HDMI Forum Unveils HDMI 2.2 With Ultra96 Feature, Up to 16K Resolution and 96Gbps Bandwidth

The HDMI Forum has officially announced the launch of HDMI Specification Version 2.2, introducing massive performance upgrades, including support for up to 96Gbps bandwidth, next-gen HDMI Fixed Rate Link (FRL) technology, and the all-new "Ultra96" feature name for product compatibility.

With HDMI 2.2, the AV industry takes a leap forward into ultra-high-definition territories, supporting resolutions and refresh rates up to 12K@120Hz and 16K@60Hz. It also brings full uncompressed chroma sampling, such as 8K@60Hz 4:4:4 and 4K@240Hz 4:4:4 in both 10-bit and 12-bit color depths.

(Image Credit: HDMI Forum)  

Introducing "Ultra96"

The HDMI Forum has introduced Ultra96 as a new feature name for products that support up to 64Gbps, 80Gbps, or the maximum 96Gbps bandwidth defined in HDMI 2.2. Manufacturers can label their devices with Ultra96 to signify top-tier performance, but only when paired with the newly released Ultra96 HDMI Cable, designed to handle the full 96Gbps bandwidth.

Unlike the current Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable, which is certified up to 48Gbps, the Ultra96 HDMI Cable supports all HDMI 2.2 applications and must pass the HDMI Cable Certification Program for each model and length, ensuring reliability and compliance.

Key Features of HDMI 2.2:

• Up to 96Gbps bandwidth using new FRL technology
• 12K@120Hz and 16K@60Hz resolution support
• Uncompressed 4:4:4 chroma formats at 10/12-bit color
• Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) for improved AV sync, especially with soundbars and multi-hop systems
• Ultra96 feature and cable certification for consistent user experience

Chandlee Harrell, President of the HDMI Forum, said, "The HDMI Forum is proud to release the new HDMI 2.2 Specification to enable higher performance capabilities and features for exciting and immersive new solutions and products."

As display technologies evolve and content delivery pushes boundaries, HDMI 2.2 ensures the ecosystem is future-ready, from content creation to consumption. Expect new products bearing the Ultra96 name and cable to arrive soon across TVs, AV receivers, GPUs, and gaming consoles.

Via