GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface) Explained – A New Alternative to HDMI and DisplayPort

A new contender in the world of cables has arrived: GPMI, or General Purpose Media Interface. This emerging standard, driven by a consortium of Chinese tech companies, promises to do what HDMI and DisplayPort do – and then some. GPMI isn’t just another video cable; it’s designed to carry ultra-high-definition video, high-fidelity audio, data, and even power all through a single connection. For consumers, this could mean simpler home theater and gaming setups with fewer cords. For the tech industry, GPMI represents a bold bid to leapfrog existing standards and reduce reliance on Western-controlled technologies.

Esmond Service Centre’s Perspective: As IT experts, we at Esmond Service Centre know how crucial connectivity standards are to your devices. Our team has decades of experience keeping up with cable innovations, and GPMI has caught our attention. In this article, we’ll break down what GPMI is, how it compares to HDMI and DisplayPort, and why it matters for the future of your TVs, gaming rigs, and gadgets.

GPMI defined: The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI) is a new wired communication standard developed by the Shenzhen 8K Video Industry Cooperation Alliance – a group of over 50 Chinese companies including Huawei, Hisense, TCL, and more. It was created to support next-generation multimedia needs like 8K resolution and high refresh rates while simplifying connectivity by combining multiple functions into one cable. In essence, GPMI can transmit video, audio, data, and power simultaneously over a single link, something neither HDMI nor traditional DisplayPort cables can do on their own.

Two connector types: GPMI actually comes in two flavors. GPMI Type-C uses the familiar USB-C connector and supports up to 96 Gbps of data bandwidth with 240 watts of power delivery. This variant has even been approved by the USB Association for compatibility within the USB-C ecosystem, meaning it could plug into devices like future laptops, phones, or monitors that have USB-C ports. GPMI Type-B, on the other hand, is a new proprietary connector (physically resembling a flatter HDMI port) intended for larger devices like 8K TVs, monitors, and desktop PCs. Type-B doubles the capacity – offering up to 192 Gbps bandwidth and a whopping 480 watts of power delivery. For context, HDMI 2.1 tops out at 48 Gbps and carries virtually no power, and even the latest DisplayPort 2.1 maxes around 80 Gbps with no power delivery. Clearly, GPMI is engineered with much more headroom for data.

Under the hood: GPMI’s signal architecture is built for flexibility. It features a primary high-speed link that can be split into multiple channels (for example, a 6+2 or 1+7 configuration) to accommodate different use cases. This means the cable can allocate some lanes for massive video bandwidth and others for return data or secondary streams as needed. The interface is fully bidirectional – unlike HDMI which primarily sends data one way (source to display), GPMI can handle data in both directions seamlessly. It even includes auxiliary channels for device control and management, akin to how HDMI’s CEC or DisplayPort’s AUX channel works. In fact, GPMI implements its own version of a control link (dubbed CableInfo Link) that lets multiple devices connected via GPMI be controlled by a single remote, much like HDMI-CEC. Additionally, GPMI introduces a new content protection system called ADCP as an alternative to HDCP, aiming to secure high-quality content streams on this new platform. All these technical features make GPMI a sort of “all-in-one” connector – truly a general-purpose interface for media.

Use cases in mind: GPMI was envisioned to reduce the cable clutter in scenarios that demand both high data rates and power. Think of powering a smart 8K display and sending it 8K video using one cord, or plugging a device like a streaming box into your TV with a single cable that carries ultra-HD content and powers the device. These are exactly the kinds of uses GPMI targets, whereas with current tech you’d need an HDMI/DisplayPort cable plus a separate power adapter. In short, GPMI combines the roles of HDMI/DP (video+audio) and a power cord into one, which is a significant design departure from existing interfaces.

GPMI interface power delivery diagram: The larger Type-B connector (left) supports up to 480 W, and the Type-C version (right) supports up to 240 W. In comparison, HDMI and DisplayPort cables carry no meaningful power. This means a single GPMI cable could replace both the video cable and the power cord for many devices.

GPMI brings several key advantages to the table that could make life easier for tech consumers and give the industry something to think about:

• Massive Bandwidth for High Res/High Refresh: GPMI offers up to 192 Gbps of data throughput on Type-B (96 Gbps on Type-C), blowing past HDMI 2.1’s 48 Gbps and even exceeding DisplayPort 2.1’s 80 Gbps limit. In practical terms, this extra bandwidth could support 8K video at very high frame rates (120 Hz or even 240 Hz), multiple 4K streams at once, or other data-heavy scenarios. It’s essentially future-proofing for the next generation of displays and VR/AR devices that may demand more than current cables can handle. For example, the upcoming HDMI 2.2 standard doubles HDMI’s bandwidth to 96 Gbps, but GPMI Type-B still doubles that number and does so while also carrying power.
  
  

• Power Delivery (One-Cable for Power + Data): Unlike HDMI or standard DisplayPort, GPMI can supply substantial power over the same cable. Type-C GPMI carries up to 240 W and Type-B up to 480 W of power. This is a game-changer for reducing cables. A single GPMI could both drive a display and power the device it’s connected to. By comparison, traditional HDMI/DP cables provide essentially zero power to devices (they only carry a tiny 5V line for signaling). Even USB-C DisplayPort alt-mode or Thunderbolt cables typically max out at 100–240 W with much lower data rates. GPMI marries high wattage power delivery with high bandwidth in one cord, meaning devices like monitors, TVs, laptops, streaming boxes, and VR headsets could potentially run off one cable without separate power bricks. No more juggling HDMI plus a power adapter – GPMI does both.
  
  

• Bidirectional Communication & Multi-Functionality: GPMI is designed as a two-way street. It can carry video/audio from source to display, while also carrying data back from display to source (for touchscreens, USB peripherals, etc.) or between any connected devices on the chain. This enables multi-stream and multi-device scenarios that HDMI struggles with. For instance, a GPMI connection might carry two independent video streams at once (useful for picture-in-picture or driving two screens from one output) and at the same time handle device control signals. HDMI and DisplayPort do allow some control signaling (CEC for HDMI, and a small AUX channel in DP) but GPMI expands on this with a dedicated CableInfo Link for unified device control and even a built-in USB 2.0 data channel for general device communication. Essentially, GPMI consolidates what used to require separate cables (video cable, USB data cable, power cable, etc.) into one. This one-cable-to-do-it-all approach can lower latency and complexity because there’s no need for multiple connections and converters in between.
  
  

• Simplified Setups & Less Clutter: By combining high-definition media and power in a single line, GPMI can significantly declutter home entertainment centers, gaming desks, and conference rooms. Fewer cables mean cleaner installation and fewer points of failure. Imagine connecting a gaming laptop to a monitor with just one cord that delivers a 4K120 video signal and charges the laptop – GPMI makes that possible, whereas today you’d need a power adapter plus a display cable. The same goes for hooking up a streaming device or Blu-ray player to your TV; one GPMI cable could transmit the audio/video and also power the device, reducing the tangle of wires behind your screen. This simplicity is a big win for consumers who aren’t tech experts, as it makes setting up new devices more plug-and-play.
  
  

• Higher Performance for VR and Gaming: Because of its high bandwidth and low latency digital design, GPMI could be a boon for gamers and VR enthusiasts. It has bandwidth headroom for high refresh rate gaming at 4K or 8K, and the ability to carry data back from peripherals (like a VR headset’s position tracking or a gaming monitor’s USB hub) without extra cables. Additionally, the power delivery means even high-performance gaming laptops or VR gear could potentially run through one cable. In fact, GPMI Type-B’s 480 W is “more than enough for many gaming laptops with a high-end discrete graphics” according to Tom’s Hardware. This could simplify gaming setups where currently you might have a thick power cable and a separate video cable running to your laptop or VR headset. GPMI would streamline that into a single tether, which is especially welcome in VR where cable management is a hassle.
  
  

• Cost and Licensing Benefits: Another advantage – though more for manufacturers than end-users – is freedom from HDMI licensing fees. The HDMI standard is proprietary and requires device makers to pay annual fees and per-unit royalties to use HDMI ports. These costs can add up (tens of thousands of dollars per year plus ~$0.15 per device in volume) and may indirectly raise prices for consumers. GPMI, by contrast, is being developed as a domestic standard in China to sidestep these fees and control the technology in-house. By breaking away from HDMI and DisplayPort licensing, companies can potentially save money and have more control over the feature set. If GPMI remains open or low-cost in licensing for adopters, it could encourage broader adoption and innovation. At the very least, this competition might pressure organizations like the HDMI Forum to reconsider their fee structures or accelerate their own technical improvements. In summary, GPMI’s existence could benefit consumers either by providing a compelling alternative or by spurring the established standards to improve.

While GPMI sounds great on paper, there are several challenges and uncertainties that could affect its adoption:

• Compatibility and Ecosystem Lock-in: The biggest hurdle is that HDMI and DisplayPort are everywhere – from TVs and monitors to game consoles and PCs. A brand-new port standard like GPMI (especially Type-B with its unique connector) won’t work with any of your existing devices without adapters or new hardware. Early GPMI adopters might face a connectivity gap: for example, if you buy a GPMI-equipped TV, how do you plug in your PlayStation or cable box that outputs HDMI? This chicken-and-egg issue means GPMI will likely roll out gradually and possibly in niche markets first. GPMI Type-C has an easier path since it fits in USB-C ports, but it still requires both the source and display to support the GPMI protocol. Until GPMI gains wide support, consumers and manufacturers could be reluctant to include a port that few other devices can use.
  
  

• Global Standardization vs. Regional Adoption: GPMI is being driven primarily by Chinese companies and is seen in part as a way to reduce dependence on Western standards. As a result, its adoption might be strong in the Chinese domestic market but limited elsewhere initially. There’s a risk it could become a region-specific solution if international bodies (like VESA for display standards, or the USB-IF) don’t also embrace it. The USB Implementers Forum has at least allocated an official identifier for GPMI’s USB-C alternate mode, indicating some level of coordination. But outside of China, companies may be hesitant to add GPMI ports unless there’s clear global demand. It’s possible we’ll see GPMI in exported products from Chinese brands (like TCL or Huawei TVs) reaching other markets, but getting companies like Samsung, LG, Sony, or Apple on board would be a major challenge due to the not-invented-here syndrome and existing investments in HDMI/Thunderbolt/USB4. In short, GPMI could face an uphill battle to become a truly universal standard.
  
  

• New Connector = New Cables: GPMI Type-B uses a proprietary connector, meaning consumers would need all-new cables. Given the high bandwidth and power, these cables might be expensive (possibly active cables with signal boosters or high-quality materials to carry 192 Gbps reliably). There’s also the question of cable length and signal integrity – pushing 192 Gbps is no small feat, and doing it while carrying high voltage for power might require heavier cables or shorter runs. Early adopters might encounter limitations like needing certified cables for anything beyond a meter or two, similar to how early HDMI 2.1 cables were costly and sometimes unreliable if not made to spec. Until the cable manufacturing catches up, there could be concerns about cost, durability, and performance of GPMI cables, especially Type-B ones that deliver 480W (which could generate heat if not engineered properly).
  
  

• Content Protection and Industry Support: HDMI’s dominance is partly due to features like HDCP (content protection) that content creators (Hollywood, etc.) insist on for 4K Blu-rays, streaming devices, etc. GPMI has its own ADCP protection scheme, but it’s new and unproven in the global content industry. Studios and streaming services would need to trust it (or at least not oppose it) for GPMI to be used with protected content. If GPMI devices can’t easily negotiate the same level of content protection, it could face resistance for things like Blu-ray players or streaming sticks. However, given that major TV and device makers in China are behind it, they will likely ensure it meets those requirements for their domestic content providers. The question is whether international content providers and device ecosystems (like Netflix, Dolby, etc.) will certify or support GPMI without lengthy evaluations.
  
  

• Incumbent Technology Response: It’s worth noting that existing standards are not sitting still. DisplayPort 2.1 is already here with 80 Gbps, HDMI 2.1 is common on new devices, and an HDMI 2.2 with 96 Gbps was announced in early 2025. Meanwhile, USB4 Version 2 and Thunderbolt 5 are emerging, offering up to 120 Gbps (in one direction) and 240W over USB-C cables. In other words, some of GPMI’s advantages in speed and power may be challenged by evolutions of existing tech, at least in the PC realm (Thunderbolt/USB). HDMI itself might never carry power, but Wireless video or improved eARC could tackle some use cases. If consumers see incremental improvements in what they already use (e.g. an HDMI 2.2 cable that handles their 8K TV just fine), they may not feel the need to jump to a completely new standard. GPMI will have to prove it’s not only technically superior but also worth the transition cost.
  
  

• Adoption Timeline Uncertainty: As of mid-2025, GPMI is finalized on paper but not yet shipping in consumer products. The rollout will be phased. According to industry reports, the first devices likely to get GPMI are smart TVs and multi-screen entertainment setups in China, possibly by the end of 2025. Later phases may target automotive applications (for in-car displays/cameras) and industrial uses. This staged approach means it could be a couple of years before average consumers anywhere see GPMI on store shelves in devices like laptops or GPUs. Early adopters might be concerned about investing in GPMI gear if the rest of their devices can’t take advantage of it. Conversely, if the alliance behind GPMI moves quickly and demonstrates clear benefits (and maybe offers adapters for HDMI/USB devices), adoption could accelerate. For now, it’s a promising technology to watch, but it’s not an immediate replacement for the HDMI ports on your current devices.

How might GPMI change your daily tech experience if it takes off? Here are some real-world scenarios that highlight its potential:

• Single-Cable Home Entertainment: Imagine setting up your living room with a new GPMI-enabled smart TV. You could connect a streaming device (like an Apple TV or Roku) to the TV using one GPMI cable – that cable would deliver 4K/8K video to the TV while simultaneously powering the streaming device, eliminating its power cord. Likewise, a future soundbar could connect to the TV via GPMI, receiving audio from the TV and power through the same cable. This would simplify wall-mount TV installations or clean up your media console dramatically, as the rat’s nest of HDMI cords and power adapters would be consolidated. Universal remote control is also built-in via the CableInfo Link, so your TV’s remote could control the soundbar and other GPMI devices easily.
  
  

• One-Cable Gaming Setups: Gamers stand to benefit from GPMI’s “all-in-one” design. For instance, a GPMI-equipped gaming monitor could act as a docking hub for your gaming laptop or small form-factor PC. You’d plug a single GPMI Type-B cable from the monitor to the laptop – the monitor would get a high-bandwidth video signal (supporting high frame rates for competitive gaming) and at the same time the laptop would be charging through that cable up to 240 W or more. This setup is perfect for LAN parties or college dorms where ease of connecting and disconnecting matters. It’s similar to what some USB-C/Thunderbolt monitors offer now, but with the ability to handle much more powerful systems (think a 120 Hz 4K portable gaming rig running off one cable). As Tom’s Hardware noted, GPMI’s 480 W power is still not enough to run a desktop-class RTX 5090 GPU system solely from the monitor’s cable, but it’s plenty for most gaming laptops and mid-range desktops. The result is a cleaner desk and less hassle plugging in multiple cables every time you set up your gear.
  
  

• Virtual Reality and AR: High-end VR headsets today often require a tether to a PC or console, plus sometimes an external power source or battery pack for the headset. With GPMI, a next-gen VR headset could potentially use one lightweight cable for everything – getting both the video feed (which for VR could be dual 4K+ streams at high refresh rates, something GPMI can handle) and power for the headset’s electronics. This could make tethered VR less cumbersome and improve reliability (no more halfway-through-game battery deaths or fiddling with multiple connectors). Similarly, for AR glasses or mixed reality setups, a single GPMI connection to a phone or PC could drive the displays and sensors while powering the device, enabling longer and more comfortable use without bulky battery modules.
  
  

• Multi-Display and Professional Use: GPMI could shine in professional AV installations or multi-screen setups. Because it supports multi-stream transport, a single output could feed multiple daisy-chained GPMI monitors or an array of panels (for digital signage or video walls) with both data and power. For example, an art installation with several 8K panels could conceivably be wired in series with GPMI, simplifying what is currently a very complex cabling job. In broadcast or staging environments, fewer cables mean faster setup and tear-down. Also, GPMI’s high bandwidth could handle uncompressed or lightly compressed video feeds for those who need top quality signals (where HDMI might require compression for 8K). Its two-way data capability might allow, say, a camera and a monitor to be connected such that the camera sends high-res video to the monitor and the monitor’s controls (or touch input) send signals back to the camera, all on one cable – useful in film production or live events.
  
  

• Consumer Gadgets and Smart Home: Beyond TVs and PCs, consider other devices. A smart home hub or all-in-one desktop could use GPMI to connect to a display across the room with no separate power plug. Automotive applications are also on the horizon – a car’s infotainment system could potentially use GPMI to link the central computing unit with various displays (dashboard, rear-seat screens) and cameras, powering them and transferring data concurrently with automotive-grade reliability. If GPMI moves into the mobile arena, a future phone or tablet with a GPMI Type-C port might output to a monitor or TV and also draw power from it, enabling phone-as-desktop scenarios with one cable (an evolution of today’s docking stations).
  
  

It’s important to note that these use cases depend on industry uptake. The early adopters will likely be Chinese electronics brands who have been part of GPMI’s development. Companies like Huawei, TCL, Hisense, and others have indicated plans to integrate GPMI into upcoming TVs, monitors, and smart devices. If those products perform well and demonstrate clear benefits, we may see a ripple effect where other manufacturers feel pressure to offer GPMI ports or risk being left behind in the features race. For consumers, the impact could be very positive – more choice in how you connect devices, fewer cables to buy, and innovative new device form factors that were impractical before (because they would have required too many wires). On the flip side, if adoption stalls, GPMI might remain a niche or regional feature that most people never encounter. At the very least, its introduction is already pushing the conversation about what the next universal interface should look like.

GPMI clearly has the potential to redefine how we connect our electronics. With unprecedented bandwidth and the ability to carry serious power, it’s a leap forward in capability – essentially promising one cable to rule them all. The big question is whether GPMI will truly replace HDMI and DisplayPort, or simply coexist as a specialty option for high-end and Chinese-market devices. There are a few factors to consider.

On one hand, GPMI addresses many pain points of current cables: it aims to eliminate extra power cords, support higher video quality for future displays, and simplify user setups. For a tech consumer dreaming of a cleaner entertainment center or a single-wire workstation, GPMI is a welcome innovation. It’s also born from real industry needs – the explosion of 4K/8K content and the push for convenience – which means it’s solving problems that HDMI/DP haven’t fully solved. This gives GPMI a strong value proposition. We’ve seen in the past that when a new standard truly offers big benefits (think USB replacing serial/parallel ports, or HDMI replacing composite cables), it can overcome legacy incumbency in time.

On the other hand, HDMI and DisplayPort have deeply entrenched ecosystems and global support. They’re managed by consortiums that will fight to protect their turf. It’s likely we’ll see HDMI and DP evolve in response – indeed, HDMI 2.2’s 96 Gbps bandwidth announcement shows they’re not standing still. If those standards add similar features (for example, some future HDMI 3.0 that carries power, or wider adoption of USB4/Thunderbolt in displays), consumers might stick with what they know. Furthermore, GPMI could face resistance outside its home turf due to politics and business rivalries. A non-trivial part of its mission is to give Chinese manufacturers independence from Western tech roadmaps, which is great for them but might make other companies wary.

Our take at Esmond Service Centre is that GPMI is an exciting development to watch, but it won’t overthrow HDMI/DP overnight. The likely scenario in the near term (next 2-3 years) is a period of coexistence. High-end TVs or monitors might come with a GPMI port alongside the usual HDMI, giving early adopters a chance to try it out without losing compatibility. If GPMI delivers real-world benefits – say, noticeably easier setup or capabilities no other cable offers – then momentum could build. We might then see a broader shift where GPMI (or some derivative of it) gets standardized internationally and starts appearing on mainstream devices. If not, HDMI and DisplayPort will continue to dominate and GPMI could remain a region-specific or specialized solution.

Will GPMI replace HDMI and DisplayPort in the long run? It’s possible, especially as we approach technological limits where combining functions into one interface makes sense. Even if it doesn’t outright replace them, GPMI is a trend-setter. It has already demonstrated what the future of connectivity could look like – one robust cable for everything. That vision will likely influence all players. At the very least, consumers can hope for more innovation and maybe even a bit of price competition in the cable arena. We’re curious: would you embrace a GPMI-only future if it meant a cleaner, more efficient setup? The coming years will provide the answer, as products hit the market and users get to vote with their wallets.

Technology moves fast, and standards like GPMI show that big changes are on the horizon. To stay ahead, it helps to keep informed and be flexible. Follow our FaceBook page, Linkedin profile or Instagram account for more expert insights and practical tips on cutting-edge technology.