The HDMI 2.2 standard has been officially finalized, promising a remarkable 96 Gbps bandwidth. This development allows for support of 4K resolution at 480 Hz, 8K at 240 Hz, and even 12K gaming at 120 Hz. This means HDMI 2.2 effectively doubles the previous HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, surpassing the 80 Gbps limit of the latest DisplayPort 2.1 interface.

However, to achieve this full bandwidth, users will need to invest in new cables with an ‘Ultra96 HDMI’ certification, as older cables will be limited to just 48 Gbps.

For further enhancements, HDMI 2.2 includes Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) for better audio-video synchronization, targeting complex setups with AV receivers and soundbars.

As it stands, the exact timeline for HDMI 2.2 implementation in PCs is still unclear, but industry speculations suggest we might see support in AMD’s upcoming UDNA graphics cards, projected to launch in late 2026 or early 2027.

In closing, the excitement for potential resolutions and refresh rates reflects the ongoing evolution in display technology.