New 480W and 192Gbps GPMI format signals China’s broader move beyond USB-C and Western cable standards

A group of over 50 Chinese tech companies - including major TV makers like TCL, Hisense, and Skyworth - have come together to launch a new connector standard called GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface). It’s designed to handle high-bandwidth video, networking, and power delivery through a single cable, and could eventually show up in everything from TVs to set-top boxes.

There are two versions: GPMI Type-C and GPMI Type-B. The Type-C version looks and works a lot like USB-C and already supports up to 96Gbps of data and 240W charging. The larger Type-B port goes even further, pushing up to 192Gbps of bandwidth and delivering 480W of power. That’s way more than what current HDMI or DisplayPort setups offer.

Compared to existing standards, HDMI 2.1 tops out at 48Gbps with no power delivery. DisplayPort 2.1 can go up to 80Gbps and support 240W, but GPMI’s Type-B basically doubles that. The goal seems to be a single unified port for power, display, and internet that can simplify the hardware on TVs and monitors.

The Type-C version of GPMI has already been licensed for use under the USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum), so it should be compatible with existing USB-C ports. As per reports, several companies have confirmed their plan to support it in future products.

This move should give domestic brands more control over interface standards - and possibly reduce dependence on Western-developed formats like HDMI. It still remains to be seen if it gains global traction, but that will depend largely upon how quickly it appears in mainstream devices and how well it plays with existing cables and accessories.