HDMI 2.2 Is Here, and I Can’t Wait to Upgrade My Devices

The next version of HDMI, version 2.2, is official after the new standard was announced at the HDMI Forum at CES 2025. HDMI 2.2 promises some exciting features for home entertainment, and I can’t wait to upgrade.

What is HDMI 2.2?

HDMI 2.2 is the latest version of the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard. If you’re not already familiar with HDMI, it’s a digital interface for transmitting audio and video signals between devices. HDMI 2.2 is a continuation of HDMI 2.1, announced in January 2017. (Here comparison of HDMI 2.1, 2.0 and 1.4 for context).

As such, it opens up new capabilities including support for 12K (12288 x 6480) and 16K (15360 x 8640) resolutions, as well as higher refresh rates for resolutions currently supported by HDMI 2.1. This makes the new standard a key player in the next iteration of high-resolution displays, gaming and multimedia systems.

Increasing bandwidth will also help power data-intensive applications such as augmented realityvirtual reality and mixed reality. A special Ultra96 cable is used as standard, which takes full advantage of the additional features – a new option for Different Types of HDMI Cables You Should Know About.

Why you should upgrade to HDMI 2.2

By doubling bandwidth from 48 Gbps to 96 Gbps, HDMI 2.2 delivers higher screen resolutions and refresh rates. With the additional bandwidth, the standard can now support 12K and 16K display resolutions. By comparison, HDMI 2.1 can only support resolutions up to 10K.

Of course, these higher resolutions are intended for commercial use (such as digital signage). An exciting update for regular consumers like you and me is that the new specification increases the maximum refresh rate across different resolutions. It supports 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz and 10K at 120Hz. HDMI 2.1 is important for gamingSo for gamers, the successor means an even better gaming experience on both PC and consoles.

Another worthy upgrade to HDMI 2.2 is the new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), which according to HDMI forumImproves audio and video synchronization, especially when using an audio receiver or soundbar. So, if you are still facing sync issues despite the appearance of eArc with HDMI 2.1the next iteration will hopefully crush them for good.

However, HDMI 2.2 has one drawback – the need for new cables. HDMI 2.2 will use the same connectors, but will require a new HDMI Ultra96 cable to support the higher 96Gbps throughput. This means that when you come to upgrade, it won’t just be devices; The cables will also need to be switched.

HDMI 2.2 is official, but like its predecessor, it will be some time before it becomes ubiquitous on all devices. For this to happen, all players will have to catch up. Regardless, it’s worth the wait, and I can’t wait to upgrade when manufacturers start adding HDMI 2.2 support to various hardware devices.