BK-102A Overview and Use Cases

What Is the BK-102A?

The OREI BK-102A is an 8K 1x2 HDMI 2.1 splitter with audio extraction. It distributes one HDMI source to two synchronized HDMI displays while supporting resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz.

The BK-102A supports HDMI 2.1, HDCP 2.3 / 1.4, 48Gbps FRL bandwidth, 18Gbps TMDS bandwidth, HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT, SBTM, advanced EDID management, automatic downscaling, automatic HDR-to-SDR conversion, and audio extraction through optical and analog outputs.

It is useful for 8K TVs, 4K@120Hz gaming displays, home theaters, AV receivers, soundbars, powered speakers, conference rooms, digital signage, and commercial AV installations where one HDMI source needs to play on two displays with separate audio output.

IMPORTANT — BK-102A Is a 1x2 HDMI Splitter with Audio Extraction

The BK-102A mirrors one HDMI source. It does not create independent displays or route separate content to each output.

IMPORTANT — Supports 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz

The source, HDMI cables, connected displays, and EDID mode must support the selected video format.

IMPORTANT — Both Displays Show the Same Source

The BK-102A sends the same HDMI source to HDMI OUT 1 and HDMI OUT 2.

Each output may receive different resolution or HDR/SDR handling because of automatic downscaling and conversion, but the content remains the same.

IMPORTANT — HDMI 2.1 Gaming Features

The BK-102A supports key HDMI 2.1 gaming features.

These features require the HDMI source, display, HDMI cables, and selected EDID mode to support the required format.

IMPORTANT — Automatic Downscaling

The BK-102A supports automatic downscaling on all outputs.

It can downscale:

1. 8K to 4K
2. 8K to 1080p
3. 4K to 1080p 
    
   The manual states that before downscaling, the splitter compares the EDID of the connected displays and selects the minimum resolution to downscale and output.

Automatic Downscaling Examples

The manual provides these examples:

Output behavior depends on the EDID information reported by the connected displays.

IMPORTANT — Automatic HDR-to-SDR Conversion

The BK-102A supports automatic HDR-to-SDR conversion on all outputs.

This helps prevent display issues when one screen supports HDR and the other only supports SDR.

IMPORTANT — Downscaling Limitations

Downscaling will not work in these conditions:

If downscaling fails, reduce the source resolution, change the source output format, or select a compatible EDID mode.

IMPORTANT — DVI Output Has No Audio

If the source is downscaled and converted to 1080p DVI based on the connected display EDID, the output will not include sound.

This is expected because DVI does not carry HDMI audio.

If a TV unexpectedly receives DVI output:

1. Try a different HDMI input on the TV
2. Replace the HDMI cable
3. Restart the source and splitter
4. Try a different EDID setting
5. Confirm the display reports HDMI audio support

Advanced EDID Management

The BK-102A has a three-position EDID DIP switch with eight settings.

A switch in the UP position represents 1. A switch in the DOWN position represents 0.

Understanding Copy EDID Mode

EDID code 111 copies the connected output display EDID. This is the factory-default setting.

Use this mode when:

1. You want the source to follow the connected display capability
2. The main display supports the desired format
3. The system should automatically negotiate from connected display EDID
4. You are unsure which fixed EDID mode to select 
    
   If the second display has lower capability, automatic downscaling and conversion may adjust the output.

Selecting an EDID Mode

The manual does not provide additional guidance for choosing between FRL12G and FRL10G. Use the setting compatible with the HDMI source, displays, and HDMI cables.

After changing EDID, restart or reconnect the HDMI source if the source does not renegotiate automatically.

IMPORTANT — Audio Extraction Is Supported

The BK-102A includes both digital and analog audio extraction.

HDMI audio also passes through the HDMI outputs.

Supported HDMI Audio

The HDMI input and output support the following audio formats:

Supported Optical Audio

Use OPTICAL OUT for digital audio devices such as soundbars, AV receivers, or amplifiers.

Supported Analog Audio

The L/R analog output supports 2-channel stereo audio. If analog audio does not work, set the HDMI source audio output to PCM, LPCM, or Stereo.

IMPORTANT — Optical and Analog Audio Have Limits

Use HDMI to an AV receiver if you need advanced formats such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, or DTS-HD Master Audio.

IMPORTANT — This Model Does Not Support CEC

The FAQ states that turning off all displays with a single TV remote is not possible because this model does not support CEC.

If CEC control is required, use a model that specifically lists CEC support.

Ports, Controls, and Indicators

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Turn off the HDMI source, displays, and audio devices.
2. Connect the HDMI source to HDMI IN.
3. Connect the primary display to HDMI OUT 1.
4. Connect the second display to HDMI OUT 2.
5. Connect OPTICAL to a soundbar, AVR, or amplifier if digital audio extraction is needed.
6. Connect L/R to powered speakers or an analog stereo device if analog audio extraction is needed.
7. Set the EDID DIP switch.
8. For default EDID behavior, use DIP code 111.
9. Connect the included DC 5V/2A power adapter.
10. Turn on the displays, audio equipment, splitter, and HDMI source.
11. Confirm the POWER, IN, and OUT LEDs are lighting.
12. Test video, resolution, HDR/SDR behavior, and audio output.

HDMI Cable Requirements — Critical

The manual lists the following recommended HDMI cable lengths.

The FAQ also recommends using high-quality HDMI 2.1 cables under 30 feet.

For 8K use, follow the stricter 3m / 10ft recommendation.

Poor or unsuitable HDMI cables may cause:

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Intermittent black screen
4. 8K@60Hz not working
5. 4K@120Hz not working
6. HDR failure
7. VRR failure
8. HDCP errors
9. Audio dropouts

Power Requirement — Critical

Use the included power adapter or a compatible replacement with the correct voltage, polarity, connector, and current rating.

Application Example

The application diagram shows:

1. A DVD or Blu-ray player connected to HDMI IN
2. Two 8K TVs connected to HDMI OUT 1 and HDMI OUT 2
3. An audio amplifier connected to OPTICAL
4. 2.0 speakers connected to L/R
5. The included power supply connected to DC 5V 
    
   This demonstrates the main use case: one HDMI source shown on two displays while audio is extracted to external audio equipment.

Package Contents

The package includes:

1. 1 × BK-102A splitter
2. 1 × 5V/2A power adapter
3. 1 × User manual 
    
   HDMI, optical, and 3.5mm audio cables are not listed as included.

Technical Specifications

Compatible HDMI Sources

The BK-102A can be used with compatible HDMI sources such as:

1. 8K media players
2. 4K Blu-ray players
3. DVD players
4. Streaming media players
5. HDMI 2.1 game consoles
6. Gaming PCs
7. Desktop computers
8. Laptops with HDMI output
9. Cable boxes
10. Satellite receivers
11. AV receiver outputs
12. HDMI switch outputs
13. HDMI matrix outputs 
     
    The source must output a supported HDMI format.

Compatible Displays

The BK-102A can connect to:

1. 8K TVs
2. 4K@120Hz TVs
3. 4K TVs
4. 1080p TVs
5. Gaming monitors
6. Computer monitors
7. Projectors
8. Commercial displays
9. Digital signage displays 
    
   Automatic scaling and HDR-to-SDR conversion help support mixed display setups.

Compatible Audio Devices

The BK-102A can connect to:

1. AV receivers
2. Soundbars with optical input
3. Amplifiers
4. Digital audio processors
5. Powered speakers
6. Analog stereo systems
7. 3.5mm audio devices 
    
   Use OPTICAL for digital audio and L/R for analog stereo audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI BK-102A used for? 
A: It distributes one HDMI 2.1 source to two displays and extracts audio through optical and analog outputs.

Q: How many HDMI inputs does it have? 
A: It has one HDMI input.

Q: How many HDMI outputs does it have? 
A: It has two HDMI outputs.

Q: Do both displays show the same content? 
A: Yes. Both HDMI outputs show the same source content.

Q: Can it show different content on each display? 
A: No. It is a splitter, not a matrix switch.

Q: Can it extend my laptop or PC desktop? 
A: No. The FAQ states that this splitter only mirrors the laptop or PC screen and does not extend the PC display.

Q: Does it support 8K@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports up to 8K@60Hz 4:2:0 12-bit.

Q: Does it support 4K@120Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports up to 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 12-bit.

Q: Does it support HDMI 2.1? 
A: Yes. It is HDMI 2.1 compliant.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: It supports HDCP 2.3 and HDCP 1.4.

Q: Does it support HDR? 
A: Yes. It supports HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.

Q: Does it support VRR and ALLM? 
A: Yes. VRR and ALLM are listed as supported.

Q: Does it support QMS, QFT, and SBTM? 
A: Yes. These HDMI 2.1 features are listed as supported.

Q: Does it support downscaling? 
A: Yes. It supports 8K to 4K and 8K/4K to 1080p automatic downscaling.

Q: Does it support HDR-to-SDR conversion? 
A: Yes. Automatic HDR-to-SDR conversion is supported on all outputs.

Q: Can I connect an 8K display and a 4K display at the same time? 
A: Yes. The splitter supports mixed 8K, 4K, and 1080p displays using downscaling and HDR-to-SDR conversion.

Q: Will my 8K display keep 8K quality if a 4K display is connected? 
A: The manual shows an example where the 8K display receives 8K HDR while the 4K display receives 4K SDR. Actual behavior depends on EDID and connected display capability.

Q: Why did both outputs become 1080p? 
A: The manual includes an example where an 8K source connected to a 4K HDR TV and 1080p SDR TV results in 1080p SDR output. The splitter compares display EDID and may select the minimum compatible output.

Q: When does downscaling not work? 
A: Downscaling does not work when the input source is 8K DSC format or when the input resolution is not supported by the splitter.

Q: What is the factory-default EDID mode? 
A: DIP code 111, which copies the output sink EDID.

Q: Which EDID setting supports 4K@60Hz stereo? 
A: Use DIP code 110.

Q: Which EDID settings support 8K HDR? 
A: DIP codes 101, 100, 011, 010, 001, and 000 support FRL 8K HDR modes with different audio options.

Q: Does the BK-102A extract audio? 
A: Yes. It has optical and 3.5mm analog audio outputs.

Q: What audio does the optical output support? 
A: The optical output supports LPCM / Dolby / DTS 5.1CH.

Q: What audio does the analog L/R output support? 
A: The analog output supports LPCM 2CH.

Q: Why is there no sound from the 3.5mm output? 
A: Set the HDMI source audio output to PCM, LPCM, or Stereo.

Q: Does it support Dolby Atmos? 
A: Yes, Dolby Atmos is supported through HDMI audio pass-through.

Q: Can optical output Dolby Atmos? 
A: Dolby Atmos is not listed for optical output. Use HDMI to a compatible AVR for Dolby Atmos.

Q: Does it support CEC? 
A: No. The FAQ states that this model does not support CEC.

Q: Can I turn off all displays using one TV remote? 
A: No. The manual says this is not possible because the model does not support CEC.

Q: Can I use this with an Elgato or other capture card? 
A: The BK-102A manual does not list capture card support. Since it supports HDCP-protected HDMI content, capture card compatibility may depend on the source signal and HDCP behavior.

Q: What is the SERVICE port used for? 
A: It is a USB-C firmware update port.

Q: What power adapter does it use? 
A: It uses a DC 5V/2A power adapter.

Q: What is the maximum power consumption? 
A: 4.5W.

Q: What HDMI cable should I use for 8K? 
A: Use Ultra HDMI 2.1 cable up to 3m / 10ft for 8K.

Q: What HDMI cable length is recommended? 
A: The manual lists 3m / 10ft for 8K, 8m / 26ft for 4K60, 12m / 39ft for 4K24, and 15m / 49ft for 1080p.

Q: What should I do if there is no video output? 
A: Check HDMI cable connections, try different HDMI cables, check that the LEDs are lighting, and try a lower resolution from the source device.

Q: Why is there no audio on one output? 
A: If the signal is converted to 1080p DVI based on the display EDID, that output will not carry sound.

Q: Why does 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz not work? 
A: Confirm that the source, display, EDID mode, and HDMI cables support the format. Use Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cables for 8K and 4K@120Hz.

Q: Does the BK-102A require external power? 
A: Yes. Connect the included DC 5V/2A power adapter.