Imagine a world where one cable can handle everything – data, power, and control. China just introduced a new standard that could make this a reality. It’s called GPMI, or General Purpose Media Interface.
GPMI was developed by the Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance, a group of over 50 Chinese companies. It’s meant to be a better alternative to the traditional HDMI and DisplayPort. With GPMI, you get more speed, more power, and less clutter.
What makes GPMI special?
There are two versions of GPMI: Type-B and Type-C. Type-B has its own special connector, while Type-C uses the popular USB-C connector. The Type-C version can handle up to 96 Gbps of data and deliver 240W of power. That’s more than twice what you get with USB4 and Thunderbolt 4.
The Type-B version is even more impressive, with up to 192 Gbps of data and 480W of power. That’s way more than any current standard.
Here’s how GPMI compares to other standards:
- GPMI Type-B: 192 Gbps, 480W
- GPMI Type-C: 96 Gbps, 240W
- HDMI 2.1 (FRL): 48 Gbps, no power
- DisplayPort 2.1: 80 Gbps, no power
- Thunderbolt 4: 40 Gbps, 100W
- USB4: 40 Gbps, 240W
GPMI also supports universal control, similar to HDMI-CEC. This means you can use one remote to control all your devices, making for a cleaner and more practical setup.
If GPMI becomes widely adopted, it could change the game for home and professional setups. It could offer a single solution for image, data, and power – making things simpler and more efficient.
