NovaStar MX20 COEX All-in-One LED Display Controller

NovaStar MX20 COEX All-in-One LED Display Controller

The NovaStar MX20 LED Display Controller combines video processing and LED screen control in a compact 1U COEX processor. Six Gigabit Ethernet outputs support up to 3.9 million pixels, with canvas dimensions reaching 4,096 pixels wide or high, while HDMI 1.3 and 3G-SDI connectivity handles professional video sources.

Built for rental production, live events, broadcast systems, and fixed LED installations, the MX20 provides two HDMI inputs, 3G-SDI, dual 10G optical outputs, Genlock, and three independent video layers. Each layer supports custom, pixel-to-pixel, snap-to-canvas, and fill-screen scaling, giving operators practical control over multi-source LED layouts. Send-Only mode can further reduce processing latency for delay-sensitive applications.

The COEX processing platform supports 8-bit and 10-bit workflows, 14-channel color correction, frame-rate adaptation, full-grayscale calibration, Ethernet hot backup, and irregular screen configurations without a rectangular loading restriction. NovaStar VMP provides system configuration and monitoring, while SNMP, Art-Net, RS232, central control, automatic hardware monitoring, and Genlock support professional integration and maintenance workflows.

Key Features

• 3.9 Million-Pixel Capacity: Six Gigabit Ethernet outputs provide direct LED display control for substantial stage, rental, and installation canvases.
• Three Independent Layers: Combines multiple sources with adjustable Z-order and four scaling options for flexible screen compositions.
• Dual HDMI 1.3 Inputs: Supports standard and custom resolutions with loop-through connections for multi-device signal distribution.
• 3G-SDI Connectivity: Accepts professional SDI sources up to 1920x1080@60Hz with automatic MQ-level deinterlacing.
• Dual 10G Optical Outputs: Extends all six Ethernet output channels over optical fiber with a dedicated redundant copy path.
• Low-Latency Processing: Supports zero-frame processing below 1 ms under compatible low-latency configurations.
• Advanced Image Calibration: Supports 14-channel color correction, pixel calibration workflows, and full-grayscale calibration with compatible NovaStar hardware.
• Professional System Control: Integrates VMP, Genlock, SNMP, Art-Net, TCP/IP, central control, and RS232 connectivity.

Technical Specifications

LED Processing and Display Capacity

• Product Type: All-in-one LED display controller
• Series: COEX
• Maximum Loading Capacity: 3.9 million pixels
• Maximum Output Width: 4,096 pixels
• Maximum Output Height: 4,096 pixels
• Gigabit Ethernet Outputs: 6
• Layers: Up to 3 independent layers
• Layer Priority: Adjustable in Z-order
• Scaling Modes: Custom, pixel-to-pixel, snap to canvas, and fill screen
• Input Video Bit Depth: 8-bit and 10-bit
• Working Modes: All-In-One Controller and Send-Only Controller
• Additional Latency: 0 to 2 frames selectable
• Minimum Processing Latency: 0 frames, less than 1 ms under supported low-latency conditions
• Presets: Up to 128 customizable presets
• Irregular Screen Loading: No rectangular restriction; unloaded blank pixels do not count toward total capacity

Image Processing and Calibration

• 14-Channel Color Correction: Adjusts hue, saturation, and brightness for black, white, and 12 standard colors derived from RGB
• Full-Grayscale Calibration: Supported with compatible NovaStar receiving cards, CC3 software, and supported calibration cameras
• Frame Rate Adaptive: Supports automatic adaptation from 23.98Hz to 480Hz with compatible receiving cards and driver ICs
• Frame Rate Adjustment Resolution: 0.01Hz
• Frame Rate Brightness Deviation Target: Within 5% under supported Frame Rate Adaptive configurations
• Display Brightness Adjustment: Supported
• Color Temperature Adjustment: Supported
• Gamma Adjustment: Supported

HDMI 1.3 Inputs

• Quantity: 2 inputs with loop-through outputs
• Maximum Standard Input Resolution: 1920x1200@60Hz
• Minimum Input Resolution: 800x600@60Hz
• Maximum Forced Width: 3,840 pixels at 3840x600@60Hz
• Maximum Forced Height: 2,560 pixels at 800x2560@60Hz
• Supported Frame Rates: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, 60, 71.93, 72, 75, 100, 119.88, 120, 143.86, and 144Hz at compatible resolutions
• EDID Management: Standard resolutions through 1920x1080@60Hz plus custom resolutions
• HDCP: HDCP 1.4 with backward compatibility for HDCP 1.3
• Interlaced HDMI Inputs: Not supported
• Loop Capacity: Up to 8 devices in one HDMI loop
• Supported Color Spaces: RGB and YCbCr
• Supported Sampling: 4:4:4 and YCbCr 4:2:2 depending on resolution and bit depth
• Supported HDMI Bit Depth: 8-bit and 10-bit depending on resolution, frame rate, and sampling format

3G-SDI Input

• Quantity: 1 input with loop-through output
• Supported Standards: ST-424 3G and ST-292 HD
• 3G-SDI Level: Level A
• Maximum Resolution: 1920x1080@60Hz
• Supported Frame Rates: 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 47.95, 48, 50, 59.94, and 60Hz
• Sampling: YCbCr 4:2:2
• Bit Depth: 10-bit
• Deinterlacing: MQ-level automatic deinterlacing
• Loop Capacity: Up to 8 devices in one SDI loop

Ethernet Outputs

• Quantity: 6 x Gigabit Ethernet
• Ethernet Port Backup: Hot backup supported
• Maximum Device Capacity: 3.9 million pixels
• Maximum Output Width or Height: 4,096 pixels
• 8-Bit Capacity Per Port at 60Hz: Up to 659,722 pixels
• 10-Bit Capacity Per Port at 60Hz with A10s Pro/A8s Pro Series: Up to 494,792 pixels
• 10-Bit Capacity Per Port at 60Hz with Other Supported Armor Series Cards: Up to 329,861 pixels
• CAT5E Maximum Cable Length: 328.1 ft
• Maximum-Capacity Load Width: Each rectangular load area must be at least 128 pixels wide to avoid calculated capacity loss

Optical and Audio Outputs

• Optical Outputs: 2 x 10G
• Optical Transmission Rate: 10 Gbps
• OPT 1: Transmits data from Ethernet ports 1 through 6
• OPT 2: Copy channel of OPT 1
• Optical Modules: Not included by default
• Digital Audio Output: 1 x SPDIF
• SPDIF Audio Source: HDMI 1.3 input audio

Control and Synchronization

• Ethernet Control Ports: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet
• Ethernet Control Protocol: TCP/IP
• Network Topology: Star connection with integrated network switching
• Ethernet Device Cascading: Up to 20 MX20 controllers
• Genlock: IN and LOOP
• Genlock Types: Bi-Level, Tri-Level, and Blackburst
• Genlock Frame Rate Range: 23.98Hz to 60Hz
• Genlock Cascading: Up to 20 controllers with a standard Genlock signal generator
• Auxiliary Control: RS232
• Supported Control Protocols: SNMP, Art-Net, and central control protocol
• Management Software: NovaStar VMP Vision Management Platform
• Automated Monitoring: Fan speed, module temperature, voltage, operating status, faults, and alarms

Front Panel and Diagnostics

• Display: 2" LCD
• User Controls: Standby button, rotary knob, and BACK button
• Control Lock: Front-panel buttons and screen can be locked
• USB Port: USB 2.0 for exporting device diagnostic results
• USB File Systems: NTFS and FAT32
• USB Media Playback: Not supported

Receiving Card Compatibility

• A10s Pro Series: Supported
• A8s Pro Series: Supported
• A8s Series: Supported
• A8s-N: Supported
• A7s Plus: Supported
• A5s Plus: Supported
• B6s: Supported
• Frame Rate Adaptive Requirement: Requires A10s Pro-series receiving cards, compatible driver ICs, and appropriate cabinet configuration data
• Full-Grayscale Calibration Requirement: Requires compatible A10s Pro or A8s Pro-series receiving cards and supported calibration hardware

Electrical and Environmental Specifications

• Power Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Maximum Power Consumption: 50W
• Operating Temperature: -4°F to 113°F
• Operating Humidity: 0% RH to 80% RH, non-condensing
• Storage Temperature: -22°F to 176°F
• Storage Humidity: 0% RH to 95% RH, non-condensing
• IP Rating: IP20
• Typical Noise Level: 36.2 dB(A) at 77°F
• Installation Orientation: Horizontal only
• Certifications: CE, RoHS, FCC, IC, UL, and CB

Physical Specifications

• Chassis Height: 1U
• Dimensions: 19" W x 15.1" D x 2" H
• Net Weight: 9.9 lb
• Gross Weight: 17.9 lb
• Packing Box Dimensions: 23.2" x 20.5" x 7.1"
• Accessory Box Dimensions: 16.1" x 11.6" x 2"

What's In the Box

• NovaStar MX20 LED Display Controller
• Power Cord
• Ethernet Cable
• HDMI Cable
• Certificate of Approval