You’re about to step into a new generation of video technology. On June 26, the HDMI Forum officially released the HDMI 2.2 specification to manufacturers, marking a significant leap forward in display and audio standards. First introduced during CES 2025, this new version of HDMI promises to bring massive improvements in resolution, refresh rates, and overall video quality, giving you the tools to prepare for what’s next in high-definition entertainment.
Higher bandwidth unlocks extreme resolutions
HDMI 2.2 more than doubles the maximum bandwidth of its predecessor. While HDMI 2.1 supports up to 48Gbps, HDMI 2.2 pushes that limit to 96Gbps. This allows for incredibly detailed and smooth video playback, including 4K resolution at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, 10K at 120Hz, and even 16K at 60Hz. You’ll also enjoy uncompressed video formats with 10-bit and 12-bit colour depth, including 8K content at 60Hz and 4K at 240Hz. These upgrades promise a visual experience with sharper images, deeper colours, and more fluid motion than ever before.
Despite these exciting developments, it’s important to be realistic about how soon you’ll be able to use HDMI 2.2 to its full potential. The first cables that support the new standard, Ultra96 HDMI cables, are expected to arrive later this year. However, much like the slow rollout of HDMI 2.1, which was first released in 2017, it may be some time before hardware manufacturers fully embrace the latest specifications. This means it could take a while before your television, gaming console, or media player includes HDMI 2.2 support.
Designed to future-proof your setup
Even though native 8K content is rare, HDMI 2.2 is designed to prepare your devices for the future. It sets the foundation for the years ahead, allowing manufacturers to build equipment that can keep pace with the rapid evolution of display technology. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or someone who enjoys high-end video quality, this update prepares your setup for whatever comes next. With the capability to support incredibly high refresh rates and resolutions, HDMI 2.2 ensures you won’t be left behind when new content formats and devices enter the market.
Another helpful change that HDMI 2.2 brings is clarity in cable naming. Consumers face a confusing mix of labels such as Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed. These don’t always make it easy to tell which cable does what. The introduction of Ultra96 branding with HDMI 2.2 simplifies this issue. When you see an HDMI cable marked “Ultra96,” you’ll know it supports the full 96Gbps bandwidth and meets the latest HDMI 2.2 standards. This will reduce the confusion and ensure you choose the correct cable for your setup without second-guessing.
Audio and video stay in perfect sync
In addition to improvements in video, HDMI 2.2 also enhances audio performance. A new feature, Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), initially revealed in January, is now included in the specification. LIP builds upon the sync improvements introduced in HDMI 2.1 and is especially useful when video signals pass through devices like AV receivers or soundbars before reaching your display. With LIP, you’ll benefit from more accurate synchronisation between picture and sound, essential for a seamless viewing experience.
The release of HDMI 2.2 is a major step toward the future of digital media. While adoption will take time, it lays the groundwork for a more capable and high-performance standard that can handle the demands of tomorrow’s content. If you’re considering upgrading your entertainment setup, watching HDMI 2.2 and the upcoming generation of Ultra96 cables is worth watching.
