Get ready for a potential game-changer in the world of connectivity! China is introducing a new cable standard called GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface) that could replace HDMI, USB, and other existing interfaces with faster data transfer and higher power delivery. Developed by a consortium of over 50 Chinese tech companies, GPMI aims to unify video, audio, data, and power into a single cable solution, simplifying connections and reducing cable clutter. Is this the beginning of the end for HDMI and USB as we know them? Let’s dive into the details.
What is GPMI? The All-in-One Cable Solution
GPMI, or General Purpose Media Interface, is a new wired media standard designed to handle high-bandwidth data and power over a single cable. It’s being developed by the Shenzhen 8K Ultra HD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance (SUCA), a group of more than 50 Chinese companies including major brands like Hisense, Skyworth, TCL, and Huawei. GPMI seeks to integrate video transmission, data interaction, network connection, and power supply, enabling a single interface to support the full business needs of “ultra-high-definition video + data + control + power supply.”
GPMI Cable: Type-C and Type-B, a Tale of Two Connectors
The GPMI standard comes in two variants:
GPMI Type-C: Compatible with existing USB-C ports, this version supports up to 96 Gbps bandwidth and delivers 240W of power supply. This means GPMI Type-C can charge a laptop, output video to a monitor, and carry data at high speeds all at once, using the same physical shape as a regular USB-C cable.
GPMI Type-B: This version uses a proprietary connector and supports up to 192 Gbps bandwidth and delivers 480W of power. While not compatible with existing ports, Type-B offers double the bandwidth and power of Type-C.
GPMI vs. HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and USB: A Head-to-Head Comparison
So, how does GPMI stack up against existing standards? Here’s a comparison:
| Standard | Bandwidth (Gbps) | Power Delivery (W) |
| ———————– | —————- | —————— |
| GPMI Type-B | 192 | 480 |
| GPMI Type-C | 96 | 240 |
| HDMI 2.2 FRL | 96 | No Power |
| HDMI 2.1 FRL | 48 | No Power |
| HDMI 2.1 TMDS | 18 | No Power |
| Thunderbolt 5 | 120 | 240 |
| Thunderbolt 4 | 40 | 100 |
| DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 | 80 | No Power |
| USB4 | 40 | 240 |
As you can see, GPMI Type-B outperforms all other cables in terms of both bandwidth and power delivery. GPMI Type-C already surpasses Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 in bandwidth, while matching the latest USB power delivery specs.
The Advantages of GPMI: Why It Could Replace Existing Standards
GPMI offers several advantages over current generation interface technologies:
- Higher Bandwidth: With up to 192 Gbps, GPMI can handle the demands of 8K video, high refresh rates, and other bandwidth-intensive applications.
- Higher Power Delivery: Up to 480W of power delivery means GPMI can power devices like gaming laptops and monitors, eliminating the need for separate power cables.
- All-in-One Solution: GPMI combines video, audio, data, and power into a single cable, reducing clutter and simplifying connections.
- Bidirectional Multi-Stream: GPMI supports bidirectional data transfer, allowing for simultaneous input and output.
- Bidirectional Control: GPMI supports a universal control system similar to HDMI-CEC, allowing you to use a single remote for all connected devices.
- Full Chain Security: GPMI offers full chain security for data transmission.
- Compatibility: The GPMI Type-C interface is compatible with USB Type-C, minimizing compatibility issues.
The Potential Applications of GPMI: From TVs to Cars
The GPMI standard targets various markets, including:
- Consumer electronics
- Radio and television
- Smart home
- Security monitoring
- Automotive
- Industrial sectors
Specifically, GPMI cables could simplify many device connections:
- A streaming device like an Apple TV could send both power and content to a TV over a single cable.
- A TV could send power and audio to a connected soundbar.
- AV receivers could deliver power to connected sources like game consoles or Blu-ray disc players while using the same connection to receive audio and video from those devices.
- A gaming monitor could provide power to a connected gaming laptop, with an ultra high-speed, two-way data feed over the same cable.
The Downsides of GPMI: Challenges and Limitations
Despite its potential, GPMI also has some drawbacks:
- Limited to 8K: GPMI supports 8K streaming, which is less than HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1, which can output images and videos in 10K and 16K respectively.
- Proprietary Connector: The GPMI Type-B connector is proprietary, meaning it may face hurdles in adoption unless widely licensed.
- Power Limitations: While GPMI Type-B can deliver 480W of power, it’s still not enough to power high-end desktop GPUs like the RTX 5090, which can consume more than that on its own.
- Limited Adoption: Currently, only Chinese companies are poised to release devices that use this standard. It remains to be seen whether other manufacturers will follow suit.
Will GPMI Replace HDMI and USB? The Future of Connectivity
GPMI has the potential to replace HDMI and USB in many use cases, especially in high-end 8K setups, gaming laptops, and all-in-one PC solutions. However, several factors will determine its success:
- Industry Adoption: For GPMI to become widespread, device makers need to adopt it and build GPMI ports into their devices.
- Compatibility: The GPMI Type-C interface’s compatibility with USB Type-C is a major advantage, but the proprietary Type-B connector could hinder adoption.
- Performance: GPMI’s high bandwidth and power delivery capabilities are compelling, but it needs to keep pace with the evolving demands of display technology.
- Competition: GPMI faces competition from established standards like HDMI and DisplayPort, as well as emerging standards like Thunderbolt 5.
The Bottom Line: A Promising Standard with an Uncertain Future
GPMI combines fast data, high-resolution video, and powerful charging in one cable. If widely adopted, it could simplify how we connect laptops, TVs, and other devices. However, until hardware manufacturers start building GPMI ports into their devices, it’s not something you can use just yet, even if the cable looks like a regular USB-C.
For now, GPMI remains a future-facing standard with the potential to revolutionize digital connectivity. Whether it will succeed in replacing HDMI and USB remains to be seen, but it’s definitely a technology to watch.
