The HDMI Forum has just unveiled the HDMI 2.2 specification, pushing the boundaries of bandwidth and resolution capabilities. With the introduction of the Ultra96-certified cables, HDMI 2.2 now supports an impressive bandwidth of up to 96 Gbps. 
This leap represents a massive upgrade over the previous HDMI 2.1 standard, which maxed out at 48 Gbps, and even surpasses the 80 Gbps bandwidth of DisplayPort 2.1.
Initially launched in the early 2000s, HDMI set out to deliver a reliable visual experience at 1080p. Over the years, it evolved to support higher resolutions and advanced audio streaming, and HDMI 2.1, while already sufficient for most enthusiasts, is now being pushed further with the HDMI 2.2 interface.
The HDMI 2.2 cables, sporting the Ultra96 certification, are designed to support resolutions and refresh rates previously out of reach. For instance, with HDMI 2.2, you can now enjoy up to 4K resolution at 480Hz, or 8K at 240Hz. It even opens the door to 10K at 120Hz and 16K at 60Hz – but let’s be real, most of us won’t see these specs in action for years to come
. Still, the increased bandwidth is an exciting step forward for the future of display technology.
What makes these cables special is their strict certification process. Each Ultra96 cable undergoes rigorous testing and must be identified with official HDMI anti-counterfeiting labels. This ensures that when you’re buying a certified HDMI 2.2 cable, you’re getting the real deal. The cables are also backwards compatible with HDMI 2.1 and older ports, though you won’t be able to take advantage of the 96 Gbps speeds unless you’re using compatible hardware.
Speaking of hardware, while HDMI 2.2 is certainly the future, it remains to be seen when GPUs and other devices will fully embrace the technology. For example, AMD’s upcoming UDNA GPUs will only support up to 64 Gbps, and it’s likely that many manufacturers, including Nvidia, won’t push the full 96 Gbps bandwidth any time soon. For most users, HDMI 2.1 will still suffice for gaming and high-resolution media – unless you’re an early adopter of cutting-edge tech.