There was some spectacular new tech at CES 2025 (the world’s biggest consumer electronics show). From robots to Ai gadgets, the Las Vegas event had it all.

On top of all that, there was a huge announcement for anyone into home entertainment - HDMI 2.2 is here.

HDMI 2.2 is a new cable standard that delivers faster, smoother and sharper video and gaming. It might not be as eye-catching as a cute robot - but for tech that connects devices together, this is a big deal.

In this article, we’ll go over what HDMI 2.2 offers, how it compares to HDMI 2.1, whether it’s worth upgrading, and when you can expect to see HDMI 2.2 devices available. So, let’s get stuck in…

What’s so great about HDMI 2.2?

HDMI, which stands for High Definition Media Interface, is something you're probably familiar with already. If you've ever connected a TV or monitor to other devices like a gaming console or Blu-ray players, you’ll most likely have done it using HDMI. It's a handy port that lets you link your display to audio-visual gadgets, and its designed to give you the best viewing and listening experience.

While HDMI 2.1 was a major step forward for cables back in 2017, HDMI 2.2 takes things even further. It’s a solid upgrade designed to handle the latest home entertainment tech – and the products of the future! This version offers faster speeds, higher resolutions, and improved audio. Let’s break down the main highlights for you:

Increased bandwidth for smoother performance
Supports up to 80 Gbps (nearly double HDMI 2.1’s 48 Gbps). Gbps stands for gigabits per second, which is a measure of data transfer speed. More data means better image quality, smoother motion, and improved audio.

Future-ready with 10K support
Designed to handle 10K resolution, even though most content is still at 4K and 8K. This future-proofs your setup for next-gen TVs and displays that aren’t even in stores yet.

Better gaming experiences
Higher refresh rates (4K at 240Hz, 8K at 120Hz) for smoother gameplay. ALLM Plus (Auto Low Latency Mode) automatically applies the best settings for gaming. QFT 2.0 (Quick Frame Transport) reduces input lag, which is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. This means your actions will feel more immediate and responsive - which can be crucial when you’re up against your mates in a fast-moving game.

Enhanced audio
Improved eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) gives higher quality sound. Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for more immersive audio - these formats create a 3D audio experience, making you feel like you're right in the middle of the action!

Backwards compatibility
HDMI 2.2 is backward compatible, so a future device with an HDMI 2.2 port will be able to connect to older devices with an HDMI 2.1 port. And you’ll be able to use HDMI 2.2 or HDMI 2.1 cables to do so. However – to enjoy the full benefits of HDMI 2.2, you’ll need compatible devices.

Should you upgrade to HDMI 2.2?

So, is HDMI 2.2 worth upgrading to? If you’re into entertainment or call yourself a gamer, the answer is a ‘yes’.

If you’re a gamer with plans to get the latest console or a high-end gaming PC, you’ll definitely want to go for HDMI 2.2. The faster refresh rates, reduced input lag, and smoother performance are designed with gamers in mind. If you want the absolute best experience, HDMI 2.2 is the way to go.

For movie lovers or anyone with a home theatre setup, HDMI 2.2 is also a great upgrade. The improved audio support and ability to handle higher resolutions mean you’ll get the best possible picture and sound, especially if you’re planning to move to 8K or beyond.

If you’re a casual user - someone who streams the occasional Netflix show or watches YouTube - HDMI 2.1 is probably fine for now. It supports 4K and 8K, and the audio is fine.

If you do decide to upgrade, keep in mind that you’ll need compatible hardware to get the full benefits. That means a TV or monitor with HDMI 2.2 ports, a gaming console or device that supports it, and—yes—new HDMI 2.2 cables. Your old cables might not handle the extra bandwidth, so you’ll need to upgrade.

When can I get HDMI 2.2?

Interested? You won’t have to wait long to get connected. HDMI 2.2 cables and devices are expected to start rolling out in mid-2025. Major brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic will likely release new TVs and monitors with HDMI 2.2 support around this time.

You can expect next-gen consoles, graphics cards, and home theatre systems with HDMI 2.2 to hit the shelves later in 2025 and into early 2026. HDMI 2.2 cables will be available alongside these devices in Currys, so you won’t have to look far.