CES 2025 Unveils Groundbreaking GPMI Connectivity Standard
At CES 2025, a significant shift in home theater connectivity standards was unveiled. The HDMI Forum introduced HDMI 2.2, doubling the previous version’s bandwidth to 96 GBit/s, catering to the rising demands of 8K video and high refresh rates. However, the spotlight quickly moved to an emerging competitor poised to surpass HDMI’s capabilities: the General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI).
Developed by the Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance, GPMI promises an impressive 192 GBit/s bandwidth, effectively doubling HDMI 2.2’s performance. This advancement ensures seamless support for 8K and beyond, with enhanced electrical performance of up to 480 watts. Major manufacturers, including Hisense and TCL, are backing this initiative, indicating a robust industry push towards this new standard. GPMI’s integration with the USB ecosystem, utilizing both USB Type-C and a proprietary Type-B connector, offers versatile connectivity options and higher power delivery, making it suitable for a wide range of devices from compact notebooks to large televisions.
Technically, GPMI distinguishes itself with its bidirectional capabilities for audio, video, data transfer, and device charging, potentially eliminating the need for separate power connections. The Type-C variant provides 96 GBit/s and up to 240 watts of power, while the Type-B variant doubles the bandwidth and power, delivering 192 GBit/s and 480 watts. Additionally, GPMI incorporates Cableinfo Link (CL) for device control and an alternative to HDCP known as ADCP, enhancing both functionality and security.
Despite its technical superiority, GPMI faces challenges in market adoption. HDMI benefits from a long-established ecosystem and global presence, particularly in the United States where HDMI LA is based. GPMI’s initial focus appears to be the Chinese market, supported primarily by Chinese manufacturers. The transition from a well-entrenched standard to a new contender will require significant industry collaboration and consumer acceptance, factors that will determine whether GPMI can attain HDMI’s widespread dominance.
The introduction of GPMI marks a pivotal moment in home entertainment technology, driven by the need for higher performance and greater independence from existing standards. As Chinese manufacturers seek to navigate the complexities of international trade dynamics, GPMI offers a promising alternative that could reshape the future of home theater connections. The industry now awaits the deployment of devices featuring GPMI, anticipating its impact on the global market in the coming months.