HDMI 2.2 is now official. HDMI Forum announced the next specification of the display technology, which is expected to roll out over the next few years. The big focus for HDMI 2.2 is, of course, the increased bandwidth, which promises to deliver enhanced viewing experiences, better video quality, and more options for users.
In short, HDMI 2.2 has doubled the bandwidth of HDMI 2.1b from 48Gbps to 96Gbps. The new display standard will make use of what is called ULTRA96 cables. The “96” here is the certification that the cable can transmit up to 96Gbps of bandwidth.
HDMI 2.2 also comes with a new technology called HDMI Fixed Rate Technology. This provides optimal audio and video signal stabilisation across supported devices and applications. It also helps support backwards compatible formats to ensure that even if you’re using an HDMI 2.0 device, the native bandwidth is delivered in the best possible way.
HDMI 2.2 also comes with a new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) that assists users in synchronising audio and video signals to prevent delays.
In terms of bandwidth, HDMI 2.2 can reach up to a 12K resolution at 120Hz. In comparison to HDMI 2.1b that could max out at 8K 60Hz or 4K 120Hz, this is an impressive benchmark. 12K is 12,288 x 6,480 pixels.
HDMI Forum will ensure that tech companies that sell HDMI 2.2 cables provide validation QR codes that customers can scan to ensure the validity of the cable. This will help prevent cables from being falsely marketed as HDMI 2.2 when they aren’t.
While this HDMI 2.2 standard sounds exciting, on a consumer level, the specification won’t become mainstream for a long time. HDMI Forum says the full specs for the standard won’t be available until mid-2025, where the organization will fully detail the technology, compatibility, and restrictions.
It will then take several years for HDMI 2.2 products to hit homes. Even then, most users won’t fully utilize the bandwidth. HDMI 2.1b is seldom capped on a consumer level. Unless you own an 8K TV and you’re playing games at 60Hz with 12-bit HDR at RGB levels.
We will likely see HDMI 2.2 rollout outside of media and entertainment first. This includes using the specification in 3D and mixed reality settings where the demand for 3D objects at a higher resolution is required. We aren’t even talking about the Apple Vision Pro or Quest 3. More 3D CAD environments where creators are building assets for movies and games using mixed reality. Digital signs and medical equipment might also take advantage of HDMI 2.2 in order to output larger resolution ads and images.
