HDMI 2.2 vs. HDMI 2.1: What You Need to Know
The article discusses the differences between HDMI 2.2 and HDMI 2.1, particularly in relation to recent technological advancements and the impact on consumer electronics. Although HDMI 2.2 has been announced at CES 2025, existing users of HDMI 2.1 have little to worry about in terms of needing to upgrade their systems.
What is HDMI 2.1?
HDMI 2.1 is a significant upgrade over HDMI 2.0, increasing bandwidth from 18 Gbps to 48 Gbps, which allows for higher resolutions and refresh rates, especially beneficial for gaming and high-quality audio.
What’s New in HDMI 2.2?
HDMI 2.2 doubles the bandwidth to 96 Gbps, aimed mostly at advanced applications like augmented and virtual reality. While this innovation is pivotal for commercial tech, it doesn’t necessitate an immediate consumer upgrade since HDMI 2.1 is already capable of supporting high-quality video and audio formats.
Key Points
- HDMI 2.1 provides significant bandwidth increase (up to 48 Gbps) and supports advanced gaming features.
- HDMI 2.2 offers double the bandwidth (96 Gbps) aimed at AR/VR applications and other technical advancements.
- Current users of HDMI 2.1 need not worry about upgrading immediately as it remains highly capable.
- Important features for home use like LIP (Latency Indication Protocol) may not see widespread brand adoption soon.
- New high-bandwidth cables will be necessary to fully utilise HDMI 2.2 capabilities.
Why should I read this?
This article is essential for tech enthusiasts and consumers who want to stay informed about the latest advancements in HDMI technology. Understanding the differences between HDMI 2.2 and HDMI 2.1 can help users make informed decisions about their home entertainment setups and plan for future upgrades without unnecessary expenditures.
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