Overview
Choosing the right AV product can be confusing because many devices look similar but serve completely different purposes. Whether you're trying to connect multiple TVs, extend your workspace, distribute signals over long distances, or manage multiple audio and video sources, selecting the correct product ensures the best performance and avoids compatibility issues.
This guide explains the purpose of different OREI product categories, who they're designed for, and provides real-world examples to help you decide which solution best fits your needs.
HDMI Splitter
What is an HDMI Splitter?
An HDMI Splitter takes one HDMI source and duplicates it to multiple displays simultaneously. Every connected display shows the exact same video and audio.
Think of it as making identical copies of a single HDMI signal.
Best For
• Watching the same content on multiple TVs
• Digital signage
• Retail stores
• Restaurants and bars
• Churches and houses of worship
• Trade shows and exhibitions
• Security monitoring
• Conference rooms
Common Sources
• Cable boxes
• Streaming devices (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, etc.)
• Gaming consoles
• Blu-ray/DVD players
• Media players
• Computers
Example
You have a cable box in your living room but would also like to watch the same channel on a TV in your bedroom.
Simply connect:
Cable Box → OREI HDMI Splitter → Living Room TV + Bedroom TV
Both televisions will display the same program at the same time.
Another example would be a retail store that wants every television on display to play the same promotional video throughout the day.
Important to Know
An HDMI Splitter cannot create additional desktop space for a computer or laptop. If you connect a laptop to a splitter, every connected monitor will mirror the laptop’s display.
If your goal is to extend your desktop across multiple monitors, you should use SplitXtend™ instead.
SplitXtend™
What is SplitXtend™?
SplitXtend™ is OREI’s family of USB display adapters and docking stations designed specifically to extend your computer’s workspace.
Unlike an HDMI Splitter, SplitXtend™ creates independent displays, allowing each monitor to show different content.
Depending on the model, SplitXtend™ uses technologies such as SiliconMotion or DisplayLink to add multiple displays through a single USB connection.
Best For
• Home offices
• Remote work
• Trading setups
• Software development
• Graphic design
• Video editing
• Productivity workflows
• Multi-monitor laptop setups
Example
Your laptop only has one HDMI port—or no HDMI port at all—but you want to connect two or three additional monitors.
Instead of mirroring your screen with an HDMI Splitter, connect an OREI SplitXtend™ adapter to a USB port on your laptop.
Now each monitor becomes its own workspace, allowing you to keep email on one screen, spreadsheets on another, and video meetings on a third.
Driver Requirements
Some SplitXtend™ models require installation of DisplayLink or other drivers, while others support native video output.
Always refer to your product’s manual or specifications to determine whether driver installation is required.
Important to Know
SplitXtend™ products are designed for computers and laptops.
They are not intended for cable boxes, streaming devices, Blu-ray players, or gaming consoles.
HDMI Switch
What is an HDMI Switch?
An HDMI Switch allows multiple HDMI source devices to connect to one display.
Instead of unplugging cables every time you want to change devices, simply switch between the connected inputs using the button on the unit or the included remote (depending on the model).
Best For
• Home theaters
• TVs with limited HDMI inputs
• Conference rooms
• Gaming setups
• Entertainment systems
Common Sources
• PlayStation
• Xbox
• Nintendo Switch
• Apple TV
• Roku
• Fire TV
• Cable boxes
• Blu-ray players
• Computers
Example
Your TV only has two HDMI inputs, but you have:
• PlayStation
• Xbox
• Apple TV
• Cable Box
Instead of constantly unplugging HDMI cables, connect all four devices to an OREI HDMI Switch.
With the press of a button, you can instantly choose which device appears on your TV.
Important to Know
An HDMI Switch does not display multiple devices at the same time.
Only one source is active at any given moment.
HDMI Matrix
What is an HDMI Matrix?
An HDMI Matrix combines the functionality of both a splitter and a switch.
It allows multiple HDMI sources to be routed independently to multiple displays.
Each display can show a different source—or multiple displays can show the same source—depending on your needs.
Best For
• Sports bars
• Restaurants
• Churches
• Schools
• Conference centers
• Corporate offices
• Digital signage
• Control rooms
• Commercial AV installations
Example
You have four source devices:
• Cable Box
• Apple TV
• Security Camera System
• Digital Signage Player
And four TVs throughout your office or retail store.
With an HDMI Matrix you could configure:
• TV 1 → Cable Box
• TV 2 → Apple TV
• TV 3 → Security Cameras
• TV 4 → Digital Signage
Or, during a special event, you could send the Cable Box to all four TVs simultaneously.
The routing is completely flexible.
Important to Know
An HDMI Matrix is the best choice whenever you need both:
• Multiple source devices
• Multiple displays with independent routing
If you only have one source, an HDMI Splitter is usually the simpler and more cost-effective solution.
Audio Extractors
What is an Audio Extractor?
An Audio Extractor separates the audio signal from an HDMI source so it can be sent to an external sound system while the video continues to your TV or display.
Audio Extractors are ideal when your TV, soundbar, AV receiver, or speaker system use different audio connections, or when you want to improve your audio setup without replacing your existing equipment.
Best For
• Connecting soundbars or AV receivers to TVs
• Older audio systems without HDMI inputs or ARC/eARC
• Home theater setups
• Gaming consoles
• Streaming devices
• Commercial AV installations
Common Audio Outputs
• HDMI ARC/eARC
• Optical (TOSLINK)
• Coaxial
• RCA Stereo
• 3.5mm Audio
Example
You have a new streaming device connected to your TV, but your older AV receiver only has an Optical input.
An Audio Extractor allows the HDMI video to continue to your TV while sending the audio separately to your receiver through the Optical connection.
Another common use case is connecting a modern TV with eARC to an older sound system that doesn't support HDMI ARC.
Important to Know
Audio Extractors do not convert video formats or extend HDMI signals over long distances. Their primary purpose is to separate and route audio from an HDMI signal.
Audio Converters
What is an Audio Converter?
Audio Converters convert one audio format or connection type into another, allowing devices with different audio interfaces to work together.
Whether you're converting Digital to Analog, Analog to Digital, HDMI Audio to Optical, or integrating professional audio equipment, an Audio Converter ensures compatibility between your devices.
Best For
• Upgrading older audio equipment
• Connecting TVs to legacy sound systems
• Professional AV installations
• Recording studios
• Conference rooms
• Home theater systems
Example
Your TV only has an Optical audio output, but your powered speakers only accept RCA inputs.
An Audio Converter converts the Optical digital audio signal into Analog RCA audio so both devices can work together.
Important to Know
Audio Converters only modify the audio signal between the connector types. They do not change audio formats from Dolby to Stereo or vice versa.
Video Converters & Scalers
What are Video Converters & Scalers?
Video Converters allow devices with different video connections to communicate by converting one signal format into another.
Scalers go one step further by changing the video resolution to match the capabilities of the connected display or source device, helping ensure maximum compatibility and optimal picture quality.
These products are commonly used when integrating newer equipment with older displays, connecting devices that use different video interfaces (like VGA or Composite/Component RCA), or matching resolutions between incompatible systems.
Best For
• Connecting legacy and modern AV equipment
• Digital signage
• Education
• Broadcast applications
• Commercial AV installations
Example
You have a computer with a DisplayPort output but your projector only accepts HDMI.
A Video Converter allows the DisplayPort signal to be converted into HDMI so both devices work together.
Another example is connecting a 4K source to a display that only supports 1080p. A Scaler can automatically adjust the output resolution to ensure compatibility.
Important to Know
Video Converters and Scalers improve compatibility between different video standards and resolutions, but they do not increase the original image quality beyond what the source device provides.
Extenders
What is an Extender?
When your source device and display are located farther apart than a standard cable can reliably support, you'll need an Extender.
Extenders transmit video, audio, USB, or control signals over much longer distances while maintaining signal quality and reliability.
Depending on your application, different extender technologies are available, including CAT6/7, HDBaseT, Fiber Optic, Wireless, USB, Audio, KVM, Over IP, and Matrix solutions.
The right extender depends on the type of signal you're transmitting, the distance involved, and any additional features your installation requires.
Standard CAT6/7 Extenders
What are Standard CAT6/7 Extenders?
Standard CAT6/7 Extenders transmit HDMI signals over a single CAT6 or CAT7 network cable, allowing much longer cable runs than traditional HDMI cables.
They provide a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for extending HDMI video and audio in residential and commercial installations.
Best For
• Home theaters
• Conference rooms
• Classrooms
• Digital signage
• Meeting rooms
Example
Your equipment rack is located in a closet while your TV is mounted across the room.
Instead of using a long HDMI cable, a Standard CAT6 Extender allows you to use inexpensive CAT6 cabling while maintaining reliable HDMI performance.
Important to Know
These extenders are designed primarily for HDMI transmission and generally do not include advanced features such as USB, Ethernet, or multiple control signals.
HDBaseT Extenders
What are HDBaseT Extenders?
HDBaseT Extenders are an advanced form of HDMI extension technology that can transmit much more than just video and audio.
Depending on the model, they can also carry USB, Ethernet, IR, RS-232, and power over a single CAT6/7 cable while supporting longer transmission distances and higher bandwidth.
Best For
• Professional AV installations
• Conference rooms
• Education
• Corporate environments
• Houses of worship
• High-end residential systems
Example
You want to install your AV equipment in a centralized equipment rack while viewing the media in a room about 400 feet away. That’s where HDBaseT comes in, allowing HDMI and other signals to flow through in pristine quality.
A single CAT6 cable can carry the HDMI signal along with USB, IR remote control, RS-232 commands, network connectivity, and power, greatly simplifying installation.
Important to Know
HDBaseT is ideal when your installation requires additional control and connectivity features beyond simple HDMI extension.
Wireless Extenders
What are Wireless Extenders?
Wireless Extenders transmit HDMI signals without running physical cables between the source and display.
They provide clean installation and are ideal where running cables through walls or ceilings is difficult or impractical.
Best For
• Living rooms
• Apartments
• Conference rooms
• Temporary installations
• Rental spaces
Example
You want to mount a TV on the opposite side of a room but don't want visible HDMI cables running across the floor or through walls.
A Wireless Extender allows you to send the video signal wirelessly between the two locations.
Important to Know
Wireless Extenders work best over shorter distances and may be affected by obstacles or wireless interference depending on the installation environment.
Fiber Optic Extenders
What are Fiber Optic Extenders?
Fiber Optic Extenders transmit HDMI, USB, DisplayPort, and other signals over Fiber Optic cable, allowing significantly longer transmission distances than copper-based solutions.
They provide excellent signal integrity, immunity to electrical interference, and are ideal for large-scale installations.
Best For
• Cross-building connections
• Universities
• Stadiums
• Hospitals
• Industrial facilities
• Broadcast environments
Example
A computer located in one building needs to send video to another building several hundred feet away.
A Fiber Optic Extender provides a reliable long-distance connection where traditional copper cabling is no longer practical.
Important to Know
Fiber solutions are generally recommended for the longest cable runs and environments where electrical interference may be present.
KVM Extenders
What are KVM Extenders?
KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) Extenders allow you to operate a computer located in another room while maintaining full control using a remote keyboard, mouse, and display.
Many models also support USB peripherals such as flash drives, webcams, printers, touchscreens, and USB headsets.
Best For
• Server rooms
• Security monitoring
• Industrial control
• Medical environments
• Broadcast studios
• Control rooms
Example
Your computer is installed in a secure server room, but you want to control it from your office hundreds of feet away.
A KVM Extender allows you to use the computer exactly as if it were sitting on your desk.
Important to Know
KVM Extenders are designed for full remote computer control, not just video transmission.
USB Extenders
What are USB Extenders?
USB Extenders increase the maximum distance between a computer and USB devices using CAT6 or Fiber Optic cabling.
They allow USB devices to operate reliably far beyond the normal USB cable length limitations.
Best For
• USB cameras
• Touchscreens
• Printers
• Barcode scanners
• Interactive displays
• Industrial USB devices
Example
Your computer is located in a secure equipment room, but your USB touchscreen is installed in a public kiosk.
A USB Extender allows the touchscreen to communicate reliably over a much longer distance.
Important to Know
USB Extenders transmit USB data only. They do not carry HDMI or video unless specifically designed as a combined KVM solution.
Audio Extenders
What are Audio Extenders?
Audio Extenders transmit audio signals over long distances using CAT6 cabling while maintaining high-quality sound.
They are commonly used when audio equipment is installed in a different room or equipment rack than the source device.
Best For
• Whole-home audio
• Conference rooms
• Restaurants
• Churches
• Commercial audio systems
Example
Your television is mounted in the living room, but your amplifier is located in an equipment closet on another floor. An Audio Extender can take audio from the TV’s ARC/eARC or Optical port and send it to the Amplifier’s ARC/eARC or Optical port.
An Audio Extender allows the audio signal to travel over CAT6 cable without requiring long audio cables.
Important to Know
Audio Extenders are specifically designed for audio transmission and do not carry full HDMI video signals.
Extender Splitters
What are Extender Splitters?
Extender Splitters combine HDMI signal duplication with long-distance transmission.
They allow a single HDMI source to be displayed on multiple TVs using CAT6 cabling instead of long HDMI cables.
Best For
• Houses of worship
• Classrooms
• Retail displays
• Restaurants
• Digital signage
Example
A church wants to display the same presentation on multiple TVs throughout the building.
An Extender Splitter sends the same HDMI signal to every display over CAT6 cabling.
Important to Know
Every connected display receives the same content simultaneously.
Over IP Extenders
What are Over IP Extenders?
Over IP Extenders distribute HDMI signals across a standard Gigabit Ethernet network.
Unlike traditional extenders, they can support multiple receivers connected through a network switch, making expansion simple as your system grows.
Best For
• Large commercial buildings
• Sports bars
• Universities
• Corporate campuses
• Digital signage networks
Example
You initially install three displays but later decide to add ten more throughout your building.
With an Over IP system, additional receivers can simply be connected to the existing network infrastructure without replacing the transmitter.
Important to Know
Over IP systems offer excellent scalability and flexibility, making them ideal for growing installations.
Matrix Extenders
What are Matrix Extenders?
Matrix Extenders combine the flexibility of an HDMI Matrix with the long-distance capabilities of an Extender.
They allow multiple source devices to be independently routed to multiple displays over CAT6/7 cables.
Best For
• Corporate offices
• Universities
• Houses of worship
• Command centers
• Hotels
• Large commercial AV systems
Example
Four source devices need to be routed to eight displays located throughout a building.
A Matrix Extender allows any source to be displayed on any screen while supporting long-distance cable runs between rooms.
Important to Know
Matrix Extenders are the ideal solution when you need both flexible source routing and reliable long-distance signal transmission.
MultiViewers
What is a MultiViewer?
A MultiViewer allows you to view multiple video sources simultaneously on a single display. Instead of switching between devices, all connected sources are displayed together in customizable layouts, making it easy to monitor several inputs at once.
Depending on the model, you can choose from various screen layouts such as side-by-side, quad view, picture-in-picture (PiP), or picture-by-picture (PbP).
Best For
• Security monitoring
• Control rooms
• Live production
• Conference rooms
• Broadcast environments
• Command centers
Example
You have four computers that need to be monitored throughout the day, but only one monitor is available.
A MultiViewer allows you to display all four computer outputs on the same screen simultaneously, making it easy to keep an eye on every system without constantly switching inputs.
Important to Know
A MultiViewer is designed for monitoring multiple sources on a single display. If you need to switch between sources instead of viewing them all at once, an HDMI Switch may be the better solution.
KVM Switches
What is a KVM Switch?
A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) Switch allows you to control multiple computers using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
Instead of having separate peripherals for every computer, you can instantly switch control between connected systems using a button, keyboard shortcut, remote, or front panel controls, depending on the model.
Many KVM Switches also support USB peripherals such as printers, webcams, flash drives, external storage, and audio devices.
Best For
• Home offices
• IT administrators
• Software developers
• Financial trading
• Security operations
• Broadcast environments
• Server rooms
Example
You have a work computer and a personal computer on the same desk.
Instead of using two monitors, two keyboards, and two mice, a KVM Switch allows you to control both computers with a single set of peripherals, switching between them in seconds.
Important to Know
A KVM Switch is designed for controlling multiple computers from one workstation. If your goal is to control one computer from a different room, you'll need a KVM Extender instead.
Video Wall Controllers
What is a Video Wall Controller?
A Video Wall Controller allows multiple displays to work together as one large display by distributing and synchronizing video across a video wall.
Depending on the model, the controller can display a single image stretched across all screens or assign different content to individual displays, making it ideal for professional digital signage and command center applications.
Many Video Wall Controllers also support multiple input sources, allowing users to switch content or create dynamic display layouts.
Best For
• Retail stores
• Shopping malls
• Corporate lobbies
• Control rooms
• Command centers
• Airports
• Museums
• Trade shows
• Digital signage
Example
A retail store wants to create a large 2×2 video wall to showcase promotional content across four displays.
A Video Wall Controller synchronizes all four TVs so they function as one seamless display, creating a much larger and more impactful viewing experience.
Important to Know
A Video Wall Controller is designed specifically for creating large multi-display video walls. If you simply want to duplicate content across several TVs, an HDMI Splitter or Extender Splitter is usually the more appropriate solution. If you need to route different sources to multiple displays, consider an HDMI Matrix or Matrix Extender instead.
Closing Remarks
In order to decide which product to go with you first need to determine what features you need and your application, then decide a proper product category and then pick a specific product inside that category for best results.
If you’re still unsure, our support team is happy to help you choose the right product for your setup. Reach out to us at info@orei.com or +1 877-290-5530 to get help. Providing details such as your source devices, displays, desired resolution, and how you want everything connected will help us recommend the best solution.
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