GPMI: Tired of TV's "Cyber Spiderweb"?

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When it comes to multimedia interfaces, the most familiar ones are undoubtedly the traditional HDMI and DisplayPort.

These two interfaces, introduced in 2002 and 2006 respectively, are bulky, don’t support reversible plugging, and offer a less-than-ideal user experience. When buying devices, we often have to scrutinize the fine print—deciphering version numbers and letters—to figure out their actual specs.

Compared to outdated VGA and DVI, HDMI and DP—capable of carrying both audio and video signals—were a major leap forward.

But as we approach 2025, driven by demands for 4K and even 8K resolution, high refresh rates, and seamless multi-device connectivity, a new generation of display interfaces is emerging to eliminate the "cyber spiderweb" behind our TVs.

One Cable to Rule Them All: GPMI
Cutting-Edge Tech Goes Mainstream


Last year’s *Ultra HD Audio-Visual Pioneer Action Plan (2024-2026)* revealed that major broadcasters, including CCTV and regional satellite channels, will adopt 4K ultra-HD live streaming. With users craving higher picture quality, cross-screen connectivity, and smarter interactivity, ultra-HD audio-visual isn’t just a buzzword anymore.

Enter GPMI (General Purpose Multimedia Interface), the new standard tasked with bringing 4K and 8K content into every home.

A single cable handles audio/video transmission, data transfer, device control, and power delivery. Haier has already launched the first GPMI-compatible smart TV, and more TVs, set-top boxes, and adapters from other brands are on the way.

Big Screen, Small Screen, All Connected
The Future of Smart Home Entertainment

GPMI’s specs are nothing short of staggering:


The GPMI Type-C port, compatible with USB Type-C, supports up to 96Gbps data transfer and 240W power delivery.

For context, the current "full-fat" HDMI 2.1 FRL standard maxes out at 48Gbps—enough for 4K 120Hz or 8K 60Hz video. GPMI Type-C doubles that bandwidth.

The larger GPMI Type-B port also supports reversible plugging, delivering up to 192Gbps data bandwidth and 480W power.

In short, it effortlessly handles uncompressed 8K 120fps streams with HDR, 3D audio, and other enhancements.

Because GPMI combines audio/video, data, and power in one cable, modular "compute-separate" TVs are back on the table.

Mix and match TV "brains" and displays as needed—just connect a single GPMI cable. The result? Cleaner wall mounts and simpler peripheral connections.

Past attempts at this failed, but GPMI’s open standard could finally make it work, fostering a healthy ecosystem.

From Watching to Using

In the smart era, home entertainment and connected living are merging. Modern smart TVs have outgrown their old definitions, and GPMI pushes this further.

GPMI’s killer feature? Bidirectional multi-stream and control.

Traditional HDMI and DP are one-way streets. GPMI is a two-way highway—devices negotiate bandwidth dynamically, enabling mixed bidirectional streams for video, data, and more.

Control signals also go both ways. A set-top box can control the TV, the TV can control the box, or one remote can manage every TV in the house.

Wired phone-to-TV casting with ultra-low latency and no power worries? Just the start.

Pair GPMI with SparkLink, and peripherals like SparkLink remotes or gamepads can "reverse-control" phone content on the TV.

Future versions will support mesh networking for up to 128 devices.

Imagine TVs, monitors, projectors, phones, tablets, PCs, and VR heads all linked via GPMI—content flows freely, watch or play anywhere.

Easy Multi-Screen Setup

GPMI simplifies large video walls.

Bidirectional multi-stream and daisy-chaining replace tangled signal and network cables with a single GPMI cable.

Trade show booths, concert screens, and event displays get faster setup and fewer wires.

If one module fails, the rest keep working.

Dream bigger: home theaters with massive modular screens are now possible.

No Compatibility Fears

GPMI Type-C works with USB Type-C and earned USB-IF’s SVID approval last year.

Older devices can use GPMI adapters, and new GPMI gear won’t leave you stranded.

Other perks include fast wake-up and end-to-end security (ADCP).

Beyond TVs: The "Universal Interface"

Unlike HDMI or DP, GPMI isn’t just for displays—it’s a "universal interface" for any low-latency, high-bandwidth need.

With 192Gbps and 480W, GPMI could unify car infotainment, smart manufacturing, logistics, and green energy systems.

Over 50 industry leaders—Hisense, Skyworth, TCL, Huawei, Haier, UWA, and more—have joined the GPMI Alliance.

As adoption grows, GPMI will expand from homes to cars and factories, powering industry-wide upgrades.

The Future is Ultra HD

It took 15 years to go from VGA to HDMI. Now, 23 years after HDMI’s debut, GPMI aims to unify interfaces like USB did—reshaping entertainment and industry.

Here’s to plug-and-play clarity, smarter interactions, and a tangle-free future.
 
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