How to Choose the Right HDMI Matrix Switcher

So you have multiple HDMI sources, and you want them to feed multiple TVs, projectors, or monitors — independently. Maybe the kitchen TV is on the game while the living room TV is on a movie, and you want either screen to switch between any of your shared sources from a single rack. That is exactly what an HDMI Matrix Switcher does. It takes N inputs and routes any of them to M outputs in any combination, at the same time.

Choosing the right Matrix Switcher depends on four things: how many source devices you have, how many displays you want to drive, the resolution your setup needs, and whether you need separate audio outputs for soundbars, receivers, or headphones at any of the displays. The most common mistake is buying a Matrix sized exactly for your current device count with no headroom — and then discovering six months later that you need another input or output. The second most common mistake is buying a Matrix rated for 4K60 when one of your sources is actually a PS5 running in 4K 120Hz mode.

This guide will help you choose the right OREI HDMI Matrix Switcher based on your setup.

Before You Choose a Matrix Switcher

Before selecting a product, check four things:

• How many source devices do you want to connect?
• How many displays (TVs, projectors, monitors) do you want to drive?
• What is the highest resolution your sources or displays need?
• Do you need a separate audio output (Optical, Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm) at any of the displays?

These four details will determine which product is compatible with your setup.

Step 1: Count Your Source Devices

Count every HDMI source you want connected to the Matrix at the same time. Common sources include:

• Apple TV, Fire Stick, Roku, Chromecast
• Cable or satellite box
• Blu-ray or DVD player
• Game console (PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
• Computer or laptop
• Security DVR / NVR with HDMI output
• Camera or capture device

OREI Matrix Switchers are sized to common source counts: 2, 3, 4, 5, or more than 5. Round up if you are unsure. An extra empty input is much cheaper than upgrading the whole Matrix later.

Step 2: Count Your Displays

This is the dimension that most cleanly defines what Matrix you need. OREI Matrix Switchers come in the following output counts:

2 outputs

Common for a bedroom + living room setup, or a primary TV + dedicated gaming monitor. Models in this tier include UHDS-202, BK-202A, UHDS-402A, UHD-402D, and BK-402A.

4 outputs

Common for whole-home setups, sports bars, conference rooms, retail floors, and small classrooms. Models in this tier include UHD-404 and BK-404.

8 outputs

Typical for digital signage, larger commercial installs, bars and restaurants, multi-zone audio / video systems. Models in this tier include HDS-808, UHD-808, and BK-808.

More than 8 outputs

Larger commercial installs, multi-zone systems, and large-scale signage. Models in this tier include HDS-816, HDS-1616, and UHD-1616.

If you only need to drive one display, you do not need a Matrix — an HDMI Switch is the right (and cheaper) tool. See our “How to Choose the Right HDMI Switch” guide.

Step 3: Identify the Required Resolution

The Matrix needs to support the highest resolution and refresh rate your most demanding source produces, and that your displays can show.

OREI Matrix Switchers are organized into three resolution tiers:

1080p

Full HD. Suitable for older sources, signage with non-4K screens, and budget-friendly multi-zone setups.

4K60

4K resolution at 60Hz. The right tier for most modern streaming devices, 4K Blu-ray players, last-generation consoles, and current-generation 4K TVs.

8K60 or 4K120

HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. Required for PS5 and Xbox Series X at 4K 120Hz, 8K sources, VRR, ALLM, and high-end gaming monitors or 8K TVs.

The whole chain — source, Matrix, HDMI cables, and display — has to support the resolution you are targeting. Pick the tier that matches your most demanding device.

Step 4: Decide If You Need Separate Audio Output

A Matrix with separate audio outputs gives you a dedicated audio port (Optical, Coaxial, RCA, or 3.5mm) per output zone, so you can route audio to a soundbar, receiver, or amplifier at each display independently of the TV.

You probably need a Matrix with separate audio outputs if:

• One or more of your displays uses an audio system that is not HDMI (older receivers, ceiling-speaker amplifiers, dedicated headphone amps)
• Your displays do not support HDMI ARC / eARC
• You want zone-by-zone audio control from the Matrix itself

You probably do not need separate audio outputs if:

• Every display has its own ARC / eARC-capable soundbar or receiver
• You are running TV speakers only, or audio comes from a separate distributed audio system

Important Notes Before Buying

A Matrix Is Not a Switch

A Switch sends one input to one display. A Matrix sends any input to any (or every) display, independently and at the same time. Buying a Matrix for a single-display setup is overkill — buy a Switch.

A Matrix Is Not a Splitter

A Splitter sends one input to many displays, all showing the same thing. A Matrix can do that and route different sources to different displays at the same time. If every display will always show the same source, a Splitter is cheaper and simpler.

Display Count Math: Inputs vs. Outputs

A “4x4” Matrix means 4 inputs x 4 outputs. The first number is sources, the second is displays. A 3x4 setup (3 sources, 4 displays) is usually built using a 4x4 Matrix with one input left unused. Do not try to match the model number exactly to your device count; match it to the next-larger standard size.

Mismatched Display Resolutions

If you have a mix of 4K and 1080p displays driven from the same Matrix, the Matrix will down-scale (or pass through at the lower common resolution) depending on the model. Confirm scaling behavior before buying for mixed-resolution setups — the UHD- and BK- series handle scaling more gracefully than the HDS- series.

The Bandwidth Ceiling at 8K60 / 4K120

There is currently no OREI Matrix with more than 8 outputs that supports 8K60 / 4K120. For 16-output setups, the resolution ceiling is 4K60. If 8K60 / 4K120 is non-negotiable, you will need to break the system into multiple smaller HDMI 2.1 Matrix Switchers feeding different zones.

Recommended Setups

The recommended product depends most on how many displays you are driving. Sections are organized by display count; within each, the recommendation refines by source count, resolution, and audio.

Scenario 1: 2 Displays

Setup:

• 2 to more-than-5 HDMI sources
• 2 displays

Recommended product:

2 sources

• 1080p or 4K60 (any audio requirement): UHDS-202
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-202A

3 sources

A dedicated 3x2 Matrix is not in the current lineup. Size up to a 4x2, which gives you an extra spare input.

• 1080p or 4K60: UHDS-402A or UHD-402D (both include audio extraction)
• 8K60 / 4K120: BK-402A (includes audio extraction)

4 sources

• 1080p or 4K60: UHDS-402A or UHD-402D
• 8K60 / 4K120: BK-402A

5 sources

A 5x2 Matrix is not in the current lineup. Recommended path:

• 1080p or 4K60: UHDS-402A or UHD-402D plus a 2x1 / 3x1 / 4x1 HDMI Switch on one input to fan in the extra source(s)
• 8K60 / 4K120: BK-402A plus a 2x1 / 3x1 / 4x1 HDMI Switch on one input. Alternatively, step up to BK-808 if you anticipate growth on the output side as well.

More than 5 sources

• 1080p or 4K60 (with audio): UHD-808 as the cleanest direct path, or UHDS-402A / UHD-402D with an added HDMI Switch on the input side
• 1080p or 4K60 (no audio): HDS-808, or UHDS-402A / UHD-402D with an added HDMI Switch on the input side
• 8K60 / 4K120: BK-808, or BK-402A with an added HDMI Switch on the input side

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Why this works:

For 2-display setups, the UHDS-202 covers 1080p / 4K60 cleanly and the BK-202A handles HDMI 2.1 territory. For higher source counts, the 4x2 models (UHDS-402A, UHD-402D, BK-402A) become the workhorses, with small HDMI Switches as inexpensive input expanders when needed.

Scenario 2: 4 Displays

Setup:

• 2 to more-than-5 HDMI sources
• 4 displays

Recommended product:

2 sources

A dedicated 2x4 Matrix is not in the current lineup. Use a 4x4 Matrix with two unused inputs.

• 1080p or 4K60 (no audio): UHD-404
• 1080p or 4K60 (with audio) or any 8K60 / 4K120: BK-404

3 sources

• 1080p or 4K60 (no audio): UHD-404
• 1080p or 4K60 (with audio): BK-404 (UHD-404 has no separate audio output)
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-404

4 sources

• 1080p or 4K60 (no audio): UHD-404
• 1080p or 4K60 (with audio): BK-404
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-404

5 or more sources

A 5x4 (or larger input count) Matrix is not in the current lineup. Recommended path:

• 1080p or 4K60 (no audio): UHD-404 with a 2x1 / 3x1 / 4x1 HDMI Switch on one input
• 1080p or 4K60 (with audio): BK-404 with a 2x1 / 3x1 / 4x1 HDMI Switch on one input
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-404 with a 2x1 / 3x1 / 4x1 HDMI Switch on one input

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Why this works:

The 4x4 (UHD-404, BK-404) is the standard 4-display Matrix. The BK-404 is the all-rounder — it handles 8K60 / 4K120 and provides separate audio outputs, which is why it shows up in nearly every variant. The UHD-404 is the lighter, no-audio-extraction option for 1080p / 4K60.

Scenario 3: 8 Displays

Setup:

• 2 to more-than-5 HDMI sources
• 8 displays

Recommended product:

2 sources

A dedicated 2x8 Matrix is not in the current lineup. Use an 8x8 Matrix with unused inputs.

• 1080p (no audio): HDS-808
• 1080p or 4K60 (with audio) or 4K60 (no audio): UHD-808
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-808

3 sources

• 1080p (no audio): HDS-808 or UHD-808
• 1080p (with audio) or any 4K60: UHD-808
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-808

4 sources

• 1080p or 4K60 (any audio requirement): UHD-808
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-808

5 sources

• 1080p (no audio): HDS-808
• 1080p (with audio) or any 4K60: UHD-808
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-808

More than 5 sources

• 1080p or 4K60 (any audio requirement): UHD-808
• 8K60 / 4K120 (any audio requirement): BK-808

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Why this works:

The 8x8 lineup splits cleanly across the resolution tiers — HDS-808 (1080p, no audio extraction), UHD-808 (up to 4K60, with audio extraction), and BK-808 (8K60 / 4K120, with audio extraction). All three are designed for 8-zone signage, commercial installs, and bar / restaurant deployments.

Scenario 4: More Than 8 Displays

Setup:

• 2 to more-than-5 HDMI sources
• 9 or more displays (16-output models are the current ceiling)

Recommended product:

• 1080p (no audio): HDS-816, HDS-1616, or UHD-1616
• 1080p (with audio) or any 4K60: UHD-1616
• 8K60 / 4K120: Not currently available — a Matrix with more than 8 outputs that supports 8K60 / 4K120 is not in the OREI lineup. The 16-output ceiling is 4K60. For HDMI 2.1 at this scale, plan multiple BK-808 Matrix Switchers feeding separate zones, and contact OREI support for an architecture review.

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Why this works:

The 16-output tier (HDS-816, HDS-1616, UHD-1616) is built for large-scale signage, multi-zone bar / restaurant installs, conference centers, and commercial AV. The UHD-1616 is the most flexible — supports 4K60 with audio extraction.

Important note:

At this scale, cable run length, EDID management, and HDCP behavior become significant design constraints. We recommend consulting OREI support during the planning stage, before purchasing.

Quick Recommendation Guide

Tables below summarize every supported permutation. Each table covers one display count. Within each table, rows are grouped by source count.

2 Displays

4 Displays

8 Displays

More Than 8 Displays

Common Questions

What is the difference between a Matrix and a Switch?

A Switch has multiple inputs and one output. A Matrix has multiple inputs and multiple outputs — each output can be set to any input, independently. If you have more than one display, you want a Matrix.

What does “4x4” or “8x8” mean?

The first number is the input count (sources). The second is the output count (displays). A 4x4 Matrix has 4 source inputs and 4 display outputs. A 2x8 setup means 2 sources, 8 displays.

My setup is 3x2 — but you don’t have a 3x2 model. What do I do?

Round up. A 4x2 Matrix (UHDS-402A, UHD-402D, or BK-402A) gives you the 2 displays you need plus a spare input. There is no penalty for an unused input.

Can I send the same source to multiple displays at once?

Yes. A Matrix can route one input to any number of its outputs simultaneously — every output can be set to the same input. This is sometimes called “broadcast mode” and is how multi-screen sports bars work.

What about EDID and HDCP issues?

OREI Matrix Switchers handle HDCP up to the version their resolution tier requires (HDCP 2.2 for 4K60, HDCP 2.3 for HDMI 2.1 models). EDID management is built in, with selectable EDID modes on most models so you can lock to the lowest-common-denominator display in mixed-resolution setups.

What if I have a mix of 4K and 1080p displays?

The UHD- and BK- series include built-in down-scaling so a 4K source can play on a 1080p display in the same Matrix without dropping signal. The HDS- series does not down-scale and expects all displays to be at the same resolution. For mixed-resolution setups, choose UHD- or BK-.

Do I need a Matrix with audio extraction?

Only if at least one of your displays uses a non-HDMI audio system (Optical, Coaxial, RCA, 3.5mm), or if you want the Matrix to handle audio routing instead of the TV. If every display has its own ARC / eARC soundbar, you do not need a Matrix with audio extraction.

What HDMI cables should I use?

• 1080p: High Speed HDMI cables.
• 4K60: Premium High Speed HDMI cables.
• 8K60 / 4K120: Ultra High Speed HDMI cables, certified for HDMI 2.1.

This applies to every link — source-to-Matrix and Matrix-to-display. The weakest cable in the chain sets the ceiling.

Can I use a Matrix over long cable runs?

For longer runs (more than ~7m at 4K60, less at 8K60), use active HDMI cables, HDMI-over-Cat6 / HDBaseT extenders, or fiber HDMI cables. OREI offers extenders and active cables that pair well with the Matrix lineup — ask support for a setup-specific recommendation.

Still Not Sure Which Matrix You Need?

If you are not sure which product is right for your setup, please provide the following information:

• The number of HDMI source devices you want to connect
• The number of displays you want to drive
• The make and model of your sources (so we can confirm their HDMI version)
• The make, model, and resolution of each display
• Whether you need separate audio outputs, and if so, what audio device you’re routing to at each zone
• The approximate cable run distance from the Matrix to each display

With this information, we can recommend the exact OREI Matrix (or combination of products) for your setup.