HDMI 2.2 is now official with 96Gbps bandwidth, better audio-video sync and more

It's been a long enough wait, with the HDMI Forum officially announcing HDMI 2.2 at CES 2025. 

If you recall, HDMI 2.1 was announced back in 2017, although we recently got HDMI 2.1a and HDMI 2.1b back in 2022 and 2024 respectively. 

Exact details for HDMI 2.2 have yet to be released, with HDMI 2.x Adopters will be notified later in H1 2025 when the new specification is released. Despite that, we have some juicy teasers to keep us on our toes.

A new specification wouldn't be complete without upgrades, and HDMI 2.2 will raise the bandwidth for new cables to 96Gbps. This is perfect for data-intensive gadgets and applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, spatial reality, and more. It's a big step up from HDMI 2.1b's 48Gbps or the older HDMI 1.4's 10.2Gbps.

"The HDMI Forum's continuing mission is to develop specifications to meet the HDMI eco-system's growing demand for high-performance capabilities and features. This new specification supports the fast-evolving landscape for amazing new technologies and products entering the markets now and in the future," said Chandlee Harrell, president of the HDMI Forum.

This also allows for higher resolutions at faster refresh rates, with HDMI 2.2 supporting 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, and even 12K at 120Hz. 

The new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) is said to help improve audio and video synchronisation, particularly for multi-hop systems with audio-video receivers or soundbars. 

How to tell if it's a HDMI 2.2 cable?

Of course, to access all the new goodies, a new cable is required. The new Ultra96 HDMI cable will support the expanded bandwidth and enable all the HDMI 2.2 Specification features.

The association said the HDMI Cable Certification Program is required, with a label for both the HDMI 2.2 and Ultra96 standards, if the HDMI cable meets those prerequisites.

Here's a quick table with the current information comparing the HDMI 2.2 Specification against HDMI 2.1b, HDMI 2.0, and HDMI 1.4. Keep in mind that HDMI Forum is only notifying brands and makers of HDMI 2.2 "later in H1 2025".

Source: HDMI Forum (newsroom)

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