HDMI Forum Announces Upcoming HDMI 2.2 Specification Update

The HDMI Forum announced the upcoming release of Version 2.2 of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Specification. Originally created as a digital replacement for analog video standards, HDMI has evolved significantly since the first version in 2002, and HDMI 2.2 is now intended to deliver enhanced options for a vast ecosystem long detached from video standards. The new generation HDMI technology delivers higher bandwidth up to 96Gbps, enables a wide range of higher resolutions and refresh rates, and fixes critical latency issues.
 
During the press conference promoted during CES 2025, Rob Tobias, CEO of the HDMI Licensing Administrator (HDMI LA), and Chandlee Harrell, President of the HDMI Forum, explained how the motivation for the new technology was the direct result of manufacturer's applications roadmap. And those are to deliver higher quality options now and in the future for content producers such as TV, movie and game studios, while enabling multiple distribution platforms. Higher 96Gbps bandwidth and next-gen HDMI Fixed Rate Link technology provide optimal audio and video for a wide range of device applications.

“The HDMI Forum’s continuing mission is to develop specifications to meet the HDMI eco-system’s growing demand for high-performance capabilities and features,” says Chandlee Harrell, president of the HDMI Forum. “This new specification supports the fast-evolving landscape for amazing new technologies and products entering the markets now and in the future.”
  Higher resolutions and refresh rates will be supported and more high-quality options will be provided, up to 12K and even 16K. 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 various commercial applications such as large scale digital signage, arena displays and immersive environments.
 
Also included in HDMI 2.2 is Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) for improving audio and video synchronization, especially for multiple-hop system configurations such as those with an audio video receiver or soundbar. LIP meets growing requirements for sync improvements as content, distribution, devices and installations have become more diverse and demanding.
 
Whether it is the obvious lag between a person’s lip movements and hearing the words, or fast-paced gaming interactions - the out-of-sync experience is a distraction and can make content unwatchable. This can be even worse when a system involves multiple audio and video connections. LIP corrects AVR delay - AVR can instead rely on the source devices to delay audio in a more efficient way - and all involved devices can invoke any necessary delays of audio or video more efficiently at the source device.
 
The specification includes a new Ultra96 HDMI Cable supporting 96Gbps bandwidth and enabling all the HDMI 2.2 Specification features. It is part of the HDMI Cable Certification Program requiring each model length to be tested and certified and display a Certification Label.
 
The new specification will be available to all HDMI 2.x Adopters and they will be notified when it is released in H1 2025.
 
The HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. (HDMI LA) is the agent appointed by the HDMI Forum to license Version 2.2 of the HDMI Specification and is the agent appointed by the HDMI Founders to license earlier HDMI Specifications. HDMI LA provides marketing, promotional, licensing and administrative services.
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