The HDMI Forum has officially finalized and released the full specifications for HDMI version 2.2. It comes with a major leap in display connectivity. HDMI 2.2 was first showcased at CES 2025 and is designed to handle the demands of ultra-high refresh rates, higher color depths, and resolutions going up to 16K.
This new standard will not only future-proof your setup but also streamline compatibility for next-gen TVs, projectors, monitors, and AV receivers.
What’s New in HDMI 2.2?
HDMI 2.2 introduces a wide range of improvements that make it ideal for modern home theaters, gaming setups, and professional AV systems:
Ultra96 Certified Cables
Cables that support HDMI 2.2 will carry the “Ultra96” label — a new branding requirement that ensures the cable is officially certified, can handle up to 96Gbps bandwidth, and is tested for compliance at each model length.
This doubles the max bandwidth of current HDMI 2.1 cables (which top out at 48Gbps) and enables support for resolutions and frame rates not possible before.
Supported Resolutions and Frame Rates
| Resolution | Frame Rate | Chroma / Bit Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 16K | 60 fps | Up to 4:4:4 @ 12-bit |
| 12K | 120 fps | Up to 4:2:2 @ 10-bit |
| 8K | 60 fps | 4:4:4 @ 10/12-bit |
| 4K | 240 fps | 4:4:4 @ 10/12-bit |
These specifications are especially beneficial for use cases that demand ultra-high performance and visual fidelity. High-end gaming setups will benefit from the high frame rates and low latency to ensure. smooth and immersive gameplay experiences. Professional video editors can take advantage of the increased bandwidth and full chroma color support to handle large 8K and 12K files with accurate color grading.
Latency Indication Protocol (LIP)
HDMI 2.2 includes a new feature called Latency Indication Protocol (LIP). This is meant to tackle a persistent issue in multi-device setups: audio and video sync. LIP actively communicates latency information between devices, helping receivers and displays better align sound with visuals.
LIP is particularly useful when you are using Soundbars, AV receivers, and Complex daisy-chained setups
HDMI 2.2 vs HDMI 2.1: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Bandwidth | 48Gbps | 96Gbps |
| Max Resolution | 10K @ 60Hz (compressed) | 16K @ 60Hz (uncompressed) |
| Chroma / Bit Depth | 8K @ 60Hz / 4:2:0 | 8K @ 60Hz / 4:4:4 @ 12-bit |
| 4K High Frame Rate | 4K @ 120Hz | 4K @ 240Hz |
| Certified Cable Label | Ultra High Speed HDMI | Ultra96 HDMI |
| Audio/Video Sync Feature | Auto Low Latency Mode | Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) |
| Testing Per Cable Length | No | Yes |
HDMI Forum has mandated that all HDMI 2.2 cables should be tested per model length, and Certified cables must display the Ultra96 label. So, if you are planning to upgrade, wait for properly certified HDMI 2.2 cables.
With support for 16K content, 120fps gaming, and significantly better color depth and sync, HDMI 2.2 is setting the stage for the next generation of digital content. However, device manufacturers will need time to integrate this into TVs, GPUs, AVRs, and other gear.
We are likely to see early HDMI 2.2-compliant devices roll out by late 2025 or early 2026, starting with flagship TVs and next-gen gaming consoles.
