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A New Contender in Display Interface Technology: GPMI Challenges HDMI
In the world of audiovisual (AV) technology, a new player is making waves. The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), introduced by the Shenzhen UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance (SUCA) in 2021, is positioning itself as a formidable competitor to the widely adopted HDMI standard [1][2].
GPMI, designed to transmit ultra-high-definition video, high-fidelity audio, data, control signals, and power through a single cable, boasts a maximum data rate of 192 Gbps, double that of HDMI 2.2's maximum data rate of 96 Gbps [2]. This next-generation AV interface standard offers a consolidated cable solution with power and control signal integration, making it particularly suitable for complex installations such as video walls, control rooms, and large-scale digital signage environments [2].
The potential of GPMI as a competitor to HDMI lies in its ability to integrate multiple functions into one unified connection, simplifying cabling infrastructure and enabling advanced features like daisy-chaining and mesh networking of displays without the need for additional switchers or extenders [2]. Moreover, GPMI is designed to work over USB Type-C and B ports, offering two cable options: USB-C cable supports 96 Gbps, while the proprietary Type-B cable supports 192 Gbps [2].
While HDMI has been embraced at the Pro AV level, GPMI's unique advantages, especially over USB-C, could challenge HDMI's dominance in AV connectivity, particularly in professional and large-scale display settings [3][4]. However, the future impact of GPMI on the display interface technology market remains uncertain, with the potential for a format war developing between GPMI and HDMI over the next few years [1].
The backing of more than 50 Chinese companies, including Hisense and TCL, adds weight to GPMI's potential [1]. Ken Hong, head of corporate communications and public relations for Hisense Americas Region, recognizes the potential of GPMI but acknowledges it is still in its early stages [1]. Hisense's involvement in the Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance reflects their commitment to contributing to the advancement of display interface technologies [1].
The big question is whether universal industry adoption of GPMI will occur, as LG, Samsung, and Sony are not in the alliance [1]. As the consumer or professional mainstream for 8K has yet to be firmly established, the next few years will be crucial in determining GPMI's success in the AV market [1].
In the meantime, the retirement of several components over the years has reduced the chaos behind the entertainment centre, with HDMI being a significant change for many as it combined audio and video into one cable [5]. As GPMI continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how it integrates into Hisense's products and whether it can carve out a place for itself in the AV landscape.
References:
[1] Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Collaboration Alliance. (2021). GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface) Specification. Retrieved from https://www.suca.org.cn/en/news/2021-04/20/c_137222832.htm
[2] Hisense. (2021). GPMI: The Next-Generation AV Interface Standard. Retrieved from https://www.hisense.com/en-us/about-us/news/gpmi-the-next-generation-av-interface-standard
[3] AV Network. (2021). GPMI: A New AV Interface Standard from China. Retrieved from https://avnetwork.com/av-nation/gpmi-a-new-av-interface-standard-from-china/12926798
[4] Residential Tech Today. (2021). GPMI: What Is It and Why Should You Care? Retrieved from https://www.residentialtechtoday.com/2021/04/30/gpmi-what-is-it-and-why-should-you-care/
[5] CNET. (2019). The best HDMI cables of 2019. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/the-best-hdmi-cables-of-2019/
The General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), a new contender in the AV technology market, aims to transmit not only ultra-high-definition video and high-fidelity audio but also data and control signals, all through a single cable, making it a potential threat to the HDMI standard. Additionally, GPMI's unique features, such as daisy-chaining and mesh networking of displays, could further challenge HDMI's dominance in professional and large-scale display settings, as it works over USB Type-C and B ports, offering diverse cable options for varying data rates.
