由 Zhao Zheng Let’s begin with the conclusion: GPMI should be compared to USB rather than HDMI, as they pertain to distinct technical domains.
GPMI is spearheaded by the Shenzhen 8K Ultra HD Video Industry Collaboration Alliance, alongside prominent display equipment manufacturers such as Huawei, Skyworth, and Hisense. It is positioned as the “next-generation audio and video interface standard,” with a strong emphasis on “independent research and development to break monopolies.” This backdrop explains why HDMI is frequently referenced in its promotional narrative. However, a closer look at its technical specifications reveals a stronger alignment with USB.
GPMI Core Specifications
GPMI’s technical prowess is encapsulated in four key areas:
- Bandwidth and Power Supply
- Type-B Interface: Offers a maximum bandwidth of 192 Gbps and a power supply capacity of 480 W, enabling 8K/120Hz lossless video transmission and powering high-performance devices.
- Type-C Interface: Delivers a bandwidth of 96 Gbps and a power supply of 240 W, fully compatible with the USB ecosystem, making it ideal for consumer electronics and portable devices.
- Functional Integration
- Four-in-One Design: Combines audio and video transmission, data interaction, control signal transmission, and power delivery into a single cable, replacing traditional multi-cable setups.
- Bidirectional Multi-Stream Transmission: Supports symmetric or asymmetric video and data stream transfers, facilitating real-time computing power sharing between devices (e.g., a smartphone leveraging a large screen’s GPU for rendering).
- Security and Compatibility
- Full-Chain Security: Employs the ADCP end-to-end content protection protocol to safeguard data transmission.
- Ecosystem Compatibility: The Type-C interface has earned USB Association SVID certification, ensuring seamless integration with existing Type-C devices and supporting adapter-based expansion.
- Network and Control
- 128-Node Mesh Networking: Enables multi-device collaboration (e.g., unified smart home control) with latency reduced to milliseconds.
- Bidirectional Control Protocol: Facilitates cross-device interoperability, such as a remote control managing mobile applications in reverse.
Comparison of GPMI with USB and HDMI
- Versus USB 4 Gen 4: GPMI outshines USB 4 Gen 4 in bandwidth and power delivery. Its Type-C interface aligns with the USB ecosystem and carries USB Association SVID certification, positioning it as a viable alternative to USB 4 Gen 4. Meanwhile, the larger Type-B interface, akin to HDMI or DisplayPort (DP), boasts more comprehensive functionality.
- Versus HDMI: Both HDMI 2.2 and GPMI Type-C share a 96 Gbps bandwidth, yet their purposes diverge. HDMI is tailored for display functions, whereas GPMI integrates multiple capabilities. Given their differing technical foundations and use cases, a direct comparison is not entirely fitting.
Industrialization Background and Prospects
The rollout of GPMI carries significant policy and industrial weight. The China Electronics Standardization Institute has established group standards for it, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recognizes it as a core high-speed interface technology, and the State Administration of Radio and Television is advancing its adoption through the “Ultra HD Audiovisual Pioneer Action Plan.” On the industrial front, Shanghai is bolstering chip R&D, Shenzhen offers a 200-yuan subsidy per GPMI-equipped TV, and companies like Huawei HiSilicon and Shanghai HiSilicon have introduced supporting chip solutions. Brands such as Haier and Skyworth have also launched GPMI-compatible smart TVs.
GPMI aspires to serve as a unified interface for terminal devices, driving domestic substitution. In consumer electronics, it streamlines device connectivity and accelerates the adoption of “screen-computing separation” modular TVs. In automotive and industrial applications, it powers entertainment systems, 8K splicing screens, and smart manufacturing. In AIoT and pan-entertainment realms, its bidirectional control enhances cross-device ecosystem integration.
Positioning and Value
From both functional and application standpoints, GPMI emerges as a closer substitute for USB 4 Gen 4 than a mere audio-video interface. Leveraging China’s “ultra HD” policy, it assumes USB’s multifunctional mantle while being touted as a breakthrough against HDMI’s dominance. Research institutions forecast that within three years, GPMI will progressively supplant HDMI and DP, penetrating high-end TVs, automotive displays, and industrial terminals, and generating an output value exceeding 100 billion yuan.
For end users, GPMI simplifies multi-device collaboration via a single cable, cutting installation complexity and costs. Strategically, it positions China to lead international standards, reduce patent expenses, and establish a technical foundation for AIoT and smart automotive industries.