4 causes this HDMI improve is a waste of cash

It might not seem to be it, however HDMI 2.1 has been round for a number of years now, and it is closing in on a decade outdated. A brand new format, HDMI 2.2. was introduced earlier in 2025, and we’ll possible begin seeing it rolled out extra broadly in 2026. The issue with that’s that it took years for us to lastly make HDMI 2.1 the usual, and it seems like as quickly because it occurred, we moved on to one thing else.

I like being an early adopter to new merchandise, however I really feel prefer it’s too early to get onboard with HDMI 2.2. Even when it fulfills its guarantees, I do not see how the common shopper can benefit from it. In truth, there’s a big chunk of individuals on the market who’re completely superb with their HDMI 2.0 and even 1.4 cables that do not know what upgrades are ready for them. I feel it is too early to get enthusiastic about HDMI 2.2, and I’ve 4 the explanation why that is the case.

1

The advantages aren’t there but

The know-how is nice, however nothing makes use of it

When this previous online game console technology launched, it did so with the promise of 4K 120 FPS being the norm. Whereas some video games hit that mark, the fact is that a lot of the AAA titles launched do not come near that, though a part of that could be {hardware} limitations. This implies HDMI 2.1’s options aren’t but maxed out, and I am unable to see how we’ll come near hitting what 2.2 has to supply if that is the case.

It is going to be some time earlier than the guarantees of 8K or 16K change into a actuality, and with 4K TVs simply now gaining mainstream recognition, it’s going to be some time earlier than both turns into a factor. Honestly, I do not know if 8K will ever change into mainstream as a result of there are nonetheless many individuals who inform you they can not inform when one thing’s 4K or if it is larger than 30 FPS. With 4K seeming prefer it may be the ultimate format for bodily media, I am unsure how massive the urge for food is for higher decision.

2

HDMI 2.1, frankly, is nice sufficient

It’s going to take years for this to alter

Pocket-lint / Amazon

Whereas lots of people like to speak concerning the speeds of DisplayPort, these speeds are largely useful just for fans trying to squeeze absolutely the most out of their setups, and so they usually omit that is solely an choice for computer systems. For TVs, HDMI is your solely choice. Sure, there are a lot of merchandise, like your PS5 and Apple TV 4K, that use HDMI 2.1. HDMI 2.1 affords speeds of as much as 48 Mbps, and that makes a strong distinction, however I’ve to surprise how many individuals even care.

I’ve a first-generation Apple TV 4K that solely helps HDMI 2.0. I even have a 4K Blu-ray participant with a 2.1 cable plugged in, and whereas I discover a distinction in each image high quality and audio, I ponder how a lot of that comes right down to typical compression you see from streaming companies. Gaining access to 96 Mbps doesn’t suggest a lot in case you’re nonetheless restricted by how a lot a streaming service can deal with. Sure, it is good for video video games and discs, however I worry the vast majority of my time will likely be spent watching or taking part in one thing that does not benefit from the advantages. With HDMI 2.1 not being maxed out, I ponder how lengthy it’d take for two.2 to hit its limits, if it ever does.

3

I’ve no plans to improve my TV

TVs are costly as it’s

My Sony Bravia X90J is just a few years outdated now, and extra fashionable TVs have extra to supply, however I am completely proud of the way it performs. I haven’t got any plans to improve this TV, and I plan on utilizing it till it now not works. What this implies is I possible will not be attending to make the most of any of the advantages supplied by HDMI 2.2, however I am completely okay with that proper now.

I think about it is going to be fairly some time till we see its advantages adopted into the mainstream, and I am prepared to attend it out and let the format mature a bit. By the point it will get to a degree the place recreation consoles can absolutely make the most of HDMI 2.2, or not less than get a style of the potential, then it’s going to be time to improve my TV.

4

We nonetheless have not normalized 4K

Issues are transferring too quick

Whereas most streaming companies provide 4K streams now, it is taken a very long time to get there. There are nonetheless loads of cable channels that also output at simply 720p, so these are far behind what’s thought-about to be the norm. I do not see why HDMI 2.2 is rolling out and promising issues like 8K at 60 FPS and 4K at 240 FPS. Sooner or later, we’re hitting diminishing returns, and it seems like we’re there once we begin speaking about issues like 8K and 16K decision.

I am certain my thoughts will change on this as soon as I see an 8K TV within the wild, however that is not going to occur for some time. I am not available in the market for a TV that prices greater than $4,000, and I am not likely certain if I ever will likely be. Perhaps there will likely be a time when 8K TVs change into as reasonably priced as 4K ones are as we speak, and that may very well be after I pull the set off.