Authentic HDMI Products Are Driving a Seamless High-Performance Ecosystem

(Image credit: HDMI)

The latest HDMI® 2.2 Specification was launched in June of this year, and it’s important to consider the impact on new product development, upcoming launches and integration support designs and systems. HDMI Technology is the foundation for the worldwide ecosystem of HDMI-connected devices. It is the digital interface technology integrated inside displays, set-top boxes, laptops, audio video receivers and dozens of other product types. Because of this global usage, manufacturers, resellers, integrators and consumers must be assured that their HDMI® products work seamlessly together and are enabled to deliver the best possible performance.

Ultimately, licensed HDMI® products safeguard the user experience, ensuring that consumers receive the full benefits of the latest technology in a reliable, plug-and-play format. Compliance with HDMI Specifications also helps drive innovation by providing a secure framework for the integration of new features.

HDMI 2.2 Specification supports higher 96Gbps bandwidth and next-gen HDMI Fixed Rate Link technology to provide optimal audio and video for a wide range of device applications. End-users can be assured that their displays support a native video format in the best way possible and deliver a seamless and reliable experience. Higher resolutions and refresh rates are supported, including up to 12K@120 and 16K@60. Additionally, more high-quality options are supported, including uncompressed full chroma formats such as 8K@60/4:4:4 and 4K@240/4:4:4 at 10-bit and 12-bit color.

The specification includes the new Ultra96 HDMI® Cable that supports 96Gbps bandwidth and enables all HDMI 2.2 Specification features. And the introduction of the new “Ultra96” feature name will help consumers and end-users ensure their products’ maximum bandwidth is supported. Manufacturers are encouraged to use the Ultra96 feature name to indicate their product supports a maximum of 64Gbps, 80Gbps or 96Gbps bandwidth in compliance with the HDMI 2.2 Specification. Products that market or display the Ultra96 feature name require the Ultra96 HDMI® Cable to ensure a product’s maximum bandwidth is properly supported.

There are now three strong choices in considering the right cable for installations. The Premium High Speed HDMI® Cable is tested and certified to ensure 4K HDTV and device feature requirements up to 18Gbps and is still a preferred cable for many installations and commercial product bundling. The Ultra High Speed HDMI® Cable, launched in 2020, is the cable preferred by advanced gamers and others requiring 48Gbps support for higher resolutions, frame rates and chroma. The upcoming Ultra96® HDMI Cable is the only cable that will support all the HDMI 2.2 Specification features at an incredible 96Gbps. All three cables require an HDMI Certification Label to be affixed to packaging to verify testing and certification.