As technology has evolved over the years, so has the playstation console to keep up with the times. 

One notable change is video. 

Video has come a long way since its humble pixelated days.   

With higher definition capabilities of modern televisions, the line is blurred between what you are watching and reality. 

The newer Playstation 4 (PS4) uses a HDMI cable to transmit audio and video to a video output device such as a television. 

But, do USB to HDMI adapters work for a PS4?

No, USB to HDMI adapters do not work on a PS4. The PS4 only has a HDMI video out port that it uses to transmit audio and video in conjunction with a HDMI cable. It cannot transmit audio or video via USB. If the HDMI port of your PS4 is broken, you will need to get it fixed. 

How a PS4 displays video

Let’s take a closer look at the PS4 and how it transmits video.

As mentioned earlier, video has evolved a lot over the years. 

The older CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions typically had a resolution of 480p, whereas newer televisions have a resolution of 8K! 

That’s like watching cinema quality movies in the comfort of your living room.

Other than resolution, the cables and protocols for transmitting audio and video have also changed. 

Different types of video connection

Below is a list of the different types of video connection used for a variety of devices like VCR, DVD, TV and other HDTV equipment. 

Composite Video (RCA or F-pin)

This is a means of transmitting video information as a single signal over one wire. It is commonly connected using the RCA jack. Composite video connections were used for older video equipment such as VCR’s and DVDs.

S-Video (super-video) – This type of cable transmits video information in two parts; color (chrominance) and brightness (luminance). 

This produces better quality images as a composite video cable due to the fact that televisions are created to separate signals for color and brightness. 

Component video

This type of connection uses three cables to send red, green and blue signals. This is how it achieves sharp and clear images. 

DVI (digital visual interface)

DVI uses a digital interface standard to convert analog signals so that it can be utilized for analog and digital monitors. It provides a pure digital video connection for greater quality pictures.

HDMI (high definition multimedia interface)

HDMI is the latest and most used connection for video and audio currently. 

It combines digital video (DVI) and multi-channel audio all in one cable. It is used for high-definition video which encompasses 720p and 1080p video formats. 

The PS4 and HDMI

As you just saw, there are many ways to interface multimedia equipment with a video output device like a television or a monitor. 

Of the five connections mentioned, the PS4 uses HDMI as a means for transmitting audio and video to a television.

It has an HDMI output port which is located at the back, which you use in conjunction with a HDMI cable to connect to an output device capable of displaying video.

Note, the output device will also have to be HDMI compatible and have an input port.  

What is the purpose of a USB to HDMI adapter?

Electronic devices come with a limited number of ports, whether it be USB or HDMI ports. 

More often than not, they will have fewer HDMI ports than they do USB.

This means that if you need to connect multiple video output devices and only have one HDMI output port you are out of luck.

Or are you?

If you have a spare USB port, you can use a USB to HDMI adapter, to solve your problem.

The adapter can be plugged into the USB port giving you one more HDMI port. 

However, the downside with using the USB port is that it takes longer to transmit images and audio compared to an HDMI port. 

Why you cannot use a USB to HDMI adapter on a PS4

So, a USB to HDMI adapter can come in handy if you need an extra HDMI port. 

But, can it be used on the USB port of a PS4? 

Unfortunately, a USB to HDMI adapter will not work on a PS4. The PS4 does not support the transmission of video or audio by means of USB (it uses the HDMI standard to do so).

Also, the PS4 operating system does not have the appropriate drivers required to support the USB to HDMI adapter. It would just bypass the internal GPU of the PS4.

If you were to look at the ‘video output settings’ in the PS4, you would not be able to find ‘USB’ as one of the options. 

The USB to HDMI adapters are mainly used for computers and laptops which have the capability and necessary drivers needed to transmit video via USB.

What is the purpose of the USB ports on the PS4?

If the USB ports cannot be used to transmit video, what is their main purpose on a PS4?

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard for protocols of data transmission across cables and connectors, between computers (or anything that has a computing system, like a PS4), peripherals and other computers. 

The main purpose is to transport data, not video.

So, the USB ports on the PS4 are used to communicate with playstation peripherals such as, controllers, external harddrives, VR headsets, etc, and transmit data.

They can also be used as a means to charge wireless devices like wireless controllers, headsets, etc. 

What options do you have if your PS4 HDMI port is damaged?

If for the unfortunate circumstance you have damaged the HDMI port of your PS4, the only option you have is to get it fixed as a USB to HDMI adapter cannot be used.

The post Do USB to HDMI adapters work for PS4? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

It is one of the main gaming consoles used today to play a plethora of games.

Earlier versions of the Playstation console were limited to only the standard controllers.

However, with its evolution over the years and the advancement in technology, there are many more devices that you can connect to your playstation to enhance your gaming experience. 

Devices like a wireless headset so you can communicate with your friends when playing online multiplayer games.

However, the PS4 is only limited to 2 USB ports. 

A USB Hub is a device that enables you to extend the number of ports of an electronic device.

So, do USB hubs work on a PS4?

Yes, USB hubs do work with a PS4. The USB hub can be connected to a PS4 to extend the number of USB ports to more than 2. It will allow you to connect multiple PS4 accessories. However, there are some things to consider which will be discussed in this article. 

What is the main purpose of a USB hub?

USB ports enable us to connect peripheral devices to an electronic or computing system, and almost all devices utilise a USB type of connection. 

Peripheral devices like an external hard drive, mouse, keyboard, webcam and many more. 

But, electronic devices come with a fixed number of USB ports which limits how many peripheral devices you can connect to them. 

A USB hub is an electronic device whose main purpose is to add more input USB ports to a device limited to a certain set of ports. 

For example, if a device only had one USB port, you could add a USB hub and add up to 4 additional ports.

Why you might need a USB hub with a PS4

As you can see, a USB hub is a very handy device.

But, why might you need one for your PS4?

Well, this all comes down to the number of USB ports the PS4 has. We know that the main purpose of a USB hub is to increase the number of USB ports of a device. 

The PS4 only has 2 USB ports (located on the front).

This means that you are only capable of connecting up to 2 compatible USB devices to the PS4 at any given time. 

But, as we will see later in the article, the PS4 has more than 2 accessories that can be plugged into its USB ports. 

So, having a USB hub will prove very useful when you need to connect more than 2 inputs. 

Why USB hubs work on PS4

So, why does a USB hub work with a PS4? 

The main reason is that both devices utilise the same protocols for connection,communication and power supply between a computing system and peripherals.

This protocol is the Universal Standard Bus or most often referred to as USB. 

The PS4 is a type of computing system. It uses USB as a method of communication with external peripherals such as an external hard drive, or headset.

A USB hub merely allows the PS4 to add more ports. 

But, they are both compatible with each other as they essentially talk the same language. 

So you can connect a USB hub to a PS4. 

Considerations when connecting a USB hub to a PS4?

Before you go plugging in any USB hub to your PS4, there are some considerations to take into account. 

The first consideration is Transfer speed. 

Like with many things in life, the USB cable has evolved over the years. 

One of the major characteristics of the USB cable that has evolved is its transfer speed (of data).

The earlier USB 1.0 cables had transfer speeds of 1.5 Mbps (Megabits per second). This cable is the lowest of the transfer speeds available for a USB cable. 

Below are the other cable transfer speeds (with the last one being the latest);

• USB 1.1 / Full-speed (12 Mbps)
• USB 2.0 / Hi-Speed (480 Mbps)
• USB 3.0 / Super-speed (5 Gbps)
• USB 3.1 / Super-speed (10 Gbps)

The PS4 has USB 3.0/3.1 input ports. 

What this means is that you will need to connect a USB hub that is the same transfer speed of 3.0 or 3.1.

If you connect a USB hub of a slower transfer speed to your PS4, you limit the transfer speed to the lowest version.

So, for example, if you connect a USB 1.1 hub to your PS4, the transfer speed is limited to 1.5 Mbps even though the PS4 is capable of transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. 

Doing this will drastically affect the performance of the accessories with your PS4. 

Another consideration is how many USB hubs and accessories you connect to your PS4.

You aren’t limited to just connecting one USB to your PS4. 

You can daisy chain the USB hubs (which is a method of connecting several devices together in a linear series. In this case one USB hub to another).

However, this can  cause issues.

The problem that arises when you daisy chain unpowered USB hubs is that the PS4 itself has to power all the devices connected to it which can affect its overall performance. 

Not only will it drain power, but lower the speed of each device. 

So, limit the number of USB hubs and accessories you connect to the PS4 at any given time. 

What PS4 accessories can you connect to a USB hub?

The Playstation has come a long way since its humble beginnings. 

Back in the day you were just limited to the standard playstation controllers when playing games. 

But, over the years there have been many additions of inputs that can be connected to the playstation’s USB port each having their own abilities.

Below is a list of the most common PS4 accessories;

Dualshock controller charging station – Controllers have gone wireless with the emergence of bluetooth technology. They use rechargeable batteries that need to be re-charged once they have lost power. The charging station can be used to recharge your wireless controllers. 

PS4 Bluetooth remote – The remote helps you navigate the PS4’s home screen and all its menus. 

Headset – Now you can have a conversation with your bestie while playing online with them.

External harddrive – For when you run out of space on the PS4.

Virtual Reality headset – Now you can immerse yourself in a game with virtual reality. 

Do USB hubs cause input lag with the PS4?

Yes, the USB hub will cause input lag with your PS4 and the devices that are connected to it. It is going to add latency which will decrease the performance (mainly being the speed but only very slightly). But, this add in latency will only be apparent with peripherals such as a mouse or keyboard. It shouldn’t affect a remote controller or harddrive. 

Also, to avoid slower speeds, use peripherals that are the same USB version as the PS4 (3.0, 3.1) and avoid daisy changing multiple USB hubs and overloading them with multiple PS4 accessories.

What size USB hub is best suited for PS4?

USB hubs don’t just come in one standard size limited to a certain number of ports.

There are plenty of options out there that include 2, 4 to 7 USB ports. 

So, what size USB hub do you need?

Well, this all depends on the number of PS4 accessories you own, and how many you will be using at once. 

A 4 port might be sufficient, but again, it all comes down to how many input ports you will require. 

Do you need a powered USB hub for a PS4?

Another distinguishing factor of a USB hub is whether it is powered or not. 

A USB hub that is not powered will have its power provided to the devices connected to it via the host (in this instance the PS4).

This can be disadvantageous as the PS4 will have to provide power to all accessories connected to the USB hub.

A powered USB hub on the other hand, has the ability to provide power to the PS4 accessories connected to it thereby taking the load off from the PS4.

Another advantage is that devices that need to be charged can do so using the powered USB hub.

So, while not necessary, it is advantageous having a powered USB hub. 

Are USB hubs good for a PS4 and gaming?

Yes, USB hubs are good for a PS4 and gaming in general. As we saw earlier, a PS4 is limited to how many USB input ports it has. So a USB hub allows you to extend the number of USB ports of your PS4 (or whatever gaming console you are using) which means you can add multiple inputs and enhance your gaming experience.

The post Do USB hubs work on PS4? appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.