BK-22 Overview and Use Cases – OREI

What Is the BK-22?

The OREI BK-22 is an 8K Two-Input Dual View HDMI Splitter. It accepts two HDMI 2.1 source devices and can either switch between them or distribute a selected input to both HDMI outputs at the same time. Supporting video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz 4:2:0 and 40Gbps bandwidth, it is built for high-performance setups including 8K home theaters, gaming stations, and professional display environments.

The BK-22 is compliant with HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3, and supports advanced features including VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), FVA, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), full HDR pass-through (HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG), and a wide range of HDMI audio formats. It can be controlled via the front panel SWITCH button or the included IR remote, and includes an EDID DIP switch for source compatibility management.

IMPORTANT — BK-22 Is Both a Switcher and a Splitter

The BK-22 is a 2x2 device that can function in two ways:

As a switcher: Select either IN 1 or IN 2 as the active source. The selected source is then sent to both OUT 1 and OUT 2 simultaneously.
As a splitter: Once a source is selected, both outputs always carry the same signal. You cannot send different sources to OUT 1 and OUT 2 at the same time.
Switching between sources is done by pressing the SWITCH button on the front panel or by using the IR remote. Both displays will update to show the newly selected source.

IMPORTANT — 8K Resolution Requires Compatible Equipment and Cables

The BK-22 supports video resolutions up to 8K@60Hz 4:2:0. To achieve 8K output, every component in the chain must be capable:

The HDMI source device must output 8K (e.g., a PC with an 8K-capable GPU or an 8K Blu-ray player).
The connected display must support 8K resolution and be connected via an HDMI 2.1 port.
For 8K signals, use Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 certified cables no longer than 3 meters (10 feet). Longer or lower-grade cables will not reliably carry 8K signals.
If the source does not output 8K, the BK-22 will pass through whatever resolution the source provides — it does not upscale lower-resolution content to 8K.

IMPORTANT — EDID Must Be Set to Match Your Displays

The BK-22 uses a 3-position DIP switch on the front panel to set the EDID profile that is communicated to the connected source device. This tells the source what resolution and audio format to output. The factory default (111) copies the EDID from the display connected to OUT 1.

If your source is not outputting the correct resolution or audio format, adjust the EDID switch to match your display's capabilities.
For 8K setups, use EDID settings 010, 001, or 000 depending on your preferred audio channel configuration.
For 4K@60Hz setups, use settings 101, 100, or 011.
After changing the EDID switch, power cycle the source device so it re-reads the new EDID.

Ports and Panel Layout

Port / Button / LED	Location	Function
IR Window	Front panel	IR signal receiving window for the included IR remote control.
Power LED	Front panel	Lights green when the device is active and red when in standby mode.
IN 1 / IN 2 LEDs	Front panel	Green LEDs that light up when the corresponding HDMI input port is selected as the active signal source.
OUT 1 / OUT 2 LEDs	Front panel	Green LEDs that light up when the corresponding HDMI output port is connected to a display and actively outputting a signal.
SWITCH Button	Front panel	Press to cycle through the two HDMI input sources. The selected input is then distributed to both HDMI outputs simultaneously.
EDID DIP Switch	Front panel	3-position DIP switch for setting the EDID profile communicated to the source device. Controls resolution and audio channel mode. Factory default (111) copies the EDID from OUT 1. Other settings include 1080P, 4K@60Hz, and 8K modes with 2.0CH, 5.1CH, or 7.1CH audio options.
SERVICE Port	Front panel	Micro USB port used for firmware updates and debugging.
HDMI IN 1 / IN 2	Rear panel	Two HDMI 2.1 input ports. Connect source devices such as a Blu-ray player, gaming console, or PC.
HDMI OUT 1 / OUT 2	Rear panel	Two HDMI 2.1 output ports. Connect display devices such as 8K TVs or monitors.
DC 5V	Rear panel	Connect the included 5V/2A power adapter.

Step-by-Step Setup

Connect your first HDMI source device (such as a Blu-ray player or gaming console) to the HDMI IN 1 port on the rear panel using an appropriate HDMI cable.
Connect your second HDMI source device (such as a PC or second console) to the HDMI IN 2 port.
Connect your first display (TV or monitor) to the HDMI OUT 1 port on the rear panel.
Connect your second display to the HDMI OUT 2 port.
Connect the included 5V/2A power adapter to the DC 5V port on the rear panel. The Power LED on the front panel will light green when active.
Set the EDID DIP switch on the front panel to match your displays. For most 8K setups, use setting 000 (8K, 7.1CH audio). For 4K@60Hz displays, use 011 (4K@60Hz, 7.1CH). For 1080P displays, use 110. If all displays are identical, leave the switch at the factory default (111) to copy OUT 1's EDID.
Press the SWITCH button on the front panel to select which input source (IN 1 or IN 2) is sent to both outputs. The corresponding IN LED will light up. Alternatively, use the IR remote to select IN 1 or IN 2 directly, or press the cycle button to toggle between them.
Confirm that both connected displays are showing the selected source. The OUT 1 and OUT 2 LEDs will light green when displays are active.
To change sources, press SWITCH again or use the IR remote. Both outputs will switch to the new source simultaneously.

Cable Requirement — Important

Cable quality and length are critical at higher resolutions. Use Premium High Speed HDMI cables and follow these recommended maximum lengths:

8K: Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cables, up to 3 meters (10 ft)
4K@60Hz: HDMI 2.0 cables, up to 8 meters (26 ft)
4K@24Hz: HDMI 1.4 cables, up to 12 meters (39 ft)
1080P: HDMI 1.4 cables, up to 15 meters (49 ft)

Exceeding these lengths or using lower-grade cables may result in signal instability, flickering, or no picture at higher resolutions.

Understanding EDID Management

EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is information that a display sends to a source device to communicate the resolutions and audio formats it supports. Because the BK-22 sits between the source and two displays, it uses a front-panel DIP switch to set a fixed EDID that is sent upstream to the source device.

111 (default): Copies the EDID from the display connected to OUT 1. Best when both displays are identical or when you want the source to follow OUT 1's capabilities.
110: Sets 1080P@60Hz with 2.0CH PCM audio.
101 / 100 / 011: Sets 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 with HDR, and 2.0CH, 5.1CH, or 7.1CH audio respectively.
010 / 001 / 000: Sets 8K@60Hz 4:2:0 + 8K@30Hz 4:4:4 + 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 with HDR, and 2.0CH, 5.1CH, or 7.1CH audio respectively.

After changing the EDID DIP switch, always power cycle the source device to ensure it reads the updated EDID correctly.

Using the IR Remote

The BK-22 includes an IR remote for convenient source switching without using the front panel button. Point the remote at the IR window on the front panel.

Power button: Powers the device on or puts it into standby mode.
1 / 2 buttons: Directly selects IN 1 or IN 2 as the active source for both outputs.
Cycle button: Cyclically switches between IN 1 and IN 2.

What Source Devices Is the BK-22 Compatible With?

The BK-22 is compatible with any HDMI 2.1 source device, including:

8K-capable PCs and laptops with HDMI 2.1 output
Gaming consoles (e.g., PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X — for 4K/120Hz and VRR support)
8K and 4K Blu-ray players
Streaming devices and cable/satellite boxes

The BK-22 supports HDMI 2.1 features including VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), FVA, and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), making it particularly well suited for gaming setups where low latency and smooth frame rates are important.

What Displays Is the BK-22 Compatible With?

The BK-22 is compatible with any HDMI display, and works best with:

8K TVs and monitors with HDMI 2.1 input (for 8K signal pass-through)
4K TVs and monitors with HDMI 2.1 input (for 4K@120Hz with VRR)
4K TVs and monitors with HDMI 2.0 input (for 4K@60Hz)
1080P TVs and monitors

Both connected displays will always receive the same signal. The EDID DIP switch should be set to match the capabilities of your displays, especially if the two displays have different maximum resolutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the OREI BK-22 used for?

The BK-22 is an 8K Two-Input Dual View HDMI Splitter. It lets you connect two HDMI sources and switch between them, distributing the selected source to two HDMI displays simultaneously. It supports video up to 8K@60Hz with HDMI 2.1.

Q: Can OUT 1 and OUT 2 show different sources at the same time?

No. The BK-22 sends the same selected input to both outputs at the same time. It is not a matrix switcher. When you switch inputs, both displays change to the new source together.

Q: Does the BK-22 support 8K resolution?

Yes. It supports up to 8K@60Hz 4:2:0 10-bit and 8K@30Hz 4:4:4 10-bit with 40Gbps bandwidth and HDMI 2.1 compliance. Both the source and displays must also support 8K, and Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 cables under 3 meters must be used.

Q: Does the BK-22 support VRR and 4K@120Hz for gaming?

Yes. The BK-22 supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), FVA, ALLM, and 4K@120Hz 4:4:4 10-bit, making it compatible with gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X for high-refresh-rate, low-latency gaming.

Q: How do I switch between the two input sources?

Press the SWITCH button on the front panel to cycle between IN 1 and IN 2. You can also use the included IR remote: press the 1 or 2 button to select a source directly, or press the cycle button to toggle between them.

Q: What does the EDID DIP switch do and how should I set it?

The EDID switch tells the source device what resolution and audio format to output. The factory default (111) copies the EDID from OUT 1, which works well when both displays are the same. For 8K setups, use setting 000, 001, or 010 depending on your preferred audio channels. For 4K@60Hz, use 011, 100, or 101. After changing the switch, power cycle the source device.

Q: What HDMI cables do I need for 8K?

You must use Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 certified cables no longer than 3 meters (10 ft) for 8K signals. For 4K@60Hz, standard HDMI 2.0 cables up to 8 meters work. For 1080P, HDMI 1.4 cables up to 15 meters are supported.

Q: Does the BK-22 support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X?

The BK-22 passes through all HDMI audio formats from the source to the displays, including LPCM 7.1CH, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos (via HDMI), DTS-HD Master Audio, and DSD. There is no audio extraction — audio is only available through the HDMI outputs to a compatible display or AV receiver.

Q: What is the Power LED behavior?

The Power LED on the front panel lights green when the device is active and powered on. It turns red when the device is in standby mode.