The Complete NovaStar Processor Guide: Specs, Models & Selection

LED displays require dedicated hardware to handle video inputs and drive LED cabinets. Selecting the right NovaStar processor ensures your screen displays high-quality video with stable signal transmission.

Catalog:

1. NovaStar Processor and Controller Introduction
2. NovaStar Processor Categories
2.1 Video Controller
2.2 AV over IP System
2.3 Media Server
2.4 Video Splicing Processor
2.5 Control Processor
2.6 Video Processor
3. NovaStar Processor Comparison Table
4. NovaStar Software and Firmware Downloads
5.Conclusion

1. NovaStar Processor and Controller Introduction

A NovaStar processor is an all-in-one hardware device that combines video processing, scaling, and sending card functions into a single unit. It receives video signals from computers, media players, or cameras, processes the image resolution, and sends pixel data directly to the LED receiving cards.

These devices handle core tasks including signal switching, image scaling, layer manipulation, and output loading. System integrators and event engineers use a novastar video processor to control display layouts, adjust screen brightness, and manage pixel mapping across small indoor screens or large outdoor LED walls.

2. NovaStar Processor Categories

NovaStar builds hardware for different video setups. So, we split their lineup into six categories based on what they do best.

(Note: The current VX Pro series replaced legacy models such as the novastar vx4s processor, vx6s video processor, vx1, and vx16s video processor with higher loading capacity and integrated fiber outputs).

2.1 Video Controller

Video controllers handle signal processing and LED sending in one box. They take video from your source, scale it, and send it straight to your screen.

① NovaPro UHD Jr

The NovaPro UHD Jr is an all-in-one controller made for high-end rentals and fine-pitch screens. It drives up to 10.4 million pixels with a max width of 16,384 pixels. The unit has 16 Ethernet ports and 4 10G optical ports. Input options include 12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, and DVI. You get 3 independent layers, HDR support, and ultra-low 2-frame latency when paired with Armor receiving cards.

② VX400 Pro

The VX400 Pro handles smaller to mid-sized screens. It drives up to 2.6 million pixels across 4 Ethernet ports. The max output width is 10,240 pixels. It offers HDMI 1.4, DVI, and 3G-SDI inputs. You get 2 main layers and 1 PIP. It is a solid, budget-friendly vx400 processor for event staging and corporate displays.

③ VX600 Pro

The VX600 Pro steps up capacity for medium display setups. It includes 6 Ethernet ports and loads up to 3.9 million pixels. Like the 400 model, it supports a max width of 10,240 pixels and max height of 4,096 pixels. Inputs feature HDMI 1.4, DVI, and 3G-SDI. If you need a reliable vx600 processor with 3 layers for smooth switching, this model hits the sweet spot.

④ VX1000 Pro

The VX1000 Pro is built for medium-to-large LED screens. It features 10 Ethernet ports and manages up to 6.5 million pixels. It supports 4Kx1K inputs at 60Hz via HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2. The vx1000 processor handles 3 independent layers and includes fiber output ports. That makes this vx1000 video processor a popular choice for large staging projects and permanent installs.

⑤ VX2000 Pro

The VX2000 Pro delivers heavy-duty power in the VX series. It packs 20 Ethernet ports to drive up to 13 million pixels. It handles 4K inputs smoothly with HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2 ports. You can run 4 layers on screen at once. If you manage massive LED walls, this high-capacity unit keeps your rack setup simple.

⑥ Video Controllers Parameter Comparison

Model	Ethernet Ports	Max Loading Capacity	Max Output Width / Height	Layers	Key Video Inputs
NovaPro UHD Jr	16 Ports + 4 OPT	10.4 Million Pixels	16,384 px / 8,192 px	3 Layers + 1 OSD	12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, DVI
NovaStar VX400 Pro	4 Ports	2.6 Million Pixels	10,240 px / 4,096 px	2 Layers + 1 PIP	HDMI 1.4, DVI, 3G-SDI
NovaStar VX600 Pro	6 Ports	3.9 Million Pixels	10,240 px / 4,096 px	3 Layers	HDMI 1.4, DVI, 3G-SDI
NovaStar VX1000 Pro	10 Ports	6.5 Million Pixels	10,240 px / 4,096 px	3 Layers	HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, DVI, 3G-SDI
NovaStar VX2000 Pro	20 Ports	13.0 Million Pixels	16,384 px / 8,192 px	4 Layers	HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, DVI, 12G-SDI

2.2 AV over IP System

AV over IP systems route video over standard network cables. You use encoder nodes at your sources and decoder nodes at your screens. They scale easily across large buildings or multi-room setups.

① 2K Distributed Processors (MG200, MG201, MGT600)

These units handle 1080p video over standard Gigabit networks.

MG200 & MG201: These small nodes act as either encoders or decoders. They process 1080p@60Hz video with low latency. They include 3.5mm audio jacks, RS232 control, and PoE support so you can power them over the network cable.

MGT600: This is the central manager for 2K systems. It controls up to 600 MG series nodes. You use it to manage screen layouts, route signals, and switch presets from an iPad or PC.

② 4K Distributed Processors (MG420, MG421, MGT1000, MGT2000)

These devices step up to 4K resolution for sharp detail on big screens.

MG420 & MG421: These nodes encode or decode 4K@60Hz video (4:4:4 color space). They feature HDMI 2.0 ports, fiber network options, and KVM support. You get zero visual quality loss across your network.

MGT1000 & MGT2000: These are heavy-duty controllers for large distributed systems. The MGT1000 manages up to 1,000 nodes, while the MGT2000 handles up to 2,000 nodes. They provide dual power backups and run large control room systems smoothly.

③ Distributed Processors Comparison

Model / Series	Resolution Standard	Network Requirement	Role / Type	Max Node Capacity	Key Features
MG200 / MG201	1080p @ 60Hz	Gigabit Ethernet	Input/Output Node	Sub-node	PoE Power, Audio I/O, RS232 Control
MGT600	System Control	Gigabit Ethernet	System Controller	Up to 600 Nodes	Preset Management, Visual Control
MG420 / MG421	4K @ 60Hz (4:4:4)	10G / Fiber Network	Input/Output Node	Sub-node	KVM Control, Zero-latency Video
MGT1000	System Control	10G Network	Master Controller	Up to 1,000 Nodes	Redundant Power, Enterprise UI
MGT2000	System Control	10G Network	Master Controller	Up to 2,000 Nodes	Dual Power Backups, Large Control Rooms

2.3 Media Server

Media servers handle high-resolution video playback, timeline management, and multi-screen content distribution for commercial displays and exhibition setups.

The NovaStar ET Series offers dedicated hardware media players for commercial screens, digital signage, and multi-display walls.

① ET1S-G & ET2S-G

Compact players designed for single or dual 4K screen playback. They support automatic power-on playback and remote cloud content management, making them ideal for retail stores and commercial boards.

② ET4S-G & ET16S-G

Multi-output media players built for grid splicing. The ET4S-G manages up to 4 screen outputs, while the ET16S-G handles up to 16 display outputs with frame synchronization. They split and play high-resolution video streams smoothly without needing external splicing hardware.

③ Media Servers Comparison

Model	Output Channels	Max Playback Resolution	Primary Use Case	Key Features
ET1S-G / ET2S-G	1–2 Display Outputs	4K @ 60Hz	Commercial Signage, Retail Stores	Cloud CMS, Auto Power-on Playback
ET4S-G	4 Display Outputs	4x 4K Synchronized	Exhibition Booths, Video Walls	Grid Splicing, Scheduled Playback
ET16S-G	16 Display Outputs	Multi-Screen Grid Sync	Large Museums, Multi-Screen Displays	Master Timeline, Hardware Sync

2.4 Video Splicing Processor

Video splicing processors process multiple video signals and split them across massive multi-screen layouts. Built on a modular card-cage chassis, these processors allow event engineers to mix and match input cards (HDMI, SDI, DP, IP) and LED output sending cards based on project requirements.

The NovaStar H Series features true hardware-based FPGA architecture, delivering zero-frame delay and stable signal switching. Choosing the right H-series model simply comes down to how many physical card slots your installation requires:

① H2 & H5 (Small to Mid-Sized Venues)

The H2 (2U) holds up to 4 input cards and 2 output cards, driving up to 20.8 million pixels. Stepping up to the H5 (5U) gives you 10 input slots and 3 output slots with a 39 million pixel capacity. These compact units fit smaller control rooms, corporate boardrooms, and hotel ballrooms.

② H9 (Large Control Rooms & Arenas)

The H9 (9U) serves as the workhorse for large installations. It accommodates 20 input cards and 10 output cards, managing a massive loading capacity of up to 130 million pixels.

③ H15 & H20 (Ultra-Large Command Centers)

Designed for mission-critical command centers and massive smart city displays, the H15 (15U) offers 30 input slots and 20 output slots (260 million pixels). The flagship H20 (20U) expands capacity further with 40 input slots and 30 output slots, powering up to 390 million pixels on a single chassis.

④ H Series Splicing Processors Comparison

Model	Chassis Size	Max Input Slots	Max Output Slots	Max LED Loading Capacity	Best Fit Applications
H2	2U Rack Space	4 Card Slots	2 Card Slots	Up to 20.8 Million Pixels	Small Control Rooms, Corporate Studios
H5	5U Rack Space	10 Card Slots	3 Card Slots	Up to 31.2 Million Pixels	Hotel Ballrooms, Mid-size Venues
H9	9U Rack Space	20 Card Slots	10 Card Slots	Up to 104 Million Pixels	Large Arenas, Staging Events
H15	15U Rack Space	30 Card Slots	20 Card Slots	Up to 208 Million Pixels	Traffic Command Centers, Large Venues
H20	20U Rack Space	40 Card Slots	30 Card Slots	Up to 312 Million Pixels	Smart City Hubs, Ultra-Large Wall Projects

2.5 Control Processor

Control processors act as the central brain for your equipment rack. They run automation scripts, switch power, and coordinate devices.

① Vunit 3000

The Vunit 3000 is a central control box for venue automation. It connects via RS232, RS485, relays, and IR ports. You use it to control projectors, screen lifts, audio volume, and lighting systems. It works directly with NovaStar software so you can manage your video walls and room hardware from one tablet interface.

② Vunit 3000 Core Specifications

Feature	Parameter Specification
Control Ports	RS-232, RS-485, Relay Outputs, Digital I/O, IR Ports
Network Interface	100M/1000M Ethernet Port (TCP/IP Protocols)
Integration	Direct integration with NovaStar V-Can and SmartLCT software
Application	Smart Conference Rooms, Command Centers, Stage Automation

2.6 Video Processor

Pure video processors focus on image quality. They scale signals, adjust color spaces, and convert high-dynamic-range formats before sending video to your controllers.

① HDR Master 4K

The HDR Master 4K is a dedicated video processor for HDR content. It converts Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) video into HDR10 or HLG in real time. It offers 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 ports, frame-rate conversion, and 10-bit color processing. If you need to make standard video pop on high-end fine-pitch LED screens, this processor handles the heavy lifting.

② HDR Master 4K Core Specifications

Feature	Parameter Specification
Video Inputs	12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2
HDR Processing Engine	Real-time SDR-to-HDR10 and SDR-to-HLG Conversion
Color Depth Support	10-bit / 12-bit Deep Color Processing
Frame Rate Conversion	Supported (Up to 120Hz Output)
Primary Function	Image Quality Enhancement, Dynamic Range Expansion

3. NovaStar Processor Comparison Table

Selecting the correct NovaStar product family depends on how your system routes video signals and manages pixels. While all these units handle LED content, they serve fundamentally different roles in an AV system architecture.

For example, a Video Controller puts processing and sending cards into one box for a single screen. On the other hand, an AV over IP System distributes video over standard network switches across multiple rooms.

The matrix below compares all six product categories across critical operational parameters:

Product Category	Included Models / Series	Core Function	Signal Transmission	System Scalability	Image Processing Capabilities	Typical System Complexity
Video Controller	NovaPro UHD Jr, VX Pro Series (VX400 Pro – VX2000 Pro)	Video scaling, window layering, and direct LED pixel sending	Direct local cable connection (HDMI, DP, SDI)	Fixed port count per unit (Cascade multiple units via daisy-chain)	Multi-layer scaling, PIP, background capture, HDR output	Low: Plug-and-play, single chassis setup
AV over IP System	MG Series (MG200, MG201, MG420, MG421), MGT Controllers	Matrix switching, signal routing, and multi-room video distribution	Standard Ethernet cables (CAT6 / Fiber) over IP switches	Virtually unlimited (Add encoder/decoder nodes as needed)	Sub-node scaling, multi-window layout, KVM seat control	Medium to High: Requires IP network configuration
Media Server	ET Series (ET1S-G, ET2S-G, ET4S-G, ET16S-G)	Local media file playback, content scheduling, and multi-screen decoding	Direct HDMI / DisplayPort outputs to controllers	Scalable by output channels (1 to 16 display outputs)	Hardware video decoding, grid splicing sync, timeline playback	Low to Medium: Content setup via CMS or master timeline
Video Splicing Processor	H Series (H2, H5, H9, H15, H20)	Multi-signal aggregation, large-scale splicing, and frame-sync sending	Modular input/output cards (HDMI, SDI, IP, Fiber)	Highly scalable (Hot-swappable slots from 2U up to 20U chassis)	Hardware FPGA processing, zero-frame delay, ultra-high resolution mapping	High: Rack-mounted modular setup for large control rooms
Control Processor	Vunit 3000	Environment control and venue hardware automation	Serial ports (RS232/485), Relays, Ethernet control	Scalable via expansion control ports	None (Handles control logic, not video signals)	Low: Simple script programming and UI mapping
Video Processor	HDR Master 4K	Pure image quality enhancement and dynamic range processing	Direct high-bandwidth video loop (12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0)	Standalone inline device	SDR-to-HDR conversion, 10-bit color depth processing, frame sync	Low: Inline video processing between source and controller

4. NovaStar Software and Firmware Downloads

Keeping your novastar processor updated ensures optimal performance, access to new features, and stable communication with your LED screen. You can download the latest official software, control drivers, and firmware updates directly from our NovaStar Software page:

Official NovaLCT setup files (Windows & Mac support)
Processor firmware packages for VX, NovaPro, and H Series
USB communication drivers and configuration templates

5.Conclusion

Selecting the right NovaStar processor boils down to three concrete engineering factors: total pixel count, signal input types, and physical layout complexity.

If you are running a single storefront display or mobile LED trailer, a 2-in-1 controller like the VX400 Pro or VX600 Pro handles processing and sending in one box without extra rack gear. For wider conference screens or 4K touring stages, stepping up to the VX1000 Pro or NovaPro UHD Jr gives you the necessary 4K input bandwidth and headroom. For large-scale multi-screen command centers, modular systems like the H Series remain the industry standard.

Contact LedInCloud Support to get exact NovaStar product recommendations and direct factory pricing.