Podcast #1197: Is GPMI the beginning of the end of HDMI?

On this week’s show we look at a technology that could end HDMI. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news.

News:

• Sony steps away from 8K TVs – for now
• Survey: Share of Homes With TV Antennas Falls to 19%
• DIRECTV unites streaming options under one name and price structure
• Peacock highlights cool features for mobile users

Other:

• AUBESS Tuya WiFi 16A Mini Smart Switch

Is GPMI the beginning of the end of HDMI? 

Over 50 Chinese companies including Hisense and TCL have joined forces to back an HDMI alternative called GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface). This new wired communication standard is designed to integrate multiple functionalities into a single cable, aiming to rival HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt. The following are some key features:

• High Bandwidth for Data Transmission - GPMI Type-B: Supports up to 192 Gbps bandwidth, significantly surpassing HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps), HDMI 2.2 (96 Gbps), DisplayPort 2.1 (80 Gbps), and Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps). GPMI Type-C: Offers up to 96 Gbps, compatible with USB-C ports, doubling the 40 Gbps limit of USB4 with Extended Power Range (EPR) under USB PD 3.1.
• Enables ultra-high-definition video - including 8K at 120Hz or higher, suitable for next-generation displays, gaming, and professional applications.
• Power Delivery GPMI Type-B: Delivers up to 480W of power, far exceeding Thunderbolt 4 (100W) and USB4 (240W with EPR). GPMI Type-C: Provides up to 240W, matching USB4 EPR capabilities. This eliminates the need for separate power cables -  simplifying setups for devices like TVs, monitors, and gaming laptops.
• All-in-One Cable Solution - Combines video, audio, data transfer, network connectivity, and power delivery into a single cable, reducing cable clutter.
• Supports bidirectional data transfer - allowing devices to send and receive data simultaneously.
• Compatibility and Connectivity - GPMI Type-C: Licensed by the USB Implementers Forum ensuring compatibility with existing USB-C ecosystems for smartphones, PCs, and TVs. GPMI Type-B: Uses a proprietary connector, which may face adoption challenges unless widely licensed.
• Backward-compatible with USB-C and DisplayPort standards - easing transitions without requiring immediate hardware replacements.
• Universal Control and Device Management - Supports a universal control standard similar to HDMI-CEC, allowing a single remote to control multiple GPMI-connected devices 
• Security Features - Integrates the ADCP (Advanced Digital Content Protection) protocol for secure content transmission.
• Supports daisy-chaining -  similar to DisplayPort, for connecting multiple devices in series.

Limitations and Notes

While GPMI supports 8K video, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 can handle higher resolutions (10K and 16K, respectively), though without power delivery.

Adoption is currently limited to Chinese companies (e.g., Huawei, Hisense, TCL), and global traction depends on integration into mainstream devices and compatibility with non-Chinese brands like Sony, Intel, or NVIDIA.

The proprietary Type-B connector may face adoption hurdles compared to the USB-C-based Type-C variant.

Commercialization is planned for Q1 2025, with consumer products expected by early 2026.

GPMI's combination of high bandwidth, power delivery, and multifunctionality positions it as a potential game-changer, particularly for 8K content and simplified connectivity, though its success hinges on widespread adoption and global market acceptance.