NovaStar VX6s Overview: All-in-One LED Video Processor
The NovaStar VX6s is a versatile all-in-one controller that functions both as a sending card and a video processor. It is designed to connect to a PC, manage various media sources, and seamlessly input and output these sources to an LED display wall.
Here you can find all the information about NovaStar VX6s.
1. What is NovaStar VX6s?
The NovaStar VX6s is an all-in-one LED display controller. It integrates professional video processing and screen sending capabilities into a single hardware unit. Because it combines two devices into one box, you do not need an external video processor or a separate sending card.
The Nova Star VX6S operates on a high-performance FPGA processing platform. This architecture allows the vx6s processor to receive video signals, process the image quality, and send the data directly to an LED screen. So, the vx6s video controller acts as the central hub between your video source and your display.
2. NovaStar VX6s Specifications
The NovaStar VX6s offers a hardware layout built for real-world video routing. It handles high-resolution video inputs and distributes data across multiple Ethernet ports without needing extra output expansion cards.
Below is a breakdown of the core physical specifications for the novastar vx6s specifications list:
Parameter | Specification Details |
Max Loading Capacity | 3.9 million pixels |
Max Width / Height | Up to 4096 pixels wide / Up to 4096 pixels high |
Video Inputs | 10 video inputs, including 2× 3G-SDI, 2× HDMI 1.3, 2× DVI, DVI LOOP, and USB playback |
LED Outputs | 6 Gigabit Ethernet ports |
Monitoring Port | 1× DVI monitoring output |
Control Interfaces | Ethernet port and USB Type-B for device control |
Power Supply | AC100V–240V, 50/60 Hz |
✔ Video Inputs and Bandwidth
The VX6s supports 10 video inputs, including 3G-SDI, HDMI, DVI, and USB playback. The DVI and HDMI 1.3 ports support input resolutions up to 1920×1200@60Hz. The two 3G-SDI ports support input resolutions up to 1920×1080@60Hz, and SDI 1 supports de-interlacing processing.
✔ Output Power and Pixel Density
The rear panel holds 6 Gigabit Ethernet output ports. Each Ethernet port can carry up to 650,000 pixels. Together, the 6 ports deliver a maximum load of 3.9 million pixels. In addition, the DVI Monitor port lets you hook up an external screen on stage to view live video feeds before sending them to the LED wall.
3. Key Features
The NovaStar VX6s packs several practical features that make live event management much easier. You do not need extra software or extra switcher hardware to handle basic show control.
• Multi-Layer Display
You can run up to 3 separate layers on the screen at the same time. That means you can put a full-screen background video on layer 1, and then place two PIP (Picture-in-Picture) windows over it. You can easily adjust the size, location, and layer order for each window directly from the hardware.
• Seamless Switching and Take Button
Switching video sources on stage needs to look clean. In Switcher mode, the Nova VX6S lets you set up transition effects like quick cuts or smooth fade-ins. The front panel has a dedicated TAKE button. You can tweak your next video source on a preview monitor first, and then hit TAKE to send it live to the screen without any black frames or glitches.
• Quick User Presets
During a live event, you often need to change screen layouts fast. The unit lets you store up to 16 user presets. Once you save your layer settings, window sizes, and input choices into a preset, you can recall that layout instantly by pushing a button on the front panel.
• Direct USB Media Playback
You can play video clips and photos directly from a USB flash drive without hooking up a laptop. The USB drive connects to the rear-panel USB port. A mouse can be connected through the USB port on the expansion card, while a monitor can be connected to the DVI OUT connector for playback control and monitoring.
• Image Mosaic for Large Screens
If your LED wall is too big for 3.9 million pixels, you can combine multiple units using the Image Mosaic function. It supports both Equal and Unequal scaling. This lets you split a massive video feed across two or more processors without adding external image splitters.
• Redundant Backup Protection
The VX6s supports device redundancy. You can configure one VX6s as the primary device and another as the backup device. If the primary device becomes abnormal, the backup device can take over to help prevent the LED display from going black.
4. NovaStar VX6s Setup and Operation Guide
Setting up the NovaStar VX6s is simple if you follow the right sequence. Here is a step-by-step walk-through to get your controller wired, configured, and playing video on your LED screen.
Step 1: Wire Your Hardware Connections
First, turn off all equipment before plugging in cables.
(1) Connect Video Inputs: Plug your media player, camera, or laptop into the input ports on the rear panel using HDMI, DVI, or SDI cables.
(2) Connect LED Cabinets: Run Ethernet cables from Output Ports 1 through 6 directly to the receiving cards inside your LED cabinets.
(3) Connect Control Cable: Plug a USB Type-B cable from the controller’s USB port to your Windows PC.
(4) Power On: Plug in the power cord and turn on the power. The front OLED screen will light up.
Step 2: Configure Screen Connection via NovaLCT
To tell the controller how your LED cabinets are arranged, open the NovaLCT software on your computer.
(1) Open NovaLCT and access the screen configuration tools.
(2) Open the Screen Configuration function and select the current communication port.
(3) Open the Screen Connection settings.
(4) Enter the cabinet parameters, including the pixel width and height of a single cabinet.
(5) Configure the cabinet layout and data flow according to the actual screen connection.
(6) Send the configuration to the hardware and save it as required by your screen setup.
Step 3: Fast Configuration Using Front Panel Knob
If you do not have a computer on site, you can set up basic mapping directly using the front panel knob and display screen.
(1) Press the knob to enter the main menu.
(2) Turn the knob to select Screen Settings and press it again.
(3) Choose Quick Configuration.
(4) Set Cabinet Row Qty and Cabinet Column Qty based on your physical screen layout.
(5) Set the signal flow pattern (how Ethernet cables loop through cabinets).
(6) Select Apply to save your layout.
Step 4: Play Media from a USB Drive
To play videos or images directly without a computer:
(1) Copy your supported media files to a USB drive formatted in FAT or FAT32.
(2) Insert the USB drive into the USB port on the rear panel of the controller.
(3) Connect a mouse to the USB port on the expansion card and connect a monitor to the DVI OUT connector.
(4)Use the on-screen menu to select USB Playback, pick your playlist, and start playback.
5. NovaStar VX6s Price and Buying Advice
Finding an exact market price for the NovaStar VX6s can be difficult today because this specific model is legacy hardware.
If you need a reliable video processor for your project, you can use LED Price Calculator on our LED Screen Cloud Platform to estimate costs, compare current models, and generate instant custom quotes.
5.1 How to Calculate Costs on Our Platform
Select Control System: Navigate to the LED Control System tab in our online price calculator.
Choose Brand and Type: Pick NovaStar under Brand and select Video Processor as your product type.
Select Model and Quantity: Choose your target controller model (such as modern alternatives like the VX600 PRO or VX1000 PRO) and enter your required quantity.
Generate Quotation: View instant pricing and click Add to List to create a complete project quotation list for your LED display setup.
5.2 Buying Advice: Sourcing the Right Processor
When selecting a controller for your screen, keep these key technical factors in mind:
Pixel Loading Needs: The VX6s manages up to 3.9 million pixels. If your screen is larger, consider upgrading to higher-capacity processors like the VX1000 PRO or MX series.
Input Compatibility: Check your video sources before buying. The VX6s handles HDMI 1.3, DVI, and 3G-SDI inputs, but it does not process native 4K@60Hz HDMI 2.0 signals.
Hardware Authenticity: Always source controllers through trusted channels. Authentic NovaStar hardware ensures smooth communication with NovaLCT software and long-term stability on site.
6. Firmware Update and Resource Downloads
If a new firmware version is available, the VX6s firmware can be updated through NovaLCT on a PC.
6.1 How to Update NovaStar VX6s Firmware
Follow these steps to safely update your unit:
(1) Connect to PC: Link the controller to your computer using a USB Type-B cable.
(2) Open NovaLCT and connect to the VX6s.
(3) Open the firmware update function in NovaLCT.
(4) Select the applicable VX6s firmware file provided for the device.
(5) Start the firmware update and follow the instructions shown in NovaLCT.
Caution: Do not power off or disconnect the USB cable during the update process. Interrupting the update can damage the hardware memory.
6.2 Download VX6s Documentation and Files
You can download the official technical resources for the NovaStar VX6s below:
NovaStar VX6s User Manual – Detailed setup guides, menu operations, and panel layouts.
NovaStar VX6s Specification – Complete technical specs, port dimensions, and electrical parameters.
NovaStar VX6s Firmware – Official software build for system updates.
6.3 Need Additional NovaStar Software or Drivers?
If you need control software like NovaLCT, ViPlex Express, or specific USB drivers for other equipment, visit our dedicated NovaStar Software resource page. Our download library provides direct access to tested, official software packages to keep your LED display operations running smoothly.
7. NovaStar VX6s vs. NovaStar VX600
Choosing between the legacy NovaStar VX6s and the updated NovaStar VX600 depends on your specific optical fiber, video input, and resolution setup needs. While both controllers drive up to 3.9 million pixels across 6 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the VX600 introduces newer hardware options and expanded width and height limits.
Parameter / Feature | NovaStar VX6s | NovaStar VX600 |
Max Pixel Loading | 3.9 million pixels | 3.9 million pixels |
Max Width / Height | Up to 4096 px wide / 4096 px high | Up to 10,240 px wide / 8192 px high |
Video Input Channels | 7 channels (2× 3G-SDI, 2× HDMI 1.3, 2× DVI, 1× USB) | 3 channels (1× 3G-SDI, 1× HDMI 1.3, 1× DVI) + 1× OPT 1 |
Optical Fiber Ports | None | 2× 10G OPT ports (OPT 1 input/output, OPT 2 output) |
USB Media Player | Direct USB playback supported | No direct USB media playback ports |
Display Layers | 3 independent layers (windows) | 3 independent layers |
Light Sensor Support | Not available | 1× Light sensor connector on rear panel |
Working Modes | Video Controller and Switcher mode | Video Controller, Fiber Converter, and Bypass modes |
While both units drive up to 3.9 million pixels across 6 network ports, the VX6s features built-in USB drive media playback and more standard input options. Conversely, the updated VX600 removes direct USB playback to focus on 10G optical fiber connectivity, light sensor integration, and ultra-wide canvas layouts up to 10,240 pixels.
8. FAQ
Can I play 4K video directly on the NovaStar VX6s?
No. The VX6s does not support a native 4K input such as 3840×2160. HDMI and DVI support input resolutions up to 1920×1200@60Hz, while custom resolutions are also supported in Direct and Switcher modes. For LED screens that exceed the loading capacity of one VX6s, multiple VX6s units can be cascaded using the Image Mosaic function.
What USB drive formats and video files does the VX6s support for direct playback?
The USB playback function requires a USB flash drive formatted in FAT or FAT32. The drive cannot be partitioned. Supported video formats include MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, 3GP, FLV, and MPG. Supported video coding includes MPEG-1/2, MPEG-4, H.264/AVC, MVC, H.265/HEVC, H.263, GOOGLE VP8, VC-1, and MOTION JPEG.
How do I switch video sources smoothly on stage without showing a black screen?
Set the unit to Switcher Mode in the menu settings. Once in Switcher Mode, you can select and preview your next video source on a monitor connected to the DVI Loop/Monitor port. When you are ready to cut, press the dedicated TAKE button on the front panel to execute a seamless fade or cut to the live screen.
How many pixels can a single network port on the VX6s drive?
Each of the 6 Gigabit Ethernet output ports on the VX6s can carry up to 650,000 pixels. Across all 6 ports combined, the hardware handles a total maximum loading capacity of 3.9 million pixels.
How does redundancy work on the VX6s?
The VX6s supports device redundancy. One unit can be configured as the primary device and another as the backup device. If the primary device becomes abnormal, the backup device can take over to help prevent the LED display from going black.
9. Conclusion
The NovaStar VX6s remains a dependable choice for live events that need direct USB playback, multi-input switching, and simple hardware operation. With 6 Ethernet ports driving up to 3.9 million pixels, it handles standard display setups efficiently.
However, if your projects require long-distance optical fiber runs, auto-brightness light sensors, or ultra-wide canvas resolutions above 4096 pixels, the newer NovaStar VX600 is the better fit. Choose based on your specific screen layout and transmission requirements for optimal performance.