HDMI 2.2 Launches, Introducing Ultra96 Cables & Support for 16K Video
As rivals experiment with alternative protocols like GPMI, HDMI Forum is doubling down on its dominance with HDMI 2.2, a spec designed to carry the standard well into the next generation of video and gaming.
HDMI Forum has officially released Version 2.2 of the HDMI Specification, ushering in a new era of ultra-high bandwidth connectivity with support for jaw-dropping resolutions up to 16K and refresh rates reaching 480Hz. Unveiled earlier this year at CES 2025, the new specification is now being handed over to manufacturers, setting the stage for the next wave of cutting-edge displays, gaming rigs and home theatre set-ups.
Underpinning HDMI 2.2 is a substantial leap in bandwidth, with new Ultra96 HDMI Cables capable of handling up to 96Gbps—double that of today’s Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables, which top out at 48Gbps. According to the HDMI Forum, this next-gen pipeline makes possible video formats such as 12K at 120Hz and 16K at 60Hz, along with uncompressed 8K at 60Hz in full 4:4:4 chroma and even 4K at a blistering 240Hz in 10-bit and 12-bit colour. In other words, while native 16K content might be a long way off, HDMI 2.2 is engineered to keep the standard well ahead of the curve for years to come.
Highlighting the scale of the upgrade, Chandlee Harrell, president of the HDMI Forum, commented:
The HDMI Forum is proud to release the new HDMI 2.2 Specification to enable higher performance capabilities and features for exciting and immersive new solutions and products. The introduction of the new Ultra96 feature name will help consumers and end-users ensure their product’s maximum bandwidth is supported.
One of the more consumer-friendly aspects of HDMI 2.2 is the formal introduction of “Ultra96” as a feature name. This label will appear on products supporting maximum bandwidths of 64Gbps, 80Gbps, or 96Gbps, signalling that an Ultra96 HDMI Cable is required to unlock a device’s full potential. Like today’s Ultra-High-Speed HDMI cables, Ultra96 cables must pass rigorous certification testing at authorised centres, with each length displaying an official Certification Label.
Beyond sheer resolution and speed, HDMI 2.2 also brings improvements to tighten up the often finicky world of audio and video synchronisation. The newly introduced Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) is designed to further reduce lip-sync issues, particularly in setups where signals travel through multiple devices like AV receivers or soundbars before hitting the screen.
It’s worth noting that the HDMI Forum’s push with Version 2.2 might also be viewed as a timely counter to emerging technologies vying to supplant HDMI altogether. We recently reported on GPMI — a proposed alternative protocol promising even simpler, high-bandwidth connectivity for next-generation devices. For some in the industry, HDMI 2.2 could be the reassurance they’ve been waiting for, cementing its position as the default interface for everything from high-end gaming monitors to ambitious home cinema installs.
For those keeping score, HDMI 2.1 was announced back in 2017, and it’s only in recent years that we’ve seen widespread adoption across TVs, gaming consoles, and AV receivers. So while you won’t find a 16K TV at your local retailer any time soon, HDMI 2.2 ensures that when (or if) the content eventually arrives, the ecosystem will be ready.
As with previous updates, consumers won’t necessarily need to rush out and replace every cable in their system. Existing HDMI leads can still handle many new features that don’t require the extra bandwidth. However, if you’re looking to future-proof your next serious home theatre or gaming set-up—or eyeing the prospect of ultra-high-frame-rate 8K—then Ultra96 will soon be a badge to watch for.
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Jason Sexton
Jason joined StereoNET in 2025 and now serves as ANZ Editor, bringing decades of experience in marketing, brand development, and specialist hi-fi retail. His listener-first approach delivers grounded insights that cut through the noise. Outside audio, he’s into cars, trail riding, 80s nostalgia, and guitar.
Posted in: Home Theatre | Visual | Integration | Industry
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