This New Connector Type will Render HDMI Obsolete

A group of Chinese technology conglomerates is creating a novel video connection. If its assertions are accurate and it fulfills its anticipated specifications and performance, HDMI may face significant competition and could potentially be fully supplanted in certain instances.

What is GPMI?

The Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance in China, comprising over 50 enterprises, has introduced a new wired media communication standard that competes with HDMI: the General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI).

The collaboration aimed to minimize the connections necessary for streaming data and power between devices—a goal already accomplished by USB4. GPMI elevates this by offering substantially greater bandwidth and power.

The cable integrates video and audio transmission, data transfer, network connectivity, and power delivery into a single interface.

This indicates the capability to operate higher-resolution displays while simultaneously powering more energy-intensive gadgets over a single connection. The standard additionally endorses universal control protocols such as HDMI-CEC, indicating that all devices linked by GPMI will be operable with a single remote control.

Specifications for Power and Display

HKEPC reports that the GMPI cable is available in two variants:

• GPMI Type-B: Possesses a total bandwidth of 192 Gbps and accommodates power delivery of up to 480W.

• GPMI Type-C: Possesses a cumulative bandwidth of 96 Gbps and facilitates power transmission of up to 240W.

  
  

Although USB-C has the potential to provide 240W of power, its bandwidth is restricted to 40Gbps. GPMI Type-C more than doubles the bandwidth while maintaining the same power delivery rating. The GPMI Type-B surpasses all competitors significantly.

A 480W power supply cannot support an RTX 50-Series-equipped PC via a single wire to the monitor; nonetheless, it offers significant convenience for laptop users. The majority, if not all, gaming laptops equipped with a high-end GPU, such as the RTX 50-Series, may utilize the connection to simultaneously connect to an external display and charge the laptop, hence providing one-cable docking options for even the most power-intensive laptops.

The bandwidth is bidirectional and facilitates seamless data flow. The supplementary bandwidth is advantageous since it can facilitate other connections, even if a device is not utilizing it for transmitting 8K video. HDMI offers capabilities to streamline your streaming configuration, while GPMI enhances it further.

For instance, if you previously linked a set-top box to your television using HDMI for audio and video while employing Wi-Fi for internet access, you may now utilize a single GPMI cable for power, audio/video, and internet connections via Ethernet.

GPMI versus HDMI

This is a brief comparison of GPMI with HDMI and other prevalent connectors:

As previously stated, GPMI surpasses all display and power connectors. The maximum bandwidth of HDMI 2.2 is 96 Gbps, although it does not provide power. This configuration supports 10K at 120Hz, 8K at 240Hz, or 4K at 480Hz; however, an additional cable is required for power. GPMI enables increased refresh rates for 8K monitors, facilitating the feasibility of 8K at 480Hz or even 10K at 240Hz screens.

In addition to home entertainment systems, televisions, and laptops, external GPUs will also be compatible with the connector. At present, an external GPU can operate at its maximum potential, as USB-C has constraints in power delivery. With GPMI, external GPUs will transition to a single-cable solution without sacrificing power requirements.

What is the launch date of GPMI?

Prominent Chinese technology firms including as TCL, Hisense, Huawei, Sharp, HKVision, and Tencent are involved in the development of GPMI, indicating its significance will extend beyond temporary media attention. The GPMI white paper [PDF] indicates that appliance testing is expected for the first quarter of 2025.

Assuming all proceeds as anticipated, firms are expected to introduce GPMI-enabled devices in early 2026, followed by consumer models subsequently. GPMI has secured the SVID (0XFF10) authorization from USB to integrate with the Type-C connector, potentially expediting the commercial release of the GPMI Type-C variant.

Close-up image of a laptop featuring a Thunderbolt USB-C port and a Thunderbolt symbol. Cronislaw / Shutterstock

GPMI will require some time to reach your workstation. The standard encompasses various areas, including smart home, automotive, and industrial, with a primary emphasis on the general consumer market. Consequently, home entertainment gadgets and televisions will be the initial products to gain from GPMI.

A GPMI connector on a premium gaming laptop with demanding specifications would be ideal; however, it would require several years before the technology is introduced to the consumer market. Considering the predominance of HDMI and DisplayPort, it will take considerable time before individuals begin replacing older devices with those equipped with GPMI.

HDMI must enhance its capabilities to be competitive versus GPMI. HDMI 2.2 has arrived, intensifying rivalry; yet, HDMI's latest version has certain challenges that GPMI does not. Considering GPMI's commitments, it may potentially signify the demise of HDMI, and possibly even DisplayPort and USB-C, should the two GPMI variations reach the consumer market swiftly.