HDMI 2.2 Arrives: Ultra96 Cables Push 96Gbps

The HDMI Licensing Administrator has unveiled prototype "Ultra96" cables at CES 2026, signaling the impending arrival of the HDMI 2.2 standard. These cables are engineered to support an impressive 96Gbps bandwidth, a substantial leap from previous iterations and faster than competing standards like DisplayPort 2.1. This advancement promises to enable higher resolution and refresh rate capabilities for modern displays.

While HDMI 2.1 has been the benchmark for high-fidelity content, supporting 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz, the landscape is evolving. With emerging standards like DisplayPort 2.1 and USB4, an upgrade was necessary. HDMI 2.2 aims to reclaim its position as the premier connection, offering up to 500Hz refresh rates for lower resolutions and enabling 8K at up to 240Hz with Display Stream Compression.

These Ultra96 prototype cables are currently undergoing testing and certification, with the official HDMI 2.2 specification and its compliance test suite expected soon. For PC gamers seeking the ultimate performance, HDMI 2.2 is set to be the connection of choice, potentially facilitating resolutions like 4K at 500Hz or 8K at 240Hz, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with compatible hardware.