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HDMI 2.2: Future-Proof Your Tech, But When?
5 Jul
Summary
- HDMI 2.2 certification products will begin appearing next year.
- New HDMI 2.2 cables will be required for its features.
- HDMI 2.2 offers speeds up to 96 Gbps, but comes in tiers.
The next generation of HDMI, version 2.2, is set to debut with the first certified products arriving in 2027. This new standard promises data transfer speeds up to two times faster than HDMI 2.1, with bandwidth options of 64, 80, and 96 Gbps. At its highest tiers, HDMI 2.2 will support uncompressed 4K content at 240Hz or even 480Hz with color subsampling, alongside true uncompressed 8K/60Hz video. It also introduces the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) for improved audio-video synchronization.
To utilize HDMI 2.2's capabilities, new 'Ultra96'-certified cables will be necessary. While cables labeled 'Ultra96' will guarantee 96 Gbps, ports with the same designation may support any of the three bandwidth tiers, requiring consumer attention. Despite the advancements, widespread adoption will take time, with current-generation consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X not yet capable of fully utilizing these higher specifications. Consumers purchasing TVs in 2026 and 2027 may not see immediate benefits from HDMI 2.2 as adoption by devices and content creators is expected to be gradual.
