Next-generation television technology is expected to make a splash at CES 2025, with HDMI 2.2 gearing up to showcase its connectivity features.

With just a few weeks left until CES 2025, the buzz is intensifying. This week, the most exciting rumor making waves is the potential unveiling of HDMI 2.2, the latest iteration of the beloved AV standard.

HDMI, or High Definition Multimedia Interface, remains a cornerstone for connecting audio-visual devices. It’s likely the cable you rely on to link your soundbar or AV receiver to your television, and it’s also found in gaming consoles and various other AV equipment.

As always, new versions come with the promise of enhanced features. So, what innovations might we see this time?

Understanding the implications of HDMI 2.2 for your experience.

The latest iteration of HDMI, known as HDMI 2.1b, made its debut in 2023, marking a significant enhancement in technology. This version supports impressive video resolutions reaching up to 10K, boasts refresh rates of 120Hz, incorporates dynamic HDR, and allows for data transfer speeds of up to 48Gbps with the right cables.

Looking ahead, HDMI 2.2 is anticipated to build upon these advancements in several important ways. An email from the HDMI Licensing Administrator, as reported by the German outlet ComputerBase, indicates that “The new specification, which will include next-generation HDMI technology and increased bandwidth, will facilitate a range of higher resolutions and refresh rates, complemented by a new HDMI cable.”

Details about the new higher bandwidth, enhanced resolutions, and refresh rates are still under wraps. It’s interesting to note that the announcement doesn’t explicitly mention HDMI 2.2, which leaves the door open for it to be branded as HDMI 2.1c. However, HDMI 2.2 has a more appealing ring to it and could drive sales of new, premium cables, making it a likely candidate for the name.

So, what does this mean for you? In the immediate future, not much will change. HDMI 2.1 debuted in 2017 but took a while to become widely adopted, and the same trend is expected for HDMI 2.2. Plus, the introduction of a new version won’t render your current home entertainment setup obsolete, as the standard maintains backward compatibility. Over time, we can anticipate the new standard appearing in high-end graphics cards and televisions, eventually trickling down to more budget-friendly options.