The HDMI Forum took advantage of CES 2025 to unveil the specifications of the latest HDMI 2.2 standard, marking a significant advance in the field of audiovisual connectivity. This new standard doubles the bandwidth of the previous version (up to 96 Gbps), paving the way for even higher resolutions and refresh rates.
HDMI: the evolution of an essential standard
Since its introduction in 2002, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) has become the essential standard for the transmission of digital audio and video signals. Each new version has brought its share of improvements, responding to the growing needs of users and professionals alike.
- HDMI 1.0 (2002): the first version, enabling simultaneous transmission of digital audio and video signals via a single cable.
- HDMI 1.4 (2009): introduction of support for 3D and resolutions up to 4K at 30Hz.
- HDMI 2.0 (2013): increased bandwidth to 18 Gbps, supporting 60Hz 4K and HDR.
- HDMI 2.1 (2017): bandwidth increased to 48 Gbps, enabling resolutions up to 10K and higher refresh rates, with features such as VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).
With the development of display technologies and increasingly data-intensive content, the need for an even more powerful standard became apparent, leading to the development of HDMI 2.2.
Compared to previous standards:
| Characteristics | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.1 | HDMI 2.2 |
| Bandwidth | 18 Gbps | 48 Gbps | 96 Gbps |
| Maximum resolution | 4K at 60Hz | 10K at 120Hz | 12K at 120Hz |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 480Hz (in 4K) |
| HDR compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VRR compatibility | No | Yes | Yes |
| eARC support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
HDMI 2.2: a bandwidth of 96 Gbps
The most notable feature of HDMI 2.2 is the doubled bandwidth, increasing from 48 Gbps (HDMI 2.1) to 96 Gbps. This quantum leap opens up new possibilities for the transmission of audiovisual signals, meeting the needs of increasingly demanding content and devices. With this increase, HDMI 2.2 becomes the highest-performance standard ever introduced, competing directly with alternatives such as DisplayPort 2.1 and USB 4 (80 Gbit/s). This makes it possible to transmit video streams and multi-channel audio signals without compression, for an optimal audiovisual experience.
HDMI 2.2: resolutions and refresh rates
The increased bandwidth offered by HDMI 2.2 enables new technical milestones to be reached. HDMI 2.2 can now support 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) up to a refresh rate of 480Hz, and 8K up to 240Hz. These ultra-high frequencies are particularly relevant for demanding gamers, where every millisecond counts. Consequently, it could become the new standard for gaming displays, for imperceptible latency and optimum smoothness.
Anticipating the needs of ultra-high-definition content, HDMI 2.2 also supports the impressive resolution of 12K (11,520 x 6,480 pixels) at a refresh rate of 120Hz. Although this resolution is rarely used at the moment, it could facilitate filmmakers’ future work in producing long-lasting archives and highly detailed sequences. This high resolution could also set new standards for medical imaging, virtual and immersive applications, and billboards.
HDMI 2.2: improved audio-video synchronization
The new HDMI 2.2 standard also introduces LIP (Latency Indication Protocol), designed to resolve any audio and video synchronization problems, with a soundbar or a home theater system, for example. This feature promises to reduce lags between the sound and the picture, ensuring a more natural and comfortable experience.
How to benefit from HDMI 2.2
Although HDMI 2.2 offers significant improvements, it will take time to be widely implemented. The first compatible devices are expected by the end of 2025, mainly in the high-end sector. You’ll also need HDMI 2.2-certified cables, identified by an “Ultra96” logo. Note that the HDMI 2.2 standard is backward-compatible with previous versions, which means you’ll be able to use these cables with older devices. However, to benefit from improvements in resolution, bandwidth and audio-video synchronization, it is imperative that all elements of your system (source, cable and display) are HDMI 2.2 certified.
