PS4 will allow video capture via HDMI

Sony seems to have confirmed that users will be able to capture gameplay footage directly from the PlayStation 4's HDMI output, something that was not easily achieved on PS3, thanks to the use of encrypted HDCP.

The function was apparently announced during the Sony TGS keynote; I was listening pretty attentively and didn't quite catch this bit, but SCE third-party relations head Brad Douglas mentioned the news on Twitter.

"I think we just announced that we're going to allow video capture of games over HDMI. Details will follow soon," he said. Douglas later confirmed the news with Polygon.

Sony has promised to update on this matter after rumours suggested HDCP would make its return. This would make it impossible to capture footage using consumer devices, as unlike the PS3, the PS4 does not have AV component output.

The PlayStation 4 launches in November in Europe and North America, and in Japan in February. It's big on sharing and user-generated content, with a Share button built right into the Dual Shock 4 to enable easy image and video sharing, and deep social network integration.