UHD-401 Overview and Use Cases

 What Is the UHD-401?

The OREI UHD-401 is a 4-input, 1-output HDMI switch with audio extraction. It allows you to connect up to four HDMI source devices to one HDMI display while also extracting audio through a 3.5mm L/R analog audio output.

The UHD-401 is useful when your TV, monitor, or projector has limited HDMI inputs and you want to connect multiple devices such as a Blu-ray player, DVD player, PS4, streaming device, cable box, or media player without constantly unplugging and reconnecting HDMI cables.

The UHD-401 supports HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2, with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz YUV 4:4:4, 4K@30Hz, 1080p@120Hz, and 1080p 3D@60Hz. It also supports 10-bit HDR pass-through, CEC pass-through, and HDMI high-bitrate audio pass-through. 

The UHD-401 includes four HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, one 3.5mm L/R audio output, front-panel input selection, and a remote control.

IMPORTANT — The 3.5mm Audio Output Supports Analog Stereo Only

The UHD-401 can extract HDMI audio to the 3.5mm L/R analog audio output.

However, the 3.5mm audio output supports analog stereo 2-channel audio only. 

If you are using the 3.5mm audio output, the source device should be set to PCM or Stereo audio in the settings.

If the source device is outputting Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, or DTS:X, the 3.5mm audio output will not produce sound because the UHD-401 does not downmix surround sound into stereo analog audio.

IMPORTANT — Surround Audio Is Passed Through HDMI, Not Converted to 3.5mm

The UHD-401 supports HDMI audio pass-through for formats such as LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. 

This means that these audio formats can pass through the HDMI output to a compatible TV, AVR, or sound system, however, the same cannot be converted to 2-channel stereo to be sent to the 3.5mm output at the same time.

IMPORTANT — 4K@60Hz Requires Compatible HDMI Equipment

To use 4K@60Hz, every part of the setup must support the required HDMI 2.0 bandwidth.

This includes:

• The HDMI source device 
• The TV, monitor, or projector 
• The HDMI cables 

For 4K@60Hz, HDR, and 18Gbps signal performance, use high-quality Premium High-Speed HDMI 2.0 cables under 30 feet.

Ports and Panel Layout

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the included 5V/1A power adapter to the DC 5V port on the UHD-401. 
2. Connect your HDMI source devices to HDMI Input 1, Input 2, Input 3, and Input 4. 
3. Connect the HDMI Output port on the UHD-401 to your TV, monitor, or projector. 
4. If you want to use audio extraction, connect the 3.5mm Audio Out port to active speakers, an amplifier, or headphones. 
5. Turn on the HDMI source devices, display, and audio device. 
6. Use the button on the UHD-401 or the included remote control to choose the HDMI input you want to display.
7. If using the 3.5mm audio output, set the source device audio output to PCM or Stereo. 

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

For best performance, use high-quality HDMI cables.

The UHD-401 supports HDMI 2.0b with a video bandwidth of 18Gbps. For 4K@60Hz YUV 4:4:4, HDR, and stable video performance, use Premium High-Speed HDMI 2.0 cables under 30 feet.

What Source Devices Is the UHD-401 Compatible With?

The OREI UHD-401 is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

• Blu-ray players 
• DVD players 
• PlayStation consoles 
• Xbox consoles 
• Streaming devices 
• Cable boxes 
• Satellite receivers 
• Media players 
• PCs 
• Laptops with HDMI output 
• Set-top boxes 

For 4K@60Hz, HDR, or 3D video, the source device, HDMI cable, and display must all support the selected format.

What Displays Is the UHD-401 Compatible With?

The UHD-401 can be connected to HDMI displays such as:

• TVs 
• Monitors 
• Projectors 
• Commercial displays 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI UHD-401 used for? 
A: The UHD-401 is used to connect up to four HDMI source devices to one TV, monitor, or projector. It also extracts stereo audio through a 3.5mm L/R analog audio output.

Q: Does the UHD-401 have audio extraction? 
A: Yes. It has a 3.5mm L/R analog audio output.

Q: What audio format does the 3.5mm output support? 
A: The 3.5mm output supports analog stereo 2-channel audio only.

Q: Does the UHD-401 downmix Dolby or DTS to stereo? 
A: No. The UHD-401 extracts PCM stereo audio to the 3.5mm output, but it does not downmix Dolby or DTS surround audio into stereo analog audio.

Q: Does HDMI still carry surround sound? 
A: Yes. The connected TV, projector or monitor will continue to receive audio along with the video signal through HDMI.

Q: Does the UHD-401 support CEC? 
A: Yes. The UHD-401 supports CEC bypass.

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 UHD-401 is not a seamless switch. When switching inputs, the display will usually go black for a second or two while the HDMI signal reconnects. For faster switching, try a product that supports Seamless switching.

Q: Can I use a capture card to record games from my PlayStation or Xbox? 
A: This device is HDCP compliant and will not bypass HDCP-protected content for capture cards.

Q: Does the UHD-401 support auto switching? 
A: No, it does not support auto switching. You can switch inputs manually using the included remote or the button on the front panel.