X4UH-UC-ETX Overview and Use Cases – OREI

What Is the X4UH-UC-ETX?

The OREI X4UH-UC-ETX is a 4K HDMI and USB-C over IP KVM extender system designed to distribute video, audio, USB, IR, RS-232, and control signals across a standard Gigabit Ethernet network. As part of OREI's X4 Series AV-over-IP platform, it supports both point-to-point extension and large-scale distributed AV deployments using managed network switches.

The system supports HDMI and USB-C video inputs with automatic or manual source switching, making it ideal for conference rooms, classrooms, digital signage, command centers, control rooms, and video wall applications. Users can distribute a source to multiple displays using multicast mode or create advanced video wall layouts when paired with a compatible Video over IP Controller.

In addition to video distribution, the X4UH-UC-ETX supports USB KVM functionality, IR extension, RS-232 pass-through, analog and digital audio transport, ARC/eARC audio return, GPIO control, and MJPEG sub-stream monitoring through a web browser or VLC Media Player.

Important Notes

A managed Layer 3 Gigabit network switch is recommended for AV-over-IP deployments.
The system supports both copper (Ethernet) and fiber transmission modes.
PoE-compatible switches can power the Encoder and Decoder without separate power adapters.
Video wall functionality requires a compatible Video over IP Controller.
Both unicast and multicast operation modes are supported.

Ports and Panel Layout

Port	Function
HDMI Input	Connects a source device such as a PC, media player, or gaming console
USB-C Input	Connects USB-C enabled laptops and devices
HDMI Output	Connects a local display or monitor
LAN (PoE)	Connects to a Gigabit network switch for AV-over-IP distribution
Fiber Port	Supports long-distance fiber transmission
USB Ports	Supports KVM functionality and USB peripheral extension
RS-232	Serial control and pass-through communication
IR IN / IR OUT	IR extension and device control
Audio IN / OUT	Analog audio embedding and extraction
SPDIF IN / OUT	Digital audio transmission and return
GPIO / Relay Ports	External automation and device control
DC 12V	Power input when PoE is not used
LED Display	Displays Encoder ID, IP information, and configuration settings

Step-by-Step Setup

Connect your HDMI or USB-C source device to the Encoder.
Connect your display to the Decoder's HDMI output.
Connect the Encoder and Decoder through:
- A direct network connection
- A managed Gigabit switch
- A compatible fiber connection
Connect USB peripherals if KVM functionality is required.
Connect IR, RS-232, audio, or GPIO devices as needed.
Apply power using either:
- DC 12V adapters
- PoE-capable network switches
On the Decoder, use the UP and DOWN buttons to select the desired Encoder ID.
Verify video, audio, and control functionality on the connected display.

Signal Switching Modes

The X4UH-UC-ETX supports both automatic and manual input selection between HDMI and USB-C sources. Users can configure switching behavior through API commands or the Web GUI.

Available Input Modes

Auto
HDMI Only
USB-C Only

Auto Priority Options

None (last connected source takes priority)
HDMI Priority
USB-C Priority

This allows flexible source management in meeting rooms and collaborative environments.

Audio Features

The X4UH-UC-ETX supports multiple audio transport and return options:

HDMI audio pass-through
Analog audio embedding
Analog audio extraction
S/PDIF digital audio
ARC audio return
eARC audio return
Analog audio return (A2A mode)

Users can return audio from the Decoder back to the Encoder using ARC/eARC, S/PDIF, or analog audio return modes.

Network and Transmission Modes

The system supports three IP configuration methods:

Auto IP
DHCP
Static IP

Transmission can operate using:

CPP Mode (Copper Ethernet)
FIB Mode (Fiber Optic)

Users can switch between these modes from the front-panel controls or Web GUI.

Web GUI Management

The built-in Web GUI provides centralized management and monitoring capabilities.

Available functions include:

Firmware updates
Logo and image uploads
Factory reset
EDID management
Device statistics
Network configuration
Video wall configuration
USB, serial, video, and audio mode settings
802.1X authentication support
MJPEG sub-stream monitoring and preview

Video Wall Support

When integrated with a Video over IP Controller, the X4UH-UC-ETX can be used in advanced video wall deployments.

Video wall controls include:

Bezel compensation
Display positioning
Gap adjustment
Rotation and flipping
Stretch mode selection
Advanced wall configuration settings

The system supports video walls up to 9x9 displays.

MJPEG Sub-Stream Monitoring

The system can generate an MJPEG sub-stream for monitoring and diagnostics.

Features include:

Browser-based preview
VLC Media Player support
Adjustable resolution
Adjustable frame rate
Bandwidth controls
Stream statistics and bitrate monitoring

This is useful for remote monitoring applications without affecting the primary video stream.

Recommended Network Switch Requirements

For best performance, OREI recommends a managed Layer 3 Gigabit switch with:

Gigabit bandwidth
IGMP Snooping
8KB Jumbo Frame support
Managed switching capabilities

Recommended models include:

Cisco SG500 Series
Cisco Catalyst Series
Huawei S5720S Series
Zyxel GS2210 Series
Luxul AMS-4424P

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the X4UH-UC-ETX used for?
A: It extends HDMI, USB-C, USB KVM, audio, IR, and RS-232 signals over a standard Ethernet or fiber network for AV-over-IP applications.

Q: Does the system support USB-C sources?
A: Yes. The system supports both HDMI and USB-C video inputs and can automatically switch between them.

Q: Does it support KVM functionality?
A: Yes. USB peripherals such as keyboards and mice can be extended across the network.

Q: Can it be powered through PoE?
A: Yes. Both Encoder and Decoder support PoE when connected to compatible network switches.

Q: Does it support fiber transmission?
A: Yes. Users can switch between copper (CPP) and fiber (FIB) transmission modes.

Q: Does it support multicast operation?
A: Yes. The system supports both unicast and multicast modes.

Q: Can I create a video wall?
A: Yes. When paired with a compatible Video over IP Controller, the system supports video walls up to 9×9 displays.

Q: How many Encoders and Decoders can be connected to a single network?
A: Up to 762 Encoders and 762 Decoders can be connected within a supported deployment.

Q: Does the system support browser-based management?
A: Yes. A built-in Web GUI provides configuration, monitoring, firmware updates, network settings, and video wall management.

Q: Do I need special software to use the system?
A: No. Basic operation can be managed through the front panel and Web GUI, while advanced deployments can utilize a Video over IP Controller.