Beijing, China – July 9, 2025 – A new connectivity standard, the General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), is emerging from China as a potential game-changer in the world of consumer electronics. Developed by the Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Collaboration Alliance (SUCA) and backed by over 50 major tech firms, including Huawei, Hisense, TCL, and Skyworth, GPMI aims to consolidate video, audio, data, power, and networking into a single, high-performance cable. With superior bandwidth and power delivery capabilities, GPMI is positioning itself as a formidable rival to established standards like HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, and Thunderbolt, potentially reshaping how devices connect globally.
A Unified Connectivity Solution
Introduced in April 2025, GPMI is designed to address the limitations of current connectivity standards, which often require multiple cables for different functions. Unlike HDMI, which is primarily limited to audio and video, or USB-C, which struggles with high-bandwidth video applications, GPMI offers an all-in-one solution. It supports:
- High-resolution video: Up to 8K at 120Hz, with a maximum bandwidth of 192 Gbps using its proprietary Type-B connector or 96 Gbps with a USB-C compatible Type-C connector.
- Power delivery: Up to 480W for Type-B and 240W for Type-C, far surpassing HDMI’s lack of power delivery and USB-C’s typical 100-240W range.
- Data and networking: Bidirectional data transfer and native network connectivity, reducing the need for separate Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections.
- Control features: A universal control protocol similar to HDMI-CEC, enabling single-remote operation across connected devices.
These capabilities make GPMI ideal for a range of applications, from 8K TVs and gaming laptops to virtual reality headsets and modular electronics, such as split TVs that separate display and computing units for customizable setups.
Technical Superiority and Innovation
GPMI’s technical prowess sets it apart from competitors. Its Type-B connector delivers double the bandwidth of HDMI 2.2 (96 Gbps), announced at CES 2025, and outperforms DisplayPort 2.1 (80 Gbps) and Thunderbolt 5 (80-120 Gbps). The cable’s intelligent channel configuration, with eight 24 Gbps channels, dynamically allocates bandwidth—for example, 144 Gbps for video output and 48 Gbps for data return—ensuring optimal performance across diverse use cases.
The standard also incorporates advanced security features, including ADCP (China’s alternative to HDCP) with SM4 encryption, enhancing content protection. Its bidirectional nature supports simultaneous audio, video, and data transmission, potentially simplifying complex setups like external GPUs or home theater systems. For instance, a set-top box could use a single GPMI cable for 8K video, audio, network connectivity, and power, eliminating the need for separate HDMI and Wi-Fi connections.
Strategic Context and Industry Backing
GPMI’s development, initiated in 2019 by SUCA, reflects China’s ambition to lead global technology standards amid tensions over Western-dominated interfaces. The alliance, which includes heavyweights like Huawei and Sharp (Japan), has progressed rapidly, releasing core standards in 2021, an FPGA prototype in 2023, and securing USB Association approval for its Type-C connector in 2024. This approval ensures compatibility with existing USB-C ecosystems, easing adoption for manufacturers.
The standard’s cost-effectiveness is a key selling point. By consolidating multiple functions into one cable, GPMI reduces manufacturing complexity and consumer costs, potentially undercutting HDMI and Thunderbolt licensing fees. Its versatility also supports emerging technologies like augmented reality and modular devices, positioning it as a future-proof solution.
Challenges to Global Adoption
Despite its technical advantages, GPMI faces hurdles in achieving global dominance. Major Western manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Sony, which control roughly 50% of the global TV market, have not yet committed to the standard. This lack of international buy-in could limit GPMI’s reach outside Asia, at least initially. Additionally, the proprietary Type-B connector, while offering superior performance, may face resistance due to its incompatibility with existing devices, requiring adapters or new hardware.
Consumer adoption will also depend on the availability of GPMI-compatible devices. While SUCA predicted multiple product prototypes by the end of 2025, no specific products, such as 2025 TCL or Hisense TVs, have been confirmed to feature GPMI ports. The transition from entrenched standards like HDMI, which introduced its Ultra96-branded 2.2 version earlier this year, will require significant industry coordination and consumer education.
Potential Impact and Future Outlook
For consumers, GPMI promises a streamlined experience, reducing cable clutter and enabling seamless connectivity across devices. A single GPMI cable could power a gaming laptop, transmit 8K video to a monitor, and connect to the internet, simplifying setups for gamers, professionals, and home theater enthusiasts. Manufacturers stand to benefit from lower production costs and the ability to innovate with modular, high-performance devices.
However, GPMI’s success hinges on its ability to penetrate Western markets and overcome compatibility challenges. If adopted widely, it could disrupt the connectivity landscape, rendering HDMI and DisplayPort obsolete. For now, SUCA is focusing on the Asian market, with Huawei reportedly integrating GPMI into upcoming devices, potentially setting the stage for broader adoption.
As GPMI moves toward commercialization, with prototypes expected by late 2025, its impact will become clearer. Industry observers can track developments through SUCA’s announcements or visit tech news platforms like AVNetwork and TechPowerUp for updates. If successful, GPMI could mark a pivotal shift in connectivity, driven not from Silicon Valley but from Shenzhen’s innovation hub.
