Few applications push an AV system harder than gaming. Leading TV brands headline their marketing with advanced HDMI® gaming features, courting casual and competitive players alike. Integrators are the ones who must deliver on those expectations, and the HDMI® 2.2 Specification gives them a clear path to systems ready for today and tomorrow.
A Growing Market at Home and in the Arena
Game developers, connectivity providers, equipment manufacturers and integration firms all have a stake in HDMI gaming. Commercial demand is accelerating too, led by eSports, as universities build gaming facilities and tournament venues open worldwide. Every display, seat and audio zone relies on dependable connectivity.
What HDMI 2.2 Technology Brings to Gaming
The latest HDMI Specification raises bandwidth to 96Gbps, double the prior generation, through next-generation HDMI Fixed Rate Link technology. For players, that means higher resolutions and refresh rates, including 4K at up to 480Hz, 8K at up to 240Hz and resolutions as high as 10K. It also brings a wider color bit range, with uncompressed 4:4:4 formats such as 4K@240 and 8K@60 in 10-bit and 12-bit depth, for smoother gradients, more vivid HDR and truly immersive gameplay.
Core gaming features remain central to HDMI 2.2 technology installations:
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) matches the display to the source’s frame rate, minimizing lag, judder and tearing.
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) switches the display to its lowest-latency mode as soon as gameplay begins.
- Quick Frame Transport (QFT) moves frames to the screen faster for more responsive gaming and VR.
Because the HDMI 2.2 specification is backward compatible, existing consoles, PCs, monitors and AVRs keep working, and building to HDMI 2.2 performance levels now reduces upgrade visits later.
Don’t Overlook the Audio
Picture gets the headlines, but sound does just as much to pull a player into the game. A premium audio video receiver enabled with HDMI Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and a complete immersive speaker layout deliver the best results; in tighter spaces, an eARC soundbar provides convincing surround sound.
eARC carries object-based formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X at up to 192kHz/24-bit. In an HDMI 2.2 specification system, the 96Gbps link moves uncompressed audio alongside the most demanding video, while the new HDMI Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) keeps sound and picture aligned.
The Cable Matters: The Ultra96 HDMI® Cable
The new Ultra96 HDMI® Cable is the only cable supporting all HDMI 2.2 Specification features, including 96Gbps bandwidth. And devices carrying the “Ultra96” feature name require it to ensure support for their maximum stated bandwidths of 64Gbps, 80Gbps or 96Gbps.
Every Ultra96 HDMI Cable model and length must pass testing at an HDMI Forum Authorized Test Center. Every compliant package must display the official Ultra96 HDMI Cable Certification Label, which can be scanned on mobile QR code apps by hdmi.org to verify brand, model and length.
Protect Your Installs and Your Reputation
Buying displays, AVRs, switchers, sources and extenders from licensed HDMI Adopters and authorized resellers helps ensure they are tested, certified and compliant, avoiding costly callbacks. By specifying certified Ultra96 HDMI Cables and HDMI 2.2 technology-ready infrastructure now, integrators can deliver the immersive experiences clients expect, today and well into the future.
For more information, visit www.hdmi.org.
The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI Trade Dress and the HDMI Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.
