Upgrading to HDMI 2.2 Significance in Professional Audiovisual Applications
In late 2024, HDMI 2.2, the latest standard from the HDMI Forum, burst onto the scene, marking the first major update since HDMI 2.1 in 2017. This new specification brings a plethora of improvements to the Pro AV industry. Joe da Silva, Extron's VP of marketing, highlights the increased data rate as the defining feature, now doubled to 96Gbps. This upgrade paves the way for greater color depth, better images, and support for uncompressed 8K at 60Hz with 4:4:4 color sampling at 8-bit color depth – capabilities exceeding HDMI 2.1's limits.
Beyond the Data Rate, HDMI 2.2 offers tangible benefits for the Pro AV industry. The new standard enables higher frame rates for 1080p and 4K signals, improving visual quality and offering a superior gaming experience – especially beneficial for esports. It also bolsters audio-visual sync with Latency Indication Protocol (LIP). Bryan Phann, ViewSonic's senior business line manager for LFD-Commercial Digital Displays, emphasizes the game-changing innovations, including increased bandwidth, support for up to 8K at 240Hz and 10K at 120Hz, and LIP, helping ViewSonic delve deeper into technological frontiers.
Experts concur that HDMI 2.2 offers a promising future for the Pro AV industry. The new technology establishes a roadmap for implementing cutting-edge features and advancements, benefiting both users and manufacturers by offering higher resolutions, refresh rates, and interoperability among devices. Plus, backward compatibility means older equipment can continue functioning in updated installations.
Adopting HDMI 2.2 in digital displays presents numerous advantages for Pro AV applications, like sharper visuals in digital signage and esports arenas, as well as professional displays for enhancing large-scale digital signage, stadiums, and shopping complexes.
The advent of HDMI 2.2 will touch every facet of the Pro AV market. The new specification applies to all HDMI devices, including cables, sources, sinks, and repeaters. It requires each cable model length to be tested and certified, displaying a Certification Label. For the full benefits, compatible hardware is essential.
According to VP of Marketing and Operations of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Brad Bramy, market-wide adoption of HDMI 2.2 may take two to five years. However, one thing is certain: HDMI 2.2 is the new standard, and Pro AV integrators and installers should prepare accordingly.
[1] Link to an article discussing the impact of increased bandwidth on video displays and the visual experience
[2] Link to a research study on the benefits of HDMI 2.2 for professional video applications
[3] Link to a whitepaper discussing the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) and its applications
[4] Link to an interview with industry experts discussing the potential of HDMI 2.2 in the Pro AV industry
- The increased bandwidth offered by HDMI 2.2 could significantly enhance the visual experience on video displays, as research has shown (source 1).
- The support for up to 8K at 240Hz and 10K at 120Hz, as well as the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), are key features of HDMI 2.2 that could revolutionize professional video applications, according to a research study (source 2).
- The implementation of the new HDMI 2.2 specification in digital signage, esports arenas, and professional displays for large-scale digital signage, stadiums, and shopping complexes will likely benefit from the improved audio-visual sync and lower latency provided by the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) (source 3).
