The HDMI certification is not just a technical requirement — it’s a legal requirement for trademark use in the United States and most global markets.
Under the HDMI Licensing Administrator (HDMI LA) policy, any product using the HDMI trademark, logo, or name must be manufactured by an authorized HDMI Adopter and pass Compliance Testing at a designated Authorized Test Center (ATC).
This ensures every HDMI-branded product — from cables to TVs — meets signal integrity, compatibility, and interoperability standards.
Using the HDMI logo without certification is considered trademark infringement.
Manufacturers must:
Be official HDMI Adopters under HDMI LA.
Pass mandatory compliance tests before shipping or labeling products.
The HDMI Forum and HDMI LA work with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to stop unauthorized imports.
Products using HDMI branding without certification can be:
Detained or destroyed at ports.
Banned from e-commerce platforms.
Subject to fines up to 30% of goods’ declared value.
In 2025, the HDMI Forum introduced the HDMI 2.2 specification, marking one of the most significant leaps in bandwidth, visual performance, and compliance testing in HDMI’s history.
| Certification Dimension | HDMI 2.2 New Requirements (2025) |
|---|---|
| Bandwidth & Cables | Bandwidth raised to 96 Gbps (double HDMI 2.1). Introduces “Ultra96 HDMI Cable” category — all such cables must pass testing and display an official certification label. |
| Resolution & Refresh Rate | Supports 12K @120Hz and 16K @60Hz, with uncompressed full chroma for 8K/4K content. |
| New Protocols | Adds Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) for precise audio/video sync across multi-device chains (home theaters, projectors). |
| Testing Requirements | Devices must pass 12K@120Hz verification and Fixed Rate Link (FRL) connection reliability (failure rate ≤ 1%). |
Signal Integrity (Eye Diagram)
Clock Jitter (≤ 0.15 UI limit)
Cross-talk and SNR performance
HDMI protocol stack validation
CEC command verification (Consumer Electronics Control)
Data Island encoding checks
Video performance: HDR10+, 8K@60Hz, 12K@120Hz
Audio performance: eARC compliance, latency ≤ 2 ms
FRL link stability: success rate ≥ 99%
| Product Type | Key Test Focus |
|---|---|
| Basic Devices (Cables, Adapters) | Bandwidth verification (48 Gbps for HDMI 2.1 → 96 Gbps for HDMI 2.2), EMI immunity, signal attenuation. |
| Complex Devices (TVs, Media Boxes, VR) | Dynamic HDR, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), HDCP 2.3 compliance. |
| Industrial/Commercial Equipment | Environmental reliability: thermal cycling (-30°C~85°C), vibration, long-duration data transfer stability. |
Perform pre-compliance testing before submitting to HDMI ATC to identify design issues early.
This increases first-pass success rate and prevents retesting delays.
If newer product variants only change appearance or housing (not chipset or firmware), apply for Family Model certification — avoiding full re-testing.
Design products with HDMI 2.2-certified SoCs or transceivers to minimize the testing scope and accelerate certification.
Devices using older HDMI 2.1 designs must now upgrade to HDMI 2.2 — or risk market access suspension and sales bans.
| Item | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Fees | $8,000 – $18,000 | Depends on device complexity and bandwidth |
| Certification Issuance | $3,000 – $6,000 | Paid to HDMI LA / ATC |
| Notified Lab Re-test (if failed) | +30–50% | Rework and retest cycle |
| Timeline | 4 – 8 weeks | Expedited testing available (~3 weeks) |
Tip: Using pre-certified modules or Family Models can cut both time and cost by 30–40%.
Never use the HDMI logo or name before certification approval.
Unauthorized labeling may result in:
Port seizure by US Customs (CBP)
Removal from Amazon, Walmart, and other e-commerce platforms
Heavy fines and legal action from HDMI LA
Keep firmware & hardware aligned with tested versions.
Any change requires retesting before market distribution.
Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen) is a recognized third-party testing and certification laboratory offering complete HDMI testing, consulting, and certification management services.
Our capabilities include:
HDMI 2.2 Electrical, Protocol, and Performance Testing
Pre-testing & Gap Analysis for faster first-pass approvals
EMC, Safety, and Multi-Standard Testing for complex products
Global market access: CE, FCC, UKCA, KC, RCM, SRRC, and MIC approvals
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
Q1. Is HDMI certification legally required in the U.S.?
→ Yes. Trademark use under HDMI LA policy requires official Adopter status and product compliance testing.
Q2. What is new in HDMI 2.2?
→ Bandwidth up to 96 Gbps, support for 12K@120Hz/16K@60Hz, new Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), and stricter FRL testing.
Q3. How long does HDMI certification take?
→ Typically 4–8 weeks; expedited services can complete in ~3 weeks.
Q4. Can I use the HDMI logo after testing but before certification issuance?
→ No. Use is permitted only after official approval by HDMI LA.
Q5. What happens to uncertified HDMI products?
→ They may be blocked by customs, removed from sale, or destroyed for trademark infringement.
Need help achieving HDMI 2.2 compliance?
Blue Asia Technology provides full testing, documentation, and certification services for HDMI products — helping you reach market faster and avoid costly delays.
Request an HDMI 2.2 Certification Consultation →
king.guo@cblueasia.com | +86 135 3422 5140
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