Exploration of HDMI 2.2 Specification's Influence by Kordz Podcast
In a recent podcast episode titled "HDMI 2.2: Engineering the Future of AV Infrastructure," James Chen, managing director and HDMI expert, and Benjamin Yeh, Kordz operations director and product development manager, delve into the implications of the newly released HDMI 2.2 specification. The podcast, produced in collaboration with AV Trade Talks, encourages AV professionals to prepare for the changes ahead by listening to the full podcast or clicking the provided link.
The HDMI 2.2 specification introduces both significant opportunities and notable challenges for the AV industry, fundamentally reshaping high-end audiovisual connectivity. Key opportunities include enhanced bandwidth and higher resolutions, advanced colour and image quality, improved synchronisation and reliability, and consumer clarity with the "Ultra96" branding.
HDMI 2.2 supports a maximum bandwidth of 96 Gbps and next-gen Fixed Rate Link technology, enabling support for extremely high resolutions and refresh rates, such as up to 12K@120Hz and 16K@60Hz. This allows for more immersive and detailed visual experiences, pushing the boundaries of home theater, professional broadcasting, and digital signage. The specification also supports uncompressed full chroma formats, including 8K@60Hz/4:4:4 and 4K@240Hz/4:4:4 at 10-bit and 12-bit colour, a substantial improvement for content creators and consumers who demand higher colour precision and smoother motion.
The introduction of the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) enhances audio and video synchronisation, particularly in complex setups involving AV receivers or soundbars. This feature is especially beneficial for professional and home theater environments with multiple devices. The "Ultra96" branding helps consumers identify cables and devices that support the maximum bandwidth, reducing confusion and ensuring compatibility, which is a positive step for market adoption.
However, the podcast also highlights several challenges associated with HDMI 2.2. For HDMI 2.2 to deliver its full benefits, both source devices and displays must be updated to support the new standard. Existing HDMI 2.1 or lower cables and devices will not fully utilise the increased bandwidth or advanced features, necessitating costly upgrades for many users and integrators. Professional AV setups may require significant investment in new cabling and switching infrastructure to handle the increased bandwidth and maintain signal integrity over longer runs. This is particularly challenging for large installations such as event venues and broadcast studios.
The introduction of new features and higher bandwidth caps may complicate certification processes for manufacturers. Ensuring that new products meet HDMI 2.2 specifications without interoperability issues will be crucial but challenging. Educating consumers and industry professionals about the new features, especially the Ultra96 branding, is essential to drive adoption and prevent confusion with older standards.
The podcast concludes by urging AV professionals to follow the progression of the HDMI 2.2 standard and compliant products on HDMI.org. The hosts suggest that AV professionals should focus on infrastructure that delivers long-term value and reliability. The podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of cable engineering and spec interpretation with HDMI 2.2, and provides a forward-looking view of HDMI 2.2's role in enabling high-bandwidth applications such as virtual and augmented reality, immersive entertainment, next-gen digital signage, and simulation technologies.
Test centers are working to meet the new demands of HDMI 2.2, and Kordz ensures performance and reliability through precision manufacturing and rigorous testing. The podcast serves as a valuable resource for AV professionals looking to navigate the evolving landscape of HDMI technology and prepare for the future of AV infrastructure.
[1] HDMI Trade Association. (2021). HDMI 2.2 Specification. [Online]. Available: https://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/specifications/specification-overview [2] Kordz. (2021). HDMI 2.2: Engineering the Future of AV Infrastructure. [Podcast episode]. Available: https://www.avtradetalks.com/episode/kordz-hdmi-2-2-engineering-the-future-of-av-infrastructure/ [3] AV Magazine. (2021). HDMI 2.2: What you need to know. [Online]. Available: https://www.avmag.com/features/hdmi-2-2-what-you-need-to-know/ [4] Residential Systems. (2021). HDMI 2.2: What integrators need to know. [Online]. Available: https://www.residentialsystems.com/home-theater/hdmi-2-2-what-integrators-need-to-know/
In the realm of data-and-cloud-computing, the HDMI 2.2 specification's rollout marks an era of advanced opportunities, with digital signage becoming more immersive and detailed through its support for high resolutions and refresh rates. To complement this, gadget enthusiasts can expect an influx of new technology, as manufacturers respond to the demands of the evolving HDMI 2.2 standard, including next-gen devices designed for virtual and augmented reality experiences.
