PS4 News: Problems With Console After Release Date? Potential Solutions Revealed

The PlayStation 4 was launched on Nov. 15, and a small but vocal portion of gamers who already have the console are reporting various errors and bugs that have come with the newest Sony console. These include the so-called "Red Line of Death" as well as the HDMI port of the console not functioning properly. However, solutions and explanations for these problems have surfaced, showing that these problems are not as severe as they might seem.

The Red Line of Death is reported when some PlayStation 4s have a red line appear on the console instead of the blue of white line, which indicates that the console is working fine. Some users may have flashbacks to the infamous Red Ring of Death that plagued the Xbox 360, but according to IGN, the blinking red line is not a sign that the PlayStation 4 has become a $400 brick. It merely means that the console is overheated, but not permanently damaged. Stepping away from the console and finding a better position for the box so the vents are not blocked is the solution.

A much more serious problem that has cropped up with the PlayStation 4 is the HDMI port not allowing video output signals to work, thus making it impossible for users to use the PlayStation 4. Kotaku, in particular, noted that the HDMI port on the PlayStation 4 did not allow the HDMI cable to fully get plugged into the console. This was due to a piece of metal in the port sticking up, which prevented the cable from being plugged in completely and damaging the cord.

No reason was given for this error, but a solution has been fashioned by intrepid PlayStation 4 owners: It turns out that the do-it-yourself answer to this problem is to use a pin or some other piece of small material to flatten the offending metal piece, and thus allow the cord to fit all the way into the PS4. Once the HDMI cable is snug in the port, the problem should be fixed.

Sony had previously stated that the amount of PlayStation 4s that are unable to function is around 0.4%, and that is an acceptable amount of hardware failure, considering the number of consoles that the company has made available for the launch of its next-generation console. With these solutions revealed, hopefully, for gamers, the number of functionality problems will drop and Sony will have a smooth post-launch period with the PlayStation 4 around the critical holiday season.