How to connect multiple HDMI sources to a TV/display using a 4K HDMI Switch?

Your dream of having the cleanest home entertainment setup is about to come true! With a very capable HDMI switch, you can place all your devices in a single location and have the power to seamlessly control everything!

It’s about time you say goodbye to the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging cables just so you can use the device you want. With an HDMI switch in your arsenal, it’s as if you have a digital conductor orchestrating your work or entertainment setup effortlessly.

Conveniently switch between your gaming console, laptop, streaming device, DVD player, and more with just a push of a button or a flick of a remote. While you’re at it, having an HDMI switch with ARC support or audio extraction functionality will also allow you to connect your best sound systems easily with all your devices.

If you missed our previous blogs about HDMI switches, let’s have a run through of how you can connect multiple devices to it, and how it works. 

At its core, an HDMI switch is a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to connect multiple HDMI devices (such as Blu-ray players, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, etc.) to a single display (such as 4K UHD TVs, gaming monitors, projectors, etc.) using one HDMI cable. 

Some of the most common you’ll see in the market are 4x1 HDMI switches. This type of switch allows you to connect up to 4 HDMI devices to your display. However, there are also available switches that can support up to 8 or 16 devices, and even more. 

As mentioned above, having a switch allows you to seamlessly switch between one device to another without the need for plugging and unplugging your devices. Take note, constant plugging and unplugging of your devices may damage your TV, laptop, or projector’s built-in ports.

Using a switch has been proven useful for multiple types of users because of its versatility and flexibility. You can commonly find this device at home for entertainment systems or home theater systems, or for work at meeting rooms, conferences, or events.

Advanced switches now also feature support for connecting your sound systems. Some HDMI switches come with ARC support and audio extraction features, allowing you to seamlessly use your favorite sound systems with all your input devices.

Here are some more reasons as to why HDMI switches are useful.

1. Space saving: Even if your TV has multiple HDMI ports that can accommodate about 2 or 3 devices, using a switch consolidates all your devices into one slot–freeing up valuable space and minimizing cable clutter.
   
   
2. Simplified setup: This device is pretty much plug-and-play. So as long as you know how to properly plug your cables, and have a basic understanding of which port each device goes to, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. It’s very easy to install and configure, making it simple for you to get started with your new home entertainment system.
   
   
3. Cost-effective: Purchasing a switcher is obviously more cost-effective than buying a new TV with additional HDMI ports or replacing existing hardware with more advanced versions. With a switch, feel free to use your older TV model as long as it has at least one HDMI port and let the device do its magic.
   
   
4. Future-proofing: As technology advances, HDMI switches adapt to newer, faster standards, ensuring your equipment remains compatible with the latest innovations. It also goes without saying that opting to get a more modern switch will allow you to use it for a much longer period of time.
   
   
5. Compatible with multiple devices: HDMI switches work with a wide range of devices, including game consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility across all your gear.

Now that we've grasped the basics of HDMI switches, let's explore a product that can certainly fulfill all the above mentioned capabilities, and maybe even more. 

For this blog, we’ll be highlighting the OREI UHD-401.

The OREI UHD-401 is a 4K video switcher that supports up to 4 input devices with audio extraction. With it, you can simultaneously connect up to 4 devices to a single display. Here are some of its supported HDMI media devices:

1. Computer systems
2. Media players
3. Digital video recorders
4. Streaming devices
5. DVD players
6. Gaming consoles

For its supported video resolutions, it can go as high as 4K@60Hz, 1080P@60Hz, and 1080P 3D@60Hz. The UHD-401 is compliant with HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2/1.4 standards which means that you can use it to stream virtually all types of HDMI content. 

Next up, the OREI UHD-401 is also an HDMI switch, with an audio extraction feature (S/PDIF / Stereo) which will allow you to connect almost all types of sound systems, even older models or modern units. 

And lastly, it includes an IR remote control which lets you control it from afar. To take this feature even further. As intimidating as the features may sound, setting it up is still very easy. Here’s how you can do it in just under 5 minutes. 

Before we start, make sure all your devices are in their place. By doing this, you can better visualize how you can run your cables from your switch to your input and output devices. Once you’re done with that, proceed with the following steps.

1. Connect all your input devices to the switch’s input ports. Remember, you can connect up to 4 devices so feel free to maximize it.
2. Connect your display device to your switch. Be sure to connect it to the output port.
3. Connect your sound system to the UHD-401 through the Optical output.
4. Power up your switch using the included power adapter. 
5. Power up all your devices to test if it’s properly working.

To switch from one input to another, you can either press a button on the device itself or use the IR remote control. Aside from switching from one input to another, or reset your device.

If you’re having any issues with using the UHD-401, you may want to have a quick look in the instruction manual to learn some troubleshooting tips, or reach out for help to OREI’s technical support. 

Are you excited to purchase the OREI UHD-401? Click here to be redirected to our shop!

Once you’re there, you’ll find more relevant information that you might need to be able to learn more about the device. You can find there a detailed list of its technical specifications which includes the supported video bandwidth, resolutions, color space, audio formats, and more. You can also view some reviews left by previous customers, as well as FAQs and other related products.

Lastly, the UHD-401 comes with a 30-day return window, a 1-year warranty, and lifetime tech support.