The HDMI 2.2 spec has finally been released into the wild after its first announcement at CES earlier this year. The new update brings more bandwidth, higher resolution, and better support for already supported resolutions.
Double the Bandwidth
The biggest change here is the bandwidth upgrade, going up from 48 Gbps in HDMI 2.1 to 96 Gbps in HDMI 2.2, which is twice as much. However, in typical HDMI Forum fashion, things aren’t entirely straightforward. The HDMI 2.2 label will also apply to products offering lower bandwidths of 64Gbps and 80Gbps, not just the full 96Gbps. So, do make sure to check your cable’s bandwidth before buying it.
True to form, the new spec is paired with headline-grabbing display capabilities. HDMI 2.2 enables support for ultra-high resolutions, up to 16K at 60Hz or 12K at 120Hz, when using display stream compression or chroma subsampling.
Better Support for Existing Resolutions
While the eye-popping resolution numbers tend to grab attention, the real benefit of HDMI 2.2 lies in what it enables at more practical resolutions. Thanks to the significant jump in bandwidth, you can now run 4K at 240Hz with 10-bit or even 12-bit color, without relying on display stream compression or chroma subsampling. That simply wasn’t possible before.
The same applies to 8K: HDMI 2.2 allows for true 8K at 60Hz with full 4:4:4 chroma and 10-bit or 12-bit color, again without any need for compression.
New Features
Beyond bandwidth, the new standard brings a host of feature upgrades. These include the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), dynamic HDR support, source-based tone mapping (SBTM), and enhanced eARC. Gamers will also appreciate the improved support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). Other additions include Quick Media Switching (QMS) and the ability to power devices directly through the HDMI cable.
How to Find the Right Cables
The HDMI Forum has introduced a fresh cable standard designed to handle the increased bandwidth demands of HDMI 2.2. The existing Ultra High Speed HDMI cables used for HDMI 2.1 will no longer be sufficient. To ensure full compatibility, users will need to look for cables marked with the new “Ultra96 HDMI” branding.
As with previous standards, the HDMI Forum will oversee testing and certification for these new cables. Only those that meet the Ultra96 HDMI requirements will carry the official Ultra96 Certified Cable label, which includes a hologram and a QR code that can be confirmed for authenticity.
