PlayStation 4 Update Will Improve Streaming and Recording

Sony has announced that a forthcoming firmware update will allow users to disable the controversial HDCP, which prevents gamers from recording gameplay footage via HDMI cables.

Originally implemented in the PlayStation 3, HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) was intended to prevent users from pirating videos by recording them off things like Blu-rays via an HDMI cable. However, the DRM system also meant that users could not record footage of their own gameplay for streams and sharing. While it was possible to work around the HDCP on the PlayStation 3 using component cables (which output in standard definition), the PlayStation 4 only uses HDMI cables, which inadvertently prevents users from being able record gameplay. 

However, PlayStation has announced on their official blog that an upcoming firmware update will give users the option to disable HDCP. The update will also add a video editor to the PlayStation 4, allowing users to "personalise [their] video clips" and adds a share function which will enable exporting screenshots and video to a USB. 

Further in the future, a separate update is planned to allow Twitch and UStream users to archive their streams and up the resolution to 720p, allowing users to stream in HD.