HDMI Forum has recently released its full specifications of the next-gen HDMI 2.2 standard, 8 years after HDMI 2.1 was debuted back in 2017 (though device adoption didn’t start until several years later). As usual, the new standard features higher bandwidth than before, though the new spec also aims to clean up some of the messy labels that makes it hard to understand what each HDMI cable does today.
HDMI 2.2 Spec Published
For starters, HDMI 2.2 will double HDMI 2.1’s FRL (Fixed Rate Link) bandwidth – which is 48Gbps – to 96Gbps. This is accompanied by the new ‘Ultra96’ label that indicates the cable in question can support resolutions and refresh rates up to 4K 480Hz, 8K 240Hz, 10K 120Hz, and even 16K 60Hz on compatible displays (with DSC enabled). For full color support such as chroma 4:4:4 and 12-bit color, this standard can still offer 4K 240Hz and 8K 60Hz capabilities.
Back to the ‘Ultra96’ bit: this label will replace the current ones that involve terms like ‘Standard’, ‘High Speed’, ‘Premium High Speed’, and ‘Ultra High Speed’, which gives very little context in how exactly capable a cable can deliver video signals; the new label will be applied to cable packaging, as well as the cable jacket itself. The label also features a QR code which can be scanned for verification.
Another new feature under the HDMI 2.2 spec is called Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), which is mainly designed for AV applications. This feature allows connected devices, such as TVs, soundbars and AV receivers, to share latency information and compensate for potential signal delays, which is what causes the audio to run out of sync from the video signals (console gamers playing on TVs will likely benefit from this as well).
Keep in mind this is still early days for the new connector standard, and if HDMI 2.1 is any indication, we’ll be years away from seeing products such as GPUs and displays from adopting HDMI 2.2. Meanwhile, Chinese companies have been developing an answer to both HDMI and DisplayPort in the form of GPMI, and it’s promised to deliver even greater capabilities than current display cable standards offer.
Pokdepinion: Hopefully we do away with the TMDS / FRL confusion in HDMI 2.1 spec as well.
