HDMI 2.2 has officially arrived. With its impressive bandwidth and future-facing specs, it’s being positioned as the next major leap in audio-video connectivity. But from the perspective of a HDMI manufacturer, is this truly good news,or is there reason for hesitation?

Here’s our take as a team that’s been designing and producing HDMI products for over a decade.

What’s New: 96Gbps Bandwidth and Latency Indication Protocol

The most noticeable upgrade in HDMI 2.2 is its doubling of bandwidth, from HDMI 2.1’s 48Gbps to 96Gbps. That makes it theoretically possible to transmit:

• Uncompressed 8K at 60Hz or even 240Hz (with DSC)

• 10K and 12K resolutions at up to 120Hz

• 4K at extreme refresh rates like 240Hz or 480Hz

For professional AV, gaming monitors, and future home cinema setups, this added headroom is meaningful.

Another new addition is LIP (Latency Indication Protocol) — a feature that helps devices detect and correct audio/video delay. It’s subtle, but a helpful step forward for user experience, especially in gaming or media playback.

Where It Falls Short: Familiar Problems, and New Challenges

that said, not everything about HDMI 2.2 is a win, at least not yet.

1, Lack of real-world Use case

At the moment, very few content sources, displays, or applications can truly benefit from the 96Gbps ceiling. Most mainstream setups are still focused on 4K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz, which HDMI 2.1 already supports well.

2, Cable and cost concern

To handle 96Gbps reliably over HDMI Type-A connectors, cables need:

• Exceptional shielding

• Low signal loss

• Higher-grade materials and stricter testing

That means bigger, heavier, and more expensive cables , not ideal for casual users or compact installations.

3, Unclear labeling and spec confusion

Like HDMI 2.1, the HDMI 2.2 spec does not guarantee support for all features. Manufacturers can technically label a product as “HDMI 2.2” even if it lacks support for DSC, VRR, or high refresh rates. This leads to confusion for both customers and resellers — and raises the bar for how carefully we, as manufacturers, must communicate and test product specs.

Is It Time to Upgrade? Depends on the Project

For now, HDMI 2.2 feels more like a technical foundation for the future than a must-have in the present. It's highly relevant for:

• High-end gaming displays

• 8K/10K professional media workflows

• Advanced AV installations in broadcast, education, or control rooms

But for everyday use? HDMI 2.1 is still more than enough,and far more accessible.

Our Outlook: Be prepared,but stay grounded

At Mattzon, we’ve started adapting our development and testing processes for HDMI 2.2. Our focus is on:

• Building future-ready HDMI cables and devices that truly meet the spec

• Prioritizing signal integrity under high-bandwidth conditions

• Offering customers honest guidance about what’s necessary, and what isn’t , for their real-world applications

While HDMI 2.2 brings exciting potential, we believe in clear communication and responsible implementation. Not every project needs to push limits,but when it does, we’re ready.