The HDMI Forum has announced that it will be unveiling a new specification, likely to be HDMI 2.2, at a press conference on January 6th. According to an email sent to The Verge, the new spec will enable "a wide range of higher resolutions and refresh rates," and will be supported by a new cable.

The current HDMI 2.1 specification, introduced in 2017, supports up to 48Gbps bandwidth, 120Hz variable refresh rates, and resolutions up to 10240 x 4320. While it has received several lettered revisions since its introduction, the HDMI Forum's announcement hints at a more significant upgrade with HDMI 2.2. VideoCardz speculates that the updated spec could allow for higher resolutions and frame rates without the need for Display Stream Compression.

The mention of a new cable is a reminder that not all HDMI cables are created equal, much like USB-C cables. It's unlikely that the HDMI Forum would change the port itself, so users will likely be able to use their old cables with the updated spec. However, some cables may not support the higher bandwidth required for the new capabilities, which could lead to the need for new cables to take full advantage of HDMI 2.2.

The implications of HDMI 2.2 are significant, as it could enable even more immersive viewing experiences with higher resolutions and refresh rates. This could be particularly important for gaming and virtual reality applications, where fast and smooth visuals are crucial. The updated spec could also pave the way for more widespread adoption of 8K resolution, which is slowly gaining traction in the consumer market.

While details about HDMI 2.2 are still scarce, the announcement has generated significant buzz in the tech community. With the press conference just around the corner, we can expect to learn more about the new specification and its capabilities. One thing is certain, however: HDMI 2.2 has the potential to be a game-changer for the tech industry, and we'll be keeping a close eye on developments as they unfold.