What Is the BK-808?
The OREI BK-808 is an 8K 48Gbps 8x8 HDMI matrix. It allows up to eight HDMI source devices to be routed to up to eight HDMI displays.
The BK-808 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 BK-808 supports HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3, with a video bandwidth of 48Gbps. It supports video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz 4:2:0, 8K@30Hz 4:4:4, and 4K@120Hz 4:4:4. It also supports HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT, SBTM, EDID management, Web GUI control, RS-232 control, TCP/IP control, audio extraction, ARC, HDR-to-SDR conversion, and per-output downscaling from 8K to 4K or 8K/4K to 1080p.
The BK-808 is useful for home theaters, gaming setups, commercial AV systems, sports bars, conference rooms, classrooms, showrooms, control rooms, retail displays, and installations where multiple HDMI sources need to be routed to multiple HDMI displays.
IMPORTANT — BK-808 Is a Matrix, Not a Basic Splitter
The BK-808 is an 8-input, 8-output HDMI matrix.
This means any of the eight HDMI inputs can be routed to any of the eight HDMI outputs.
For example:
- Output 1 can show Input 1
- Output 2 can show Input 4
- Output 3 can show Input 8
- Output 4 can show Input 2
You can also route the same input to multiple outputs or all outputs.
This is different from a basic HDMI splitter, which only duplicates one source to multiple displays.
IMPORTANT — BK-808 Supports 8K and 4K@120Hz
The BK-808 supports HDMI 2.1 video formats including:
- 8K@60Hz 4:2:0
- 8K@30Hz 4:4:4
- 4K@120Hz 4:4:4
To use these resolutions, every part of the setup must support the required HDMI 2.1 format.
This includes:
- HDMI source device
- HDMI display
- HDMI cables
- Source video settings
For example, to use 4K@120Hz from a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC, the source device, HDMI cable, BK-808, and display must all support 4K@120Hz.
IMPORTANT — BK-808 Supports 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 Bandwidth
The BK-808 supports 48Gbps video bandwidth.
This is important for HDMI 2.1 features such as 8K video, 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT, and SBTM.
If the customer is using older HDMI cables, older HDMI 2.0 source devices, or older displays, the system will be limited by the lowest-capability device in the chain.
IMPORTANT — Each Output Supports Downscaling
The BK-808 supports downscaling on each output.
Available scaler modes include:
| Scaler Mode | Function |
| Bypass | Output follows the input source |
| 8K to 4K | Downscales any 8K signal to 4K |
| 8K/4K to 1080p | Downscales any 8K or 4K signal to 1080p |
| Auto | Output resolution follows the connected display EDID |
This is useful when some displays support 8K or 4K while other displays only support 4K or 1080p.
Downscaling does not upgrade lower resolutions. It only reduces higher-resolution signals for compatibility with lower-resolution displays.
IMPORTANT — HDR to SDR Conversion Is Supported
The BK-808 supports HDR to SDR conversion on all outputs.
Available HDR modes include:
| HDR Mode | Function |
| Bypass | Output follows the input source |
| HDR to SDR | Converts HDR signal to SDR |
| Auto | Output format follows the connected display EDID |
This helps when an HDR source is routed to a display that does not properly support HDR.
IMPORTANT — Audio Extraction Is Available for All 8 Outputs
The BK-808 includes audio extraction for each HDMI output.
It includes:
- 8 Optical audio outputs
- 8 balanced / unbalanced analog audio outputs
This allows audio from each output path to be sent separately to an amplifier, speaker system, audio processor, or other compatible audio device.
IMPORTANT — Analog Audio Output Supports LPCM 2CH Only
The balanced / unbalanced analog audio outputs support LPCM 2CH.
If analog audio is not working, set the HDMI source device to PCM, LPCM, or Stereo audio.
The analog audio output does not support Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, or other surround formats as analog output.
IMPORTANT — Optical Audio Output Has Format Limits
The Optical outputs support LPCM 2.0CH, Dolby, and DTS 5.1CH.
If there is no audio from Optical, make sure the connected amplifier, soundbar, or audio system supports the selected audio format.
For troubleshooting, set the source device audio output to PCM stereo or Dolby Digital / DTS 5.1 depending on what the connected audio device supports.
IMPORTANT — ARC Audio Can Be Routed to External Audio Outputs
The BK-808 supports ARC on the HDMI outputs.
ARC audio can be selected as a source in Audio Matrix mode and routed to the external audio output.
This is useful when audio from a TV’s internal apps or tuner needs to be sent back to the matrix and then routed to an external audio system.
The TV connected to that HDMI output must support ARC for this function to work.
IMPORTANT — Web GUI and RS-232 May Take a Few Minutes After Power-On
The manual notes that RS-232 and Web control become available a few minutes after the device is powered on.
If RS-232 or Web GUI control does not respond immediately after startup, wait a few minutes and try again.
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / LED / Button | Location | Function |
| LCD Screen | Front panel | Displays matrix switching status, input/output port, EDID, baud rate, IP address, and other information |
| PWR LED | Front panel | Green when powered on; red when in standby |
| IR Window | Front panel | Receives signal from the included IR remote |
| INPUT Buttons 1–8 | Front panel | Select HDMI input source |
| OUTPUT Buttons 1–8 | Front panel | Select HDMI output channel |
| MENU / ENTER / UP / DOWN | Front panel | Used for LCD menu navigation and settings |
| POWER Button | Front panel | Long press 1 second for standby; short press to wake the device |
| LOCK Button | Front panel | Locks or unlocks front-panel buttons, except power |
| HDMI Inputs 1–8 | Rear panel | Connect HDMI source devices such as PC, DVD player, set-top box, or media player |
| HDMI Outputs 1–8 | Rear panel | Connect HDMI displays such as TVs or monitors |
| Optical Audio Outputs 1–8 | Rear panel | Digital Optical / S/PDIF audio outputs |
| L/R Audio Outputs 1–8 | Rear panel | Balanced or unbalanced analog audio outputs |
| TCP/IP | Rear panel | RJ45 port for Web GUI or software control |
| RS-232 | Rear panel | D-Sub 9-pin port for RS-232 command control |
| IR EXT | Rear panel | Connects the included IR receiver cable when the front IR window is blocked |
| DC 24V | Rear panel | Connect the included 24V/3.75A power adapter |
| GND | Rear panel | Connects the housing to ground |
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect the included 24V/3.75A locking power adapter to the BK-808.
- Connect your HDMI source devices to HDMI Input 1 through HDMI Input 8.
Examples include a PC, gaming console, DVD player, Blu-ray player, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, cable box, satellite receiver, or media player. - Connect HDMI Output 1 through HDMI Output 8 to your TVs, monitors, projectors, or commercial displays.
- If using audio extraction, connect the Optical or L/R audio output for the desired output channel to an amplifier, audio processor, speaker system, or sound system.
- If using Web GUI control, connect the TCP/IP port to a router, network switch, or computer using an RJ45 cable.
- If using RS-232 control, connect the RS-232 port to a PC or control system using the included RS-232 serial cable.
- If the unit is installed inside a cabinet or out of IR line of sight, connect the included IR receiver cable to the IR EXT port.
- Power on the HDMI sources, displays, audio devices, and BK-808.
- Use the front-panel buttons, IR remote, Web GUI, RS-232 commands, or TCP/IP control to route inputs to outputs.
- If needed, configure EDID, scaler mode, HDR conversion, ARC, audio routing, and presets through the front-panel menu or Web GUI.
HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical
For best performance, use HDMI cables that support the resolution being used.
The manual lists the following HDMI cable length guidance:
| Video Resolution | Recommended HDMI Cable Length |
| 8K | 3m / 9.8ft using Ultra HDMI 2.1 cable |
| 4K60 | 5m / 16ft |
| 4K30 | 10m / 32ft |
| 1080p60 | 15m / 50ft |
The use of Premium High Speed HDMI cables is highly recommended.
Poor-quality or longer HDMI cables may cause:
- No video output
- Flickering
- Black screen
- Signal dropouts
- HDR or Dolby Vision issues
- 8K not working
- 4K@120Hz not working
- Audio dropouts
- HDCP handshake issues
For troubleshooting, test the source directly with the display, try shorter HDMI cables, and lower the source resolution.
Understanding Matrix Routing
The BK-808 allows any input to be routed to any output.
| Output | Available Input Options |
| Output 1 | Input 1–8 |
| Output 2 | Input 1–8 |
| Output 3 | Input 1–8 |
| Output 4 | Input 1–8 |
| Output 5 | Input 1–8 |
| Output 6 | Input 1–8 |
| Output 7 | Input 1–8 |
| Output 8 | Input 1–8 |
This allows each display to show a different source, or multiple displays to show the same source.
Example:
| Output | Selected Source |
| Output 1 | Input 1 |
| Output 2 | Input 3 |
| Output 3 | Input 5 |
| Output 4 | Input 8 |
Understanding Front-Panel Switching
To route a source using the front panel:
- Press the desired Output button first.
- Press the desired Input button second.
Example:
To route Input 3 to Output 2:
- Press Output 2.
- Press Input 3.
To send one input to all outputs, use the ALL function on the IR remote or Web GUI.
Understanding the IR Remote
The included IR remote can control power and input/output routing.
| Remote Button | Function |
| Power | Powers on the matrix or sets it to standby |
| Input 1–8 | Selects HDMI input source |
| Output 1–8 | Selects HDMI output channel |
| All | Selects all output channels at the same time |
| Left / Right Arrows | Selects the previous or next input source |
To route a source using the remote, press the Output button first, then press the Input button.
Example: Press Output 4, then Input 2 to route Input 2 to Output 4.
To send one source to all outputs, press All, then press the desired Input button.
Understanding IR EXT
The BK-808 includes an IR EXT port.
Use the included IR receiver cable when the matrix is installed inside a cabinet, rack, closet, or any location where the front IR window is blocked.
IR remote distance:
| IR Method | Distance |
| Front IR window, direct facing | Up to 8m |
| Front IR window, ±45° angle | Up to 5m |
| IR EXT receiver, direct facing | Up to 5m |
| IR EXT receiver, ±45° angle | Up to 3m |
Understanding Downscaling
The BK-808 supports downscaling on all outputs.
Scaler options:
| Scaler Option | Use Case |
| Bypass | Use when the display supports the source resolution |
| 8K to 4K | Use when an 8K source is connected to a 4K display |
| 8K/4K to 1080p | Use when an 8K or 4K source is connected to a 1080p display |
| Auto | Use when the output should follow the display EDID |
This is helpful in mixed display systems where some displays support 8K, some support 4K, and others support 1080p.
Understanding HDR Conversion
The BK-808 supports HDR to SDR conversion on each output.
HDR options:
| HDR Option | Use Case |
| Bypass | Use when the display supports the source HDR format |
| HDR to SDR | Use when the display does not support HDR properly |
| Auto | Use when the output should follow the display EDID |
If an HDR source looks washed out, too dark, or does not display properly on an older TV or monitor, try HDR to SDR conversion.
Understanding ARC Mode
ARC stands for Audio Return Channel.
The BK-808 supports ARC on HDMI outputs.
When ARC is enabled for an output:
- The connected TV must support ARC
- TV audio can return through HDMI
- ARC audio can be selected and routed through the external audio matrix
This is useful when TV app audio or internal tuner audio needs to be sent to an external audio system.
Understanding Audio Extraction
The BK-808 can extract HDMI audio to external audio outputs.
| Audio Output | Supported Audio | Best Used For |
| HDMI Output | LPCM, Dolby Digital/Plus/EX, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-EX, DTS-96/24, DTS High Res, DTS-HD Master Audio, DSD | TVs, AVRs, HDMI audio systems |
| Optical Output | LPCM 2.0CH, Dolby, DTS 5.1CH | Optical soundbars, AVRs, amplifiers |
| Balanced / Unbalanced Analog Output | LPCM 2CH | Stereo amplifiers, powered speakers, commercial audio systems |
If analog audio is not working, set the source to PCM or Stereo.
If Optical audio is not working, make sure the connected audio device supports the selected format.
Understanding External Audio Modes
The BK-808 includes external audio routing modes.
| Audio Mode | Function |
| Bind to Input | Audio output follows the HDMI input |
| Bind to Output | Audio output follows the HDMI output |
| Audio Matrix | Any input audio or ARC audio can be routed to a selected external audio output |
Audio Matrix mode is useful when the audio routing needs to be independent from the HDMI video routing.
EDID Management
The BK-808 includes 47 EDID options.
It has:
- 36 factory-defined EDID settings
- 3 user-defined EDID modes
- 8 copy EDID modes
EDID can be configured using:
- Front-panel LCD menu
- RS-232 commands
- Web GUI
Common EDID categories include:
| EDID Category | Use Case |
| 1080p 2.0CH / 5.1CH / 7.1CH | Older displays or troubleshooting |
| 4K30 2.0CH / 5.1CH / 7.1CH | 4K@30Hz systems |
| 4K60 4:2:0 or 4:4:4 | 4K@60Hz systems |
| 4K120 HDR | HDMI 2.1 gaming or high-refresh setups |
| FRL10G / FRL12G 8K HDR | 8K HDMI 2.1 systems |
| User EDID 1–3 | Custom EDID files |
| Copy Output 1–8 | Copies EDID from a connected display |
Use stereo EDID modes for stereo systems.
Use 5.1CH or 7.1CH EDID modes only when the connected audio system supports those formats.
Use copy output EDID when you want the source device to follow the capability of a specific connected display.
Understanding Web GUI Control
The BK-808 supports browser-based Web GUI control.
The default IP address is:
| Setting | Default Value |
| IP Address | 192.168.0.100 |
| Subnet Mask | 255.255.255.0 |
| Gateway | 192.168.0.1 |
| TCP/IP Port | 8000 |
| Telnet Port | 23 |
Default Web GUI login:
| Username | Password |
| User | user |
| Admin | admin |
The Web GUI can be used to:
- View product status
- Route HDMI inputs to outputs
- Save and clear presets
- Rename inputs and outputs
- Set EDID modes
- Upload and download EDID files
- Set video scaler mode
- Set HDR conversion mode
- Set HDCP mode
- Turn ARC on or off
- Enable or disable output stream
- Configure external audio routing
- Control CEC functions
- Change network settings
- Change passwords
- Lock or unlock the front panel
- Turn beep on or off
- Set LCD display time
- Change serial baud rate
- Update firmware
- Factory reset or reboot the unit
Understanding Network Setup
The default IP address is 192.168.0.100.
The current IP address can be checked in two ways:
- From the front panel
Press MENU, go to SETUP, then select IP INFO. - Through RS-232
Send the command r ipconfig! to view current network information.
To access the Web GUI, connect the TCP/IP port to a computer or network and make sure the computer is on the same network segment.
For example, if the BK-808 is using 192.168.0.100, the computer should use an IP address in the same 192.168.0.xxx range.
RS-232 Control
The BK-808 supports RS-232 command control through the rear D-Sub 9-pin port.
Default RS-232 settings:
| Setting | Value |
| Baud Rate | 115200 |
| Data Bits | 8 |
| Stop Bits | 1 |
| Check Bit | 0 |
RS-232 commands can control:
- Power on/off
- Beep on/off
- Front-panel lock
- LCD on time
- Reboot
- Factory reset
- Input/output routing
- Preset save / recall / clear
- Output HDCP mode
- Output stream enable / disable
- Output scaler mode
- HDR to SDR mode
- ARC on/off
- EDID setting
- User EDID
- External audio enable / disable
- External audio mode
- Audio matrix routing
- CEC control
- Network settings
Understanding CEC Control
The BK-808 supports CEC management through Web GUI and RS-232 commands.
CEC functions include:
- Source power on / off
- Source menu navigation
- Play / pause / stop
- Fast forward / rewind
- Previous / next
- Mute / unmute
- Volume up / down
- Display power on / off
CEC behavior depends on whether the connected source devices and displays support CEC and have CEC enabled.
What Source Devices Is the BK-808 Compatible With?
The OREI BK-808 is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X/S
- Gaming PCs
- Desktop PCs
- Laptops with HDMI output
- Blu-ray players
- DVD players
- Apple TV
- Fire TV Stick
- Roku
- Cable boxes
- Satellite receivers
- TV boxes
- Set-top boxes
- Media players
For 8K@60Hz, 8K@30Hz, 4K@120Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision, VRR, or ALLM, the source device, HDMI cable, matrix, and display must all support the selected format.
What Displays Is the BK-808 Compatible With?
The BK-808 can connect to HDMI displays such as:
- 8K TVs
- 4K TVs
- 1080p TVs
- Gaming monitors
- Commercial displays
- Projectors
- Conference room displays
- Sports bar displays
- Control room displays
- Retail displays
For 8K output, the connected display must support 8K input.
For 4K@120Hz, the connected display must support 4K at 120Hz.
What Audio Devices Is the BK-808 Compatible With?
The BK-808 can send audio to:
- Optical soundbars
- AV receivers
- Audio processors
- Amplifiers
- Powered speakers
- Balanced analog audio systems
- Unbalanced analog audio systems
- HDMI TVs or AVRs through HDMI output
For analog audio, set the source to PCM or Stereo.
For Optical audio, use PCM stereo, Dolby, or DTS depending on what the connected audio system supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OREI BK-808 used for?
A: The BK-808 is used to connect up to eight HDMI source devices to up to eight HDMI displays. It can route any input to any output and also supports audio extraction, downscaling, HDR conversion, ARC, EDID management, Web GUI, RS-232, and TCP/IP control.
Q: Is the BK-808 a splitter?
A: It can send the same source to multiple displays, but it is more than a splitter. It is an 8x8 HDMI matrix, meaning each output can independently select any input.
Q: Can each output show a different source?
A: Yes. Each of the eight outputs can show a different HDMI input.
Q: Can all displays show the same source?
A: Yes. Use the All button on the remote, Web GUI, or RS-232 command to route one input to all outputs.
Q: How many HDMI sources can I connect?
A: You can connect up to eight HDMI source devices.
Q: How many displays can I connect?
A: You can connect up to eight HDMI displays.
Q: Does the BK-808 support 8K?
A: Yes. It supports video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz 4:2:0 and 8K@30Hz 4:4:4.
Q: Does the BK-808 support 4K@120Hz?
A: Yes. It supports 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 when the connected source, cable, and display support it.
Q: Does the BK-808 support HDMI 2.1?
A: Yes. The BK-808 is HDMI 2.1 compliant.
Q: Does the BK-808 support HDCP 2.3?
A: Yes. The manual lists HDCP 2.3 compliance.
Q: Does the BK-808 support 48Gbps bandwidth?
A: Yes. It supports 48Gbps video bandwidth.
Q: Does the BK-808 support HDR and Dolby Vision?
A: Yes. It supports HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
Q: Does the BK-808 support VRR and ALLM?
A: Yes. It supports VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT, and SBTM when the connected equipment also supports those features.
Q: Does the BK-808 support downscaling?
A: Yes. Each output can downscale 8K to 4K or 8K/4K to 1080p.
Q: Does the BK-808 support HDR to SDR conversion?
A: Yes. HDR to SDR conversion is available on all outputs.
Q: Does the BK-808 have audio extraction?
A: Yes. It includes Optical and balanced / unbalanced analog audio outputs for each of the eight outputs.
Q: What audio does the Optical output support?
A: Optical supports LPCM 2.0CH, Dolby, and DTS 5.1CH.
Q: What audio does the analog output support?
A: The balanced / unbalanced analog audio output supports LPCM 2CH.
Q: Why am I not getting audio from the analog output?
A: Set the source device audio output to PCM, LPCM, or Stereo. The analog output supports LPCM 2CH.
Q: Does HDMI audio still pass through to the displays?
A: Yes. HDMI audio passes through to the displays and supports formats including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DSD when the connected equipment supports them.
Q: Does the BK-808 support ARC?
A: Yes. ARC can be enabled or disabled for HDMI outputs and can be routed through the external audio matrix.
Q: Does the BK-808 support EDID management?
A: Yes. It supports 36 factory EDID modes, 3 user EDID modes, and 8 copy EDID modes.
Q: Can I upload a custom EDID?
A: Yes. Custom EDID files can be uploaded to User Define 1, User Define 2, or User Define 3 through the Web GUI.
Q: Can I control the BK-808 from a web browser?
A: Yes. Connect the TCP/IP port to the network and access the Web GUI using the matrix IP address.
Q: What is the default IP address?
A: The default IP address is 192.168.0.100.
Q: What are the default Web GUI login credentials?
A: The default User login is user, and the default Admin login is admin.
Q: How do I find the current IP address?
A: Use the front-panel MENU > SETUP > IP INFO option, or send the RS-232 command r ipconfig!.
Q: Does the BK-808 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 RS-232 baud rate is 115200.
Q: Can I save routing presets?
A: Yes. The Web GUI and RS-232 commands support saving, recalling, and clearing up to 8 presets.
Q: How do I switch sources from the front panel?
A: Press the desired Output button first, then press the desired Input button.
Q: How do I send one input to all outputs using the remote?
A: Press All, then press the desired Input button.
Q: What HDMI cable should I use for 8K?
A: Use Ultra HDMI 2.1 cables. The manual lists 3m / 9.8ft for 8K use.
Q: What HDMI cable length is recommended?
A: The manual lists 3m / 9.8ft for 8K, 5m / 16ft for 4K60, 10m / 32ft for 4K30, and 15m / 50ft for 1080p60.
Q: What should I do if there is no video output?
A: Check that the correct input is routed to the output, confirm HDMI cables are connected properly, try shorter HDMI cables, check EDID settings, and lower the source resolution for testing.
Q: What should I do if Web GUI or RS-232 does not respond after power-on?
A: Wait a few minutes after powering on the device. The manual notes that RS-232 and Web control become available a few minutes after startup.
Q: Does the BK-808 need external power?
A: Yes. Connect the included 24V/3.75A locking power adapter.
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