Your next TV or gaming monitor could get a lot better thanks to a new HDMI update. The HDMI Forum just announced version 2.2 at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, and it’s packing some serious improvements under the hood.
The big news? The new standard can push data at a whopping 96Gbps, which means it can handle much higher resolutions and faster refresh rates than ever before. This is especially important for next-gen tech like VR headsets, AR displays, and even medical imaging equipment where every pixel counts.
They’ve also fixed an annoying problem many home theater fans face – audio lag. A new feature called LIP (Latency Indication Protocol) helps keep sound perfectly in sync with video, even when you’re using a soundbar or AV receiver.
To handle all this extra speed, there’s a new cable standard too. Look for “Ultra96” certified HDMI cables, which will come with special labels to show they can handle the full 96Gbps bandwidth. Each cable length will need to pass strict testing to earn this certification.
“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,” said 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.”
Content creators like TV studios and game developers will also benefit from new tools that help them deliver better-looking content across different screens and devices. Plus, a new technology called Fixed Rate Link makes sure your display always shows content in the best possible quality.
If you’re eager to get your hands on devices with HDMI 2.2, you’ll need to wait a bit – manufacturers will get access to the new standard in the first half of 2025, with products likely following later.
