UHD-1616 Overview and Use Cases

What Is the UHD-1616?

The OREI UHD-1616 is a professional 4K@60Hz 16x16 HDMI matrix with audio extraction. It allows up to sixteen HDMI source devices to be routed to up to sixteen HDMI displays.

The UHD-1616 can send any HDMI input to any HDMI output. This means each display can show the same source or a different source depending on the routing setup.

The UHD-1616 supports HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 / 1.x, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, 4K to 1080p downscaling on each HDMI output, ARC, CEC, EDID management, coaxial audio extraction for each output, front-panel control, IR remote control, RS-232 control, LAN control, and WebGUI control. It supports HDMI audio formats including LPCM 2/5.1/7.1, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. 

The UHD-1616 is useful for professional AV installations, control rooms, conference rooms, classrooms, digital signage, sports bars, houses of worship, retail displays, and large-scale multimedia environments where many HDMI sources need to be routed to many HDMI displays.

IMPORTANT — UHD-1616 Is a Matrix, Not a Basic Splitter

The UHD-1616 is a 16-input, 16-output HDMI matrix.

This means any of the sixteen HDMI inputs can be routed to any of the sixteen HDMI outputs.

For example:

• Output 1 can show Input 1 
• Output 4 can show Input 12 
• Output 9 can show Input 3 
• Output 16 can show Input 8 

You can also route the same HDMI input to multiple outputs or all outputs.

This is different from a basic HDMI splitter, which only duplicates one source to multiple displays.

IMPORTANT — UHD-1616 Supports 4K@60Hz, Not 8K or 4K@120Hz

The UHD-1616 supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.

It does not support 8K or 4K@120Hz.

For 8K or 4K@120Hz setups, use an HDMI 2.1 matrix that supports the required bandwidth and resolution.

IMPORTANT — Each HDMI Output Supports 4K to 1080p Downscaling

Each HDMI output supports independent 4K to 1080p downscaling.

This is useful when some displays support 4K while other displays only support 1080p.

For example, if Output 1 is connected to a 4K TV and Output 2 is connected to a 1080p TV, the scaler can help the 1080p display receive a compatible signal.

Downscaling does not upgrade 1080p to 4K. It only reduces a 4K signal to 1080p for compatibility with lower-resolution displays.

IMPORTANT — Coax Audio Extraction Is Available for All 16 Outputs

The UHD-1616 includes 16 coaxial audio outputs.

Each coaxial output corresponds to an HDMI output.

This allows audio from each HDMI output path to be sent separately to an external audio system such as an AVR, amplifier, soundbar, or audio processor.

IMPORTANT — Coax Audio Output Has Format Limits

The coaxial audio outputs support:

• LPCM 2.0 
• Dolby Digital / Plus 
• DTS 5.1 

If there is no audio from the coax output, set the source device to PCM or Dolby Digital from the media source settings.

If ARC is turned on, make sure the TV is set to output Dolby Digital or PCM.

IMPORTANT — ARC Is Supported

The UHD-1616 supports ARC on the HDMI outputs.

ARC allows compatible TVs to send audio back through HDMI, so the matrix can extract the TV’s returned audio through the coaxial audio output.

The connected TV must support ARC, and the TV audio setting must be set to a compatible format such as Dolby Digital or PCM.

IMPORTANT — WebGUI Requires Network Setup

The UHD-1616 can be controlled through a browser-based WebGUI using the TCP/IP port.

The default IP address listed in the WebGUI section is 192.168.1.100.

The troubleshooting section also mentions 192.168.0.100 as the default IP example, so the actual IP should be checked from the OLED screen or by using RS-232 command r ipconfig!.

To access the WebGUI, the computer must be on the same network segment as the matrix.

For example, if the matrix IP is 192.168.0.100, set the computer IP to something like 192.168.0.120. Do not set the computer to the exact same IP address as the matrix.

Default WebGUI login:

IMPORTANT — EDID Settings Affect Video and Audio Compatibility

The UHD-1616 includes 21 factory EDID modes, 2 user-defined EDID modes, and 16 copy EDID modes.

EDID tells the HDMI source what video and audio formats the system supports.

If you experience no signal, audio issues, wrong resolution, or compatibility problems, changing the EDID setting may help.

Use 1080p EDID modes for older displays, 4K@60Hz EDID modes for modern HDMI 2.0 displays, and Copy Output modes when you want the source to follow the capability of a specific connected display.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the included 24V/3.75A power adapter to the UHD-1616. 
2. Connect your HDMI source devices to HDMI Input 1 through HDMI Input 16. 
   Examples include Blu-ray players, DVD players, streaming devices, PCs, laptops, cable boxes, satellite receivers, media players, and game consoles. 
3. Connect HDMI Output 1 through HDMI Output 16 to your TVs, monitors, projectors, or commercial displays. 
4. If using audio extraction, connect the coaxial audio output for the desired output channel to a compatible soundbar, AVR, amplifier, or audio processor. 
5. Turn on the HDMI source devices, displays, audio system, and UHD-1616. 
6. Use the front-panel buttons, IR remote, WebGUI, RS-232, or LAN control to route each input source to the desired output. 
7. If one or more displays only support 1080p, use the output scaler mode to downscale 4K to 1080p for those outputs. 
8. Set EDID based on your required video and audio format. 
9. If using WebGUI control, connect the TCP/IP port to a computer or network and make sure the computer is on the same IP range as the matrix. 
10. If using RS-232 control, connect the RS-232 port to a PC or control system. 

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

For best performance, use Premium High Speed HDMI cables.

The manual lists the following HDMI cable length guidance:

Poor-quality or longer HDMI cables may cause:

• No video output 
• Flickering 
• Black screen 
• Signal dropouts 
• Audio dropouts 
• HDCP handshake issues 
• 4K@60Hz not displaying correctly 
• HDR or Dolby Vision issues 
• Output not detected 
• Source not detected 

For troubleshooting, test the source directly with the display, try shorter HDMI cables, and lower the source resolution.

Understanding Matrix Routing

The UHD-1616 allows any HDMI input to be routed to any HDMI output.

This allows each display to show a different source, or multiple displays to show the same source.

Example:

Understanding Front-Panel Switching

To route a source from the front panel:

1. Press the desired Input button. 
2. Press the AV button. 
3. Press the desired Output button. 

Example:

To send Input 1 to Output 3:

1. Press Input 1. 
2. Press AV. 
3. Press Output 3. 

To send one input to all outputs:

1. Press the desired Input button. 
2. Press AV. 
3. Press ALL. 

Example:

Press Input 1 → AV → ALL to send Input 1 to every connected display.

Understanding the IR Remote

The included IR remote can control power and input/output routing.

To route a source using the remote:

1. Press the desired Input button. 
2. Press the desired Output button. 

Example:

Press Input 1, then Output 3 to route Input 1 to Output 3.

To send one input to all outputs:

1. Press the desired Input button. 
2. Press ALL. 

Understanding Downscaling

The UHD-1616 supports 4K to 1080p downscaling on each HDMI output.

Scaler modes include:

Use downscaling when a 4K source needs to be sent to both 4K and 1080p displays.

Use Bypass when the display supports the source resolution.

Use Auto when you want the matrix to automatically follow the display’s EDID capability.

Understanding ARC Mode

ARC stands for Audio Return Channel.

The UHD-1616 supports ARC on HDMI outputs.

When ARC is turned on:

• The connected TV must support ARC 
• TV audio can return to the matrix through HDMI 
• ARC audio can be extracted through the coaxial audio output 
• The TV should be set to output Dolby Digital or PCM 

ARC is useful when audio from TV apps or a TV tuner needs to be sent to an external audio system through the matrix.

Understanding Audio Extraction

The UHD-1616 includes coaxial audio extraction for each HDMI output.

If coaxial audio is not working, set the source audio format to PCM or Dolby Digital.

If ARC audio is not working, check that ARC is turned on and the TV is set to output Dolby Digital or PCM.

EDID Settings

The UHD-1616 includes 39 EDID modes.

It has:

• 21 factory-defined EDID modes 
• 2 user-defined EDID modes 
• 16 copy EDID modes 

Use 2.0 audio modes for stereo systems.

Use Dolby/DTS 5.1 modes for compatible surround sound systems.

Use HD Audio 7.1 modes only when using HDMI audio with a compatible AVR or advanced audio system.

Use Copy Output modes when you want the source device to follow the capability of a specific connected display.

Understanding WebGUI Control

The UHD-1616 supports browser-based WebGUI control through the TCP/IP port.

The WebGUI can be used to:

• View product status 
• View firmware version 
• View network settings 
• Route HDMI inputs to outputs 
• Save, recall, and clear presets 
• Rename inputs and outputs 
• Check input signal status 
• Set EDID modes 
• Upload and download EDID files 
• Check output cable status 
• Rename output channels 
• Set scaler mode 
• Turn ARC on or off 
• Turn output stream on or off 
• Control CEC functions 
• Change network settings 
• Change WebGUI passwords 
• Lock or unlock front-panel buttons 
• Turn beep on or off 
• Set LCD screen timing 
• Change serial baud rate 
• Update firmware 
• Factory reset or reboot the unit 

Understanding Network Setup

The WebGUI section lists the default IP address as 192.168.1.100.

The troubleshooting section also gives 192.168.0.100 as the default IP example.

Because of this, the best method is to check the current IP address directly from the unit.

You can check the current IP address in two ways:

1. From the front panel 
   Press MENU from the main OLED screen, enter the IP Address menu, and use UP/DOWN to view the current IP address. 
2. Through RS-232 
   Send the command r ipconfig! through an ASCII command tool. 

To access the WebGUI:

1. Connect the TCP/IP port of the UHD-1616 to a PC or network. 
2. Set the PC IP address to the same network segment as the matrix. 
3. Enter the matrix IP address into a browser. 
4. Log in using the default credentials. 

Default WebGUI login:

Understanding Presets

The UHD-1616 supports up to 8 presets through WebGUI and RS-232 commands.

Presets allow users to save a routing layout and recall it later.

Example preset:

This is useful for conference rooms, sports bars, control rooms, classrooms, and commercial AV installations where the same layouts are used repeatedly.

RS-232 Control

The UHD-1616 supports RS-232 command control through the rear D-Sub 9-pin port.

Default RS-232 settings:

RS-232 commands can control:

• Power on/off 
• Reboot 
• Factory reset 
• Device status 
• Firmware version 
• Input connection status 
• Output connection status 
• Beep on/off 
• Front-panel lock 
• LCD screen timing 
• Preset save / recall / clear 
• Input-to-output routing 
• Output stream enable / disable 
• Output scaler mode 
• EDID settings 
• ARC on/off 
• CEC input control 
• CEC output control 
• Network configuration 
• IP mode 
• IP address 
• Subnet mask 
• Gateway 
• TCP/IP port 
• Telnet port 
• Network reboot 

Understanding CEC Control

The UHD-1616 supports CEC control through WebGUI and RS-232 commands.

CEC functions include:

• Source power on / off 
• Source menu control 
• Play / pause / stop 
• Fast forward / rewind 
• Previous / next 
• Mute 
• Volume up / down 
• Display power on / off 
• Display volume control 
• Active source control 

CEC behavior depends on whether the connected source devices and displays support CEC and have CEC enabled.

What Source Devices Is the UHD-1616 Compatible With?

The OREI UHD-1616 is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

• Blu-ray players 
• DVD players 
• Streaming devices 
• Cable boxes 
• Satellite receivers 
• Set-top boxes 
• Desktop PCs 
• Laptops with HDMI output 
• Media players 
• Security DVRs 
• Presentation systems 
• Game consoles with supported HDMI output 

For 4K@60Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or HLG, the source device, HDMI cable, matrix, and display must all support the selected format.

What Displays Is the UHD-1616 Compatible With?

The UHD-1616 can connect to HDMI displays such as:

• 4K TVs 
• 1080p TVs 
• Monitors 
• Projectors 
• Commercial displays 
• Conference room displays 
• Classroom displays 
• Retail displays 
• Sports bar displays 
• Control room displays 
• Digital signage displays 

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

For mixed 4K and 1080p display setups, use the 4K to 1080p downscaling function.

What Audio Devices Is the UHD-1616 Compatible With?

The UHD-1616 can send audio to:

• Coaxial soundbars 
• AV receivers 
• Audio processors 
• Amplifiers 
• HDMI TVs 
• HDMI AV receivers 
• HDMI audio systems 

For coaxial audio, use PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or DTS 5.1 depending on what the connected audio device supports.

For HDMI audio, the connected display or HDMI audio system must support the selected audio format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-1616 used for? 
A: The UHD-1616 is used to connect up to sixteen HDMI source devices to up to sixteen HDMI displays. It can route any input to any output and supports 4K@60Hz, audio extraction, ARC, EDID management, downscaling, WebGUI control, RS-232 control, LAN control, IR remote control, and front-panel control.

Q: Is the UHD-1616 a splitter? 
A: It can send the same source to multiple displays, but it is more than a splitter. It is a 16x16 HDMI matrix, meaning each output can independently select an HDMI input.

Q: Can each output show a different source? 
A: Yes. Each of the sixteen outputs can select from HDMI Input 1 through HDMI Input 16.

Q: Can all displays show the same source? 
A: Yes. Use the ALL function from the front panel, IR remote, WebGUI, or RS-232 command.

Q: How many HDMI sources can I connect? 
A: You can connect up to sixteen HDMI source devices.

Q: How many displays can I connect? 
A: You can connect up to sixteen HDMI displays.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support 4K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support 8K? 
A: No. The UHD-1616 supports up to 4K@60Hz. It does not support 8K.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support 4K@120Hz? 
A: No. It does not support 4K@120Hz.

Q: What HDMI version does the UHD-1616 support? 
A: The UHD-1616 supports HDMI 2.0b.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support HDCP 2.2? 
A: Yes. It supports HDCP 2.2 / 1.x.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support HDR and Dolby Vision? 
A: Yes. It supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support downscaling? 
A: Yes. Each HDMI output supports independent 4K to 1080p downscaling.

Q: What scaler modes are available? 
A: The scaler modes are Bypass, 4K → 1080p, and Auto.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 have audio extraction? 
A: Yes. It includes 16 coaxial audio outputs, one for each HDMI output.

Q: What audio does the coax output support? 
A: The coaxial outputs support LPCM 2.0, Dolby Digital / Plus, and DTS 5.1.

Q: Why am I not getting audio through the coax output? 
A: Try changing the media source audio format to Dolby Digital or PCM. If ARC is turned on, make sure the TV is set to output Dolby Digital or PCM.

Q: Does HDMI audio still pass through to the displays? 
A: Yes. HDMI audio supports LPCM 2/5.1/7.1, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X when the connected equipment supports those formats.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support ARC? 
A: Yes. ARC can be turned on or off for HDMI outputs.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support CEC? 
A: Yes. CEC control is supported through the WebGUI and RS-232 commands.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support EDID management? 
A: Yes. It supports 21 factory EDID modes, 2 user-defined EDID modes, and 16 copy EDID modes.

Q: Can I upload a custom EDID? 
A: Yes. The WebGUI allows EDID files to be uploaded to User 1 or User 2.

Q: Can I control the UHD-1616 from a web browser? 
A: Yes. Connect the TCP/IP port to a network or PC and access the WebGUI using the matrix IP address.

Q: What is the default WebGUI IP address? 
A: The WebGUI section lists 192.168.1.100. The troubleshooting section also mentions 192.168.0.100 as an example. Check the current IP from the OLED menu or through RS-232 using r ipconfig!.

Q: What are the default WebGUI login credentials? 
A: The default Admin login is admin, and the default User login is user.

Q: What should I do if I cannot access the WebGUI? 
A: Make sure the computer IP address is in the same network segment as the matrix, but not exactly the same IP address. Check the current matrix IP address from the OLED menu or by RS-232 command.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 support RS-232 control? 
A: Yes. It supports RS-232 command control through the rear D-Sub 9-pin port.

Q: What is the default RS-232 baud rate? 
A: The default baud rate is 115200.

Q: Can I save presets? 
A: Yes. Up to 8 presets can be saved, recalled, and cleared through WebGUI or RS-232 commands.

Q: How do I route Input 1 to Output 3 from the front panel? 
A: Press Input 1, then AV, then Output 3.

Q: How do I send one input to all outputs from the front panel? 
A: Press the desired Input button, then AV, then ALL.

Q: What HDMI cable length is recommended? 
A: The manual lists 16ft / 5m for 4K60, 32ft / 10m for 4K30, and 50ft / 15m for 1080p60.

Q: What should I do if there is no video on one or more displays? 
A: Try lowering the media source resolution, changing the HDMI cable, testing the same display on a different output port, and changing EDID settings through the WebGUI.

Q: Does the UHD-1616 need external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included 24V/3.75A power adapter.