NovaStar N9: Features, Operation Guide, C1 Pairing and Price

The NovaStar N9 is one of the most commonly used seamless switchers in the LED display industry. It appears in any setup that needs smooth switching between multiple video sources. Many users pair it with the NovaStar C1, creating the high-performance live-event workflow.

1. What Is the NovaStar N9?

The NovaStar N9 is a multi-input seamless switcher designed for LED displays. It manages signal access, layer building, image composition, and output routing in one device. In many setups, the N9 works as the main video switcher before the LED controller. It handles up to nine input sources and sends processed outputs through four pairs of DVI ports. This makes it suitable for single screens, ultra-wide screens, and 2×2 wall layouts.

1.1 Appearence

The front panel is built for fast operation and gives clear visual feedback.

Input buttons with status lights
Central LCD status screen
Navigation knob with press-to-confirm
Layer and background controls
TAKE, TEST, and preset buttons
Fn button for custom actions

The rear panel is where the actual work happens. It hosts all input ports, DVI output pairs, a sync input, Ethernet control ports, and power sockets.

1.2 Input and Output Capabilities

The N9 supports nine inputs and several output options for different screen layouts.

Input Type	Quantity	Notes
DisplayPort (DP)	1	Supports high-resolution computer and media server signals
HDMI	1	Common for laptops, players, and switchers
DVI	4	Often used for graphics sources and fixed-resolution devices
3G-SDI	3	Stable camera and broadcast inputs

All nine inputs can be active at the same time. The N9 processes differences in format internally, so you can mix cameras, laptops, and media servers without external converters.

Output Type	Quantity	Function
DVI Output Pairs	4 pairs (8 connectors)	Combined to form one large mosaic canvas (4×1, 1×4, 2×2 layouts)
HDMI AUX Output	2	Can show any input, PVW, or PGM
Genlock (IN-Genlock-LOOP)	1 set	Syncs the processor with external systems

The four DVI output pairs work together as a single display canvas. The maximum load reaches 8.8 million pixels, depending on width and height settings. AUX outputs are independent and useful for monitoring.

1.3 Control Options

The NovaStar N9 can be operated in several ways.

① Front-Panel Control

The front panel offers direct access to most features. Operators can select inputs, open or close layers, load presets, and trigger transitions without software. The LCD screen and the navigation knob make menu operations straightforward. This method is common in live events where fast, hands-on control is needed.

② V-Can Software (PC Control)

NovaStar V-Can is a configuration software. It provides a visual interface for editing layers, adjusting positions, and checking input status. It is helpful when you need precise layout adjustments or when preparing the screen before an event. Connecting the N9 to a computer via Ethernet is enough to use V-Can.

③ NovaStar C1 Console

The C1 is a hardware controller designed to work directly with the N9 NovaStar. It has two LCD screens that show input and output states, plus a full set of buttons and controls for switching, editing layers, and recalling presets. This combination is popular in rental and staging because it provides fast, physical control without relying on a mouse or keyboard.

2. Advanced Features

The NovaStar N9 offers several advanced functions that help operators manage large screens and handle complex shows.

Layer System

The N9 supports up to seven layers, including a dedicated background layer. Each layer can be resized, moved, cropped, or assigned to any input source. This makes it possible to combine multiple signals on the same screen, like mixing camera feeds with graphics or splitting the screen into different sections.

The layer buttons on the front panel help you open or close layers quickly. For more detailed editing—like adjusting size or position—operators usually use V-Can or the C1 console.

Mosaic Output

All four DVI output pairs work together to form one large logical display. The N9 NovaStar supports several layout styles:

4×1 wide screen
1×4 tall screen
2×2 grid

This mosaic function is useful when driving ultra-wide LED walls or screens with unusual shapes. The processor handles pixel mapping internally, so you only need to set the total canvas size and the output arrangement.

Transition Effects

The N9 offers seamless transitions when switching from PVW to PGM. Operators can trigger transitions using the TAKE button on the front panel or the C1 console. This feature keeps changes smooth and professional during live events, especially when switching between cameras and playback devices.

Preset Storage

The processor can store multiple presets. A preset records the full layout: input assignments, layer positions, and background settings. Loading a preset brings the entire scene back instantly. This helps crews who need to switch between show segments quickly or return to a previous configuration, without rebuilding everything from scratch.

Background and Test Patterns

The N9 supports both solid-color backgrounds and stored background images. Up to eight background images can be saved on the device. This is helpful for events where a branded background or standby screen is needed.

Built-in test patterns are available through the TEST button. These patterns help with LED screen checking, cable testing, and alignment during setup.

Genlock Synchronization

For systems that require strict timing—such as multi-camera or multi-processor setups—the N9 supports Genlock. The sync signal input helps the device lock to an external timing source, keeping transitions clean and avoiding visual tearing.

3. NovaStar N9 vs Typical Switchers

While many seamless switchers can handle basic source switching, the NovaStar N9 is designed for larger LED screens and more complex layouts. The table below highlights the key differences.

Feature	NovaStar N9	Typical Seamless Switchers
Input Count	9 digital inputs (DP, HDMI, DVI, 3G-SDI)	Usually 4-6 inputs, often fewer SDI options
Layer Capability	Up to 7 layers + background	Often 1-2 layers, limited composition features
Output Structure	Four DVI output pairs forming one unified mosaic canvas	Usually 1-2 outputs without mosaic support
Max Pixel Load	Up to 8.8 million pixels	Generally designed for standard resolutions, not large LED canvases
Mosaic Layouts	Supports 4×1, 1×4, 2×2	Rare in typical switchers
Preset System	Multiple presets with full layout recall	May include presets, but usually simpler
AUX Outputs	Two HDMI AUX outputs for input, PVW, or PGM	Single AUX or none
Genlock	Supported for synchronization	Not always available
Front-Panel Workflow	Layer buttons, background control, TAKE transitions	Often limited to basic source switching
Integration With Hardware Console	Works with NovaStar C1 for fast physical control	Many switchers lack dedicated consoles
Best Use Case	Large LED walls, wide screens, event control rooms	Small meetings, standard displays

4. Live Event Solution: NovaStar C1 + N9 + VE7

In live events and broadcast studios, operators often need fast switching, stable control, and a clear view of everything happening on stage. NovaStar designed the C1 + N9 + VE7 combination to meet this type of workflow. Each device handles a different task, and together they form a complete control system for large LED setups.

4.1 How the System Works

This setup keeps the workflow simple. The operator stands at the C1 console, controls everything on the N9, and works with more inputs through the VE7. No mouse, no complex software steps, and no searching through menus during a live show.

4.2 Key Advantages of the C1 + N9 + VE7 Setup

(1) High Input and Output Capacity

With the VE7 connected, the system supports 16 video sources and up to 5×4K outputs.

The N9 itself can reach 4K×2K at 60 Hz, and its DVI outputs can load 8K×1K in mosaic mode.

There are three AUX outputs, which are often used for teleprompters or confidence monitors.

This gives stage crews enough room to handle cameras, media servers, graphics feeds, and backup sources in a single setup.

(2) Streamlined Operation

The C1 console is designed for real-time control.

The console includes:

Dual LCD screens
Monitoring on one screen
Control and editing on the other

The workflow is direct. Presets are accessed by buttons, parameters can be entered numerically, and operators can edit layouts without going through a computer.

The system supports 32 user presets, which helps when a show needs rapid layout changes between segments.

(3) Creative Layout Options

The N9 supports 7 layers, plus OSD, background, and logo. These layers can be placed anywhere on the canvas, giving plenty of room for creative layouts.

For most shows, four layers are already enough. The N9 offers seven, which covers even more demanding productions such as award ceremonies, esports events, and multi-camera broadcasts.

The system also supports:

Layer cropping
Layer duplication
Layer mirroring
Fade-in / fade-out with 1024 steps

These tools give designers fine control over how each element appears on screen.

(4) Stability for Live Events

The system is built for environments where timing and reliability matter.

The N9 supports backup outputs, dual-link mode, and Genlock synchronization.

The C1 includes a sturdy T-Bar for switching, and the system also offers MVR output for monitoring all inputs and outputs at once.

This gives operators a clear view of the entire stage setup, which is important in fast-paced shows.

Many rental companies use the N9 and C1 together because the combination gives them both processing power and a simple control workflow. For LED walls that require 4K output, the N9 fits well with NovaStar’s 4K controllers, such as the MCTRL4K.

5. N9 Operation Guide

Operating the NovaStar N9 follows a clear sequence: bring in the signals, arrange the layers, prepare everything in preview, and then push it to program.

Step 1 — Connect and Check Inputs

Start by connecting your sources to the input ports.

Each input has a front-panel button with a status light:

On → signal detected and in use
Dim → signal detected but not used
Off → no signal or abnormal source

This quick check helps you confirm that every device is working before you build your layout.

Step 2 — Open and Edit Layers

Layers decide what appears on the screen.

To work with any layer:

Press the layer button
Enter the edit menu
Adjust size or position
Assign an input if needed

You can do this on the front panel, though C1 or V-Can provides better precision when you have many layers or multiple areas to manage.

Step 3 — Set Output Resolution and Screen Size

Before arranging your layers, you need to define the final screen size by:

Setting output resolution for each output port
Using Easy Mosaic or Advanced Mosaic to define how all outputs form one large screen
(1) In Easy Mosaic, you enter the total screen width and height.
(2) In Advanced Mosaic, you select a layout and set the resolution for each individual output area.

Once this is done, the N9 knows the exact pixel size of the LED wall.

Step 4 — Choose a Mosaic Layout

The N9’s four DVI output pairs form a single logical screen.

You can split this screen into several standard mosaic patterns:

4×1
1×4
2×2

After choosing one, the N9 assigns each output pair to its portion of the spliced screen.

Step 5 — Prepare Everything in Preview (PVW)

All adjustments are made in the preview window first.

This includes:

Layer positions
Input changes
Preset selection
Backgrounds
Scaling and cropping

Nothing affects the live screen until you confirm it.

Step 6 — Push to Program (PGM)

When the preview looks correct, press the TAKE button.

The N9 switches from PVW to PGM with a smooth transition.

This is the same workflow used in broadcast studios and ensures clean scene changes during live events.

Step 7 — Save or Recall Presets

Presets store complete layouts.

To save a preset:

Build your layout
Open the Preset Settings menu
Select a preset position (Preset 1, Preset 2, etc.)
Choose Save

To load a preset:

Select the preset position
Choose Load

Step 8 — Use AUX Outputs When Needed

The N9 includes two AUX outputs.

Each AUX output can send:

Any input source
Preview (PVW)
Program (PGM)

AUX outputs are common for teleprompters, side screens, backstage monitors, or confidence screens.

Step 9 — Synchronize with Genlock or an Input Source (Optional)

If your system includes cameras or multiple processors, you may need synchronization.

Connect your sync signal to the IN-Genlock port.

Then open Synchronization in the Advanced Settings menu and choose: Genlock or one of the input sources as the sync reference

This aligns the timing across all devices and helps reduce tearing or flicker in large systems.

Step 10 — Choose Your Control Method

You can operate the N9 in several ways:

Front panel → quick local adjustments
C1 console → fast live operation with dual screens and dedicated buttons
V-Can software → detailed layout building and pre-event setup

All methods control the same internal system, so switching between them is easy.

6. NovaStar N9 Price

The price of the NovaStar N9 can vary depending on the region, stock availability, and whether it is purchased on its own or as part of a complete system with a controller, a C1 console, or other accessories.

Because of these variables, the most accurate way to check the current pricing is through our LED Screen Cloud Platform. Once you register, you can view not only the N9 pricing but also the full list of NovaStar, Huidu, or Colorlight.

7. Specs and Manual Download

If you need the full technical details of the NovaStar N9, including input formats, output limits, control methods, and advanced functions, the official specification sheet and user manual are the best references.

For users who need additional NovaStar files—such as software, user manuals, or firmware updates—our NovaStar Software page provides the full collection. It’s a convenient place to get the latest NovaStar files without searching across multiple sites.

8. FAQs

Q1. What is the NovaStar N9 used for?

The N9 is a seamless switcher and splicer. It handles multiple video sources, builds complex layouts, and sends a clean output to LED controllers.

Q2. Does the N9 support 4K?

Yes. It supports up to 4K×2K@60Hz through its high-bandwidth inputs and output system. When paired with products like the MCTRL4K, it can drive full 4K rental or studio setups.

Q3. How many layers can I use at the same time?

You can use up to seven layers, plus background and logo. Each layer can be positioned freely, cropped, or duplicated.

Q4. Can the N9 NovaStar work with the C1 console?

Yes. The C1 is designed as a hardware control surface for the N9. It speeds up live operation by replacing software menus with direct buttons and dual screens.

Q5. Is the N9 hard to set up for new users?

Most users find it easy after learning the preview-to-program workflow. The front panel gives quick access, and V-Can helps with detailed layout editing.

9. Conclusion

The NovaStar N9 is built for live events, studios, and any setup that needs clean switching and flexible layouts. It handles large screens, multiple sources, and complex layer work without slowing you down. When paired with the C1 or other NovaStar processors, it becomes a complete control solution that fits both rental and fixed installations.

You can explore pricing, download files, check compatible products, or learn more about LED solutions by register LedInCloud or contact us.