Skyworth Digital has recently announced the launch of a new set-top box equipped with the GPMI (General Purpose Multimedia Interface), becoming one of the first commercial products to adopt this next-generation multimedia interface standard.
This milestone signals an important step in the practical deployment of GPMI, moving it from standard definition and ecosystem building closer to the real-world consumer and professional applications.
Why GPMI Matters to Set-Top Box
GPMI was jointly developed by the Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Alliance together with leading Chinese technology companies including Huawei,ZTE,HiSilicon,CESI,Skyworth,Konka,TCL CSOT and more. According to our earlier analysis of the GPMI interface standard, this architecture is expected to redefine future AV connectivity, with the goal of addressing long-standing challenges in multimedia connectivity, including:
- Limited bandwidth of traditional interfaces
- Multiple cables required for power, signal, and control
- Increasing complexity in 8K, high-frame-rate, and multi-screen systems
GPMI supports very high data bandwidth up to 96Gbps(same as HDMI2.2) and high-power delivery, enabling next-generation applications such as 8K video transmission, modular displays, advanced home entertainment systems, and professional AV installations.
By integrating GPMI into a mass-market device such as a set-top box, Skyworth Digital demonstrates the feasibility of using a single interface to deliver ultra-high-definition video, audio, data, control signals, and power, significantly simplifying system architecture.
The introduction of a GPMI-enabled set-top box marks a clear transition from concept validation to commercial adoption.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The adoption of GPMI by Skyworth Digital is expected to accelerate interest and investment across the AV and connectivity ecosystem, including:
- Smart TVs and displays
- Set-top boxes and media players
- Professional AV and broadcast equipment
- High-performance cable and interconnect solutions
As bandwidth requirements continue to grow, traditional copper cables face physical limitations in distance, EMI resistance, and signal integrity. This trend strongly favors fiber-based and hybrid active optical solutions as essential enablers for future GPMI deployments, especially for longer distances over 2meters by USB-C.
In the coming years, GPMI is likely to coexist with and complement established standards such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB, while pushing the industry toward higher integration, fewer cables, and more intelligent interconnects.
What This Means for Active Optical Cables
High-bandwidth interfaces like USBC,HDMI 2.2,DisplayPort and GPMI place new demands on cable connectivity technology, including:
- Stable signal transmission at ultra-high data rates to 96Gbps
- Longer transmission distances to 500m without signal degradation
- Reduced or even zero electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- Lightweight and flexible cable structures, for example the AOCFiberlink FHDC-2102 ultra-thin 8K HDMI Active Optical Cable boasting 2mm OD
Active Optical Cables (AOC) are uniquely positioned to meet these requirements, making them a key infrastructure component for next-generation multimedia interfaces.
AOCFiberlink: Supporting the Future of High-Bandwidth Connectivity
As an industry-focused manufacturer of active optical cables, AOCFiberlink continuously invests in advanced fiber-based interconnect technologies for HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, and emerging multimedia standards eg GPMI.
With extensive experience in high-speed signal integrity, optical-electrical conversion, and OEM/ODM cable solutions, AOCFiberlink is well positioned to support the evolving GPMI ecosystem as it expands from early products into broader consumer and professional markets.
We believe the successful launch of GPMI-enabled devices such as Skyworth Digital’s set-top box represents not only a technological milestone, but also a clear signal that the future of multimedia connectivity will be faster, simpler, and increasingly fiber-driven.
Über uns
At AOCFiberlink, we specialize in high-performance AV and data transmission products including fiber optic HDMI, DisplayPort, USB4, and USB-C active cables for global OEM/ODM markets. With a deep understanding of emerging interface trends like GPMI, we help our clients stay ahead of the curve.
📬 Contact us today to learn more or request a custom solution.
📧 Email: sales@aocfiberlink.com
📱 WhatsApp: +86-18980938955
🌐 Website: www.aocfiberlink.com
