The next big HDMI leap is coming soon – what the 2.2 standard means for you

The arrival of HDMI 2.2 technology ushers in a new era of A/V potential, which is great news for enthusiasts and future-proofing fanatics. It might be a little while before every device on the market sports the new tech, but you can expect to see the first “Ultra96” HDMI cables hitting shelves later this year.

Increased bandwidth and resolution

This is a significant leap forward from the current HDMI 2.1. Even ultra-high-speed 2.1 cables cap out at 48 Gbps. While 48 Gbps has capably handled resolutions up to 10K and 4K content at 120 Hz, HDMI 2.2 throws open the gates to even more mind-bending visual experiences. Imagine 4K at a fluid 480 Hz, 8K at a zippy 240 Hz, and a jaw-dropping 16K at 60 Hz.

For your exceptionally discerning eye, it will also flawlessly transmit uncompressed video formats with 10-bit and 12-bit color at 8K 60 Hz and 4K 240 Hz.

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Before you start dreaming of 16K cable TV, though, let’s keep things in perspective. Native 8K content is still incredibly rare, and HDMI 2.1, which debuted in 2017, hasn’t even been fully leveraged by most hardware manufacturers yet. So, while HDMI 2.2’s increased bandwidth and resolution capabilities might feel a bit ahead of its time, that’s because it’s laying the groundwork for innovations yet to come.

New Latency Indication Protocol

Another clever addition in HDMI 2.2 is the new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP). This feature builds on the audio and video synchronization enhancements brought by HDMI 2.1, specifically addressing those tricky home theater setups where your audio and video signals might be taking a detour through a soundbar or separate receiver before reaching your display. LIP aims to ensure everything stays perfectly in sync, eliminating those annoying “lip-sync” issues.

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The Ultra96 cable can handle a shockingly immense data flow. But beyond the benefit of raw power, the HDMI Forum is also taking a step to simplify things for consumers. Remember the confusing array of cable names like Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed?

With HDMI 2.2, the clear-cut “Ultra96” designation instantly tells you that a cable supports the new specification. Ideally, there’s no more guesswork — just plug and play. Conveniently, existing HDMI cables won’t be obsolete anytime soon, as backward compatibility will allow their use with new HDMI 2.2 devices.

The dream of crystal-clear 16K visuals is on the horizon, albeit a ways off for most households. But when your TV and monitor dreams become a reality in your living room or gaming space, then upgrading to those certified Ultra96 cables will be a must.

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