HDMI 2.2 released: supports 4K 480Hz, 8K 240Hz, and even 16K.

HDMI 2.2 doubles the bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 from 48 Gbps to 96 Gbps, thus supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates for TVs, media players, game consoles, VR devices, etc., such as 144Hz HDMI and even higher refresh rate video transmission.

HDMI 2.2 remains fully backward compatible, but the increased bandwidth requires new "Ultra96" cables, as announced at CES 2025 in January. These cables may feature an OD 3.0mm HDMI or thinner outer diameter design to meet the needs of different installation scenarios.

HDMI 2.2 is ready

This week, the HDMI Forum announced the official release of the HDMI 2.2 specification, right on schedule for the "first half of 2025" deadline. The first Ultra96-certified cables are expected to hit the market in the second half of 2025 (cables supporting the 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 will still carry the "Ultra High Speed" label). These cables may include Slim HDMI, Right Angle HDMI, Flexible HDMI, and other types to accommodate different device connection requirements.

Chandlee Harrell, Chairperson of the HDMI Forum, said:

The HDMI Forum is honored to release the new HDMI 2.2 specification, which aims to provide higher performance and features for exciting, immersive new solutions and products. The introduction of the new Ultra96 feature name will help consumers and end users ensure that their products support the maximum bandwidth.

TV and other consumer electronics manufacturers can now start integrating HDMI 2.2 into their upcoming products. This includes using more robust designs such as metal case HDMI 2.1 cables to enhance durability and interference resistance.

The availability of HDMI 2.2 devices will take some time - it took over two years for HDMI 2.1 to hit the market - but this launch might be faster as HDMI 2.2 is built on the same FRL (Fixed Rate Link) signaling system.

So will TVs support HDMI 2.2 in 2027? It's very likely. In 2026? Let's wait and see. What about PlayStation 6 and the next-generation Xbox? Why not!

HDMI 2.2 also introduces the Latency Information Protocol (LIP) to improve A/V synchronization while continuing to support all HDMI 2.1 features such as VRR, QMS, ALLM, eARC, etc.

HDMI 2.2 Replaces HDMI 2.1

For consumers, the key point is that HDMI 2.2 officially replaces HDMI 2.1b. However, just like HDMI 2.1, manufacturers can label any product as HDMI 2.2 even if it only supports one feature - not necessarily the higher 96Gbps bandwidth.

As a consumer, you need to check which specific HDMI 2.2 features a product supports. For example, whether it supports 8K HDMI, 48Gbps HDMI, or compact device-specific cables such as MINI HDMI Cable, MICRO HDMI Cable, and various adapters like mini hdmi to hdmi, micro hdmi to hdmi, etc.

The "Ultra96" label can appear on cables and HDMI ports, but it's important to note that if you see "Ultra96" on a cable, it indicates that the cable has been certified for up to 96Gbps bandwidth. If the label is on a device's HDMI port, it doesn't necessarily mean the device supports 96Gbps.

The HDMI organization explains:

"Ultra96" is a feature name that encourages manufacturers to use it to indicate that a product supports the maximum 64 Gbps, 80 Gbps, or 96 Gbps bandwidth as defined by the HDMI 2.2 specification.