A new standard for wired connections may soon emerge, which promises incredibly fast data transfer rates along with power delivery capabilities of up to 480 watts. This new standard, named GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface), aims to surpass the current capabilities of HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt. GPMI has been developed by the Shenzhen International 8K Ultra High Definition Video Industry Collaboration Alliance (SUCA), comprising key players like Hisense, TCL, and Huawei.
While GPMI has not yet been adopted for any products, its proposed specifications far exceed those of current wired technology. There are two types of cables proposed: one using a standard USB-C connection (GPMI Type-C) and another featuring a new connection standard (GPMI Type-B). The Type-C cables are designed to support 96 Gbps of data bandwidth and up to 240 watts of power, while the Type-B doubles both the bandwidth and power output to 192 Gbps and 480 watts, respectively.
During CES 2025, the introduction of the HDMI 2.2 standard was also announced, allowing for up to 96 Gbps of bandwidth—sufficient for 8K or even 10K video at frame rates as high as 240Hz. A Type-B GPMI cable could potentially manage two simultaneous streams while providing enough power for devices like a 75-inch Samsung 8K QLED TV.
GPMI vs. HDMI vs. Thunderbolt vs. DisplayPort
| Standard | Bandwidth | Power Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| GPMI Type-B | 192 Gbps | 480W |
| GPMI Type-C | 96 Gbps | 240W |
| HDMI 2.2 FRL | 96 Gbps | No Power |
| HDMI 2.1 FRL | 48 Gbps | No Power |
| HDMI 2.1 TMDS | 18 Gbps | No Power |
| Thunderbolt 5 | 120 Gbps | 240W |
| Thunderbolt 4 | 40 Gbps | 100W |
| DisplayPort 2.1 | 80 Gbps | No Power |
GPMI is not merely focused on integrating power and data delivery. Hisilicon, a company that published a white paper on GPMI's advantages, aims to encapsulate seven capabilities within a single cable:
- Two-way, multi-stream data transfer
- Bidirectional control
- Power delivery
- Compatibility with the USB ecosystem
- Ultra-fast transmission
- Fast wake-up capabilities
- Comprehensive security measures
How will GPMI change our setups?
GPMI could simplify various device connections:
- An Apple TV might send both power and content to a TV via a single cable.
- A TV could supply power and audio to a connected soundbar.
- AV receivers might power game consoles or Blu-ray players while receiving audio and video through the same connection.
- A gaming monitor could provide power to a gaming laptop while simultaneously delivering ultra-high-speed data both ways. According to Tom’s Hardware, it's not powerful enough to fuel an RTX 5090 PC through an 8K monitor, but it’s adequate for various high-end laptops.
- Improved device command and control via GPMI's equivalent to HDMI-CEC.
Hisilicon’s white paper indicates that GPMI might also contribute to video installations requiring multiple panels with distinct feeds.
When will the first GPMI products arrive?
While no concrete timelines have been established for GPMI products, FlatpanelsHD reports that the initial phase will focus on home entertainment applications, such as Smart TVs and multi-screen devices, with subsequent expansions aimed at automotive and industrial uses.
We will provide updates as these products are officially announced.