HDMI Licensing Administrator demonstrated the upcoming HDMI 2.2 specification at Computex 2026. The new specification introduces a maximum bandwidth of 96 Gbps, doubling the throughput of the previous standard to enable resolutions up to 8K at 120Hz and 4K at 240Hz. These performance capabilities are aimed at high-performance gaming setups and ultra-high-definition displays.
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HDMI® Technology is the foundation for the worldwide ecosystem of HDMI-connected devices; integrated with displays, set-top boxes, laptops, audio video receivers and other product types. Because of this global usage, manufacturers, resellers, integrators and consumers must be assured that their HDMI® products work seamlessly together and deliver the best possible performance by sourcing products from licensed HDMI Adopters or authorized resellers. For HDMI Cables, consumers can look for the official HDMI® Cable Certification Labels on packaging. Innovation continues with the latest HDMI 2.2 Specification that supports higher 96Gbps bandwidth and next-gen HDMI Fixed Rate Link technology to provide optimal audio and video for a wide range of device applications. Higher resolutions and refresh rates are supported, including up to 12K@120 and 16K@60. Additionally, more high-quality options are supported, including uncompressed full chroma formats such as 8K@60/4:4:4 and 4K@240/4:4:4 at 10-bit and 12-bit color.
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The hardware transition is supported by the new Ultra 96 cables, with official certification programs scheduled to launch in Q3 2026. Compliance Test Specifications (CTS) are being released for both display and source devices, ensuring that hardware makers can validate their equipment as products enter the market over the coming year.
A key protocol addition to HDMI 2.2 is the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), which is designed to improve audio-video synchronization. This protocol addresses lip-sync issues in media playback and ensures precise audio alignment with on-screen action in real-time applications such as competitive video games.
Implementing the 96 Gbps bandwidth requires close coordination across the semiconductor and system integration ecosystem. Silicon manufacturers are utilizing smaller process nodes and advanced power management to design compliant chips. System designers have flexibility in implementation, placing HDMI capability either directly on the main system-on-chip (SoC) or using separate physical chips on the PCB, occasionally utilizing re-timers for longer board traces.
The broader HDMI ecosystem showcased at the event includes diverse hardware form factors such as HDMI stick computers, digital signage players, and media streaming devices like the Roku Ultra, Google TV Streamer, Apple TV, and Nvidia Shield TV. The specification maintains support for critical features including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Quick Media Switching (QMS), Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for passing formats like Dolby Atmos.
