It feels like we’ve been writing HDMI 2.1 explainers, roundups, and how-to guides for years now, and the next generation is fast approaching. The HDMI 2.2 standard has been alluded to for a while, but now we’re finally getting eyes on cables and pricing. The first brand to release a cable is Silkland, with its H96 Certified Ultra96 HDMI Cable, which is available in 6.6-foot and 10-foot lengths that retail for $33 and $56, respectively. Preorders are live, and shipments are expected to go out the week of October 5. Eleson is another HDMI manufacturer that plans on having HDMI 2.2 cables on shelves by mid-November.
What are the biggest HDMI evolutions with the 2.2 standard? One feature is Fixed Rate Link (FRL) technology, which allows Ultra96 cables — another term for HDMI 2.2 wires — to deliver a maximum of 96 Gbps. HDMI 2.1 was capped at 48 Gbps, and that standard already supported tech like Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Quick Media Switching.
However, the Ultra96 standard supports 4K resolution at up to 240Hz and 8K/60Hz, both at 10- and 12-bit color, on top of 10K, 12K, and 16K resolution support. The HDMI Forum believes that the Ultra96 name should be used by manufacturers who want to indicate that a cable or device is HDMI 2.2-certified. Interestingly, 96 Gbps is the 2.2 cutoff, but you’ll also be able to purchase 64 Gbps and 80 Gbps cables that fall under the 2.2 umbrella.
HDMI 2.2 vs. HDMI 2.1: A classic case of putting the cart before the horse
According to the HDMI Forum, the organization is expecting device manufacturers to start implementing HDMI 2.2 ports in 2027. At this time, we’re not sure which TV, projector, and AV receiver brands will rush 2.2 tech to market first; we’re also willing to bet the actual rollout will be rather slow. Fortunately, if you’re still dying to get your hands on a sleek Ultra96 cable, it’ll be fully backward-compatible with older HDMI ports.
Considering the fact that many TVs are still sold with HDMI 2.0b connections (the predecessor to HDMI 2.1), personally, we wouldn’t rush to outfit your home theater or gaming rig with these newer wires. Still, it’s nice to see that we’re gearing up for a whole new generation of HDMI bravura. Here’s hoping that we don’t start running into fake HDMI 2.2 cables and ports; it’s an HDMI 2.1 debacle we’re still trying to wrap our heads around.
