The Witbox is a device designed for automated testing of Set-Top Boxes (STBs) and other video streaming devices, focusing on Quality of Experience (QoE) monitoring. It acts as an intermediary between an STB and a network/display, allowing for video stream acquisition, remote control, and power management of the connected STB.
Function Description:
The Witbox primarily serves as a robot for testing and monitoring the performance of STBs. It captures the video output from an STB via HDMI, enabling automated analysis of the video stream for quality, content, and user experience. The device also facilitates remote control of the STB through IR blasters or Bluetooth, allowing for the execution of predefined scenarios and interactions. Furthermore, it integrates with a Power Controller to manage the STB's power, enabling reboots and power cycling for comprehensive testing. The Witbox connects to the Witbe Hub Cloud, where it registers itself and allows users to access and manage their devices via the Workbench interface. This setup enables remote access, configuration, and execution of tests on the connected STBs. The device is designed to be easily integrated into existing network infrastructures, requiring only a standard Internet connection for outbound HTTPS communication to the Hub Cloud.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Connectivity:
- Network: Ethernet port for network access (DHCP configured, requires outbound HTTPS connection to Hub Cloud).
- Video Input: HDMI IN port for connecting the STB's HDMI output.
- Video Output (Passthrough): HDMI OUT port for connecting to a TV set (optional passthrough configuration).
- IR Control: IR port for connecting an IR blaster to control STBs with IR remote controls.
- Accessory Port: Ethernet port for connecting to a Power Controller (using a blue Ethernet cable).
- Power: Power input for the Witbox power adapter.
- USB: USB ports (functionality not explicitly detailed for STB control but present).
- Video Compatibility: Compatible with HD and 4K devices. If the 4K option is purchased, it negotiates the highest resolution with the STB.
- Power Controller: Supports a 1-port Power Controller for managing STB power.
- Remote Control: Supports both IR blaster for IR-controlled STBs and Bluetooth pairing for Bluetooth-controlled STBs.
- Operating Environment: Designed for residential installation (Class B digital device, Part 15 of FCC Rules).
Usage Features:
- Easy Setup: The installation guide outlines a straightforward cabling process for power, network, STB video input, IR control, and optional TV passthrough.
- Automated Power-On: The Witbox automatically powers on when plugged into a power source.
- Witbox Screen Display: Provides essential information such as date, time, Witbox name, Hub connection status, and local IP address, aiding in initial setup and troubleshooting.
- Workbench Integration: Devices are managed through the Witbe Workbench interface, allowing users to:
- Discover and list connected STBs.
- View the STB's video screen in real-time.
- Take control of the device to access a virtual remote control.
- Send remote codes to the STB for interaction and testing.
- Perform electrical reboots of the STB if a Power Controller is connected.
- Optional TV Passthrough: Allows simultaneous viewing of the STB's video stream on a TV while the Witbox performs automated testing.
- Bluetooth Remote Control: For STBs with Bluetooth remotes, no physical connection is needed; pairing is done via Workbench.
- Power Control: The optional Power Controller enables remote power cycling of the STB, crucial for testing device resilience and recovery.
Maintenance Features:
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes sections for troubleshooting common issues:
- IP Issue: Guides on checking network cable, DHCP configuration, and obtaining an IP from the LAN.
- Hub Connection Issue: Instructions to verify Internet access and connectivity to
https://witbe.app.
- STB Control Issue: Advice on checking IR blaster placement and restarting the STB.
- Video in REC, but black on TV with passthrough: Addresses scenarios where the Witbox receives a 4K stream but an HD TV displays a black screen. Recommendations include deactivating the 4K option on the Witbox (currently requires support intervention, with future Workbench options planned) or using a 4K TV/monitor.
- FCC Compliance: The device is tested and found to comply with FCC Class B digital device limits, with guidelines provided to mitigate potential radio frequency interference (reorienting antenna, increasing separation, connecting to different circuit, consulting technician).
- Firmware Updates: While not explicitly detailed as a user-facing feature, the connection to the Hub Cloud implies potential for remote firmware updates and management by Witbe.
- Support Contact: Users are advised to contact Witbe support for specific issues, such as manually deactivating 4K resolution or activating compatibility modes for older TVs/monitors.
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