BK-102 Overview and Use Cases

What Is the BK-102?

The OREI BK-102 is a 48Gbps 1x2 HDMI 2.1 splitter. It distributes one HDMI source to two synchronized displays while supporting resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz.

The BK-102 supports HDCP 2.3, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, VRR, ALLM, QMS, QFT, SBTM, advanced HDMI audio, EDID management, automatic downscaling, and automatic HDR-to-SDR conversion.

It is designed for modern gaming systems, 8K and 4K televisions, Blu-ray players, streaming devices, home theaters, conference rooms, digital signage, and commercial AV installations.

IMPORTANT — BK-102 Is a 1x2 HDMI Splitter

The BK-102 mirrors one HDMI source. It does not create independent computer displays or route different sources.

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

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

IMPORTANT — Both Displays Show the Same Source

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

Each output may receive a different resolution or dynamic-range conversion when automatic scaling is required, but the underlying content remains the same.

IMPORTANT — HDMI 2.1 Gaming Features

The BK-102 lists support for the following HDMI 2.1 features:

The source, display, game, HDMI cable, and selected EDID mode must all support the required feature.

IMPORTANT — Automatic Downscaling

The BK-102 can automatically downscale:

1. 8K to 4K
2. 8K to 1080p
3. 4K to 1080p 
    
   This allows displays with different maximum resolutions to be connected simultaneously. 
    
   The splitter reads the EDID information from the connected displays and determines the required output resolution and conversion.

Automatic Downscaling Examples

The manual provides these examples:

Output behavior depends on the EDID capabilities reported by both displays.

IMPORTANT — Automatic HDR-to-SDR Conversion

The BK-102 can convert HDR signals to SDR for displays that do not support HDR.

HDR-to-SDR conversion helps prevent washed-out colors or missing video on SDR displays.

IMPORTANT — DVI Output Has No Audio

If the BK-102 detects that a display requires a 1080p DVI signal, that output will not include audio.

This is expected because DVI video does not carry HDMI audio.

If a TV unexpectedly receives a DVI signal:

1. Check its EDID and HDMI compatibility
2. Try another HDMI input
3. Replace the HDMI cable
4. Restart the source and splitter
5. Test a fixed EDID mode

Advanced EDID Management

The BK-102 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 Output 1

EDID code 111 copies the EDID from the display connected to HDMI Output 1. This is the factory-default setting.

Use this mode when:

1. Output 1 is connected to the primary display
2. The source should follow Display 1’s capabilities
3. The primary display supports the desired gaming or video format
4. Both displays have similar capabilities 
    
   If Display 2 has lower capabilities, the automatic scaling and conversion functions may adjust its output.

Selecting an EDID Mode

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

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

Supported HDMI Audio

The BK-102 passes audio through its HDMI outputs.

The selected EDID mode determines whether the source is instructed to output 2.0, 5.1, or 7.1-channel audio.

IMPORTANT — This Is Not an Audio Extractor

The BK-102 does not provide separate optical or analog audio outputs.

Use a compatible HDMI audio extractor or AV receiver if separate audio output is required.

Ports, Controls, and Indicators

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Turn off the HDMI source and displays.
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. Select the required EDID DIP-switch setting.
6. For automatic operation based on the primary display, use factory-default code 111.
7. Connect the included DC 5V/2A power adapter.
8. Turn on the displays and HDMI source.
9. Confirm that the red POWER LED illuminates.
10. Confirm that the green IN LED illuminates.
11. Confirm that the corresponding OUT LEDs illuminate.
12. Test video, HDR, refresh rate, and audio on both displays.

HDMI Cable Requirements — Critical

Cable requirements vary by resolution.

The FAQ generally recommends high-quality HDMI cables under 30ft. For 8K and 4K signals, follow the stricter resolution-specific limits above.

Poor or unsuitable HDMI cables may cause:

1. No video
2. Flickering
3. Intermittent black screens
4. 8K@60Hz not working
5. 4K@120Hz not working
6. VRR failure
7. HDR 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 televisions connected to HDMI Outputs 1 and 2
3. The included power supply connected to DC 5V 
    
   Both televisions display the same source.

Package Contents

The package includes:

1. 1 × BK-102 HDMI splitter
2. 1 × 5V/2A multinational power supply
3. 1 × User manual 
    
   HDMI cables are not listed as included.

Technical Specifications

Compatible HDMI Sources

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

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

Compatible Displays

The BK-102 can connect to:

1. 8K televisions
2. 4K@120Hz televisions
3. 4K televisions
4. 1080p televisions
5. Gaming monitors
6. Computer monitors
7. Projectors
8. Commercial displays
9. Digital signage displays 
    
   Automatic scaling and HDR conversion help support mixed-resolution and mixed-dynamic-range installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI BK-102 used for? 
A: It distributes one HDMI 2.1 source to two displays with automatic downscaling and HDR-to-SDR conversion.

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 displays receive 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 create an extended computer desktop? 
A: No. It mirrors the source.

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

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

Q: Does it support 8K@120Hz? 
A: No. The maximum listed 8K refresh rate is 60Hz.

Q: What HDMI version does it support? 
A: HDMI 2.1.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: HDCP 2.3.

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.

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

Q: Does it convert HDR to SDR? 
A: Yes. Automatic HDR-to-SDR conversion is supported.

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

Q: Can I connect an 8K and 4K display simultaneously? 
A: Yes. The splitter supports mixed 8K, 4K, and 1080p displays.

Q: Will the 8K display remain at 8K when a 4K display is connected? 
A: The manual includes an example where the 8K display receives 8K HDR while the second display receives 4K SDR. Actual behavior depends on both displays’ EDID information.

Q: Why did both outputs change to 1080p? 
A: The manual includes a configuration where an 8K source connected to 4K HDR and 1080p SDR displays results in 1080p SDR on both outputs. Output selection depends on the reported EDID capabilities.

Q: What is the factory-default EDID mode? 
A: DIP code 111, which copies the EDID from HDMI Output 1.

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

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

Q: Does it support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X? 
A: Yes. Both are listed as supported HDMI audio formats.

Q: Does it extract audio? 
A: No. Separate optical and analog audio outputs are not provided.

Q: Does it support ARC or eARC? 
A: ARC and eARC are not listed.

Q: What happens when the output is converted to DVI? 
A: A 1080p DVI output does not include audio.

Q: Can I use the BK-102 with an Elgato or other capture card? 
A: The manual states that capture cards are not supported because the outputs use HDCP encryption.

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: 4.3W.

Q: What cable should I use for 8K@60Hz? 
A: Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cable between 2m/6.6ft and 3m/10ft.

Q: Why is there no video? 
A: Check the HDMI connections, replace the cables, verify that the LEDs illuminate, and confirm that the EDID mode is compatible.

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

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