HDMI 2.2 Specification Released: 96 Gbps Bandwidth and 12K Support

The HDMI Licensing Administrator has released the HDMI 2.2 specification, doubling the maximum data transfer rate to 96 Gbps. This upgrade significantly expands the bandwidth available for next-generation display devices compared to the current HDMI 2.1 standard. The new protocol introduces FRL2 technology to handle the increased data load efficiently. Chip manufacturers are expected to begin sampling FRL2 silicon later this year to prepare for the transition.

HDMI 2.2 doubles bandwidth to 96 Gbps, enabling 12K at 120 Hz and 16K at 60 Hz resolutions

HDMI 2.2 supports resolutions up to 12K at 120 Hz and 16K at 60 Hz. The specification mandates support for 10-bit and 12-bit color depths to ensure high-fidelity image reproduction. AMD Radeon GPUs based on the RDNA5 architecture will support HDMI 2.2 with bandwidths of 64 or 80 Gbps. This support comes from a claim by a leaker and may not reflect the full 96 Gbps capability of the standard.

• Bandwidth: 96 Gbps
• Resolution/Refresh: 12K at 120 Hz, 16K at 60 Hz
• Color Depth: 10-bit and 12-bit
• Feature Name: Ultra96
• Protocol: FRL2

The HDMI Forum states that HDMI 2.2 doubles the maximum bandwidth from 48 Gbps to 96 Gbps over HDMI 2.1. The HDMI Licensing Administrator introduced the Ultra96 branding to identify high-bandwidth devices. This label does not always guarantee 96 Gbps speeds, as it may also apply to 64 or 80 Gbps products. The Ultra96 brand covers a range of performance tiers within the new specification.

First HDMI 2.2 products featuring 96 Gbps bandwidth are expected to arrive in 2027. LIP-certified products and certified Ultra96 cables may reach the market before full-bandwidth devices. Rob Tobias, CEO and President of the HDMI Licensing Administrator, confirmed the timeline during Computex 2026. The industry is currently preparing for a gradual rollout of compatible hardware.

The HDMI 2.2 specification establishes a new baseline for display connectivity with 96 Gbps bandwidth. It supports 12K at 120 Hz and 16K at 60 Hz resolutions with 10-bit and 12-bit color. First products are expected in 2027, with LIP-certified items potentially arriving earlier. RDNA5 GPUs will likely support the standard at 64 or 80 Gbps.