It wasn't until we forced the Xbox One S to output a higher bit depth (10-bit up from the console's default setting of 8-bit) did we get a clean HDR signal. But none of our TVs detected the Ultra HD Blu-ray HDR signal that was being output by our "Star Trek" Blu-ray. These modes usually turn a TV's brightness all the way up and activate automatically when HDR content is detected. The problem (which isn't solely the Xbox One S' fault) is that some TVs with HDR require a specific "UHD" or "deep color" setting to be turned on in order for HDR to work. Our major issue was getting our TVs to recognize HDR. What we learned is that getting all of these finicky display technologies to work together in sync will require some trial and error - and patience. I hooked the console up to four different TVs and had mixed results with each, so I tapped CNET's David Katzmaier to help me test out the rest of the Xbox One S' 4K and HDR capabilities. I needed to download two separate updates for the Xbox One S to finally realize it was attached to a 4K TV, at which point it offered to bump up the resolution output to 4K. Odds are you won't be able set up in 4K right out of the box. I considered myself fairly fluent in the language of home theater, but I was bewildered at the insane of amount of granularity and confusion that the format is currently plagued with. I want to personally thank the Xbox One S for introducing me to the hot mess that is the world of 4K and HDR formats. It also includes all of the encouraging software improvements Microsoft has made over the past few years, including the redesigned interface, support for the Cortana digital assistant (using a microphone headset), compatibility with the Windows Store and, soon, additional cross-play options with Windows PC gamers on certain titles. Suffice it to say, the One S plays all existing Xbox One games, and a growing list of Xbox 360 games. They are Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 's Scalebound. In fact, only a limited number of games will feature HDR and none of them are out yet. So no, you're not getting native 4K gaming out of an Xbox One S. Certain games, meanwhile, will eventually be able to take advantage of HDR visual improvements, but don't look for PC-like 4K graphics - the games are merely upscaled to 4K. 4K can currently be accessed through streaming video services such as Amazon and Netflix (as long as you have the bandwidth to support it and pay for their premium tier) and those new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. Keep in mind: those features only work on compatible TVs and 4K functionality only works with a small but growing list of compatible video content. 4K and HDR video: Xbox One S gets a fairly beefy upgrade on its video capabilities, with 4K resolution (3,840x2,160, or four times as sharp as standard 1080p HDTVs) and HDR (high dynamic range, which is basically enhanced contrast and color).
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