Asger Risom
After nearly a decade, HDMI is getting a major upgrade. HDMI 2.2 doubles the data rate of its predecessor and promises sharper visuals, richer audio, and better synchronization across devices. But is it worth upgrading yet?
After nearly a decade, HDMI is getting a major upgrade. HDMI 2.2 doubles the data rate of its predecessor and promises sharper visuals, richer audio, and better synchronization across devices. But is it worth upgrading yet?
What’s New in HDMI 2.2?
HDMI 2.2 doubles the maximum bandwidth from 48 Gbps to 96 Gbps. This means faster data transmission, which translates into higher resolutions, better frame rates, and more immersive audio.
Ultra-High Resolutions Are Now Possible
The new standard supports 12K at 120 Hz or 16K at 60 Hz. While most TVs today still focus on 4K or 8K, HDMI 2.2 future-proofs your setup for coming innovations in content and displays.
Better Sync With Latency Indication Protocol
A new feature called LIP (Latency Indication Protocol) helps devices stay better synchronized. This minimizes annoying lags between your video and audio, especially in complex setups with multiple components.
The Ultra96 Cable Explained
Look for “Ultra96” on new HDMI 2.2-certified cables. These are designed to handle the full 96 Gbps bandwidth and will be essential for getting the most out of future HDMI 2.2 devices.
It’s Backward Compatible
Even if you upgrade your cable or one device in your system, HDMI 2.2 is designed to work with older HDMI versions. The system will simply adjust to the lowest shared standard.
No Rush to Upgrade—Yet
You won’t find many HDMI 2.2 devices in stores just yet. The rollout will take time, and most content and hardware still don’t require the added bandwidth.
Expect Higher Prices—for Now
Early HDMI 2.2 gear will come at a premium, but as adoption increases, prices are expected to drop. If you’re planning a future-ready system, it may be worth the early investment.
Final Verdict: Upgrade Gradually
There’s no urgent need to replace everything at once. But if you’re buying a new TV, console, or home theater component soon, checking for HDMI 2.2 compatibility might pay off in the long run.
