HDMI 2.2 is official: 240 Hz in 4K and 60Hz at resolutions up to 16k

HDMI Forum has completed the specification of version 2.2 of the HDMI standard. The main evolution is the duplication of the available band, which jumps from 48 Gbps (HDMI 2.1) to 96 Gbps with the use of “Ultra96” certified cables.

The update brings support to unpublished resolutions as 12K a 120 Hz e 16K a 60 Hzbesides allowing 4K a 240 Hz e 8K com 4:4:4 em 12-bitwithout compression.

Technical table of resolution, chroma and depth of color

The new specification was published with a detailed table of compatibility between resolution, frame rate, subsampling and color depth.

See below the formats supported natively in HDMI 2.2, considering full use of the band:

Remembering that 16-bit requires DSC (Display Stream Compression 1.2A) compression with partial support.

What changes in practice?

The HDMI 2.2 standard is designed to meet growing demands in environments with very high data rates, such as 4K+ games with frame rates above 144 Hz, real -time rendering, extended reality (XR) and high -resolution multiple monitor setups.

The new Fixed Rate Link (FRL) optimized supports this data transmission, and the standard requires cabos Ultra96 HDMIcapable of operating at 64, 80 or 96 Gbps. Cables replace the “Ultra High Speed ​​HDMI”, limited to 48 Gbps.

Ultra96: New classification of cables and devices

The nomenclature “Ultra96” It now identifies both new cables and products that support the three top band tracks:

Such marking facilitates compatibility between devices and prevents performance bottlenecks. All Ultra96 cables will need to be certified by length, with individual tests per model and presence of authenticity seal. The construction was also improved to reduce EMI (electromagnetic interference).

Lip and improvements in audio and synchronization

In addition to the Throughput improvements, HDMI 2.2 introduces the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP)focused on measurement and transmission needs device chain latency data. The goal is to mitigate delays in settings with multiple jumps, such as Soundbars or AVRs.

The standard also maintains support to previous advanced resources:

• Earc (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
• VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
• Gen (Auto Low Latency Mode)
• QFT / QMS (Quick Frame Transport / Quick Media Switching)
• HDMI Cable Powerfor active cables energized by the HDMI Door

GPUs and consoles should adopt standard in the next cycles

HDMI 2.2 is now available to licensed manufacturers of version 2.1. Although there are no full -supported devices in the market, it is rumored that the next generation of AMD Radeon (RDNA 5 or successors) will implement the standard, with models ranging from 64 to 80 Gbps.

The expectation of the HDMI Forum is that the new nomenclature will help to communicate more clearly the real band limits supported by each device, avoiding subtle incompatibilities and signal bottlenecks in demanding setups

Game features at HDMI 2.2: ALLM, VRR, QFT and QMS Explained

Although HDMI 2.2 does not introduce new games exclusive for games besides the existing existing set of HDMI 2.1B, it preserves and supports with more bandwidth The four fundamental pillars of the gamer experience:

1. Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM)

Allm allows the console, PC or any other source signal to the TV or monitor to automatically activate a low latency mode, reducing processing delays.

When the application fails to demand this mode – for example, when changing a game to a movie – the device disables the signal and the display returns to the previous mode.

It is useful in games and other uses, such as video conferences or karaoke.

2. Quick Frame Transport (QFT)

O QFT acts on o Transport time from the frame to the screenaccelerating data delivery between the GPU and the display. This reduces what is called display latencythat is, the time that stems from the condition is completed by the GPU and is effectively displayed.

By sending only active data, it minimizes hdmi pipeline timeincreasing the system response, something critical in competitive games.

3. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)

VRR deals with the GPU rendering time variability. Instead of following a fixed update fee, the monitor awaits the next condition to be ready.

That Eliminates artifacts like Tearing and Stuttervery common when the yield time does not follow the fixed screen update cycles. It works well in demanding games, where the load of the scene can vary dramatically.

4. Quick Media Switching (QMS)

QMS, on the other hand, is focused on continuous entertainmenteliminating the “black screens” that occur when content changes from one frame to another (eg 24 fps to 60 fps). As deals with fixed rate content, should not be combined with allm or vrrwhich are optimized for dynamics.

In a modern setup, consoles and video cards automatically adjust the activation of these modes, alternating between combinations such as VRR + QFT + Allm for games and Qms alone For videos and streaming

Technical Comparison: HDMI 2.2 vs. Displayport 2.1b

Band and Cables Width

• HDMI 2.2 Offer until 96 Gbpsusing the new cables Ultra96 certificates
• DisplayPort 2.1bannounced at CES 2025, operates with 80 Gbps via active cables Dp80llkeeping the UHBR20 rate in lengths of up to 3 meters

RESOLUTION AND UPDATE RATE

• With HDMI 2.2, it is possible to obtain 4K a 240/480 Hz, 8 K a 240 Hz, 10 K a 120 Hzor 12 K a 120 Hzwith or without compression via DSC
• DisplayPort 2.1b (via DSC) Support 4K to up to 480 Hz e 8K a 165 Hzkeeping the 80 gbps of flow by extended cable

Image quality and compression

• HDMI 2.2 permite 4: 4: 4 without compression in 4k240 and 8k60keeping 10/12-bit
• Displayport 2.1b, with UHBR20, allows 4K/480 Hz uncompressed and 8k/165 Hz via DSC, plus 4K/240 Hz without using DSC as well as

Cable length and flexibility

• HDMI Ultra96 will have full performance up to about 15 m (according to previous HDMI standards), even at high rates for use of certified active/passive cables.
• The 2.1B Displayport, with DP80LL cables, maintains 80 Gbps for up to 3 m, tripling the distance supported above.

Gamer and Compatibility resources

Both standards support:

• VRR e Gen
• QFT To reduce latency between GPU and Panel
• QMSalthough the focus is more HDMI for streaming and video conferencing
• Displayport still offers MST (Daisy-Chain), native G-Sync compatibility and USB-C/USB4 integration

When to use each one?

In other words, HDMI 2.2 values Biggest bandwidth (96 Gbps) and the “Ultra96” standardization, combining well with TVs, consoles and setups AV. Already the 2.1B DisplayPort follows as a reference for PC PLAYERS and demanding professionals, 80 Gbps with more flexible active cablingwithout limiting resolution or frequency.

The choice depends on the ecosystem: For high performance gamer PCs and multiple monitors, the 2.1B Displayport is superior, already for casual gamers and integrated entertainment systems, HDMI 2.2 will offer greater accessibility and compatibility.

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New generation

HDMI 2.2 marks a strategic turn on multimedia connectivity roadmap, not only by supporting very high resolutions, but also introducing a more transparent ecosystem of cables, nomenclatures and real capabilities.

For enthusiasts and professionals who work with high performance monitors, XR setups or without compression multichannel audio, the new standard redefines the boundaries, provided the hardware and infrastructure are prepared to accompany you.

Fonte: HDMI forum