Global markets have begun receiving the first cables compatible with the new “HDMI 2.2” standard, in a step that paves the way for an advanced generation of audio and video transmission technologies, with double the maximum bandwidth compared to “HDMI 2.1” cables.
In this context, Silkland launched the “H96 Certified Ultra96 HDMI” cable as one of the first cables to receive official “Ultra96” certification. The cable is available in two versions: The first is 6.6 feet (2 meters) long, at a price of about $33, and the second is 10 feet (3 meters) long, at a price of about $56. According to the BGR technical website, pre-order shipments will begin during the week of October 5, 2026.
For its part, the Japanese company “ELECOM” is preparing to launch an “Ultra96 HDMI” cable that is certified and compatible with the new standard in mid-November 2026, becoming the first cable of its kind to obtain local accreditation in Japan.
The most important development in the “HDMI 2.2” standard is the increase in the maximum bandwidth to 96 gigabits per second, up from 48 gigabits per second in the previous generation, “HDMI 2.1”. The standard relies on a newer generation of Fixed Rate Link (FRL) technology to transfer data, allowing it to handle huge volumes of data needed for display resolutions and high refresh rates, especially in gaming applications, virtual and augmented reality, and advanced displays.
The new generation also carries the “Ultra96” designation, which is a term used by companies to refer to HDMI 2.2 compatible products that support a maximum bandwidth of 64, 80, or 96 Gbps. While certified “Ultra96” HDMI cables are designed to support full implementations of the new standard and reach speeds of 96 Gbps, existing “Ultra High Speed HDMI” cables remain suitable for systems that require a maximum speed of 48 Gbps. gigabits per second.
The development is not limited to data transfer speed only, but the new standard provides wider options for display resolutions and refresh rates. According to the HDMI Forum, HDMI 2.2 supports resolutions of up to 12K at 120 Hz and 16K at 60 Hz, in addition to uncompressed, full-color formats including 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 240 Hz with 10 and 12-bit color. The specification also supports higher formats when using appropriate compression and color sampling, including 4K/480, 5K/240, 8K/240, and 10K/120, targeting gaming monitors, home cinema, and professional applications.
In terms of audio and video, the standard added the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) to improve synchronization between them, especially in complex systems in which the signal passes through multiple devices such as audio receivers and soundbars. The protocol allows connected devices to exchange delay information to reduce problems of asynchronization. “HDMI 2.2” continues to support previous technologies such as “VRR”, “ALLM”, “QFT”, and “QMS”, along with “Dynamic HDR” and “eARC”.
Despite these concerns, taking full advantage of the 96 Gbps speed does not only require changing the cable, but also requires the presence of devices and ports that support the new standard. Expectations indicate that devices equipped with “HDMI 2.2” ports will begin to be released on a larger scale during the year 2027, which means that using the “Ultra96” cable with current screens will not automatically raise the connection limits supported by these devices, while the backwards compatibility feature remains available to work with old systems with their usual performance, so that these cables constitute an early step in preparation for an upcoming generation of home entertainment devices and screens.
