HDMI 2.2 is set to debut at CES 2025

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Linux / FOSS and HDMI licensing

  • Discussion centers on HDMI’s closed, consortium-controlled nature and mandatory DRM, which clashes with fully open-source drivers.
  • The HDMI Forum blocking an open-source HDMI 2.1 driver for AMD is cited as an example of this control.
  • Several comments frame HDMI as a rent-seeking standard with per-port/implementation fees, contrasted with royalty‑free DisplayPort.
  • Some note analogous “black box” control elements (Intel ME, AMD PSP) on CPUs, but HDMI is seen as especially hostile to FOSS.
  • At least one commenter rejects HDMI 2.2 outright if Linux support remains uncertain.

HDMI vs DisplayPort vs USB‑C

  • Many ask why a new HDMI revision is needed when DisplayPort 2.1 already offers similar or better capabilities.
  • Common view: HDMI dominates TVs and home entertainment; DisplayPort dominates PCs, monitors, and internal laptop panels (eDP).
  • HDMI advantages for TVs: CEC (single remote controlling multiple devices) and eARC (audio return to receivers). DisplayPort lacks direct equivalents, though AUX and MST offer different strengths.
  • Several argue DisplayPort has “spiritually” won via USB‑C alt mode and as the internal display protocol, even if consumers only see USB‑C or HDMI connectors.
  • Others claim DisplayPort “lost” in consumer perception: TVs never ship DP, and most laptops expose HDMI externally.
  • Lack of USB‑C/DP on TVs is attributed to cost, expectations of charging/USB hub features, DRM preferences, and possibly protecting monitor margins.

Bandwidth, cables, and real‑world adoption

  • Cable length is a concern at higher bitrates (DP, Thunderbolt, future HDMI 2.2), with short copper runs and expensive active/fiber solutions.
  • Commenters note HDMI 2.1 is still poorly and inconsistently implemented (e.g., ports with half-bandwidth, few full‑fat ports on TVs), raising skepticism about HDMI 2.2’s near‑term usefulness.
  • High‑end use cases needing more bandwidth include VR (dual high‑refresh displays) and 4K120+ HDR gaming.

User experience and ecosystem frustrations

  • Mode switching remains poor: black screens, long delays, and unreliable CEC behavior (random input switching, audio routed to wrong speakers).
  • Some want Quick Media Switching mandated and extended to cover resolution and HDR changes, plus fast (<100 ms) input detection.
  • Others lament confusing branding and capabilities across HDMI and especially USB‑C/USB4/Thunderbolt, arguing standards bodies are failing consumers.