The next generation of HDMI is here, and I can’t wait to upgrade ‣ Diverse Daily

Summary

The HDMI Forum has launched its new HDMI 2.2 specification, which was initially announced at CES 2025.
HDMI 2.2 offers support for up to 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, 10K at 120Hz, and 16K at 60Hz.
HDMI 2.2 is future-proof, backwards compatible, and includes a new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP).

The future of HDMI is officially here. Following the introduction of HDMI 2.2 at CES 2025 in January, the HDMI Forum has now fully launched its new HDMI 2.2 specification, marking a significant upgrade from HDMI 2.1. However, it is unlikely to appear on new devices until later this year or 2026.

The highlight of HDMI 2.2 is its new Ultra96 cables, which have significantly increased bandwidth compared to HDMI 2.1, jumping from 48Gbps to 96Gbps. All HDMI 2.2 cables compatible with this higher bandwidth will be labeled with “Ultra96” to clearly indicate that they support the new transfer capabilities.

Since HDMI 2.2 supports significantly higher bandwidth, it can now manage higher resolutions and refresh rates. These include 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, 10K at 120Hz, and an impressive 16K at 60Hz. It also supports uncompressed video formats featuring 10-bit and 12-bit color depths, capable of 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 240Hz. Considering HDMI 2.1 only supports up to 10K resolution and 4K at 120Hz, HDMI 2.2 represents a considerable increase.

“The HDMI Forum is proud to release the new HDMI 2.2 Specification to enable higher performance capabilities and features for exciting and immersive new solutions and products,” said Chandlee Harrell, president of the HDMI Forum, in a press release.

Not-all-the-HDMI-ports-on-your-TV-are-the-same-1

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

Be sure to use the right cable in the right location to optimize audio and video quality.

HDMI 2.2 is very future-proof

I don’t think anyone will be gaming at 16K soon

HDMI Forum

If there is one key takeaway from the HDMI Forum’s release of HDMI 2.2, it is that this new standard is very future-proof. HDMI 2.1 was launched in 2017, and many manufacturers still haven’t fully utilized its capabilities on monitors and TVs, let alone do most gamers even play at 4K 120Hz yet. Additionally, HDMI 2.2 supports up to 16K at 60Hz, and since finding 8K content today is challenging, it’s unlikely we’ll see 16K usage anytime soon.

It’s also worth noting that HDMI 2.2 is fully backwards compatible, so you can use an HDMI 2.2 cable on an older port (like HDMI 2.1), and it will work fine. The same is true in reverse — you can use an older cable with a newer port, and it will still function; you just might not get the bandwidth you need.

HDMI Forum

HDMI 2.2 also includes another feature called “Latency Indication Protocol” (LIP), which will improve the synchronization of audio and video in “multi-hop system configurations” (home theater setups), especially when audio is routed through a soundbar or audio-video receiver.

Only HDMI 2.2 cables with Ultra96 certification fully support HDMI 2.2’s 96Gbps bandwidth. So, if you want to ensure you’re purchasing a proper HDMI 2.2 cable, make sure it’s Ultra96-certified (like the image above). I really appreciate what the HDMI Forum has done with the branding of Ultra96 and HDMI 2.2. Currently, HDMI cables are labeled as Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed, but these labels don’t clearly indicate bandwidth. Ultra96 provides a simple label that will undoubtedly actually help consumers get the right cable.

HDMI 2.2 is an impressive leap forward, and I’m excited to see the devices that will support the new standard in the coming years and upgrade myself when the time comes.