Podcast #1208: HDMI 2.2

On this week's show we take a first look at the proposed HDMI 2.2 specification. We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• YouTube Once Again Dominates TV Usage In May

• SunBrite Debuts Full Sun 4K Smart TV Series

• XGIMI Releases MoGo 4 Series Projectors

• Amazon to Shutter Freevee in September 2025, Merging Content into Prime Video

HDMI 2.2 Specification

The HDMI 2.2 specification, announced by the HDMI Forum at CES 2025, introduces several advanced features to support higher resolutions, refresh rates, and enhanced audio-visual performance. Below is a summary of the key features included in the HDMI 2.2 specification based on the information we have today:

Increased Bandwidth (Up to 96 Gbps):

HDMI 2.2 doubles the bandwidth of HDMI 2.1 (from 48 Gbps to 96 Gbps), enabling support for higher resolution and refresh rate combinations, as well as data-intensive applications. This increased bandwidth supports uncompressed and compressed video formats, making it suitable for advanced applications like AR/VR, spatial reality, light field displays, medical imaging, and machine vision.

Support for Higher Resolutions and Refresh Rates:

Uncompressed Formats

1. 4K at 240 Hz and 480 Hz (4:4:4 chroma sampling, 10-bit and 12-bit color).

2. 8K at 60 Hz and 240 Hz (4:4:4 chroma sampling, 8-bit and 10-bit color).

3. 10K at 120 Hz.

4. 12K at 120 Hz.

5. 16K at 60 Hz.

Compressed Formats (using Display Stream Compression or similar):

Supports higher refresh rates like 4K at 480 Hz, 8K at 240 Hz, and 10K at 120 Hz, which require compression to achieve these rates within the bandwidth constraints.

Next-Generation Fixed Rate Link (FRL) Technology:

HDMI 2.2 introduces an advanced version of Fixed Rate Link signaling technology, optimized for better support of uncompressed content at high resolutions and refresh rates, ensuring pristine image quality and low latency

Ultra96 HDMI Cable:

A new cable type, the Ultra96 HDMI Cable, is introduced to support the full 96 Gbps bandwidth and all HDMI 2.2 features. These cables are backward compatible with older HDMI devices but are required to fully utilize HDMI 2.2's capabilities.

The Ultra96 cables are part of the HDMI Cable Certification Program, requiring testing and certification with a visible Ultra96 certification label to ensure compliance. Features low electromagnetic interference (EMI) for stable and reliable data transmission.

Latency Indication Protocol (LIP):

A new feature designed to improve audio and video "'video synchronization, particularly in multi-hop setups involving devices like AV receivers or soundbars. LIP enhances synchronization over existing methods, reducing issues like lip-sync lag, especially for fast-paced content or gaming.

Support for Advanced Color and Chroma Formats:

Supports high-quality color spaces like BT.2020 with 10-bit, 12-bit, and 16-bit color depth. Enables uncompressed full chroma formats (e.g., 4:4:4) at high resolutions, ensuring richer colors and pristine image quality.

Additional Notes

• Availability: The HDMI 2.2 specification was announced at CES 2025, with Ultra96 cables expected to be available in Q3/Q4 2025. HDMI 2.2-compliant devices (e.g., TVs, monitors, GPUs) are expected to appear in late 2025 or 2026

• Optional Features: Like previous HDMI versions, features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) remain optional and depend on device manufacturer implementation.

• Consumer Guidance: The Ultra96 feature name helps consumers identify cables and devices capable of supporting 64 Gbps, 80 Gbps, or 96 Gbps bandwidth, ensuring optimal performance.