HDMI™ versions describe the capabilities of the specification and the cable and devices, not just a connector shape. The three that matter for current sourcing decisions are HDMI™ 2.0, HDMI™ 2.1 and the newer HDMI™ 2.2 specification announced by the HDMI Forum. This article compares their bandwidth, resolution and refresh limits and the features that separate them, using real cable examples from our factory.
Specs at a glance: HDMI™ 2.0 vs 2.1 vs 2.2
| Specification | Max bandwidth | Headline resolution / refresh | Cable class |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI™ 2.0 (2.0/2.0a/2.0b) | 18 Gbps | 4K @ 60Hz | Premium High Speed (up to 18 Gbps) |
| HDMI™ 2.1 / 2.1a | 48 Gbps | 8K @ 60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz | Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps, certified) |
| HDMI™ 2.2 (announced specification) | Up to 96 Gbps | Up to 16K (specification-stage) | Ultra96 (new cable class) |
Bandwidth is the ceiling that determines which resolution, refresh rate and color depth combinations a link can carry. Higher resolution, higher refresh and richer color (for example 10-bit or 12-bit, 4:4:4 chroma) all consume more bandwidth.
HDMI™ 2.0: reliable 4K at 60Hz
HDMI™ 2.0 carries 18 Gbps, which is enough for 4K (3840×2160) at 60Hz. It remains the practical baseline for a large share of TVs, monitors, signage and everyday AV connections. A representative HDMI™ 2.0-class cable from our range uses OFC oxygen-free copper conductors, 24K gold-plated HDMI™ connectors and a zinc-alloy shell, rated for 18 Gbps and 4K@60Hz.
HDMI™ 2.1: 8K, high-refresh 4K and Ultra High Speed cables
HDMI™ 2.1 raises the ceiling to 48 Gbps, enabling 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz, along with features aimed at high-performance video and gaming. To carry the full 48 Gbps reliably, cables must meet the Ultra High Speed HDMI™ certification. Our HDMI™ 2.1 cable is built for this: 48 Gbps bandwidth, 8K@60Hz 4:4:4 / 4K@120Hz, a nylon-braided jacket, an aluminium shell, and heavy shielding (160 aluminium shielding wires, 95% coverage).
Key HDMI™ 2.1 features include:
- Fixed Rate Link (FRL) signaling to reach 48 Gbps
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
- Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
- Display Stream Compression (DSC) support for the highest formats
HDMI™ 2.2: the announced next step
The HDMI Forum announced the HDMI™ 2.2 specification, defining bandwidth up to 96 Gbps and a new Ultra96 cable class, targeting very high resolutions and refresh rates for future displays, professional and AR/VR applications. Because HDMI™ 2.2 is at the specification stage, the figures above are best treated as draft/announced capabilities: broad device availability and finalized cable certification are still emerging. Sourcing decisions today should center on HDMI™ 2.1 Ultra High Speed for high-end needs and HDMI™ 2.0 for mainstream 4K, while planning for HDMI™ 2.2 as it matures.
How an HDMI™ version is actually verified
A version number on a box is a claim. What turns it into evidence is a test report against a specific Compliance Test Specification (CTS) revision, performed at an HDMI Forum Authorized Test Center (ATC).
This matters when sourcing because the CTS revision moves independently of the HDMI™ version. "HDMI™ 2.1 certified" without a CTS revision and a date does not tell you which test suite the sample actually passed.
| Certificate # | Tested model | CTS revision | Test centre | Issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5QSIMQP4DLG | PF331S-0300 — 3 m | 2.1b | Granite River Labs Dongguan | 2023-03-10 |
| 2JCHSF3SL1X | PF331A-0300 — 3 m | 2.1a | Granite River Labs Dongguan | 2021-06-12 |
| MG3CQ3Z4BAG | TT-1.8-2.1 — 1.8 m | 2.1a | Granite River Labs Dongguan | 2021-03-04 |
- A certificate covers the model and length that were tested, not a family. The 3 m PF331A above is certified; a 5 m cable of the same series is a different electrical problem and needs its own test.
- An ATC confirmation is not a quality guarantee for every unit shipped — the certificate says so in its own notes. It evidences that a submitted sample passed, on that date, to that CTS revision.
Full certificate details, including our USB4 cable passing USB-IF certification testing (TID 6801; membership since lapsed), are on our certifications page.
What we test in-house, before a sample ever reaches an ATC
External certification is a snapshot of one sample. Production consistency is decided by what gets checked every day. Our own test room runs:
- EDXRF spectrometer — element analysis for RoHS screening on incoming copper, plating and moulding compound.
- Constant temperature and humidity chamber — accelerated environmental ageing of finished assemblies.
- Automatic plug-and-pull tester — connector insertion and withdrawal cycling to a specified life count.
- Cable bending tester — repeated flex at the strain relief, where consumer HDMI™ cables most often fail first.
- Tensile testing machine — pull-off force at the overmould-to-cable joint.
Each station carries its own posted work instruction. If you are auditing a supplier, ask for those instructions and the raw test log for a specific production lot — a factory that runs the tests will have both.
Our certified HDMI™ cables are listed under HDMI™ cables; the USB4 cable carrying TID 6801 is PF587A-0080.
Which HDMI™ cable should you specify?
- 4K @ 60Hz displays, signage, general AV: an 18 Gbps HDMI™ 2.0-class cable is sufficient and cost-effective.
- 8K, 4K @ 120Hz, gaming, high color depth: specify an Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps) HDMI™ 2.1 certified cable.
- Future-proofing beyond 48 Gbps: monitor HDMI™ 2.2 / Ultra96 availability; validate real certified product before committing volume.
Cable length, shielding and connector quality all affect whether a link sustains its rated bandwidth over distance, which is why certified construction matters most at 8K and above.
Request an OEM/ODM quote
Tonetron is the export brand of Dongguan Taitron Electronic Limited (东莞台昶电子有限公司), a cable and connectivity manufacturer in Dongguan, Guangdong, China. We supply HDMI™, USB-C, DisplayPort and custom cables worldwide, with OEM/ODM and private-label programs.
- Email: sales@tonetron.com
- Phone: +86-0769-83356158
- Contact form: tonetron.com/contact
Tell us your target specification, quantity and destination market and our team will respond with a tailored quote. MOQ, sample, tooling and lead-time figures are project-specific — please contact us for a quote.
