Adapted by:
Juan Carlos López
Senior WriterAn engineer by training. A science and tech journalist by passion, vocation, and conviction. I've been writing professionally for over two decades, and I suspect I still have a long way to go. At Xataka, I write about many topics, but I mainly enjoy covering nuclear fusion, quantum physics, quantum computers, microprocessors, and TVs.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
China is making a significant push for the adoption of the 8K UHD standard, which defines a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels for ultra-high-definition content and display devices. The Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance is a consortium of more than 50 Chinese companies that recently introduced a new wired communication interface. It’s aimed at providing an alternative to HDMI and DisplayPort.
The new standard is called General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI). It’s been specifically designed to facilitate the transfer of 8K UHD video signals between devices, along with other types of data and power. Its specs are reported to exceed those of HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, as well as Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4.0.
Making a Strong Entry Into the Market
There will be two variants of the GPMI standard. The first, known as GPMI Type-B, is the more advanced option. It’s theoretically capable of achieving a maximum transfer rate of 192 Gbps and can deliver up to 480 W. This should be enough to power even the most demanding electronic devices.
Meanwhile, GPMI Type-C has slightly lower specs but still surpasses the performance of previous standards. It can achieve a maximum transfer rate of nearly 96 Gbps and deliver up to 240 W. Both GPMI Type-B and Type-C standards can carry 8K UHD video signals.
|
STANDARD |
MAXIMUM TRANSFER RATE |
POWER DELIVERY |
|
GPMI TYPE-B |
192 Gbps |
480 W |
|
GPMI TYPE-C |
96 Gbps |
240 W |
|
HMI 2.1 FRL |
48 Gbps |
N/A |
|
HDMI 2.1 TMDS |
18 Gbps |
N/A |
Notably, the GPMI Type-B standard utilizes a different connector from any existing standards. In contrast, the GPMI Type-C variant employs a connector physically compatible with a USB-C port. As such, it’s received approval from the USB Association, the international body responsible for developing and promoting revisions of USB standards.
The new GPMI standard seems promising on paper. The support it’s garnered from Chinese companies involved in its development suggests it could significantly impact the market in China. However, the extent of its influence outside China remains uncertain. If GPMI is widely adopted in devices manufactured in China, it may eventually gain traction internationally.
Image | TheRegisti
Log in to leave a comment