The upcoming HDMI 2.2 standard will bring more bandwidth, a new way to handle lip-sync errors, and a new backwards-compatible cable, the HDMI Forum said at CES 2025.

The good news is that most people probably don't even need to worry about HDMI 2.2, since any mainstream TV won't use the increased bandwidth, and while lip-sync adjustments may be useful, they may not be necessary for your system. Fortunately, new high-bandwidth cables aren't needed in most cases. That said, it's still good to know what's coming. Find electronics in Easelink.

01 Greater bandwidth

About Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred between two devices. Essentially the size of the pipe that carries all that water (data). HDMI 2.2 doubles the size of that pipe, from 48 Gigabits per second in HDMI 2.1 to 96 Gbps. This allows for higher resolutions and frame rates. These resolutions and frame rates are beyond the control of your TV. Even if your TV can accept and play a 4K120 signal, or even an 8K TV with some mysterious 8K60 source, HDMI 2.1 will have no problem transferring that much data. The spec can handle resolutions up to 10K, and no TV can display that kind of resolution.

The extra bandwidth of HDMI 2.2 is meant for commercial uses like VR headsets, large digital signage, and even light field displays. So yeah, your TV doesn't need this bandwidth, especially considering we don't even have 8K sources other than our computers.

02 More LIPs

More interesting to mainstream consumers is how this cable helps with lip-sync errors. LIP, which is rather playfully named as its acronym stands for "Latency Indication Protocol," is designed to further reduce the discrepancy between what's happening on the screen and what you hear. Typically, this is most noticeable when people speak and their words and mouths don't match up.

This is an evolution of a feature we first saw back in the HDMI 1.3 days. According to the HDMI Forum, LIP improves timing synchronization for "multi-hop system configurations (such as those with an audio video receiver or soundbar)." We'll have to see how it pans out when products adopting HDMI 2.2 finally ship.

03 New Cable

To handle the increased bandwidth, HDMI 2.2 requires new cables. While these cables will almost certainly be called "HDMI 2.2 cables," their actual name is Ultra96. Fortunately, the connectors are the same, so if you buy a device with HDMI 2.2, you don't have to replace all your cables.

That being said, it will be a long time before most people need Ultra96 cables. Most people don't need the 48 Gbps offered by HDMI 2.1, so 96 Gbps is like buying a Ferrari to drive in traffic. When people actually need 96 Gbps, the cables will cost about the same as any other cable (and we'll probably be on HDMI version 4.0 Quattroporte by then).

The HDMI forums hint that you may need these new cables to get some of the other features of HDMI 2.2. Even so, most people won't need the new features, so don't worry about replacing all your cables now if you're not buying any new equipment, and you certainly won't be anytime soon.

04 HDMI Forum Announces Release of Version 2.2 of the HDMI Specification

HDMI Forum, Inc. today announced the upcoming release of Version 2.2 of the HDMI Specification. The new version of the HDMI Specification provides enhanced options for the vast HDMI ecosystem and more advanced solutions to create, distribute and experience the best end-user outcomes.

The new technology provides higher quality options for content producers such as TV, film and game studios, now and in the future, while supporting multiple distribution platforms. Higher bandwidth of 96Gbps and next generation HDMI fixed rate link technology provide the best audio and video for a wide range of device applications. End users can be confident that their displays optimally support native video formats and can provide a seamless and reliable experience.

"The HDMI Forum's mission has always been to develop specifications that meet the HDMI ecosystem's growing demand for high-performance capabilities and features. This new specification supports the rapidly evolving landscape, allowing amazing new technologies and products to enter the market now and in the future," said Chandlee Harrell, HDMI Forum Chairman.

Supporting higher resolutions and refresh rates, with more high-quality options, faster 96Gbps bandwidth improves demanding data-intensive, immersive and virtual applications such as AR/VR/MR, spatial reality and light field displays, as well as a variety of commercial applications such as large digital signage, medical imaging and machine vision.

Also included is the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) for improved audio and video synchronization, especially for multi-hop system configurations, such as those with audio video receivers or soundbars.

The specification includes a new Ultra96 HDMI® Cable that supports 96Gbps bandwidth and supports all HDMI 2.2 specification features. It is part of the HDMI Cable Certification Program, which requires each model to be tested and certified in length and display a certification label.

The new specification will be available to all HDMI 2.x adopters and will be notified when it is released in the first half of 2025.

Source: Content compiled from cnet

View more at EASELINK