Select a picture mode that supports HDR, such as “HDR” or “Game Mode.”
    • Backlight: Increase the backlight setting for a brighter image.
    • Contrast: Adjust the contrast to make the image more vibrant.
    • Color Temperature: Set it to “Warm” for more natural colors.
    • HDMI Port: Make sure your PS5 is connected to the HDMI port that supports HDR.
  3. Check HDMI Cable: Ensure you’re using a high-quality HDMI cable that supports HDMI 2.0 or higher for optimal bandwidth.
  4. Firmware Updates: Update your PS5 and TV to the latest firmware versions to resolve compatibility issues.
  5. HDR Content: Make sure you’re using high-quality HDR content, as poorly mastered HDR content can appear washed out.
  6. Test and Adjust: Finally, use HDR test patterns and adjust settings as needed until you achieve the desired HDR image quality.

Conclusion

Experiencing washed-out colors in HDR can be a frustrating issue on your PS5. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can restore the vibrancy and richness of HDR content, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning visuals that your PS5 and HDR-capable TV can provide.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use any HDMI cable for HDR on my PS5?

A1: No, you should use a high-quality HDMI cable that supports HDMI 2.0 or higher for optimal HDR performance.

Q2: What if my TV doesn’t have an automatic HDR calibration feature?

A2: You can manually calibrate HDR settings by following the steps outlined in the article, adjusting your TV’s settings accordingly.

Q3: I updated my firmware, but the issue persists. What should I do?

A3: Try power cycling your PS5 and TV after firmware updates to ensure changes take effect. If the issue persists, you may need to contact Sony or your TV manufacturer for support.

Sakshi Anant Author

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