HDMI 2.2 Spec Unveiled: 16K at 60Hz Now Supported
▼ Summary
– The HDMI Forum has released the HDMI 2.2 specification, with Ultra96 HDMI cables offering up to 96Gbps bandwidth, potentially available later this year.
– HDMI 2.2 supports higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI 2.1, including 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, and 16K at 60Hz.
– Despite HDMI 2.2’s capabilities, 16K content is unlikely soon due to the scarcity of native 8K content and slow industry adoption of HDMI 2.1.
– The Ultra96 branding aims to simplify cable selection by clearly indicating support for HDMI 2.2 and 96Gbps bandwidth.
– HDMI 2.2 introduces the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) to improve audio-video synchronization, especially in setups involving soundbars or AV receivers.
The latest HDMI 2.2 specification has arrived, bringing groundbreaking support for resolutions up to 16K at 60Hz and dramatically higher refresh rates. Following its initial reveal at CES 2025, the HDMI Forum has officially released the updated standard to manufacturers, paving the way for next-generation home entertainment systems. While widespread adoption may take time, the first Ultra96 HDMI cables, capable of handling 96Gbps bandwidth, could hit shelves before the year ends.
Current HDMI 2.1 technology maxes out at 48Gbps, enabling 10K resolution and 120Hz refresh rates for 4K content. HDMI 2.2 shatters these limits, unlocking jaw-dropping performance like 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, and 10K at 120Hz. Even more impressive, it supports 16K resolution at 60Hz, though consumer-grade 16K displays remain years away. The new standard also ensures flawless playback of uncompressed 10-bit and 12-bit color formats at 8K/60Hz and 4K/240Hz.
Despite the leap in capability, practical applications may lag behind. Native 8K content is still scarce, and mainstream 16K adoption won’t happen overnight. HDMI 2.1, introduced in 2017, hasn’t been fully utilized by hardware manufacturers, suggesting HDMI 2.2’s enhancements are more about future-proofing than immediate use. Still, the upgrade ensures compatibility with emerging technologies, giving consumers and professionals a head start.
Confusion around HDMI cable labeling has long been a pain point. Current classifications, Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed, lack clarity about actual performance. HDMI 2.2 simplifies this with Ultra96 branding, instantly signaling support for 96Gbps bandwidth and the latest features.
Another key addition is the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), first teased in early 2025. Building on HDMI 2.1’s sync improvements, LIP refines audio-video timing, especially in setups involving soundbars or AV receivers. This ensures smoother playback without frustrating delays, whether gaming or streaming high-resolution media.
While 16K TVs aren’t on the horizon yet, HDMI 2.2 sets the stage for the next decade of visual fidelity. For now, enthusiasts can look forward to ultra-smooth 4K gaming at 480Hz and pristine 8K playback, hints of what’s possible as hardware catches up to the spec’s potential.
(Source: The Verge)
