OREI BK-402A Review: 4x2 HDMI 2.1 Matrix With 4K120 and eARC
The OREI BK-402A is a flexible four-input, two-output HDMI 2.1 matrix for routing game consoles and streaming players to two displays. It supports independent source selection, 4K120 with 4:4:4 10-bit color, major HDR formats, VRR, ALLM and audio extraction. Its specialized eARC path works between Output 1 and Input 1, while the 40 Gbps connection and limited audio-output formats create important tradeoffs.
Video summary
Tech Steve connected a PS5, Apple TV, Roku and Xbox to the BK-402A, then routed them between two televisions using the front controls and included remote. He demonstrated the same console on both screens as well as different sources running simultaneously. The connected TVs continued to report HDR, 4K120, VRR and ALLM support where appropriate, and he said he did not notice additional input lag during his gaming demonstration. He also demonstrated the dedicated eARC soundbar configuration and discussed the optical and 3.5 mm audio outputs, EDID switches and basic connection process.
Tech Steve Takeaway
The BK-402A is a practical choice when four modern HDMI sources must feed two TVs or displays without giving up 4K120 gaming, HDR or independent routing. It is especially useful for dual-TV game rooms, but buyers should understand the fixed Input 1-to-Output 1 eARC path, the extracted-audio limits and the need for short, high-quality cables at maximum bandwidth.
Gaming compatibility
The BK-402A supports 4K120 with 4:4:4 10-bit color plus VRR, ALLM and FVA passthrough. Tech Steve showed compatible Xbox video options remaining available through the matrix and both televisions registering 120 Hz during his demonstration. He reported no noticeable input lag, although no instrumented latency measurement was provided.
Audio support
HDMI passthrough covers LPCM, DSD and lossless Dolby and DTS formats, including Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos. The optical output supports LPCM, Dolby or DTS up to 5.1 channels, while the 3.5 mm output is limited to two-channel LPCM. ARC/eARC audio can be returned from a television on Output 1 to a compatible soundbar connected through Input 1. Enabling eARC mutes the optical and analog outputs.
What we like
- Routes any of four HDMI sources independently to either of two displays
- Supports 4K120 with 4:4:4 10-bit color for compatible consoles, PCs and displays
- Passes VRR, ALLM and FVA gaming features
- Passes HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG
- Provides a dedicated ARC/eARC path for a television and soundbar
- Includes optical 5.1 and analog stereo audio extraction
- Documented Output 2 scaling can support a lower-resolution second display
- Front controls, IR remote and hardware EDID settings work without an app
- Compact metal enclosure with a stated maximum consumption of 2 watts
What to consider
- The 40 Gbps signal path does not provide the full 48 Gbps HDMI 2.1 link rate
- 8K60 is limited to 4:2:0 10-bit color rather than 4:4:4
- ARC/eARC works only between the television on Output 1 and soundbar on Input 1
- Enabling eARC mutes both the optical and 3.5 mm extracted-audio outputs
- Optical output cannot carry lossless Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio
- The analog output is limited to two-channel LPCM
- There is no dedicated HDMI audio-only output
- CEC, app control, network control and RS-232 are not supported
- The clearest scaling documentation applies specifically to Output 2
- Maximum-bandwidth signals require short, high-quality HDMI cables
Tech Steve verdict
The OREI BK-402A is best suited to shoppers building a dual-display gaming or entertainment setup. Its strongest advantages are independent 4x2 routing, verified 4K120 4:4:4 support, major HDR passthrough, VRR and ALLM compatibility, and multiple audio options. The main tradeoffs are its 40 Gbps bandwidth, 4:2:0 restriction at 8K60, specialized Input 1-to-Output 1 eARC path, muted analog and optical outputs during eARC operation, and lack of CEC or app-based control. Buy it for flexible two-display routing and current-generation console support; choose a different solution if you need a dedicated HDMI audio-only output, lossless audio from optical, CEC automation or network control.
Exclusive technology
4x2 HDMI Matrix Routing
Routes any of four HDMI sources independently to either of two HDMI display outputs, allowing the outputs to show the same source or different sources.
EDID Management
Front-panel DIP switches provide preset display and audio capability profiles or copy the EDID from HDMI Output 1 to improve source compatibility.
eARC Support
Returns audio from an ARC/eARC television connected to Output 1 to a soundbar connected through Input 1. The feature is limited to this Input 1 and Output 1 path.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Passes compatible variable-refresh-rate signals between a source and display to reduce visible tearing during games.
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)
Passes the HDMI signal used by compatible source and display devices to select a low-latency gaming mode automatically.
Fast VActive (FVA)
Supports the HDMI gaming feature that transfers the active portion of each video frame more quickly to help reduce transport latency on compatible equipment.
Output Scaling
The manual documents selectable scaling on Output 2, including 8K-to-4K and 8K-or-4K-to-1080p conversion for a lower-resolution second display.
Specifications
Audio
Connectivity
Design & Installation
Gaming
General
Picture
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