HDMI Forum Releases HDMI 2.2 Specification with Ultra96 Cables

Cables that support the HDMI 2.2 specification will include an Ultra96 label for easier identification. | Image: HDMI Forum

After first announcing it at CES 2025, the HDMI Forum is finally releasing the new HDMI 2.2 specification to manufacturers today. Although there is no definitive timeline for how long it will take hardware makers to adopt the new specification, the first Ultra96 HDMI cables, with bandwidth capabilities boosted to up to 96Gbps, could be available later this year.

HDMI 2.1 and the current Ultra High Speed HDMI cables have a maximum bandwidth of 48Gbps, which supports resolutions up to 10K and refresh rates up to 120Hz with 4K content. HDMI 2.2 and the new Ultra96 cables will enable even higher resolutions and refresh rates, including 4K at 480Hz, 8K at 240Hz, 10K at 120Hz, and even 16K at 60Hz. It will also handle uncompressed video formats with 10-bit and 12-bit color at 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 240Hz.

Given the current challenges in finding native 8K content, it is unlikely that cable providers or console makers will offer 16K options in the near future. HDMI 2.1 has been available since 2017, and hardware makers have yet to fully utilize the specifications. The increased bandwidth and resolutions of HDMI 2.2 are expected to help future-proof the HDMI specification for years to come.

The HDMI Forum aims to simplify the consumer experience by making it easier to identify the appropriate cables. Currently, HDMI cables are categorized with names such as Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, and Ultra High Speed, which do not provide specific information about their capabilities. With the introduction of HDMI 2.2, the Ultra96 designation will clearly indicate that a cable supports the new specification and bandwidths of up to 96Gbps.

Additionally, HDMI 2.2 will incorporate the new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), which was announced last January. This feature is designed to enhance audio and video synchronization improvements introduced with HDMI 2.1, particularly in setups where signals are routed through a soundbar or an AV receiver before reaching a TV or projector.