What is HDMI 2.2 and why your device cables are now going to be more expensive than before?

HDMI Forum announced, at the Consumer Electronic Show 2025 technology fair (held in Las Vegas, United States), the new HDMI 2.2 standard , that is, the successor to HDMI 2.1 that represents a great evolution compared to the previous generation and promises improved bandwidth.

After a six-month wait, the organization has finally officially released version 2.2 of the HDMI specification , so manufacturers can now start using it for devices and cables that support a bandwidth capacity of 96 Gbps . In addition, as a major novelty, this HDMI technology reaches higher resolutions and refresh rates, reaching 16K at 60 Hz .

But what exactly are its main new features? As we just mentioned, HDMI 2.2 has a bandwidth of up to 96 Gbps to transfer massive amounts of data in a matter of seconds , integrates advanced technologies such as 'HDMI Fixed Rate Link' to optimize signal fluidity, reproduces higher quality audiovisual content —it allows the playback of 4K content at 480 fps and reaches resolutions of 12K at 120 fps—, and incorporates the 'Latency Indication Protocol' (LIP), which is designed to synchronize audio and video.

To enjoy all these improvements, you need an HDMI 2.2-compatible device. However, it's important to note that this cable will work with electronic devices that support older versions of the standard . However, it's true that presentations will be limited by the lower version of the connected devices.

Therefore, the combination of these features can make its price rise significantly, but if users do not have a device that is compatible with HDMI 2.2, it will not be necessary to purchase this new feature because they will not be able to enjoy all the advantages it offers.

Chandlee Harrell, president of the HDMI Forum, said in an official statement : "The HDMI Forum is proud to introduce the new HDMI 2.2 specification, which enables higher performance capabilities and features for exciting, immersive new products and solutions. The introduction of the new Ultra96 feature name will help consumers and end users ensure maximum bandwidth from their products."