Announced at CES earlier this year, the HDMI Forum today announced that it has released the HDMI 2.2 specification to device and accessory manufacturers. The biggest upgrade in HDMI 2.2 is an increase to bandwidth, which is twice as fast as the next version down, HDMI 2.1.
It’s a huge step up from the 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1. This is a very narrow window that is required for serving extremely high detailed content and advanced visuals. That said, the HDMI 2.2 standard does also include some 64Gbps and 80Gbps devices, so compatibility will depend on the device.
With a new specification comes support for eye-popping display capabilities, such as 16K resolution at 60Hz or 12K at 120Hz with display stream compression (DSC) or chroma subsampling. While those figures may sound otherworldly, the real-world advantages of HDMI 2.2 are in what it offers for more every day film and TV resolutions.
Gamers and content creators on 4K 240Hz monitors can now enjoy 10-bit or 12-bit color at native 4:4:4 chroma, all without the need for compression. Also, with HDMI 2.2, it can now transmit 8K 60Hz (true 10-bit or 12-bit 4:4:4) content without display stream compression like before.
In addition to resolution, HDMI 2.2 also allows for a range of advanced features:
- The protocol used is referred to as Latency Indication Protocol (LIP).
- Dynamic HDR support
- SBTM stands for Source-Based Tone Mapping
- Enhanced eARC
- Gaming features VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), QFT (Quick Frame Transport)
- Quick Media Switching (QMS)
- HDMI Cable Power support
To really leverage these capabilities, HDMI 2.2 introduces a new cable standard: Ultra96 HDMI. Current HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed HDMI cords do not cut it. Instead, users should search for the Ultra96 HDMI branding to confirm compatibility.
Cables that meet the Ultra96 HDMI spec will be tested and certified by the HDMI Forum. Official cables will include a Ultra96 Certified Cable sticker with QR code and hologram to verify identification.
HDMI 2.2 is a big step forward towards the future of content delivery, and delivers unsurpassed bandwidth and a slew of new features that are both future-proof and available today. From a professional video editor being fed precise signals from an HDMI 2.2 source to a gamer trying to dominate his or her franchise of choice the new standard promises smoother, better fidelity overall.
