It feels like we’ve been writing HDMI 2.1 explainers, roundups, and how-to guides for years now, and the next generation is just around the corner. The HDMI 2.2 standard has been talked about for a while, but we finally have an eye on cables and pricing. The first brand to launch a cable is Silkland, with its H96-certified Ultra96 HDMI cable, available in 6.6-foot and 10-foot lengths for $33 and $56, respectively. Pre-orders are underway and shipping is expected the week of October 5. Eleson is another HDMI manufacturer that plans to have HDMI 2.2 cables on shelves by mid-November.
What are the biggest HDMI developments with the 2.2 standard? One of the features 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 48Gbps, and that standard already supported technologies like variable refresh rate, auto low latency mode, and fast media switching.
However, the Ultra96 standard supports 4K resolution up to 240 Hz and 8K/60 Hz, in 10- and 12-bit color, in addition to support for 10K, 12K, and 16K resolutions. The HDMI Forum believes that the name Ultra96 should be used by manufacturers wishing to indicate that a cable or device is HDMI 2.2 certified. Interestingly, 96Gbps is the 2.2 limit, but you will also be able to purchase 64Gbps and 80Gbps cables that fall under the 2.2 standard.
HDMI 2.2 vs HDMI 2.1: a classic case of putting the cart before the horse
According to the HDMI Forum, the organization expects device manufacturers to begin implementing HDMI 2.2 ports in 2027. At this time, we don’t know which brands of TVs, projectors, and AV receivers will bring 2.2 technology to market first; we’re also willing to bet that the actual rollout will be rather slow. Luckily, if you’re still dying to get your hands on a sleek Ultra96 cable, it will be fully backwards 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), we personally wouldn’t rush to equip your home theater or gaming rig with these newer cables. Still, it’s nice to see that we’re gearing up for a whole new generation of HDMI bravery. Here’s hoping we don’t start running into fake HDMI 2.2 cables and ports; It’s an HDMI 2.1 debacle that we’re still trying to figure out.
