OREI BK-401ARC Review: An Easy Way to Add More HDMI 2.1 Inputs
The OREI BK-401ARC expands one HDMI connection into four selectable HDMI inputs while preserving demanding video features such as 4K at 120 Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision, VRR and ALLM. Tech Steve demonstrated it with an Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Apple TV and Blu-ray player, and the tested consoles continued to report their expected gaming capabilities. It also provides optical and analog audio extraction, plus ARC/eARC routing to a compatible soundbar through Input 1. The main tradeoff is that assigning Input 1 to a soundbar leaves three inputs for source devices.
Video summary
Tech Steve connected an Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Blu-ray player and Apple TV to the four inputs, then ran the switch's single HDMI output to a television. The Xbox continued to report support for 4K, 1440p and 1080p at 120 Hz, along with features including ALLM and Dolby Vision. The PS5 also retained VRR, HDR and its supported resolution options, while gameplay felt the same to him as a direct television connection. With the Apple TV, he demonstrated 4:4:4 chroma in SDR and confirmed that HDR10+ and Dolby Vision activated through the switch. Automatic switching worked when the PS5 powered on but did not switch reliably for every device, making the included remote useful. He also demonstrated Input 1's ARC/eARC soundbar configuration and concluded that the switch is a practical solution for adding HDMI 2.1 sources to a television, monitor or projector.
Tech Steve Takeaway
This is a practical fix for anyone who has more current-generation consoles and media players than available HDMI 2.1 inputs. It preserved the gaming and HDR features Tech Steve checked, but shoppers using an ARC/eARC soundbar should plan around having only three remaining source inputs.
Gaming compatibility
The BK-401ARC supports 48 Gbps FRL operation, 4K at 120 Hz, VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT and SBTM. During the demonstration, the Xbox Series X retained its expected 120 Hz and gaming-feature indicators, while the PS5 continued to report VRR, HDR and its supported output resolutions. Tech Steve said gameplay felt the same as a direct television connection. Compatible source equipment, display hardware and suitable HDMI cables are required.
Signal compatibility
The switch can pass up to 4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz within its documented chroma and bit-depth limits. It does not create interpolated frames or improve motion processing; it passes the timing supplied by the source to a compatible display.
Audio support
The HDMI and eARC paths can pass LPCM, DSD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X. Optical extraction is limited to LPCM 2.0 or Dolby/DTS 5.1, while the 3.5 mm analog output supports two-channel LPCM. The unit does not downmix audio, so the source must be configured for a format supported by the selected output. Input 1 can instead be assigned to an ARC/eARC soundbar or receiver.
Compatibility and features
Inputs can be selected with the front-panel button or included infrared remote, and the switch also offers automatic input selection and CEC pass-through. Automatic switching worked with the PS5 in Tech Steve's setup but not consistently with every connected device. The remote provides direct input, automatic-mode and eARC controls.
What we like
- Expands one display connection to four selectable HDMI sources.
- Passes up to 4K120 or 8K60 signals within the documented chroma and bit-depth limits.
- Preserved the Xbox Series X and PS5 gaming capabilities checked by Tech Steve.
- Passes HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG.
- Supports VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT and SBTM with compatible equipment.
- Routes lossless and object-based audio to a compatible eARC soundbar through Input 1.
- Provides optical S/PDIF and 3.5 mm stereo audio extraction.
- Advanced EDID controls help coordinate display and soundbar capabilities.
- Includes front-panel controls, automatic switching and an infrared remote.
What to consider
- Using Input 1 for an ARC/eARC soundbar leaves only three conventional source inputs.
- Automatic input switching did not work consistently with every device in Tech Steve's setup.
- Optical output is limited to LPCM 2.0 or compressed Dolby/DTS 5.1.
- Analog audio output supports only two-channel LPCM.
- No audio downmixing is available, requiring compatible source-output settings.
- No video downscaling is provided for equipment with lower resolution limits.
- Displays only one selected source at a time; there is no split-screen or multiview mode.
- USB-C is reserved for service and firmware updates rather than media, video or KVM use.
Tech Steve verdict
The OREI BK-401ARC is best suited to gamers and home-theater shoppers who need to connect several HDMI 2.1 sources through one display input. Its strongest advantages are verified 4K120 and 8K60 signal support, HDR and gaming-feature pass-through, flexible EDID controls, and both digital and analog audio extraction. ARC/eARC soundbar routing adds flexibility for monitors and projectors that lack suitable audio connectivity. The tradeoffs are important: using Input 1 for ARC/eARC reduces the conventional source count to three, optical cannot carry lossless immersive formats, analog audio is stereo only, and the unit provides neither audio downmixing nor video downscaling. Automatic source switching may also vary by device. Buy it for expanded high-bandwidth connectivity and flexible audio routing, not for multiview operation or signal conversion.
Exclusive technology
Advanced EDID Management
Three DIP switches provide preset EDID modes or copy video capabilities from the connected display while copying audio capabilities from an eARC soundbar.
ARC/eARC Audio Routing
Input 1 can be reassigned to an ARC/eARC soundbar or receiver, allowing audio from connected sources or a compatible television's return channel to reach that audio device.
CEC Control
Passes compatible HDMI control commands so a television remote can control supported source devices and soundbar volume.
Automatic Input Switching
Can automatically select an active HDMI source, although automatic detection is restricted while Input 1 is locked for ARC/eARC operation.
Specifications
Audio
Connectivity
Design & Installation
Gaming
General
Picture
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