UHDS-401-A-O Overview and Use Cases – OREI

What Is the UHDS-401-A-O?

The OREI UHDS-401-A-O is a 4-input, 1-output HDMI switch with audio extraction, ARC support, EDID management, RS-232 control, and IR remote control. It allows you to connect up to four HDMI source devices to one TV, monitor, or projector while also extracting audio through analog L/R and Optical audio outputs.

The UHDS-401-A-O is useful for setups where users want to connect multiple HDMI devices such as a PS4, DVD player, Blu-ray player, set-top box, PC, or media player to one display and send audio separately to an amplifier, sound system, or speakers.

The UHDS-401-A-O supports HDMI 2.0, DVI 1.0, HDCP 2.2, video formats up to 4K@60Hz, and HDMI 3D formats. It supports HDMI audio formats including PCM, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio up to 7.1CH through HDMI. It also includes smart EDID management with Auto, 2CH, 5.1CH, and 7.1CH options.

IMPORTANT — UHDS-401-A-O Supports Audio Extraction

The UHDS-401-A-O can extract HDMI audio to separate audio outputs.

It includes a 3.5mm output which doubles as an Optical output. Use the included Optical adapter to connect an Optical based audio device.

This is useful when you want video to go to the TV through HDMI while audio goes separately to an amplifier, receiver, powered speakers, or sound system.

In any case, the audio output supports PCM/Stereo audio only and the source device needs to be set as such.

IMPORTANT — ARC Is Supported

The UHDS-401-A-O supports ARC, which stands for Audio Return Channel.

ARC allows audio from a compatible ARC TV to return through the HDMI connection and be sent out through the 3.5mm/Optical output.

To use ARC, the TV must support ARC, the HDMI output of the UHDS-401-A-O should be connected to the TV’s ARC HDMI port, and ARC must be enabled on the switch.

The ARC LED on the front panel will illuminate when ARC is enabled successfully.

You cannot connect an ARC/eARC Soundbar to the UHDS-401A-O to the output port or any of the input ports.

IMPORTANT — 4K@60Hz Requires Compatible HDMI Equipment

The UHDS-401-A-O supports video formats up to 4K@60Hz.

To get 4K@60Hz, every part of the setup must support 4K@60Hz:

The HDMI source device
The HDMI cable
The TV, monitor, or projector

It is recommended to use Premium High-Speed HDMI 2.0 cables under 30 feet.

IMPORTANT — EDID Settings Affect Audio Output

The UHDS-401-A-O includes smart EDID management.

Available EDID modes include:

Auto
2CH
5.1CH
7.1CH

Use 2CH when connecting to a stereo audio system.

Use 5.1CH or 7.1CH when the connected audio system supports surround sound.

Use Auto when you want the switch to use the TV’s EDID.

IMPORTANT — Auto Switching and Manual Switching Are Both Supported

The UHDS-401-A-O supports both auto switching and manual switching.

You can press and hold the Auto/Source button for more than 2 seconds to switch between auto switching mode and manual switching mode.

In manual switching mode, press the Auto/Source button to switch between the inputs in a chronological order.

The remote also includes an Auto Source button to select auto or manual switching mode.

IMPORTANT — Auto Switching Depends on HDMI 5V Signal Detection

The UHDS-401A-O supports auto switching, but it works by detecting the 5V signal coming from the connected HDMI source device.

In simple terms, the switch looks for which HDMI source appears to be “active.”

If one source is connected and then another source is plugged in or powered on, the UHDS-401A-O can automatically switch to the newly detected source.

However, many modern streaming devices do not fully turn off. Devices such as Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, Roku, and similar media players often go into standby mode instead of shutting down completely. Even in standby, they may continue sending a 5V signal through HDMI.

Because of this, the UHDS-401A-O may still detect that device as active, even when the customer thinks it is “off.”

For example:

If you have an Apple TV connected to Input 1 and a PlayStation 5 connected to Input 2, the UHDS-401A-O may switch to Apple TV when the PS5 is turned off because the Apple TV is still sending an HDMI 5V signal.

But when you later turn the PS5 back on, the switch may not automatically switch away from Apple TV because the Apple TV never fully stopped sending its HDMI 5V signal.

In this type of setup, manual switching using the front panel button or included remote may be needed.

Ports and Panel Layout

Port / LED / Button	Location	Function
Auto / Input Indicator LEDs	Front panel	The corresponding input LED lights up when that input is selected. Auto LED lights up when auto switching is enabled
Auto / Source Button	Front panel	Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to enable or disable auto switching mode; press once in manual mode to switch inputs in a chronological order
EDID Status LEDs	Front panel	Shows the selected EDID mode
EDID Button	Front panel	Switch between Auto, 2CH, 5.1CH, or 7.1CH EDID modes
ARC Status LED	Front panel	Lights up when ARC is enabled
ARC On/Off Button	Front panel	Turns ARC function on or off
HDMI Output	Rear panel	Connect a TV, monitor, or projector
HDMI Input 1–4	Rear panel	Connect HDMI source devices such as DVD player, PS4, set-top box, or PC
Audio Output	Rear panel	L/R analog and Optical combo audio output
RS-232 Port	Rear panel	Allows RS-232 control
IR Receiver Port	Rear panel	Connect the include IR receiver cable
DC 5V Input	Rear panel	Connect the included power adapter

Step-by-Step Setup

Connect the included power adapter to the DC 5V input on the UHDS-401-A-O.
Connect your HDMI source devices to HDMI Input 1, Input 2, Input 3, and Input 4.
Examples include a PS4, DVD player, Blu-ray player, set-top box, PC, or media player.
Connect the HDMI Output port on the UHDS-401-A-O to your TV, monitor, or projector.
If using external audio, connect the Optical or L/R analog audio output to your amplifier, receiver, powered speakers, or sound system.
Turn on the source devices, UHDS-401-A-O, display, and audio system.
Use the front panel button or IR remote to select the HDMI input you want to display.
If using ARC, connect the HDMI output to the TV’s ARC HDMI port and turn on ARC using the ARC button or remote.

Understanding Audio Extraction

The UHDS-401-A-O can separate HDMI audio from the selected input source and output it through the audio outputs.

This is useful when:

Your TV speakers are not being used
You want audio to go to an amplifier or receiver
You want to connect to a sound system separately from the TV
You need Optical or analog audio from HDMI sources

Supported HDMI audio includes PCM, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio up to 7.1CH. However, the 3.5mm/Optical combo output supports up to PCM/Stereo audio only, so the media source needs to be set to Stereo audio for audio extraction to work and the EDID on the front should be set to 2CH.

Understanding ARC Mode

ARC allows audio from a compatible TV to return back through the HDMI cable.

Use ARC when you want audio from the TV itself, such as TV apps or TV tuner audio, to play through the external audio system connected to the UHDS-401-A-O.

To use ARC:

Connect the UHDS-401-A-O HDMI output to the TV’s ARC HDMI port.
Enable ARC on the TV.
Press the ARC button on the switch or remote.
Confirm the ARC LED turns on.

Ensure ARC is enabled on the TV and the audio format is set to PCM or Stereo from the TV settings.

Understanding Auto and Manual Switching

The UHDS-401-A-O can switch inputs automatically or manually.

Manual Switching

In manual switching mode, press the Auto/Source button to cycle between the input ports.

You can also use the remote buttons IN1, IN2, IN3, or IN4 to select a specific input.

Auto Switching

Press and hold the Auto/Source button for more than 2 seconds to enable auto switching mode.

The remote also has an Auto Source button for this function.

Auto switching depends on how the connected HDMI source devices behave. Some streaming devices, game consoles, or set-top boxes may remain active in standby mode, which can affect auto switching behavior.

IR Remote Control

The included IR remote can control the main functions of the UHDS-401-A-O.

Remote Button	Function
ARC	Enables or disables ARC
Auto / 2CH / 5.1CH / 7.1CH	Selects EDID mode
Auto Source	Enables or disables the auto switching mode
IN1 / IN2 / IN3 / IN4	Selects the HDMI input in manual switching mode

RS-232 Control

The UHDS-401-A-O includes an RS-232 port for control system integration.

This is useful for commercial AV installations, control rooms, automation systems, or setups where the HDMI switch needs to be controlled by a third-party system.

What Source Devices Is the UHDS-401-A-O Compatible With?

The UHDS-401-A-O is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

Blu-ray players
DVD players
PS4
Game consoles
Set-top boxes
Cable boxes
Satellite receivers
PCs
Media players
Streaming devices

For 4K@60Hz, the source device, HDMI cable, and display must all support 4K@60Hz.

What Displays Is the UHDS-401-A-O Compatible With?

The UHDS-401-A-O can connect to HDMI displays such as:

TVs
Monitors
Projectors

For ARC use, the TV must support ARC and the HDMI cable must be connected to the TV’s ARC HDMI port.

What Audio Devices Is the UHDS-401-A-O Compatible With?

The UHDS-401-A-O can send audio to:

Amplifiers
AV receivers
Sound systems
Audio processors
Optical audio devices
Analog L/R audio systems

The selected EDID mode should match the audio capability of the connected device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHDS-401-A-O used for?
A: The UHDS-401-A-O is an HDMI Switch used to connect up to four HDMI source devices to one display while also extracting audio through Optical and L/R analog audio outputs.

Q: Does the UHDS-401-A-O support 3D?
A: Yes. It supports HDMI 3D video formats up to 1080p.

Q: Does the UHDS-401-A-O support ARC?
A: Yes. It supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) from a compatible ARC TV and sends audio to the 3.5mm/Optical output on the Switch.

Q: What does Auto EDID mean?
A: Auto EDID means the switch uses the TV’s EDID information.

Q: What audio formats are supported?
A: The UHDS-401-A-O supports PCM, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio up to 7.1CH through HDMI. The 3.5mm/optical audio output only support PCM or Stereo.

Q: Does the UHDS-401-A-O have Optical audio output?
A: The 3.5mm output on the UHDS-401A-O also supports Optical connections using the included optical adapter.

Q: Does the UHDS-401-A-O support auto switching?
A: Yes. It supports auto switching.

Q: Does the UHDS-401-A-O support RS-232 control?
A: Yes. The unit includes an RS-232 port for control integration.

Q: Does the UHDS-401-A-O support eARC TVs as well?
A: Yes, ARC and eARC are backwards compatible so an eARC TV will also work. However, it will only support PCM, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio up to 7.1CH.

Q: Does the UHDS-401-A-O ARC/eARC Soundbars or AVRs?
A: No, there is no port on the UHDS-401A-O that supports an ARC/eARC Soundbar or AVR.

Q: What is the difference between the UHDS-401A and the UHDS-401A-O?
A: The UHDS-401A and the UHDS-401A-O are practically the same model. The UHDS-401A on your hand might have no audio output, RS-232 or IR extension port and rather have ‘eARC’ printed on the Input 1 and the Output port. That was a short run production where we added eARC support similar to the BK-401ARC but that was taken out soon after. The current running model is the UHDS-401A-O where ‘O’ represents ‘Old Configuration’.