The subsequent technology of HDMI is right here, and I am unable to wait to improve

Abstract

The HDMI Discussion board has launched its new HDMI 2.2 specification, which was initially introduced at CES 2025.
HDMI 2.2 presents help for as much as 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, 10K at 120Hz, and 16K at 60Hz.
HDMI 2.2 is future-proof, backwards appropriate, and features a new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP).

The way forward for HDMI is formally right here. Following the introduction of HDMI 2.2 at CES 2025 in January, the HDMI Discussion board has now absolutely launched its new HDMI 2.2 specification, marking a big improve from HDMI 2.1. Nonetheless, it’s unlikely to look on new gadgets till later this yr or 2026.

The spotlight of HDMI 2.2 is its new Ultra96 cables, which have considerably elevated bandwidth in comparison with HDMI 2.1, leaping from 48Gbps to 96Gbps. All HDMI 2.2 cables appropriate with this larger bandwidth shall be labeled with “Ultra96” to obviously point out that they help the brand new switch capabilities.

Since HDMI 2.2 helps considerably higher bandwidth, it could now handle larger resolutions and refresh charges. These embody 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, 10K at 120Hz, and a formidable 16K at 60Hz. It additionally helps uncompressed video codecs that includes 10-bit and 12-bit coloration depths, able to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 240Hz. Contemplating HDMI 2.1 solely helps as much as 10K decision and 4K at 120Hz, HDMI 2.2 represents a substantial improve.

“The HDMI Discussion board is proud to launch the brand new HDMI 2.2 Specification to allow larger efficiency capabilities and options for thrilling and immersive new options and merchandise,” mentioned Chandlee Harrell, president of the HDMI Discussion board, in a press release.

Associated

Not all the HDMI ports on your smart TV are the same

Make sure you use the correct cable in the correct location to optimize audio and video high quality.

HDMI 2.2 could be very future-proof

I do not suppose anybody shall be gaming at 16K quickly

HDMI Discussion board

If there may be one key takeaway from the HDMI Discussion board’s launch of HDMI 2.2, it’s that this new commonplace could be very future-proof. HDMI 2.1 was launched in 2017, and lots of producers nonetheless have not absolutely utilized its capabilities on displays and TVs, not to mention do most avid gamers even play at 4K 120Hz but. Moreover, HDMI 2.2 helps as much as 16K at 60Hz, and since discovering 8K content material right now is difficult, it is unlikely we’ll see 16K utilization anytime quickly.

It is also value noting that HDMI 2.2 is absolutely backwards appropriate, so you need to use an HDMI 2.2 cable on an older port (like HDMI 2.1), and it’ll work tremendous. The identical is true in reverse — you need to use an older cable with a more moderen port, and it’ll nonetheless operate; you simply may not get the bandwidth you want.

HDMI Discussion board

HDMI 2.2 additionally consists of one other function known as “Latency Indication Protocol” (LIP), which is able to enhance the synchronization of audio and video in “multi-hop system configurations” (house theater setups), particularly when audio is routed by a soundbar or audio-video receiver.

Solely HDMI 2.2 cables with Ultra96 certification absolutely help HDMI 2.2’s 96Gbps bandwidth. So, if you wish to make sure you’re buying a correct HDMI 2.2 cable, be sure it is Ultra96-certified (just like the picture above). I actually recognize what the HDMI Discussion board has carried out with the branding of Ultra96 and HDMI 2.2. At the moment, HDMI cables are labeled as Commonplace, Excessive Velocity, Premium Excessive Velocity, and Extremely Excessive Velocity, however these labels do not clearly point out bandwidth. Ultra96 gives a easy label that may undoubtedly truly assist shoppers get the correct cable.

HDMI 2.2 is a formidable leap ahead, and I am excited to see the gadgets that may help the brand new commonplace within the coming years and improve myself when the time comes.