X1H-KVM-ETX & X1H-KVM-ERX Overview and Use Cases

What Is the X1H-KVM-ETX & X1H-KVM-ERX?

The ToVi X1H-KVM-ETX and X1H-KVM-ERX are part of the X1 Series 1080p AV over IP system with USB/KVM and video wall support. The X1H-KVM-ETX is the Encoder, and the X1H-KVM-ERX is the Decoder.

Together, they distribute HDMI video, audio, USB/KVM, IR, and RS-232 signals over a standard 1G network switch. The system uses H.265 / H.264 compression and supports video resolutions up to 1920x1200@60Hz 4:4:4.

The X1H-KVM-ETX Encoder connects to the HDMI source device, such as a PC, laptop, media player, server, TV box, or Blu-ray player. The X1H-KVM-ERX Decoder connects to the remote HDMI display. Both units connect to the network using LAN / PoE ports.

The system supports point-to-point extension, one-to-many distribution, multicast, distributed matrix switching, USB/KVM extension, and video wall layouts up to 9x9. It also supports HDMI local loop output on the Encoder, audio embedding and extraction, bi-directional IR, RS-232 pass-through, WebGUI configuration, VLC pull streaming, PoE, front panel control, and optional X1H-CB Control Box operation.

The X1H-KVM-ETX & X1H-KVM-ERX system is useful for control rooms, command centers, digital signage, classrooms, conference rooms, retail displays, server rooms, remote workstation control, video walls, houses of worship, and commercial AV installations where HDMI and USB/KVM need to be distributed over an IP network.

IMPORTANT — X1H-KVM-ETX Is the Encoder and X1H-KVM-ERX Is the Decoder

The X1H-KVM system uses separate Encoder and Decoder units.

The Encoder connects to the HDMI source.

The Decoder connects to the HDMI display.

Use one Encoder for each HDMI source and one Decoder for each display location.

IMPORTANT — This Is an AV over IP KVM System

The X1H-KVM-ETX & X1H-KVM-ERX system distributes HDMI and USB/KVM over a network.

This product is designed for network-based AV and USB/KVM distribution. It is not a simple HDMI splitter or direct HDBaseT extender.

IMPORTANT — Supports USB/KVM Extension

The X1H-KVM system supports USB/KVM control for remote PC or server operation.

The Encoder includes:

The Decoder includes:

For remote KVM control, connect the Encoder USB HOST port to the source computer, then connect keyboard and mouse devices to the Decoder USB DEVICE ports.

The manual describes the USB feature as USB/KVM extension. It does not list USB 3.0 or high-bandwidth USB storage support.

IMPORTANT — Supports up to 1920x1200@60Hz

The X1H-KVM-ETX & X1H-KVM-ERX support video resolutions up to 1920x1200@60Hz 4:4:4.

This model does not support 4K, 4K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, or 8K.

If the source outputs a resolution higher than 1920x1200 or a frame rate higher than 60Hz, the Encoder LINK LED flashes at 10Hz to indicate an incompatible input signal.

IMPORTANT — Uses H.265 / H.264 Compression

The X1H-KVM system uses configurable video compression.

The Main Stream follows the input resolution from the source. The Sub Stream can be configured separately for lower-bandwidth monitoring or stream viewing.

IMPORTANT — Extends up to 328ft / 100m Over CAT Cable

The X1H-KVM system supports transmission up to 328ft / 100m over network cable.

For best performance, use high-quality CAT6 or better cable.

Poor CAT cable, weak terminations, damaged connectors, couplers, patch panels, wall plates, or low-quality cable may cause no video, unstable stream, network connection issues, pixelation, freezing, audio dropouts, USB/KVM issues, or Decoder connection failure.

IMPORTANT — 1G Managed Network Switch Is Recommended

A suitable network switch is required for stable AV over IP performance.

Recommended switch models listed in the manual include:

Each Encoder uses almost 20Mbps of bandwidth. Make sure the switch and uplinks have enough bandwidth when using multiple Encoders and Decoders.

IMPORTANT — Video Wall up to 9x9 Is Supported

The X1H-KVM-ETX & X1H-KVM-ERX support video wall layouts up to 9x9.

Use one Decoder for each display in the video wall.

For example, a 2x2 video wall requires four Decoders.

IMPORTANT — Matrix Switching and Multicast Are Supported

The X1H-KVM system supports flexible AV distribution.

A Decoder can be assigned to receive video from a selected Encoder.

When multiple Encoders and Decoders are used without a Control Box, the units must be matched using front panel buttons, RS-232 commands, or optional IR remote control.

IMPORTANT — Up to 762 Encoders and 762 Decoders Are Supported

The manual lists the maximum number of devices on a single network as:

The actual system size depends on network bandwidth, switch performance, multicast configuration, PoE capacity, and system design.

IMPORTANT — Power over Ethernet Is Supported

The X1H-KVM-ETX and X1H-KVM-ERX support PoE through the LAN port.

If the LAN port is connected to a PoE switch, the power adapter is not required.

If a PoE switch is not used, connect the included DC 12V/1A power adapter.

IMPORTANT — HDMI Local Loop Output Is Supported on the Encoder

The X1H-KVM-ETX Encoder includes HDMI OUT for local monitoring.

The HDMI local loop output allows the source to be viewed locally while the same source is transmitted over the network to remote Decoders.

IMPORTANT — Audio Embedding and Extraction Are Supported

The X1H-KVM-ETX Encoder supports HDMI audio or external analog audio embedding.

The X1H-KVM-ERX Decoder supports analog audio output.

Supported audio format:

The default Encoder audio setting is HDMI audio input.

If the Encoder is set to HDMI audio input, the Encoder AUDIO OUT acts as HDMI audio loop out.

If the Encoder is set to external audio embedding, the Encoder AUDIO IN is used for external analog audio input, and AUDIO OUT becomes the external audio loop output.

IMPORTANT — Bi-Directional IR Is Supported

The X1H-KVM-ETX and X1H-KVM-ERX include IR IN and IR OUT ports.

IR can be passed between compatible Encoders and Decoders for source-side or display-side control.

Use the included IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables.

IMPORTANT — RS-232 Pass-Through Is Supported

The X1H-KVM system supports RS-232 through 3-pin Phoenix connectors.

The manual gives an example RS-232 command for matching a Decoder to an Encoder:

!OUT xxx FR yyy\r\n

In this command, xxx is the Decoder ID and yyy is the Encoder ID.

IMPORTANT — X1H-CB Control Box Is Supported

The X1H-KVM-ETX and X1H-KVM-ERX can be controlled using the X1H-CB Control Box / Video Network Hub.

The X1H-CB is recommended for larger systems, video walls, and easier system management.

IMPORTANT — WebGUI Control Is Supported

The X1H-KVM system includes built-in WebGUI configuration.

The WebGUI can be used to configure:

• Device information
• Firmware version
• IP address
• Subnet mask
• Gateway
• MAC address
• Main Stream settings
• Sub Stream settings
• H.264 / H.265 video encoding
• PCM / AAC audio encoding
• Bitrate
• Audio input selection
• EDID settings
• Transmission protocol
• Decoder output scaling
• Download EDID
• No-video HDMI output timeout
• Brightness
• Contrast
• Hue
• Saturation
• Local ID
• IR voltage
• Username and password
• Network settings
• RS-232 settings
• Firmware update
• Factory reset
• Reboot

The default WebGUI username is admin, and the default password is admin.

IMPORTANT — VLC Pull Streaming Is Supported

The X1H-KVM system supports stream playback on a computer using VLC media player or compatible RTSP software.

The default device IP address is listed as 169.254.100.254.

If a router is used or the IP address changes, use the front panel buttons and LED screen to check the current IP address.

Ports and Panel Layout

Encoder — X1H-KVM-ETX

Decoder — X1H-KVM-ERX

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the HDMI source device to HDMI IN on the X1H-KVM-ETX Encoder.

Examples include a desktop PC, laptop, media player, Blu-ray player, streaming device, TV box, DVR, NVR, server, HDMI matrix output, or HDMI switch output.

1. If local monitoring is needed, connect a local display to HDMI OUT on the Encoder.
2. For USB/KVM control, connect the Encoder USB HOST port to the source computer using a USB Type-A to Type-B cable.
3. Connect the Encoder LAN / PoE port to a suitable 1G PoE network switch using CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.
4. Connect the X1H-KVM-ERX Decoder LAN / PoE port to the same network switch using CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.
5. Connect HDMI OUT on the Decoder to a TV, monitor, projector, or display.
6. Connect keyboard, mouse, or compatible USB peripherals to the USB DEVICE ports on the Decoder.
7. If using PoE, confirm the switch provides power to the Encoder and Decoder.
8. If PoE is not used, connect the included DC 12V/1A power adapters to the Encoder and Decoder.
9. If using analog audio embedding, connect the audio source to AUDIO IN on the Encoder.
10. If using audio extraction, connect an audio device to AUDIO OUT on the Decoder.
11. If using IR, connect the IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables to the required IR IN / IR OUT ports.
12. If using RS-232, connect the RS-232 Phoenix connector wiring between the extender and control system.
13. Set the Encoder ID using the front panel CH SELECT buttons if needed.
14. Set the Decoder ID and match it to the desired Encoder.
15. If using multiple Encoders and Decoders without a Control Box, match each Encoder and Decoder using front panel buttons, RS-232 commands, or optional IR remote control.
16. If using WebGUI, connect a PC to the same network switch.
17. Check the IP address using the front panel LED screen.
18. Set the PC IP address to the same network segment as the Encoder / Decoder.
19. Open the device IP address in a browser.
20. Log in to WebGUI using username admin and password admin.
21. Configure video, audio, EDID, scaler, network, RS-232, and stream settings as needed.
22. If using video wall mode, configure the video wall layout using WebGUI or the X1H-CB Control Box.
23. Test video output, local HDMI loop out, audio, USB/KVM control, IR, RS-232, network switching, and video wall behavior.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.

Poor or incorrectly terminated CAT cable may cause:

• No video
• Network link failure
• Decoder not connecting to Encoder
• Stream freezing
• Pixelation
• High latency
• Audio dropouts
• USB keyboard or mouse not responding
• PoE power issues
• Data LED not flashing
• LINK LED off
• Video wall instability

Use direct, properly terminated CAT cable whenever possible.

HDMI Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality HDMI cables.

Poor HDMI cables may cause:

• No picture
• Flickering
• Black screen
• HDMI source not detected
• Incompatible signal warning
• Wrong resolution
• HDCP handshake issues
• Audio dropouts
• Local HDMI loop out not working
• Decoder HDMI output not working

For troubleshooting, test the HDMI source directly with the display before using the AV over IP system.

USB/KVM Requirement — Critical

For USB/KVM control, the USB connection must be made correctly.

If keyboard or mouse control does not work:

• Confirm the Encoder USB HOST port is connected to the source computer
• Confirm the keyboard and mouse are connected to the Decoder USB DEVICE ports
• Confirm the Encoder and Decoder are matched
• Test with a basic wired keyboard and mouse
• Check network link and PoE power
• Reboot the Encoder and Decoder if needed

Network Switch Requirement — Critical

Use a suitable network switch for stable AV over IP performance.

If using switch cascading, 10G uplink is supported.

Each Encoder uses almost 20Mbps of bandwidth, so confirm the switch has enough capacity for the number of Encoders and Decoders in the system.

PoE / Power Requirement — Critical

The X1H-KVM-ETX and X1H-KVM-ERX can be powered using PoE or the included DC power adapter.

If the LAN port is connected to a PoE switch, the power adapter is not required.

If the device does not power on, check the PoE switch, LAN cable, power adapter, and DC 12V input.

IR Cable Requirement — Critical

Use the included IR Receiver and IR Blaster cables.

The IR ports use 12Vp-p IR level and support wideband 20KHz–60KHz.

If IR does not work, confirm the IR Receiver and IR Blaster are connected to the correct ports and placed near the correct remote or device IR window.

RS-232 Requirement — Critical

Use the 3-pin Phoenix connector for RS-232.

If RS-232 does not work, check Phoenix wiring, baud rate, parity, stop bits, data bits, and whether the Encoder and Decoder are linked.

WebGUI Setup Requirement — Critical

To access WebGUI:

1. Connect the PC, Encoders, and Decoders to the same switch.
2. Press and hold the CH SELECT UP button for 5 seconds to show the IP address.
3. Set the PC IP address to the same network segment as the Encoder / Decoder.
4. Open the device IP address in a browser.
5. Log in with username admin and password admin.

If WebGUI does not open:

• Confirm the PC is on the same network segment
• Check the device IP address
• Check the network switch
• Check LAN cables
• Confirm the device is powered
• Try a direct network connection for testing

Encoder Front Panel Settings

The X1H-KVM-ETX can be configured using the CH SELECT buttons and LED screen.

Audio options:

Decoder Front Panel Settings

The X1H-KVM-ERX can be configured using the CH SELECT buttons and LED screen.

Supported EDID Options

Notes:

• H refers to HDMI.
• D refers to DVI.
• EDID ID 06 / 07 / 08 requires the Controller Box.
• If no copied or user EDID is available, the default 1080p60 EDID is used.

Supported Decoder Output Resolutions

Use scaling when the display requires a fixed output resolution.

Encoder and Decoder Matching

When multiple Encoders and Decoders are used without a Controller Box, they must be matched first.

The RS-232 command format listed in the manual is:

!OUT xxx FR yyy\r\n

In this command:

• xxx is the Decoder ID.
• yyy is the Encoder ID.

The optional IR remote can select Encoder IDs 1–40 directly. Pressing and holding button 1 for 5 seconds allows Encoder 41–80 selection.

VLC Pull Streaming

The X1H-KVM system supports Main Stream and Sub Stream playback using VLC or compatible RTSP software.

The default device IP address is 169.254.100.254.

If the device IP address changes, replace the default IP address in the URL with the current device IP address.

Rack Mounting

The X1H-KVM-ETX and X1H-KVM-ERX support rack mounting.

Use the included mounting ears and screws as shown in the manual.

Understanding the Encoder

The X1H-KVM-ETX Encoder is installed near the HDMI source.

It has:

• HDMI IN
• HDMI OUT local loop output
• LAN / PoE port
• USB HOST
• 2 x USB DEVICE
• AUDIO IN
• AUDIO OUT
• IR IN
• IR OUT
• RS-232
• DC 12V input
• POWER LED
• LINK LED
• LED screen
• CH SELECT buttons
• RESET button

The Encoder converts the HDMI source into an AV over IP stream, sends it over the network, provides HDMI local loop output, supports USB/KVM connection to the source computer, and supports audio, IR, and RS-232 control.

Understanding the Decoder

The X1H-KVM-ERX Decoder is installed near the remote display.

It has:

• HDMI OUT
• LAN / PoE port
• 2 x USB DEVICE
• AUDIO OUT
• IR IN
• IR OUT
• RS-232
• DC 12V input
• POWER LED
• LINK LED
• LED screen
• CH SELECT buttons
• RESET button

The Decoder receives the AV over IP stream from the network, outputs HDMI to the connected display, provides analog audio output, and allows USB keyboard/mouse or other compatible USB peripherals to control the source computer through the Encoder.

Understanding the Application Example

The application diagram shows multiple Encoders connected to HDMI source devices such as a desktop computer, TV box, media player, and Blu-ray player. Multiple Decoders connect to TVs and a video wall through a 1G Ethernet switch. A Controller Box is also connected to manage the system.

This shows the main use case: distributing multiple HDMI sources to multiple displays and a video wall over a 1G network, while supporting KVM, audio, IR, and RS-232 control.

Understanding LED Indicators

Encoder LED Indicators

Decoder LED Indicators

Use these LEDs first when troubleshooting power, network, video input, data transmission, and PoE issues.

Supported Video, Audio, USB, Network, and Control Features

Supported Technical Specifications

What Source Devices Is the X1H-KVM-ETX Compatible With?

The X1H-KVM-ETX Encoder is compatible with HDMI source devices such as:

• Desktop PCs
• Laptops with HDMI output
• Servers
• Media players
• Blu-ray players
• DVD players
• TV boxes
• Streaming devices
• DVRs
• NVRs
• HDMI matrix outputs
• HDMI switch outputs
• AV receivers with HDMI output

The source must output a supported HDMI resolution up to 1920x1200@60Hz.

What Displays Is the X1H-KVM-ERX Compatible With?

The X1H-KVM-ERX Decoder can connect to HDMI displays such as:

• 1080p TVs
• Monitors
• Projectors
• Commercial displays
• Digital signage displays
• Control room displays
• Video wall displays
• Classroom displays
• Conference room displays
• Retail displays

The display must support the selected Decoder output resolution.

What USB Devices Are Compatible?

The X1H-KVM system is designed for USB/KVM use.

Compatible USB devices include:

• USB keyboard
• USB mouse
• Basic USB HID devices
• Compatible USB peripherals used for KVM control

The manual does not list USB 3.0 or high-bandwidth USB storage support.

What Network Equipment Is Compatible With the X1H-KVM System?

The X1H-KVM system works with suitable 1G / 10G network switches.

Recommended features include:

• Managed or Layer 3 switch
• 1G or 10G bandwidth
• 8KB jumbo frame support
• IGMP snooping
• PoE support if powering the units through LAN
• 10G uplink for cascading switches

Recommended switch models include ToVi NS-1G24, ToVi NS-1G48, HUAWEI S5720S-28X-PWR-LI-AC, and NETGEAR S3300.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the ToVi X1H-KVM-ETX & X1H-KVM-ERX used for? 
A: It is used to distribute HDMI video, audio, USB/KVM, IR, and RS-232 over a 1G network, with support for matrix switching, multicast, and video wall layouts up to 9x9.

Q: What is the difference between X1H-KVM-ETX and X1H-KVM-ERX? 
A: X1H-KVM-ETX is the Encoder that connects to the HDMI source. X1H-KVM-ERX is the Decoder that connects to the HDMI display.

Q: Is this an AV over IP system? 
A: Yes. It distributes video, audio, control, and KVM signals over standard IP network infrastructure.

Q: Does it support KVM? 
A: Yes. It supports USB/KVM extension for remote keyboard and mouse control.

Q: How do I use the KVM feature? 
A: Connect the Encoder USB HOST port to the source computer, then connect keyboard and mouse devices to the Decoder USB DEVICE ports.

Q: Does the Encoder have USB ports? 
A: Yes. The Encoder has one USB HOST Type-B port and two USB DEVICE Type-A ports.

Q: Does the Decoder have USB ports? 
A: Yes. The Decoder has two USB DEVICE Type-A ports.

Q: Does it support USB 3.0? 
A: USB 3.0 support is not listed in the manual. The USB feature is intended for USB/KVM and compatible USB peripherals.

Q: Does it support 4K? 
A: No. It supports up to 1920x1200@60Hz 4:4:4.

Q: Does it support 1080p@60Hz? 
A: Yes. It supports 1080p@60Hz and up to 1920x1200@60Hz.

Q: Does it support 4K@60Hz? 
A: No. It does not support 4K@60Hz.

Q: Does it support 8K? 
A: No. It does not support 8K.

Q: What HDMI version does it support? 
A: It supports HDMI 1.3.

Q: What HDCP version does it support? 
A: It supports HDCP 1.4.

Q: What video compression does it use? 
A: It supports H.265 and H.264 compression.

Q: What is the maximum transmission distance? 
A: It supports up to 328ft / 100m over CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use CAT6, CAT6A, or CAT7 cable.

Q: Does it support Power over Ethernet? 
A: Yes. It supports PoE through the LAN port.

Q: What PoE standard does it use? 
A: It supports IEEE 802.3af, Class 3 PD mode.

Q: Do I need the power adapter if I use a PoE switch? 
A: No. If the LAN port is connected to a PoE switch, the power adapter is not required.

Q: What power adapter does it use if PoE is not available? 
A: It uses a DC 12V/1A power adapter.

Q: Does the Encoder have HDMI loop out? 
A: Yes. The X1H-KVM-ETX has HDMI OUT for local source monitoring.

Q: Does the Decoder have HDMI input? 
A: No. The Decoder has HDMI OUT for connecting to a display.

Q: Does it support video wall? 
A: Yes. It supports video wall layouts up to 9x9.

Q: How many displays can I use for a video wall? 
A: The manual lists video wall support up to 9x9.

Q: How many Encoders and Decoders can be connected on a single network? 
A: The manual lists up to 762 Encoders and 762 Decoders.

Q: Can I cascade switches? 
A: Yes. Switch cascading with 10G is supported.

Q: How much bandwidth does each Encoder use? 
A: The manual states each Encoder uses almost 20Mbps, so sufficient bandwidth must be provided when cascading switches.

Q: What switch should I use? 
A: Use a managed or Layer 3 1G / 10G switch with 8KB jumbo frame and IGMP snooping support.

Q: Does it support matrix switching? 
A: Yes. It supports distributed matrix switching over the network.

Q: Does it support multicast? 
A: Yes. UDP multicast is supported. UDP unicast is also available.

Q: Does it support audio embedding? 
A: Yes. The Encoder can use HDMI audio or external analog audio input.

Q: Does it support audio extraction? 
A: Yes. The Decoder includes AUDIO OUT through a 3-pin Phoenix connector.

Q: What audio format is supported? 
A: It supports LPCM 2.0CH at 32 / 44.1 / 48KHz.

Q: Does it support Dolby or DTS audio? 
A: Dolby and DTS audio formats are not listed in the manual.

Q: Does it support IR control? 
A: Yes. It supports bi-directional wideband IR from 20KHz to 60KHz.

Q: Does it support RS-232? 
A: Yes. RS-232 pass-through and local serial control are supported.

Q: Does it support WebGUI control? 
A: Yes. WebGUI control is supported.

Q: What is the default WebGUI username and password? 
A: The default username is admin, and the default password is admin.

Q: How do I check the IP address? 
A: Press and hold the UP button on the front panel for 5 seconds. The LED screen will show the IP address sequence.

Q: What is the default IP address for VLC streaming? 
A: The manual lists the default IP address as 169.254.100.254.

Q: Does it support VLC streaming? 
A: Yes. Main Stream and Sub Stream can be pulled using VLC or compatible software.

Q: What are the VLC stream URLs? 
A: Main Stream: rtsp://169.254.100.254/live/main/av_stream. Sub Stream: rtsp://169.254.100.254/live/sub/av_stream.

Q: Does it support EDID management? 
A: Yes. EDID settings are available on the Encoder through front panel controls and WebGUI.

Q: Does it support output scaling? 
A: Yes. The Decoder supports output resolution scaling up to 1920x1200P60.

Q: What does the Encoder LINK LED mean? 
A: Solid means network is connected with compatible signal, 1Hz flashing means network is connected but no video input, 10Hz flashing means incompatible input signal, and off means network is not connected.

Q: What does the Decoder LINK LED mean? 
A: Solid means network is connected with video data, flashing means network is connected but no video data, and off means network is not connected.

Q: What does “SHO” on the LED screen mean? 
A: When the SHOW ME option is selected in the controller, the corresponding unit flashes “SHO” so the installer can identify the device.

Q: What should I do if there is no video? 
A: Check the HDMI source resolution, network switch, CAT cable, Encoder / Decoder ID matching, LINK LEDs, PoE or power adapter, and confirm the source is outputting 1920x1200@60Hz or lower.

Q: What should I do if the keyboard or mouse does not work? 
A: Confirm the Encoder USB HOST port is connected to the source computer, confirm keyboard and mouse are connected to the Decoder USB DEVICE ports, verify Encoder / Decoder matching, and test with a basic wired keyboard and mouse.

Q: What should I do if the WebGUI does not open? 
A: Check the device IP address, set the PC to the same network segment, confirm all devices are connected to the same switch, and verify the network cable and power.

Q: What should I do if the video wall does not display correctly? 
A: Check the Decoder assignments, video wall layout settings, network switch configuration, IGMP snooping, cable quality, and whether all Decoders are linked to the correct Encoder.

Q: Does the X1H-KVM-ETX & X1H-KVM-ERX need external power? 
A: They can be powered by PoE through a compatible PoE switch or by the included DC 12V/1A power adapters.