GPMI standard: the Chinese alternative to USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort.

The Chinese technology industry has unveiled a new connector format called GPMI (General Purpose Media Interface), which is designed to simultaneously handle data, video, control and power while reducing the number of cables and supporting ultra-high resolution 8K video transmission. This solution allows multiple devices (speakers, games consoles etc.) to be connected serially, to reduce installation costs, and to link displays. At the same time, it provides low latency and high image quality. This is an ambitious step that could mean a gradual move away from Western standards such as USB-C or HDMI.

The new interface will be available in two variants - GPMI Type-C and GPMI Type-B. The Type-C version visually and functionally resembles the well-known USB-C, but provides higher bandwidth - up to 96 Gbps - and supports charging at up to 240 W. The larger Type-B port, on the other hand, is said to offer even more - up to 192 Gbps of data transfer and up to 480 W of charging capability. By comparison, HDMI 2.1 offers a maximum of 48 Gbps unpowered, while DisplayPort 2.1 goes up to 80 Gbps and 240 W - GPMI clearly surpasses these figures.

Behind the project is a consortium of more than 50 Chinese technology companies, including giants such as TCL, Hisense and Skyworth. GPMI is expected to eventually find its way into a wide range of devices - from TVs to set-top boxes and even computer hardware. The aim is to create a single, universal port for all applications: power, video transmission and networking.

It is worth mentioning that GPMI Type-C has already been approved for use by USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum), increasing the chances of its compatibility with current devices using USB-C. Several manufacturers have already announced plans to implement the standard in their upcoming products. While it remains to be seen whether GPMI will gain acceptance in international markets, its development could significantly impact China's technological independence. The speed of implementation of the new interface and its interoperability with existing infrastructure and accessories will prove crucial.

Channel amplifiers in antenna installations.

Channel amplifiers are specialised electronic devices used in antenna installations to selectively amplify TV signals received from individual frequency channels. The device amplifies only selected 'channel packets' (multiplexes) and not the entire frequency range, which minimises the risk of overloading and interference from unnecessary signals (e.g. 5G/LTE from mobile networks or signals from neighbouring transmitters). This allows the parameters to be fine-tuned to the needs of the specific installation. Channel amplifiers are used in multi-family buildings, hotels or boarding houses - wherever the signal must be distributed to multiple receivers and the stability and reliability of the DVB-T2 signal is required.

Underground fibre optic cable.

A common problem faced by installers is the need to create a fibre optic link between two buildings that are located on the same plot of land but are several hundred metres apart. If local conditions prohibit or prevent the implementation of such a connection based on telecommunication poles, it is then necessary to bury the cable in the ground.

The fastest and cheapest solution would then be to use so-called Direct Access Cables (DAC). These cables, due to their hard outer sheath, are very resistant to crushing (maximum crushing force of 2,500 - 4,000 N) can be buried directly in the ground and do not require additional protective pipes.

Group activation of Hikvision network devices and changing their IP addresses using SADP.

SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) is a free and easy-to-use software designed to search the local network for Hikvision IP cameras, DVRs and video door entry systems. It can be used to modify their basic network parameters, activate devices and change or restore passwords. SADP is particularly useful when building large CCTV or video door entry systems. Newly purchased devices must be activated by assigning them a password before use. In addition, the IP addresses of these devices are repeated, so if you connect them all to the network at once, there will be an IP address conflict. While in the case of a few devices it is possible to connect them individually, activate and change the IP address via a browser (if the device has a built-in webserver), this would be very cumbersome and time-consuming in the case of large IP CCTV systems. Once all devices are connected, the SADP running on the local network will detect them as inactive. By selecting them all, the devices can be quickly batch-activated by assigning an administrator password. In the case of DVRs, the password for activating the cameras must additionally be entered. Once accepted, a window will appear confirming the activation of the devices.

Once this process has been completed, you can proceed with the group addressing of the devices. To do this, select all devices and complete the network parameters, as in the image below. The devices will be addressed one by one, starting with the IP address you have entered. After entering the password with which the cameras have been activated, a window will appear with information about the changes.

Scheme of a two-wire video intercom based on Hikvision's 2-Wire HD system. 2-Wire HD video-intercom system from EY series is a perfect solution in case of modernization of an old intercom or video-intercom system, in which a straight or paired cable was used as a communication bus. In this system, communication and powering of devices such as door stations or monitors is carried out using DS-KAD7060EY G74828 and DS-KAD7061EY G74830 distributors...>>>more

Example diagram using the Hikvision 2-Wire HD video door entry system from the EY series

Alpsat – professional measurement of DVB-T2/C/S2 signals