Earlier today, Sony released the 1.70 software update for the PS4. Some of the highlighted features added with the update include the ability to pre-download games prior to their release, much like some pre-purchased Steam titles. Trophies can now be sorted by their rarity, users can store save data on external USB drives, and the light bar on the Dualshock 4 controller can now be adjusted. Update 1.70 also gave PS4 users the ability to record gameplay footage to a separate device through HDMI output, but the feature has a slight problem that affects other video-streaming services.
While the PS4 can now capture gameplay footage for an external HDMI-enabled device, a new HDCP option must first be disabled. HDCP- or “High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection” is an encrypted content-blocker that prevents unlicensed devices from recording any kind of audio or video from the console. Once HDCP is disabled, PS4 users are free to record whatever they please onto their external device. However, the encrypted content protection software also allows for users to stream video to their console through the many services provided by PSN. By disabling HDCP, video-streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Instant Video can no longer be accessed until HDCP is enabled again.
While manually switching this feature on-and-off may come as a nuisance for some PS4 users, the feature doubles as an anti-piracy measure, as it prevents owners from recording copyrighted material onto a device, only to potentially redistribute on a later date. The Xbox One also features HDCP, though it automatically switches states when the user is playing games, or watching streamed content.
The full list of changes provided within the 1.70 PS4 software update can be found on the PlayStation website.