What Is the BK-401S?
The OREI BK-401S is an 8K 4-input, 1-output HDMI switch. It allows you to connect up to four HDMI source devices to one TV, monitor, or projector and switch between them using the front-panel button or the included remote control.
The BK-401S is useful for home theater and gaming setups where users want to connect multiple devices such as a PS5, Xbox Series X, gaming PC, laptop, streaming device, Blu-ray player, or media player to one display without constantly unplugging and reconnecting HDMI cables.
The BK-401S supports HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3, with a video bandwidth of 48Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, and 1080p@240Hz. It also supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, VRR, ALLM, QFT, CEC, and HDMI audio formats including LPCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
The BK-401S supports both manual and automatic switching.
HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical
For best performance with 4K@120Hz or 8K content, use Ultra High-Speed Certified HDMI 2.1 cables under 15 feet.
IMPORTANT — BK-401S Does Not Have Audio Extraction
The BK-401S supports HDMI audio pass-through, but it does not have separate audio extraction outputs.
There is no Optical output, 3.5mm output, RCA output, or HDMI Audio Only output on this model.
Audio passes through the HDMI output to the connected TV, monitor, or projector.
If you need separate audio extraction, use a model with dedicated audio outputs such as the BK-401A, BK-401ARC and BK-41A.
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / LED / Button | Location | Function |
| DC 5V USB-C | Rear panel | USB-C power input. Connect the included power adapter here |
| HDMI OUTPUT | Rear panel | Connects to a TV, monitor, or projector |
| HDMI INPUT 1–4 | Rear panel | Connect HDMI source devices such as game consoles, streaming devices, laptops, or Blu-ray players |
| Power LED | Front panel | Blue light means the device is working properly; no light means the device is not powered or not working |
| Input LEDs 1–4 | Front panel | Lights up when the corresponding source is selected. |
| AUTO LED | Front panel | On means automatic switching mode is enabled; off means automatic switching mode is disabled |
| IR LED | Front panel | On means IR control is enabled; off means IR control is disabled |
| IR Window | Front panel | Receives signal from the included remote control |
| SWITCH Button | Front panel | Press to switch inputs; long press 3 seconds to turn auto switching on/off; long press 6 seconds to turn IR control on/off |
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect the included USB-C power cable and power adapter to the DC 5V port on the BK-401S.
- Connect the HDMI OUTPUT port on the BK-401S to your TV, monitor, or projector.
- Connect your HDMI source devices to HDMI INPUT 1, INPUT 2, INPUT 3, and INPUT 4.
Examples include a PS5, Xbox Series X, gaming PC, laptop, streaming box, Blu-ray player, or media player. - Turn on the HDMI source devices and display.
- Use the SWITCH button on the front panel or the included remote control to select the input you want to display.
Understanding Manual and Auto Switching
The BK-401S supports both manual switching and automatic switching.
Manual Switching
Press the SWITCH button on the front panel to change the selected input channel.
You can also use the included remote control and press input buttons 1, 2, 3, or 4 to directly select a source.
Auto Switching
Press and hold the SWITCH button for about 3 seconds to turn automatic switching on or off.
When Auto Mode is enabled, the AUTO LED will turn on.
Auto switching works best when a source device is newly connected or fully powered off and then powered on.
If a connected source stays in standby mode and continues sending an HDMI signal, the BK-401S may still detect that source as active, which can prevent auto switching from behaving as expected.
IMPORTANT — Auto Switching Depends on HDMI 5V Signal Detection
The BK-401S 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 BK-401S 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 BK-401S 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 BK-401S 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.
Understanding IR Control
The BK-401S includes an IR remote control.
The IR function can be turned on or off.
To turn IR control on or off, press and hold the SWITCH button for about 6 seconds.
If the remote is not working, check that:
- The IR LED is on
- The remote has a working battery
- The remote is pointed toward the IR window
- There is no obstruction blocking the IR receiver
What Source Devices Is the BK-401S Compatible With?
The OREI BK-401S is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X/S
- Gaming PCs
- Laptops with HDMI output
- Blu-ray players
- DVD players
- Apple TV
- Roku
- Fire TV
- NVIDIA Shield
- Cable boxes
- Satellite receivers
- Set-top boxes
- Other HDMI media players
For 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, 1080p@240Hz, VRR, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision, the source device, display, and HDMI cables must all support the required format.
What Displays Is the BK-401S Compatible With?
The BK-401S can be connected to HDMI displays such as:
- TVs
- Monitors
- Projectors
- Gaming monitors
- Commercial displays
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OREI BK-401S used for?
A: The BK-401S is used to connect up to four HDMI source devices to one TV, monitor, or projector and switch between them.
Q: How do I turn auto switching on or off?
A: Press and hold the SWITCH button for about 3 seconds. The AUTO LED turns on when auto switching is enabled.
Q: Does auto switching work with Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, or Roku?
A: Auto switching may not work consistently with these devices because they often stay in standby mode and continue sending a 5V HDMI signal. The BK-401S may still detect them as active even when they appear to be off.
Q: Why does the switch stay on Apple TV even when I turn on my PS5?
A: Apple TV may still be sending a 5V HDMI signal while in standby. Since the BK-401S still sees Apple TV as active, it may not automatically switch to the PS5. Use the front button or remote to switch manually. This applies to other devices such as Fire TV Stick, Roku Stick, Chromecast, etc. as well.
Q: Why do I see a black screen when switching inputs?
A: This is normal. The display needs time to detect the new HDMI signal and complete the HDMI handshake. The delay can vary depending on the display, source device, resolution, refresh rate, and HDMI cables. The BK-401S is not a seamless switch. When switching inputs, the display will usually go black for a second or two while the HDMI signal reconnects. You need a Seamless Switch for faster switching.
Q: Does the BK-401S output audio too?
A: The BK-401S sends audio to the connected display through the HDMI connection. It supports audio formats like LPCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
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