UHD-301C Overview and Use Cases – OREI

What Is the UHD-301C?

The OREI UHD-301C is a 3-input, 1-output HDMI switch with a USB-C input. It allows you to connect up to three source devices to one TV, monitor, or projector and switch between them using the button on the unit.

The UHD-301C includes:

1 USB-C input
2 HDMI inputs
1 HDMI output

It is useful for users who want to connect a mix of HDMI devices and USB-C devices to one display, such as a streaming box, cable box, game console, Blu-ray player, laptop, MacBook, or PC.

The UHD-301C supports HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, with video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz. The USB-C input supports USB-C to HDMI video output when the connected Laptop or PC supports DP Alt Mode. The USB-C input can also provide up to 5V/1.5A charging to the connected device.

IMPORTANT — USB-C Video Requires DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt

The USB-C input on the UHD-301C requires the connected USB-C device to support video output through USB-C.

This is commonly called DisplayPort Alt Mode or DP Alt Mode.

Not every USB-C port supports video. Some USB-C ports only support charging or data transfer.

If a USB-C laptop, or computer does not show video through the UHD-301C, check whether that device supports DP Alt Mode or video output over USB-C.

MacBooks have Thunderbolt ports instead of DP Alt Mode port which would also work.

IMPORTANT — USB-C Input Provides Limited Charging Only

The USB-C input can provide charging up to 5V/1.5A to the connected USB-C device.

This can help keep a phone, tablet, or compatible USB-C device charged while in use.

However, this is not high-wattage laptop charging. If your laptop requires more power, use the original charger or a compatible high-wattage USB-C charger separately. Moreover, the device will not accept video input from a Phone or Tablet.

IMPORTANT — USB-C Input Needs a USB 3.1 Gen 1 or higher USB-C Cable

For the USB-C input to work properly, use a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports video transmission.

The USB-C cable should meet at least the USB 3.1 Gen 1 / 5Gbps specification.

A regular USB-C cable like the one that comes with the charger will not work.

IMPORTANT — 4K@60Hz Requires Compatible Equipment

To use 4K@60Hz, every part of the setup must support 4K@60Hz.

This includes:

The HDMI or USB-C source device
The HDMI cable or USB-C cable
The TV, monitor, or projector

Ports and Panel Layout

Port / Button / LED	Location	Function
USB-C Input 1	Front panel	Connect a USB-C source device such as laptop, MacBook, or PC with DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt technology.
HDMI Input 2	Rear panel	Connect an HDMI source such as streaming box, cable box, game console, Blu-ray player, or media player
HDMI Input 3	Rear panel	Connect an HDMI source such as streaming box, cable box, game console, Blu-ray player, or media player
HDMI Output	Rear panel	Connect to the TV, monitor, or projector
Micro USB Power Port	Rear panel	Connect the included DC 5V/2A power adapter
SELECT Button	Top panel	Press to switch between the inputs in chronological order
Input LEDs 1–3	Front panel	Shows which input is currently selected. Solid light signifies proper signal transmission; flashing light means there is no output

Step-by-Step Setup

Connect the included DC 5V/2A Micro USB power adapter to the UHD-301C and plug it into a power outlet.
Connect the HDMI output of the UHD-301C to your TV, monitor, or projector.
Connect your USB-C source device to Input 1 using a compatible USB-C cable.
Connect your HDMI source device to HDMI Input 2.
Examples include a streaming box, cable box, satellite receiver, Blu-ray player, or game console.
Connect another HDMI source device to HDMI Input 3 if needed.
Turn on your source devices and display.
Press the button on top of the unit to switch between the inputs.

HDMI and USB-C Cable Requirement — Critical

For HDMI devices, use HDMI cables that support 4K@60Hz and HDMI 2.0 bandwidth.

For USB-C devices, use a USB-C cable that supports video output. The manual states that the USB-C cable must meet at least USB 3.1 Gen 1 / 5Gbps specification.

Understanding the USB-C Input

The USB-C input can accept video from compatible USB-C source devices.

Compatible USB-C source examples include:

MacBook Pro
MacBook Air
Windows PCs and Laptops

The USB-C device must support DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt technology.

Understanding Manual Switching

The UHD-301C is manually controlled.

Press the Select button on top of the unit to switch between the inputs in a chronological order.

What Source Devices Is the UHD-301C Compatible With?

The UHD-301C can work with compatible USB-C and HDMI source devices.

USB-C source examples:

MacBook Pro
MacBook Air
Windows PC
Windows Laptop

HDMI source examples:

Streaming boxes
Cable boxes
Satellite receivers
Blu-ray players
Game consoles
Set-top boxes
PCs or laptops with HDMI output

For USB-C devices, the device must support DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt technology.

What Displays Is the UHD-301C Compatible With?

The UHD-301C can connect to HDMI displays such as:

TVs
Monitors
Projectors

For 4K@60Hz output, the display must support 4K@60Hz over HDMI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-301C used for?
A: The UHD-301C is used to connect up to three source devices to one TV, monitor, or projector. It has one USB-C input and two HDMI inputs.

Q: Does the USB-C input work with every USB-C device?
A: No. The USB-C device must support video output through DP Alt Mode or Thunderbolt technology.

Q: What is DP Alt Mode?
A: DP Alt Mode allows a USB-C port on a laptop or computer to send video output to connect an external display.

Q: Can the USB-C input charge my device?
A: Yes. The USB-C input can provide charging up to 5V/1.5A, but it is not designed for high-wattage laptop charging. It can be used to charge mobile phones or tablets at standard speed.