X1H-CB Overview and Use Cases

What Is the X1H-CB?

The ToVi X1H-CB is an X1 Series Video Network Hub / Control Box designed to manage ToVi X1 Series AV over IP systems. It provides centralized control for compatible ToVi X1 Encoders and Decoders through a WebGUI interface.

The X1H-CB works with ToVi X1 Series H.264 / H.265 AV over IP products. It helps manage video, audio, RS-232, IR, and KVM signals across distributed IP-based AV systems. It is especially useful for matrix switching, video wall creation, source routing, system configuration, device management, user access control, and third-party control integration.

The X1H-CB includes dual 100M LAN ports: one VIDEO LAN port and one CONTROL LAN port. This allows the AV network and control network to be separated for improved stability and security. The VIDEO LAN port supports PoE, so the Control Box can be powered through a PoE network switch instead of using the included DC 12V power adapter.

The X1H-CB is useful for commercial AV installations, ToVi X1 AV over IP systems, video walls, control rooms, command centers, classrooms, conference rooms, retail displays, houses of worship, digital signage systems, and any installation where multiple ToVi X1 Encoders and Decoders need to be managed from one central interface.

IMPORTANT — X1H-CB Is a Control Box, Not an Encoder or Decoder

The X1H-CB does not encode HDMI video and does not decode HDMI video.

The X1H-CB is used to control and manage the AV over IP system.

It does not have HDMI input or HDMI output.

Use the X1H-CB with compatible ToVi X1 Encoders and Decoders.

IMPORTANT — Designed for ToVi X1 Series AV over IP Systems

The X1H-CB is designed to work with ToVi X1 Series H.264 / H.265 AV over IP products.

The X1H-CB is intended for ToVi X1 Series systems and should be used with compatible ToVi X1 Encoders and Decoders.

IMPORTANT — Dual LAN Ports Are Used for Network Isolation

The X1H-CB includes two LAN ports.

The purpose of the two LAN ports is to isolate the AV network from the control network.

This improves:

• Network stability
• System security
• AV traffic management
• Control traffic separation
• Large system reliability

The manual notes that the VIDEO LAN and CONTROL LAN should be treated as separate network domains.

IMPORTANT — VIDEO LAN Supports PoE

The VIDEO LAN port supports PoE.

If the VIDEO LAN port is connected to a PoE network switch, the included DC 12V power adapter is not required.

If the switch does not support PoE, use the included DC 12V/1A power adapter.

IMPORTANT — CONTROL LAN Is for WebGUI and External Control

The CONTROL LAN port is the TCP/IP control network port.

Use CONTROL LAN for:

• WebGUI access
• Telnet / SSH access
• API commands
• Third-party control system integration
• PC control access
• Control network isolation

The manual recommends using CONTROL LAN for system management when security and stability are important.

IMPORTANT — Do Not Connect Only CONTROL LAN and Leave VIDEO LAN Floating

The manual allows a simplified setup where VIDEO LAN, Encoders, Decoders, and the PC are connected to the same switch while CONTROL LAN is left unconnected.

However, the manual states that connecting only CONTROL LAN while leaving VIDEO LAN floating is not allowed.

For normal AV over IP operation, VIDEO LAN must be connected to the AV network.

IMPORTANT — WebGUI Control Is Supported

The X1H-CB uses a WebGUI interface for system control.

The WebGUI includes seven main sections:

The WebGUI allows centralized system management from a browser.

IMPORTANT — Default WebGUI Access

The manual lists the following default WebGUI access options:

At first login, the manual requires setting a new six-digit password using letters or numbers.

IMPORTANT — Three VIDEO LAN IP Modes Are Supported

The X1H-CB supports three VIDEO LAN IP management modes.

Use the automatic mode for simple system setup.

Use DHCP when a router is handling IP assignment.

Use Static IP mode when the installer wants full manual network control.

IMPORTANT — Matrix Switching Is Drag-and-Drop

The X1H-CB WebGUI supports drag-and-drop matrix switching.

To switch a source, drag the Encoder preview image to the desired Decoder preview image.

To send one source to multiple Decoders, drag the Encoder preview image to multiple Decoders or to All Decoders.

IMPORTANT — Video Wall Management Is Supported

The X1H-CB supports video wall creation and management.

The manual notes:

The Controller creates and manages video wall configurations and provides a simplified control interface and API commands for third-party control systems.

IMPORTANT — User Permission Management Is Supported

The X1H-CB WebGUI allows new user accounts to be created.

This allows different users to have access only to specific inputs and outputs.

User name requirements:

IMPORTANT — GPIO Control Is Supported

The X1H-CB includes four GPIO ports through a 6-pin Phoenix connector.

The IO LEVEL DIP switch controls the I/O level output and VOUT voltage.

Use GPIO for custom control integration when supported by the installation design.

IMPORTANT — IR Input Is Supported

The X1H-CB includes an IR IN port.

The IR pin definition is:

Use the included IR Receiver cable for IR input.

IMPORTANT — RS-232 Control Is Supported

The X1H-CB includes an RS-232 serial communication port using a 3-pin Phoenix connector.

The rear panel includes an MCU / Normal DIP switch.

Normal mode is the default mode.

IMPORTANT — Firmware Update Is Supported

The WebGUI Firmware Update page supports:

Decoder logo picture requirements:

Ports and Panel Layout

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connect the X1H-CB VIDEO LAN port to the AV over IP network switch.
2. Connect ToVi X1 Encoders and Decoders to the same AV network switch.
3. Connect the CONTROL LAN port to the control network, router, PC, or control switch if network isolation is being used.
4. If using the simplified setup, connect the PC to the same switch as VIDEO LAN and leave CONTROL LAN unconnected.
5. Do not connect only CONTROL LAN while leaving VIDEO LAN unconnected.
6. If using PoE, connect VIDEO LAN to a PoE switch.
7. If PoE is not available, connect the included DC 12V/1A power adapter.
8. Power on the network switch, Encoders, Decoders, and X1H-CB.
9. Confirm the POWER LED is on.
10. Confirm the STATUS LED becomes steady when the device is ready.
11. Open a browser on the PC.
12. Enter http://controller.local or the Controller IP address.
13. At first login, use username admin and password admin.
14. Create the required new password when prompted.
15. Select the VIDEO LAN IP management mode.
16. Search for Encoders and Decoders.
17. Add discovered Encoders and Decoders to the system.
18. Use the Device page to rename devices, change IDs, configure audio, set EDID, configure RS-232, and manage network settings.
19. Use the Matrix page to route Encoders to Decoders.
20. Use the Video Wall page to create video walls, assign Decoders, configure layouts, adjust borders, and select sources.
21. Use the User page to create user accounts and set access permissions.
22. Use Controller Settings for system, GPIO, control network, video network, HTTPS, Telnet, SSH, and reset settings.
23. Test matrix routing, video wall behavior, user access, IR, RS-232, GPIO, and third-party control integration.

CAT Cable Requirement — Critical

Use high-quality CAT5e / CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.

Poor cable or poor network connection may cause:

• WebGUI not opening
• Encoders not discovered
• Decoders not discovered
• Devices showing offline
• Matrix switching failure
• Video wall control issues
• IR / RS-232 control issues
• PoE power issues
• Network instability

Use direct, properly terminated cable whenever possible.

Network Requirement — Critical

The X1H-CB is designed for ToVi X1 Series AV over IP systems.

Recommended setup:

Simplified setup:

Do not leave VIDEO LAN unconnected when trying to control the AV over IP system.

PoE / Power Requirement — Critical

The X1H-CB can be powered through PoE or with the included DC power adapter.

If the Control Box does not power on, check the PoE switch, VIDEO LAN cable, DC power adapter, outlet, and DC 12V port.

WebGUI Setup Requirement — Critical

To access WebGUI:

1. Connect the PC to the correct network.
2. Use http://controller.local or the Controller IP address.
3. If no router is present, use the default CONTROL LAN IP address 192.168.6.100.
4. Set the PC to the same network segment if needed.
5. Log in with the initial username admin and password admin.
6. Set a new password when prompted.

If WebGUI does not open:

• Check whether VIDEO LAN is connected.
• Check whether CONTROL LAN or VIDEO LAN is being used for access.
• Confirm the PC is on the same network segment.
• Confirm the Controller has power.
• Check the network cable.
• Try http://controller.local.
• Try the default Control LAN IP address.
• Confirm the router or DHCP server is assigning the expected IP address.

Rack Mounting

The X1H-CB supports rack mounting.

6U V2 rack mounting supports up to 10 units installed vertically.

1U V2 rack mounting is designed for two units installed horizontally.

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

Understanding the X1H-CB

The X1H-CB is installed in the AV network system as the central controller.

It has:

• VIDEO LAN with PoE
• CONTROL LAN
• RS-232
• IR IN
• Four GPIO outputs
• IO LEVEL DIP switch
• MCU / Normal DIP switch
• DC 12V power input
• RESET button
• POWER LED
• STATUS LED
• WebGUI control interface

The X1H-CB manages connected ToVi X1 Encoders and Decoders and provides system-level control for routing, video wall layouts, users, network settings, firmware updates, and third-party control.

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 4-Decoder video wall. The X1H-CB Controller Box connects to the network with the Encoders, Decoders, switch, optional router, and PC.

This shows the main use case: using the X1H-CB as the central control hub for a ToVi X1 AV over IP system with multiple sources, multiple displays, and a video wall.

Understanding LED Indicators

Use these LEDs first when troubleshooting power or startup issues.

Supported Control and Network Features

The X1H-CB supports:

Supported Technical Specifications

What Devices Is the X1H-CB Compatible With?

The X1H-CB is compatible with ToVi X1 Series AV over IP products, including:

• ToVi X1 Series Encoders
• ToVi X1 Series Decoders
• X1H-ETX Encoder
• X1H-ERX Decoder
• Other compatible ToVi X1 models

The X1H-CB can simultaneously control different types of Encoders and Decoders in one system, but some configuration options may vary by model.

What Network Equipment Is Compatible With the X1H-CB?

The X1H-CB can be used with network equipment such as:

• 100M switches
• 1G Ethernet switches
• PoE switches
• Routers
• Control network switches
• AV network switches

For AV over IP systems, use suitable network switching equipment based on the number of Encoders, Decoders, video streams, and whether PoE is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the ToVi X1H-CB used for? 
A: It is used to control and manage ToVi X1 Series AV over IP systems, including video, audio, KVM, RS-232, IR, matrix switching, and video wall control.

Q: Is the X1H-CB an Encoder? 
A: No. It is a Control Box / Video Network Hub. It does not encode HDMI video.

Q: Is the X1H-CB a Decoder? 
A: No. It does not decode HDMI video or connect directly to a display as an HDMI output.

Q: Does the X1H-CB have HDMI input or HDMI output? 
A: No. HDMI input and output are handled by the compatible Encoders and Decoders.

Q: What products does the X1H-CB work with? 
A: It works with ToVi X1 Series H.264 / H.265 AV over IP products.

Q: What is the primary function of the X1H-CB? 
A: It manages video, audio, KVM, RS-232, and IR signal distribution over an IP network from one central interface.

Q: How many LAN ports does it have? 
A: It has two LAN ports: VIDEO LAN and CONTROL LAN.

Q: What does VIDEO LAN do? 
A: VIDEO LAN handles the AV over IP network where Encoders and Decoders are connected.

Q: What does CONTROL LAN do? 
A: CONTROL LAN handles WebGUI access, Telnet / SSH access, API commands, and integration with external control systems.

Q: Why does it have two LAN ports? 
A: The two LAN ports isolate the AV network from the control network for better security and traffic management.

Q: Can I control the system without connecting CONTROL LAN? 
A: Yes. The manual notes that VIDEO LAN also supports WebGUI, Telnet, SSH, and API control. However, using CONTROL LAN is recommended for maximum security and stability.

Q: Can I connect only CONTROL LAN and leave VIDEO LAN unconnected? 
A: No. The manual states that connecting only CONTROL LAN while leaving VIDEO LAN floating is not allowed.

Q: Does VIDEO LAN support PoE? 
A: Yes. VIDEO LAN supports PoE.

Q: Do I need the power adapter if I use a PoE switch? 
A: No. If the VIDEO LAN port is connected to a PoE switch, the DC 12V/1A power adapter is not required.

Q: What power adapter does it use? 
A: It uses a DC 12V/1A power adapter.

Q: What is the power consumption? 
A: The manual lists power consumption as 4.5W.

Q: What is the network bandwidth? 
A: The manual lists network bandwidth as 100M.

Q: What CAT cable should I use? 
A: Use CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A, or CAT7 cable.

Q: What is the maximum network cable distance? 
A: It supports up to 100m over CAT5e / CAT6 / CAT6A / CAT7 cable.

Q: Does it support WebGUI control? 
A: Yes. The X1H-CB includes a WebGUI for system setup and control.

Q: What is the default WebGUI URL? 
A: The manual lists http://controller.local.

Q: What is the default CONTROL LAN IP address without a router? 
A: The default CONTROL LAN IP address is 192.168.6.100.

Q: What is the default VIDEO LAN IP address? 
A: The default VIDEO LAN IP address is 169.254.8.100.

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

Q: Do I need to change the password on first login? 
A: Yes. At first login, the manual requires setting a new six-digit password using letters or numbers.

Q: Does it support matrix switching? 
A: Yes. Matrix switching is supported through drag-and-drop in the WebGUI.

Q: Can I route one Encoder to one Decoder? 
A: Yes. Drag the Encoder preview to the desired Decoder preview.

Q: Can I route one Encoder to multiple Decoders? 
A: Yes. Drag the Encoder preview to multiple Decoders or to All Decoders.

Q: Can I disconnect a Decoder from a source? 
A: Yes. Drag the “No Source” image to the Decoder preview.

Q: Does it support video wall control? 
A: Yes. The X1H-CB supports video wall creation and control.

Q: How many video walls can be created? 
A: The manual states that up to 9 video walls can be created.

Q: What video wall layouts are supported? 
A: The manual notes video wall layouts from 1x2 up to 9x9.

Q: Can one Decoder be assigned to more than one video wall? 
A: No. A Decoder can only be assigned to one video wall.

Q: Does it support irregular video wall layouts? 
A: Yes. Class Preset can be used to create regular or irregular video wall layouts.

Q: Does it support border adjustment? 
A: Yes. The Video Wall page includes border adjustment settings.

Q: Does it support user accounts? 
A: Yes. You can create user accounts and limit which Encoders and Decoders each user can access.

Q: What username length is required for user accounts? 
A: Usernames require 6 to 12 characters.

Q: What password length is required for user accounts? 
A: Passwords require 6 to 8 characters.

Q: Are special characters supported in usernames or passwords? 
A: No. The manual states that special characters are not supported.

Q: Does it support RS-232? 
A: Yes. It includes an RS-232 serial communication port.

Q: What is the MCU / Normal DIP switch for? 
A: Normal mode uses RS-232 for serial command control. MCU mode uses RS-232 for MCU software upgrade.

Q: Does it support IR input? 
A: Yes. It includes a 12V IR input through a 3.5mm stereo jack.

Q: Does it include an IR Receiver cable? 
A: Yes. The package includes one 1.5-meter IR Receiver cable.

Q: Does it support GPIO? 
A: Yes. It includes four GPIO outputs through a 6-pin Phoenix connector.

Q: Can GPIO output be set to 5V or 12V? 
A: Yes. The IO LEVEL DIP switch selects 5V or 12V output.

Q: Does it support third-party control systems? 
A: Yes. It supports LAN, RS-232, and external control system integration.

Q: Does it support HTTPS and SSH? 
A: Yes. HTTPS and SSH are supported for secure access and configuration.

Q: Can I update firmware through the WebGUI? 
A: Yes. The Firmware Update page supports Controller firmware and Encoder / Decoder firmware updates.

Q: Can I upload EDID files? 
A: Yes. User EDID 1 and User EDID 2 can be uploaded through the Firmware Update page.

Q: Can I upload a Decoder logo picture? 
A: Yes. JPG files can be uploaded if they meet the manual’s size and resolution requirements.

Q: What does the POWER LED mean? 
A: The red POWER LED lights when the device is powered on.

Q: What does the STATUS LED mean? 
A: The yellowish-green STATUS LED lights when the device is powered on and becomes steady when the device is ready to use.

Q: How do I reset the X1H-CB? 
A: Press and hold the RESET button for about 10 seconds until the STATUS LED starts flashing. The Controller will reset automatically.

Q: Can the X1H-CB be rack mounted? 
A: Yes. It supports 6U V2 rack mounting and 1U V2 rack mounting.

Q: How many units fit in a 6U V2 rack? 
A: The manual states up to 10 units can be installed vertically.

Q: How many units fit in a 1U V2 rack? 
A: The manual recommends installing two units horizontally.

Q: Does the X1H-CB need external power? 
A: It can be powered by PoE through the VIDEO LAN port or by the included DC 12V/1A power adapter.