HDMI
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a proprietary digital interface standard for transmitting uncompressed high-definition video and audio data from compatible source devices, such as Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles, to display devices like televisions, projectors, and monitors.[1] Developed collaboratively by a group of founding companies including Hitachi, Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic), Royal Philips Electronics, Silicon Image, Sony, Thomson, and Toshiba, HDMI was first released in December 2002 as a successor to analog interfaces like VGA, S-Video, and component video, aiming to simplify connections while supporting higher resolutions and audio formats.[2][1] Nearly 14 billion HDMI-enabled devices have shipped worldwide since its inception, making it the de facto standard for consumer electronics, PCs, automotive infotainment, and professional AV systems.[1] The HDMI specification has evolved through multiple versions, with the latest being HDMI 2.2, which supports resolutions up to 16K at 60 Hz and 8K at 240 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and 10- or 12-bit color depth, alongside a maximum bandwidth of 96 Gbps via its Fixed Rate Link (FRL) technology.[3] Key features include support for advanced audio return channel (eARC), variable refresh rates for gaming, and secure content protection through HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), ensuring compatibility across a vast ecosystem of licensed adopters.[3][4] HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc., oversees the licensing and compliance of the standard, promoting its adoption in diverse applications from home entertainment to industrial automation.[5]History
Development and Origins
The HDMI specification was developed by a consortium of seven founding companies: Hitachi, Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic), Royal Philips Electronics, Silicon Image, Sony Corporation, Thomson, and Toshiba Corporation.[2] These companies began work on the standard on April 16, 2002, aiming to establish a unified digital interface for consumer electronics and personal computers.[6] The primary motivation behind HDMI's creation was to replace fragmented analog interfaces, such as SCART and component video, which required multiple cables for separate audio and video transmission and were prone to signal degradation.[7] Instead, HDMI sought to provide a single, consumer-friendly cable capable of delivering both high-quality digital video and audio signals without compression, thereby simplifying connections and enhancing reliability for home entertainment systems.[2] The initial goals focused on supporting uncompressed high-definition video resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second, along with multi-channel digital audio, all secured through content protection mechanisms like HDCP to facilitate the distribution of premium digital content.[2] The HDMI 1.0 specification was formally released on December 9, 2002, marking the standard's official launch.[8] Early prototypes and demonstrations occurred at major trade shows in 2003, with the first public showcase of HDMI-enabled consumer products taking place at the CEDIA Expo in September, where over 20 devices from companies including Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, and SIM2 highlighted the interface's capabilities using Silicon Image's PanelLink Cinema ICs.[9] This event underscored HDMI's potential as a streamlined solution for high-definition multimedia transmission, paving the way for its widespread adoption in subsequent years.Key Milestones and Releases
The HDMI 1.0 specification was released on December 9, 2002, establishing the foundation for uncompressed high-definition video transmission up to 1080p at 60 frames per second alongside 8-channel digital audio over a single cable.[2] HDMI's adoption gained momentum in 2004 with its integration into the first consumer HDTVs, enabling seamless digital connectivity as broadcasters shifted toward high-definition formats.[10] This was followed in 2006 by widespread support in Blu-ray Disc players, which relied on HDMI for delivering full 1080p video and lossless audio, driving consumer upgrades to high-definition home theater systems.[11] Subsequent milestones included the 2006 release of HDMI 1.3, which introduced Deep Color for improved color gamut and bit depth beyond standard 24-bit RGB.[2] In 2009, HDMI 1.4 added native 3D video support, coinciding with the commercial rollout of 3D televisions and content.[2] The 2013 launch of HDMI 2.0 brought Ultra HD (4K) capabilities at 60 Hz, aligning with the proliferation of 4K displays and streaming services.[2] Culminating recent advancements, the HDMI 2.2 specification was announced at CES on January 6, 2025, doubling bandwidth to 96 Gbps to enable higher resolutions such as 16K and elevated refresh rates.[12] By 2020, over 10 billion HDMI-enabled devices had shipped worldwide, with the total exceeding 14 billion as of 2025, reflecting its status as the predominant interface for consumer electronics and professional audiovisual applications.[13][1]Technical Specifications
Audio and Video Transmission
HDMI primarily utilizes Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) to transmit high-speed serial data for both video and audio payloads across three dedicated data channels and one clock channel.[14] TMDS encodes parallel data into serial streams to minimize electromagnetic interference and ensure reliable transmission over copper cables, with each channel operating independently to carry red/green/blue (RGB) or luma/chroma components.[15] This signaling method supports the bundling of uncompressed or compressed audiovisual content into a single cable, distinguishing HDMI from analog interfaces like component video.[16] For video transmission, HDMI accommodates multiple color spaces, including RGB for full-color reproduction and YCbCr (in 4:4:4, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0 subsampling formats) for bandwidth-efficient encoding of broadcast and digital content.[17] Supported resolutions range from standard-definition 480p to ultra-high-definition 8K, enabling compatibility with consumer electronics from legacy DVDs to modern displays.[3] Frame rates extend up to 120 Hz in later implementations, facilitating smooth motion in gaming and high-frame-rate cinema, though actual performance depends on cable quality and source capabilities.[18] Audio transmission over HDMI integrates seamlessly with video streams via TMDS, supporting up to 32 channels for immersive surround sound configurations.[18] Common formats include uncompressed Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) for linear audio, as well as lossless compressed codecs such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which preserve studio-quality fidelity without data loss. Sampling rates reach up to 192 kHz at bit depths of 16 to 24 bits, allowing for high-resolution audio that exceeds CD quality and supports professional applications.[19] TMDS employs 8b/10b encoding to convert 8 bits of data into 10-bit symbols, introducing a 25% overhead to balance DC levels and enable clock recovery while minimizing transitions for reduced noise.[14] This encoding scheme determines pixel clock rates, which govern the maximum video throughput; the total bit rate is three channels × 10 bits × pixel clock, yielding an effective data rate of 80% after encoding. The maximum pixel clock can be calculated as \text{maximum pixel clock} = \frac{\text{bandwidth}}{30} where bandwidth is the total TMDS data rate in bits per second (accounting for three channels and 10× serialization), with 8b/10b providing 80% effective throughput for video data.[15] For example, with an 18 Gbps aggregate bandwidth (HDMI 2.0), this yields a 600 MHz pixel clock, supporting 4K at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and 8-bit color using reduced blanking.[20]Communication Channels
HDMI employs several auxiliary communication channels to facilitate device discovery, configuration, and control, distinct from the primary TMDS pathways used for high-speed audio and video transmission. These low-speed channels enable seamless interaction between source devices (such as media players) and sink devices (such as displays), ensuring automatic setup without manual intervention.[16] The Display Data Channel (DDC) serves as a bidirectional I²C bus that allows the source device to query the sink for its capabilities via Extended Display Identification Data (EDID). EDID provides details on supported resolutions, refresh rates, audio formats, and other parameters, enabling the source to configure output accordingly. HDMI mandates support for I²C standard mode at 100 kbit/s on the DDC, with optional fast mode up to 400 kbit/s for enhanced performance in compatible devices. This auto-configuration process is fundamental to plug-and-play functionality in HDMI ecosystems.[21][22][16][23] Hot Plug Detect (HPD) is a dedicated signaling pin that indicates the connection status and readiness of the sink device. When a sink is connected and powered, it asserts the HPD line high (typically to 3.3V or 5V, depending on the implementation), notifying the source to initiate DDC communication and begin EDID readout. The HPD signal also supports deassertion to signal disconnection or power-off, preventing unnecessary data transmission. This mechanism ensures reliable hot-plugging without requiring user intervention or software polling.[24][25][26] HDMI connectors include reserved lines for future enhancements and backward compatibility. In earlier versions, these lines were unused, but HDMI 2.1 introduces a utility line paired with the HPD for advanced features like the Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), which repurposes the channel for higher-bandwidth audio return while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices. These reserves allow the HDMI standard to evolve without altering the core connector design.[27]Bandwidth and Data Rates
The bandwidth capacity of HDMI has evolved significantly across its versions to accommodate higher resolutions, refresh rates, and color depths. HDMI 1.0 provided a maximum bandwidth of 4.95 Gbit/s, sufficient for 1080p video at 60 Hz. Subsequent versions increased this progressively, with HDMI 1.4 reaching 10.2 Gbit/s, HDMI 2.0 at 18 Gbit/s, HDMI 2.1 at 48 Gbit/s, and as of June 2025, HDMI 2.2 extending to 96 Gbit/s to support emerging ultra-high-definition formats.[28][29][3] HDMI's effective bandwidth is determined by the Transition-Minimized Differential Signaling (TMDS) protocol in earlier versions or Fixed Rate Link (FRL) in later ones, accounting for encoding overhead and transmission efficiency. For TMDS-based versions (1.0 through 2.0), the total bit rate is calculated as the TMDS clock frequency multiplied by three data pairs and 10 bits per symbol, due to 8b/10b encoding, which transmits 8 bits of data within 10 bits to ensure DC balance and clock recovery. This yields a raw bandwidth, from which overhead for blanking intervals, audio, and control signals is subtracted, resulting in approximately 80% effective data throughput. For example, a 165 MHz TMDS clock in HDMI 1.0 produces $165 \times 3 \times 10 = 4.95 Gbit/s total, with effective video data around 3.96 Gbit/s after encoding. In FRL modes of HDMI 2.1 and 2.2, encoding uses 16b/18b with ~88.9% efficiency, supporting higher rates up to 96 Gbps in 2.2, but the core principle of clock-based pair transmission remains.[20] These bandwidth limits directly constrain the supported video content, particularly uncompressed streams. For instance, 4K (3840×2160) at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and 8-bit color requires approximately 17.8 Gbit/s, fitting within HDMI 2.0's capacity but necessitating reduced blanking timings to stay under the 18 Gbit/s ceiling. Uncompressed 8K (7680×4320) at 60 Hz with 10-bit color demands about 47.8 Gbit/s, which exceeds TMDS limits and requires HDMI 2.1's FRL with compression to achieve without subsampling.[30][31] In practice, real-world data rates are influenced by several factors beyond theoretical maximums. Cable length degrades signal integrity, with longer runs (over 5 meters for high-speed cables) introducing attenuation and crosstalk that reduce effective throughput, often requiring active equalization or premium cabling. Signal quality issues, such as electromagnetic interference, further limit performance. To overcome bandwidth constraints for high-end content like 8K, HDMI 2.1 and later incorporate Display Stream Compression (DSC), a visually lossless method that reduces data by up to 3:1 while preserving quality, enabling 8K@60 Hz within 48 Gbit/s.[31]Versions
Version 1.0 to 1.2
The HDMI 1.0 specification, released on December 9, 2002, marked the introduction of the interface as a unified digital connection for high-definition video and multi-channel audio transmission over a single cable. It supported video resolutions up to 1080p at 60 Hz with a maximum bandwidth of 4.95 Gbps, enabling uncompressed high-definition content delivery. Audio capabilities included up to eight channels of uncompressed digital audio at sample rates of 192 kHz and 24-bit depth, alongside support for compressed formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. Additionally, basic High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) was integrated to safeguard copyrighted material during transmission.[2][28][10] HDMI 1.1, released in May 2004, built upon the foundational features of version 1.0 with targeted enhancements primarily in audio support. It introduced compatibility for DVD-Audio, a high-fidelity format that allowed transmission of multi-channel lossless audio from DVD sources without compression artifacts. Minor electrical and mechanical refinements were also incorporated to improve reliability in consumer electronics setups, while maintaining the same video resolution limits and bandwidth as its predecessor. These updates ensured broader interoperability for home theater systems relying on DVD playback.[10][28] The HDMI 1.2 specification, released in August 2005, with a minor update in 1.2a in December 2005, further expanded audio versatility and device compatibility. It added support for Direct Stream Digital (DSD), enabling native transmission of Super Audio CD (SACD) content at up to eight channels for high-resolution playback. The 1.2a revision fully defined the Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) protocol as a standalone feature set, including command structures and compliance tests for device interoperability, such as one-touch play and system standby. To address electromagnetic interference (EMI), version 1.2 mandated support for low-voltage sources, like those from PCI Express-based PC graphics cards, which improved signal integrity and reduced emissions in mixed consumer and computing environments. HDMI Type A connectors were also certified for PC applications during this period.[10][28][32] These early versions established HDMI's role in high-definition entertainment but were constrained by their bandwidth, limiting support to resolutions no higher than 1080p and a standard 24-bit color depth (8 bits per channel). Unlike subsequent releases, they lacked capacity for 4K ultra-high-definition content, focusing instead on the prevailing HD standards of the mid-2000s.[28][10]Version 1.3 to 1.4
HDMI Version 1.3, released on June 22, 2006, marked a significant advancement in color depth and synchronization capabilities, building on the audio foundations established in prior versions by enhancing video fidelity for high-definition content.[33] The specification doubled the bandwidth to 10.2 Gbit/s from the previous 4.95 Gbit/s, enabling support for resolutions such as 1440p at 75 Hz while maintaining compatibility with existing devices.[33] This increased throughput facilitated the introduction of Deep Color technology, which supports up to 48-bit color depth (including 30-bit and 36-bit options) in RGB or YCbCr formats, allowing for billions of colors and reducing visible color banding in gradients.[33] Additionally, HDMI 1.3 incorporated the xvYCC color space, which expands the color gamut to 1.8 times that of traditional HDTV signals, enabling more vibrant and accurate reproduction of wide-color content from sources like advanced DVD players.[33] A key audio enhancement in Version 1.3 was the addition of automatic lip-sync correction through audio clock regeneration, which detects and adjusts timing discrepancies between audio and video signals to prevent noticeable delays in playback.[33] This feature proved particularly useful for home theater systems handling compressed audio formats. To accommodate emerging portable devices like HD camcorders and digital cameras, HDMI 1.3 introduced the mini-HDMI (Type C) connector, a compact 19-pin interface that maintains full HDMI functionality while enabling seamless connectivity to larger displays.[33] HDMI Version 1.4, announced on May 28, 2009, and made available for download by June 30, 2009, extended these capabilities to support emerging 3D content and networked features without altering the core 10.2 Gbit/s bandwidth.[34] A major addition was stereoscopic 3D video transmission, including frame packing and side-by-side formats, allowing devices to deliver immersive 3D experiences at up to 1080p resolution for gaming and home theater applications.[35] The Audio Return Channel (ARC) was introduced to enable bidirectional audio flow over a single HDMI cable, permitting TVs to send audio upstream to receivers or soundbars without requiring a separate connection, thus simplifying setups for integrated systems.[35] Furthermore, Version 1.4 added an HDMI Ethernet Channel, providing up to 100 Mbps of bidirectional networking capability within the HDMI link, allowing IP-enabled devices like smart TVs to share internet access and stream content directly through the cable.[36] These enhancements positioned HDMI 1.4 as a versatile interface for mid-2000s high-definition ecosystems, focusing on enhanced colorimetry, synchronization, and connectivity for 1080p and 1440p displays.[35]Version 2.0
HDMI 2.0, released on September 4, 2013, by the HDMI Forum, marked a significant advancement in high-definition multimedia interface technology by doubling the bandwidth capacity to 18 Gbit/s from the previous 10.2 Gbit/s in HDMI 1.4, enabling higher resolution and frame rate support without compression.[18][28] This increased throughput allowed for uncompressed transmission of 4K Ultra HD video at 60 Hz (3840×2160 resolution) with full 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, facilitating smoother playback for broadcast, gaming, and cinematic content.[18][37] A key enhancement in HDMI 2.0 was the addition of support for the Rec. 2020 color space, also known as BT.2020, which expands the color gamut to cover a wider range of hues compared to the Rec. 709 standard used in earlier versions, enabling more vibrant and accurate color reproduction in Ultra HD content.[37][18] Furthermore, an update in HDMI 2.0a (October 2015) introduced static HDR metadata support, allowing devices to convey high dynamic range information for improved contrast, brightness, and detail in compatible displays.[38] For protected 4K content, HDMI 2.0 mandated compliance with HDCP 2.2, the updated content protection protocol that ensures secure transmission across all devices in the chain, preventing unauthorized copying of high-value media.[39][38] On the audio front, HDMI 2.0 expanded capabilities through an enhanced Audio Return Channel (ARC), building on the feature introduced in HDMI 1.4, to support up to 32 channels of uncompressed PCM audio at a sampling rate of 1536 kHz, accommodating immersive formats like object-based surround sound without requiring separate audio cables.[28][18] This served as a precursor to more advanced audio return technologies in later versions, providing high-fidelity audio transmission for home theater systems. Despite these improvements, HDMI 2.0 had limitations, including the need for Premium High Speed HDMI cables certified to handle the full 18 Gbit/s bandwidth reliably, as standard High Speed cables might drop to lower performance levels over longer distances or with signal degradation.[40][29] Additionally, it lacked support for variable refresh rates or auto low latency modes, features that would emerge in subsequent specifications to optimize performance for dynamic content.[41]Version 2.1
HDMI 2.1, released on November 28, 2017, by the HDMI Forum, marked a substantial increase in bandwidth to 48 Gbit/s using Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, enabling support for advanced video resolutions and refresh rates such as 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz.[42] This bandwidth upgrade facilitates higher data throughput for immersive viewing experiences, including up to 10K resolutions, while maintaining compatibility with existing HDMI infrastructure.[43] The specification introduces several gaming-oriented features to enhance performance and reduce latency. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) synchronizes the display's refresh rate with the source's frame rate, minimizing screen tearing, stutter, and input lag for smoother gameplay.[44] Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically detects gaming content and switches the display to a low-latency mode, eliminating the need for manual configuration.[44] Quick Frame Transport (QFT) optimizes frame delivery by reducing the time between frame rendering and display, further lowering latency in dynamic scenarios like video games and virtual reality.[44] Display Stream Compression (DSC), a visually lossless compression technology, supports compression ratios up to 3:1 to transmit high-resolution content efficiently within the 48 Gbit/s limit, ensuring no perceptible quality degradation for 4K and 8K signals.[3] Audio capabilities are enhanced through the Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), which expands the original ARC's bandwidth to approximately 37 Mbps, allowing uncompressed return of high-bitrate formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, including up to 7.1-channel or object-based audio like Dolby Atmos.[45] Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) allows the source device to adjust HDR metadata based on the display's specific luminance and color capabilities, improving tone mapping accuracy for mixed HDR/SDR content without relying solely on the display's processing.[46] These features collectively position HDMI 2.1 as a foundation for next-generation entertainment, building on HDR support from prior versions to deliver more dynamic and responsive audiovisual performance.[42]Version 2.2
HDMI 2.2 was announced by the HDMI Forum at CES 2025 and officially released in June 2025.[47] This update doubles the maximum bandwidth to 96 Gbit/s compared to HDMI 2.1, utilizing next-generation Fixed Rate Link technology to enable transmission of high-resolution content such as 10K video and 8K at 120 Hz, with uncompressed support for formats like 8K@60Hz 4:4:4 12-bit and DSC for higher frame rates.[3][47] The total bandwidth of 96 Gbit/s supports an effective payload of approximately 95 Gbit/s after protocol overhead, facilitating demanding applications without significant compression.[48] Key enhancements include support for an updated Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2a, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates like 16K at 60 Hz when compression is applied, while prioritizing uncompressed modes for core formats.[49] The specification improves eARC capabilities to better handle immersive audio formats, such as object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, by increasing bandwidth allocation for lossless audio return over a single cable.[45] Additionally, HDMI Cable Power introduces greater efficiency for active cables and extenders, allowing them to draw power directly from the connector to reduce external power needs in extended setups.[3] HDMI 2.2 maintains full backward compatibility with HDMI 2.1 devices, including retention of features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).[3] It emphasizes applications in professional audiovisual (pro AV) systems for large-scale displays and installations, as well as automotive infotainment for high-definition rear-seat entertainment and driver displays.[3][50]Version Comparison
The evolution of HDMI versions has progressively increased bandwidth, enabling higher resolutions and refresh rates while introducing support for advanced features. Early versions focused on basic high-definition video, while later iterations accommodate ultra-high-definition content and dynamic display technologies. The following tables summarize key differences across versions from 1.0 to 2.2, based on official specifications.[3][28][51]Bandwidth Progression
| Version | Maximum Bandwidth (Gbps) |
|---|---|
| 1.0–1.2 | 4.95 |
| 1.3–1.4 | 10.2 |
| 2.0 | 18 |
| 2.1 | 48 |
| 2.2 | 96 |
Maximum Resolutions and Refresh Rates
| Version | Example Supported Resolutions and Refresh Rates |
|---|---|
| 1.0–1.2 | 1080p@60Hz, 1440p@30Hz |
| 1.3–1.4 | 1080p@120Hz, 1440p@60Hz, 4K@30Hz |
| 2.0 | 4K@60Hz, 1080p@120Hz |
| 2.1 | 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz (with DSC for higher rates like 4K@144Hz) |
| 2.2 | 16K@60Hz, 12K@120Hz, 8K@60Hz (4:4:4 chroma), 4K@240Hz |
Feature Support
| Feature | Versions Supporting It |
|---|---|
| 3D | 1.4 and later |
| HDR (including HDR10) | 2.0 and later |
| VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | 2.1 and later |
Physical Aspects
Connectors
The HDMI interface employs a variety of connector types to suit different device sizes and use cases, all sharing a core 19-pin configuration for signal integrity and compatibility. The primary connector is Type A, the standard form factor used in most consumer electronics like televisions, set-top boxes, and AV receivers. This connector measures 13.9 mm in width by 4.45 mm in height for the male plug, with the female receptacle slightly larger at 14 mm by 4.55 mm. It supports the transmission of uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio, and control signals through its pins, which include three transition-minimized differential signaling (TMDS) pairs for data channels, a TMDS clock pair, display data channel (DDC) lines for extended display identification data (EDID), consumer electronics control (CEC) for device communication, hot plug detect (HPD) for connection status, and a +5 V power line.[52][53] The pin assignments for the Type A connector are arranged in three rows, with numbering starting from the top row and alternating sides for ease of manufacturing and shielding. Below is a representative pinout table highlighting key functions:| Pin | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TMDS Data2 + | Positive differential pair for video data channel 2 |
| 2 | TMDS Data2 Shield | Ground shield for Data2 pair |
| 3 | TMDS Data2 - | Negative differential pair for video data channel 2 |
| 4 | TMDS Data1 + | Positive differential pair for video data channel 1 |
| 5 | TMDS Data1 Shield | Ground shield for Data1 pair |
| 6 | TMDS Data1 - | Negative differential pair for video data channel 1 |
| 7 | TMDS Data0 + | Positive differential pair for video data channel 0 |
| 8 | TMDS Data0 Shield | Ground shield for Data0 pair |
| 9 | TMDS Data0 - | Negative differential pair for video data channel 0 |
| 10 | TMDS Clock + | Positive differential clock signal |
| 11 | TMDS Clock Shield | Ground shield for clock pair |
| 12 | TMDS Clock - | Negative differential clock signal |
| 13 | CEC | Consumer Electronics Control line |
| 14 | Reserved | Reserved for future use (HEC Data- in HDMI 1.4+) |
| 15 | SCL | DDC serial clock line |
| 16 | SDA | DDC serial data line for EDID |
| 17 | DDC/CEC Ground | Ground for DDC and CEC |
| 18 | +5 V Power | Power supply detection and source power |
| 19 | Hot Plug Detect (HPD) | Signal to indicate connection status |
Cables
HDMI cables are categorized by the HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. (HDMI LA) based on their ability to reliably transmit specific bandwidths and resolutions, ensuring compatibility with various HDMI versions. These categories include Standard, High Speed, Premium High Speed, Ultra High Speed, and as of 2025, Ultra96, each certified to meet performance standards for home and professional applications.[58] The Standard HDMI cable category supports basic resolutions up to 720p and 1080i, suitable for lengths up to 5 meters in typical setups, and is designed for older HDMI 1.0 to 1.2 applications without advanced features. High Speed HDMI cables handle up to 10.2 Gbit/s bandwidth, enabling 1080p video and 4K at 30 Hz, making them appropriate for most consumer electronics up to HDMI 1.4. Premium High Speed cables extend this to 18 Gbit/s, supporting 4K at 60 Hz with HDR, while Ultra High Speed cables achieve 48 Gbit/s to deliver 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz, including dynamic refresh rates and enhanced audio return channel (eARC). The Ultra96 cables support up to 96 Gbit/s for HDMI 2.2, enabling resolutions such as 16K at 60 Hz and 12K at 120 Hz with advanced features.[58][40][59][3]| Category | Bandwidth | Key Supported Resolutions/Features | Typical Max Length (Passive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 5 Gbit/s | 720p, 1080i | 5 m |
| High Speed | 10.2 Gbit/s | 1080p, 4K@30Hz | 15 m |
| Premium High Speed | 18 Gbit/s | 4K@60Hz, HDR | 15 m |
| Ultra High Speed | 48 Gbit/s | 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, VRR, eARC | 3–5 m (certified) |
| Ultra96 | 96 Gbit/s | 16K@60Hz, 12K@120Hz, enhanced HDR and gaming | 3 m |