The HDMI Forum introduces the new generation of HDMI 2.2 with a doubled bandwidth of 96 Gbps, compared to HDMI 2.1.
The HDMI Forum showcased the next generation HDMI 2.2 during CES in January. This 2.2 version features increased bandwidth, higher resolutions, and faster refresh rates, and requires a new cable. This accompanying cable gets a different name, namely Ultra96. Fortunately, a new connector is not needed. The specification has now been officially released, allowing the first compatible products to appear.
2.2 version
The HDMI Forum announced the new 2.2 version of HDMI at CES. This next generation has an increased bandwidth that is twice that of HDMI 2.1, from 48 Gbps to 96 Gbps. “Faster 96 Gbps bandwidth improves demanding data-intensive, immersive and virtual applications such as AR/VR/MR, spatial reality and light field displays, as well as various commercial applications such as large-scale digital signage, medical imaging and machine vision”, according to the Forum.
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The 2.2 version requires a matching cable, which also gets a new name: Ultra96. Another connector is fortunately not required. According to the HDMI Forum, Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) is also included for improved audio and video synchronization. This is mainly of interest in TV applications where the sound needs to go from the TV to the speakers.
The Forum is now also officially releasing the HDMI 2.2 specification. The technical specifications have remained unchanged since the initial announcement. Now that the specification is formal, hardware manufacturers can develop compatible products. The first cables are likely to appear in the third or fourth quarter with wider device support by early 2026.
This article originally appeared on January 7 and was updated with the latest information.