BKA-1 Overview and Use Cases

What Is the BKA-1?

The OREI BKA-1 is a 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 audio extractor designed to extract audio from an HDMI source device or from an ARC-compatible TV while passing high-resolution video to a TV, projector, or monitor.

The BKA-1 connects between an HDMI source such as a PS5, Xbox Series X, Blu-ray player, streaming device, or PC and a display. It passes the audio and video signal through the HDMI output while sending audio to an external audio system using Optical or 3.5mm stereo output.

Unlike basic HDMI audio extractors, the BKA-1 supports HDMI 2.1 features with video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz. It also supports ARC audio return from a compatible TV, making it useful for setups where you want to extract audio from either a connected HDMI source or from the TV itself.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect your HDMI source device, such as a PS5, Xbox Series X, Blu-ray player, streaming device, or PC, to the HDMI IN port on the BKA-1. 
2. Connect the TV(ARC) OUT port on the BKA-1 to your TV, projector, or monitor using an HDMI cable. 
3. If you want to use ARC audio from your TV’s internal apps, connect the HDMI cable to the ARC HDMI port on your TV. 
4. Connect your audio device: 
   • Use the Optical output for a soundbar, AVR, amplifier, or speaker system. 
   • Use the 3.5mm L/R output for stereo speakers, headphones, or a stereo audio input. 
5. Connect the included 5V/1A power adapter to the BKA-1 and plug it into power. 
6. Turn on your HDMI source, TV/display, and audio system. 
7. Check the front LEDs. The Power LED should turn red, the IN LED should turn green when a source is detected, and the OUT LED should turn green when the display is connected. 
8. Set the EDID DIP switch based on the video and audio format you want. 
9. If using ARC, enable ARC in your TV settings and press the ARC button on the BKA-1. The ARC LED should stay on when ARC communication is working normally.

EDID DIP Switch Settings

The BKA-1 includes advanced EDID management, allowing you to control what video and audio capability the HDMI source detects.

Use a 2.0CH EDID setting when using the 3.5mm L/R output.

Use a 5.1CH EDID setting when using the Optical output with a surround sound-capable soundbar, AVR, or speaker system.

Use the copy EDID setting when you want the source device to follow the connected TV or display’s reported video and audio capabilities.

What Soundbars, AVRs, or Speakers Is the BKA-1 Compatible With?

The OREI BKA-1 is compatible with audio systems that support Optical/TOSLINK or 3.5mm stereo audio input.

It can be used with soundbars, AV receivers, amplifiers, powered speakers, stereo systems, headphones, and other audio devices that accept these connections.

For Optical audio, the connected device must support the audio format being sent, such as PCM 2.0CH, Dolby Digital, or DTS 5.1CH.

For 3.5mm L/R audio, the connected device must support standard stereo audio, and the source or TV must be set to PCM, or Stereo.

The BKA-1 does not output HDMI audio to an ARC/eARC soundbar or AVR. It only provides HDMI passthrough, Optical audio output, and 3.5mm stereo audio output.

What Source Devices Is the BKA-1 Compatible With?

The OREI BKA-1 is compatible with HDMI source devices such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, gaming PCs, laptops with HDMI output, Blu-ray players, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, NVIDIA Shield, cable boxes, satellite boxes, and other HDMI media devices.

As long as the device outputs audio and video through HDMI, the BKA-1 can pass the audio and video signal to a display and extract audio through Optical or 3.5mm output.

For 4K@120Hz or 8K@60Hz, the source device, display, HDMI cables, and HDMI settings must all support the required HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI BKA-1 used for? 
A: The BKA-1 is used to extract audio from an HDMI source or ARC-compatible TV and send that audio to an external audio system through Optical or 3.5mm output while passing audio and video to a TV, projector, or monitor.

Q: Is the BKA-1 an upgrade over the HDA-912? 
A: Yes. Compared to the HDA-912, the BKA-1 supports HDMI 2.1, 48Gbps bandwidth, up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz video, ARC audio extraction from a TV, and more advanced EDID control.

Q: Does the BKA-1 support ARC? 
A: Yes. The BKA-1 supports ARC from a compatible TV. When connected to the TV’s ARC HDMI port, it can receive TV audio and output it through the Optical or 3.5mm port.

Q: Does the BKA-1 support eARC? 
A: No. The BKA-1 supports ARC, not eARC. It will not provide full eARC bandwidth or eARC-only audio features.

Q: Can I get audio from my TV’s built-in apps like Netflix or YouTube? 
A: Yes, if your TV supports ARC and the BKA-1 is connected to the TV’s ARC HDMI port. You must also enable ARC in the TV settings and turn on ARC using the ARC button on the BKA-1.

Q: Why is the ARC LED flashing? 
A: A flashing ARC LED means ARC is enabled, but CEC communication is not working correctly. Check that the HDMI cable is connected to the TV’s ARC HDMI port and that ARC/CEC is enabled in the TV settings.

Q: Can the BKA-1 convert Dolby Digital or DTS to stereo? 
A: No. The BKA-1 does not decode or downmix audio. It cannot convert surround sound formats into stereo PCM.

Q: Can I use Optical and 3.5mm at the same time? 
A: You may connect both, but the audio format must be compatible with both outputs. For both to work at the same time, set the source or TV audio to PCM or Stereo. Dolby or DTS will work through Optical but not through the 3.5mm output.

Q: Does the TV still output audio when using the BKA-1? 
A: Yes, the TV will continue to receive an audio video signal like usual and output audio through its built-in speakers, except when ARC is enabled on the TV. TV speakers are muted when ARC is enabled.