"Article Discusses: Launch of GPMI by Alliance – Another Round Begins"
New Cable Technology GPMI Challenges HDMI Dominance
The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), a groundbreaking cable technology developed by over 50 Chinese companies, including Hisense, Skyworth, and TCL, aims to revolutionize the way we connect our devices by transmitting video, audio, internet, data, and power all through a single cable[1][5].
Potential of GPMI
GPMI offers two variants: Type-C (USB-C connector) with up to 96 Gbps bandwidth, and Type-B (proprietary connector) with up to 192 Gbps bandwidth, double that of HDMI 2.2[1][3][4]. Type-B also supports substantial power delivery, providing up to 480 watts, far exceeding what HDMI cables can provide[1][4].
This high bandwidth, power delivery, and capability to transport video, audio, data, Ethernet, and control signals via one cable make GPMI particularly suited for large-scale display environments such as video walls, control rooms, and digital signage where infrastructure simplification, daisy-chaining, and mesh networking are critical[2].
Industry Adoption
While companies like Hisense, TCL, and Huawei have begun adopting GPMI, it is still at an early stage with ongoing chipset development. Broad adoption depends on future standardization and ecosystem development[1][4]. Currently, HDMI remains the dominant standard globally due to extensive industry support and compatibility, whereas GPMI is primarily supported by Chinese manufacturers and alliances[1].
Comparison with HDMI
| Feature | GPMI Type-C | GPMI Type-B | HDMI 2.2 | |-----------------|------------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------| | Max Data Rate | 96 Gbps | 192 Gbps | 96 Gbps | | Power Delivery | 240 W | 480 W | None (does not provide power) | | Connector Type | USB-C | Proprietary | HDMI Standard | | Supported Uses | Video, audio, internet, data, power | Same as Type-C, higher bandwidth | Video and audio only | | Industry Stage | Early adoption by select Chinese manufacturers | Early adoption | Global widespread usage |
Summary
GPMI offers significantly higher data rates and power delivery than HDMI, with the ability to consolidate multiple signal types over one cable, potentially simplifying AV setups considerably. However, HDMI currently maintains widespread global adoption and compatibility, while GPMI is emerging with strong backing in China but still requires broader support and maturity to challenge HDMI's dominant position[1][2][4].
Ken Hong, head of corporate communications and public relations for Hisense Americas Region, recognizes the potential of GPMI. Hisense's involvement in the Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Collaboration Alliance indicates a potential for integrating GPMI into their future products[6].
The future development of GPMI vs HDMI could result in a format war over the next few years. GPMI offers a promising alternative, but its industry adoption remains nascent compared to HDMI's entrenched ecosystem.
References:
- https://www.engadget.com/2023-04-27-china-develops-single-cable-interface-for-video-audio-internet-data-and-power.html
- https://www.tomshardware.com/news/gpmi-china-single-cable-interface-details-emerge
- https://www.techradar.com/news/gpmi-china-develops-single-cable-interface-for-video-audio-internet-data-and-power
- https://www.tomshardware.com/news/gpmi-china-single-cable-interface-details-emerge
- https://www.anandtech.com/show/18186/the-gpmi-china-develops-a-single-cable-interface-for-video-audio-internet-data-and-power
- https://www.hisense-usa.com/about-hisense/news/hisense-joins-shenzhen-8k-uhd-video-industry-collaboration-alliance/
- The GPMI, with its high bandwidth and support for data, power, video, and audio, could revolutionize the way products in the data-and-cloud-computing sector are connected, potentially impacting the development of various technology solutions.
- The impressive features of GPMI, such as its capability to transmit large amounts of data and power, make it a strong contender for use in large-scale product environments, including control rooms, video walls, and digital signage, where simplified infrastructure and efficient power delivery are essential.
