The HDMI 2.2 standard is now accessible to manufacturers.
The HDMI Forum has officially launched the HDMI 2.2 standard, introducing advanced features like 16K video support and a maximum memory bandwidth increase up to 96 gigabits per second.
On Wednesday, the HDMI Forum released a substantial update to the well-known HDMI standard. Seven years after HDMI 2.1, the specifications for its successor, HDMI 2.2, are now available.
One of the key enhancements of HDMI 2.2 is its capability for higher video resolutions and faster refresh rates, accommodating 16K at 60Hz and 12K at 120Hz—significantly better than HDMI 2.1, which supported 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz.
The new standard also offers additional high-quality options and full chroma formats, including 4:4:4 mode on 8K displays at 60Hz. For those using 4K displays, 4:4:4 mode is available with an impressive 240Hz refresh rate and support for full 10-bit and 12-bit color.
With a bandwidth of 96 gigabits per second, HDMI 2.2 doubles the 48 gigabits offered by HDMI 2.1. In comparison, HDMI 2.0 provided 18 gigabits, while HDMI 1.4 offered 10.2 gigabits, and the original HDMI 1.0 standard delivered just 3.96 Gbps.
The HDMI Forum has also introduced the “Ultra96” feature name for manufacturers to use, indicating compatibility with the new HDMI 2.2 standards and support for a maximum bandwidth of 96Gbps.
Products labeled with the Ultra96 designation will necessitate a dedicated Ultra96 HDMI Cable. This new cable standard is designed to support 96Gbps memory bandwidth, doubling the capacity of the previous Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable.
Chandlee Harrell, the president of the HDMI Forum, stated, “We are proud to introduce the HDMI 2.2 Specification, enabling enhanced performance and features for exciting and immersive new solutions. The Ultra96 feature name will assist consumers in ensuring their products support maximum bandwidth.”
Additionally, HDMI 2.2 incorporates a new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) to improve audio and video synchronization. This upgrade benefits systems with multiple hops or setups involving audio-video receivers and soundbars.
Why You Might Not Need an Ultra96 HDMI Cable Immediately
Despite supporting 16K video at 60Hz, HDMI 2.2’s capabilities may be premature, as compatible monitors are scarce. Finding external monitors with 16K displays is particularly challenging.
HDMI 2.2 supports 16K video at 60Hz and 12K video at 120Hz. Image Credit: HDMI Forum.
Moreover, the necessary content to utilize 16K displays is not widely available. Most video content currently exists in 4K or 8K, and options for games supporting 12K or 16K are limited.
The HDMI 2.2 specification aims to future-proof devices, ensuring compatibility with next-generation products. However, the timeline for widespread adoption of the HDMI 2.2 standard remains uncertain.
In 2021, Apple’s first 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon only supported HDMI 2.0. It wasn’t until January 2023, with the introduction of the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, that these models gained support for HDMI 2.1.
Although Apple is not officially a member of the HDMI Forum, it actively supports HDMI technology in various forms, promoting the adoption of new standards. Additionally, the company offers devices with dedicated HDMI ports, alongside embedded HDMI implementations in Lightning, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Type-C, and Thunderbolt 3 via adapters.