The following 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 gives 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 suitable, 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 seem 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 suitable with this increased bandwidth might 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 may possibly now handle increased resolutions and refresh charges. These embody 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, 10K at 120Hz, and a powerful 16K at 60Hz. It additionally helps uncompressed video codecs that includes 10-bit and 12-bit colour 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 enhance.

“The HDMI Discussion board is proud to launch the brand new HDMI 2.2 Specification to allow increased efficiency capabilities and options for thrilling and immersive new options and merchandise,” stated 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

You should definitely use the fitting cable in the fitting location to optimize audio and video high quality.

HDMI 2.2 could be very future-proof

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

HDMI Discussion board

If there’s 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 screens and TVs, not to mention do most players even play at 4K 120Hz but. Moreover, HDMI 2.2 helps as much as 16K at 60Hz, and since discovering 8K content material immediately is difficult, it is unlikely we’ll see 16K utilization anytime quickly.

It is also value noting that HDMI 2.2 is absolutely backwards suitable, so you should use an HDMI 2.2 cable on an older port (like HDMI 2.1), and it’ll work nice. The identical is true in reverse — you should use an older cable with a more recent port, and it’ll nonetheless operate; you simply won’t get the bandwidth you want.

HDMI Discussion board

HDMI 2.2 additionally contains one other characteristic 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 via 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 admire what the HDMI Discussion board has performed with the branding of Ultra96 and HDMI 2.2. Presently, HDMI cables are labeled as Normal, Excessive Velocity, Premium Excessive Velocity, and Extremely Excessive Velocity, however these labels do not clearly point out bandwidth. Ultra96 gives a easy label that can undoubtedly really assist shoppers get the fitting cable.

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