NovaStar VX4 User manual

User's Manual
LED Display Video Controller VX4S、VX4
Rev1.0.0 NS160100018
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

Statement
Dear users:
Welcome to use Nova's Products. We are pleased to offer this manual to help you understand and use
the product. In the preparation of the manual, we try to make it accurate and reliable. Nova may revise
and alter the contents of the manual at any time without notice. If you have any problems in the use, or
you have any suggestions, please inform us in accordance with the contact provided in this manual. For
the problems you encounter in the use, we will do our best to provide support. For your suggestions, we
would like to express our thanks and make assessment as soon as possible for adoption.
Copyright
Copyright of this manual is reserved to Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd. Any individual or organization is not
allowed to copy or extract all or any part of the contents in any form without written approval.
Trademark
is the registered trademark of Nova.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

FCC Caution
Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment .This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator & your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 1
Contents
1Safety statement.................................................................................................................................. 2
2Accessories......................................................................................................................................... 2
3Model description................................................................................................................................ 2
4General................................................................................................................................................ 3
5Appearance......................................................................................................................................... 4
5.1 Front panel............................................................................................................................... 4
5.2 Rear panel................................................................................................................................ 5
6Signal connection................................................................................................................................ 6
7Operational motion instruction ............................................................................................................ 6
8Main Interface...................................................................................................................................... 7
9Operation instruction........................................................................................................................... 8
9.1 Step1: Input Settings................................................................................................................ 8
9.2 Step2: Screen settings............................................................................................................. 9
9.3Setp3: Brightness................................................................................................................... 10
9.4 Setp4: Output Settings............................................................................................................11
9.5 Display Control....................................................................................................................... 13
9.6 Audio Settings........................................................................................................................ 13
9.7 Advanced Settings................................................................................................................. 14
9.7.1 PIP............................................................................................................................... 14
9.7.2 Image Mosaic.............................................................................................................. 16
9.7.3 Load Cabinet Files...................................................................................................... 17
9.7.4 Save to RV Card ......................................................................................................... 19
9.7.5 Redundancy................................................................................................................ 20
9.7.6 Advanced Attribute...................................................................................................... 20
9.7.7 Factory Default............................................................................................................ 20
9.7.8 Presettings .................................................................................................................. 20
9.7.9 Custom Button............................................................................................................. 21
9.7.10 OLED Brightness......................................................................................................... 21
9.7.11 Hardware Version........................................................................................................ 21
9.8 Communication Settings........................................................................................................ 21
9.9 Language ............................................................................................................................... 22
10 Firmware Update........................................................................................................................... 22
11 Frequently asked questions and considerations........................................................................... 25
12 Specification.................................................................................................................................. 26
13 Dimension...................................................................................................................................... 28
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 2
Safety statement
To avoid potential hazards, please use this equipment according to the regulations. In case of damages,
non-professionals should not open for maintenance without permission; please contact the after-sales
department of the company.
High risk: The operating voltage of this product is 100-250VAC.
Grounding: This production is connected to ground via the ground wire of power supply;
please ensure the good grounding of grounding conductor.
Electromagnetic interference: The device should be far away from magnets, motors and
transformers.
Moisture proof: Keep the equipment in a dry and clean environment. In case of liquid
immersion, please pull the plug immediately.
Away from flammable and dangerous goods.
Prevent liquids or metal fragments from being immersed in the machine to avoid safety
accidents.
Accessories
1
One power wire
6
One SDI wire (VX4S' s Accessorie）
2
One HDMI wire
7
One DP wire
3
One VGA wire
8
One User's Manual
4
One USB wire
9
One certificate
5
One DVI wire
Model description
Model
Description (input interface type)
VX4
DVI×2, VGA×3, CVBS×3, HDMI×1, DP×1
VX4S
DVI×1, VGA×2, CVBS×2, HDMI×1, DP×1, SDI×1
Tips: VX4 has different type and number of interface with VX4S, but their functions are basically the
same. In this manual, VX4 is described as the example.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 3
General
The VX4 is a professional LED display controller. Besides the function of display control, it also features
in powerful front end processing, so an external scalar is no longer needed. With professional interfaces
integrated, VX4 with excellent image quality and flexible image control greatly meet the needs of the
broadcast industry, Its friendly in user-interface. so that the display to work has never been as easier and
more enjoyable as with VX4.
Product feature:
1) The inputs of the VX4 include CVBS×3, VGA×3, DVI×2, HDMI×1 , DP×1. They support input
resolution up to1920×1200@60Hz; the input images ofVX4 can be zoomed point-to-point according
to the screen resolution;
2) Provide seamless high-speed switch and fade-in/ fade-out effect so as to strengthen and display
picture demonstration of professional quality;
3) The location and size of PIP can both be adjusted, which can be controlled at will;
4) Adopts the Nova G4 engine; the screen is stable and flicker free without scanning lines; the images
are exquisite and have a good sense of depth;
5) Can implement white balance calibration and color gamut mapping based on different features of
LEDs used by screens to ensure reproduction of true colors;
6) HDMI/external audio input;
7) 10bit/8bit HD video source;
8) The loading capacity: 2.3 million pixels;
9) Support multiple controller Image Mosaic for loading huge screen;
10) Supports Nova's new-generation point-by-point correction technology; the correction is fast and
efficient;
11) Computer software for system configuration is not necessary. The system can be configured using
one knob and one button. All can be done just by fingers. That's what we called Touch Track!
12) Adopts an innovative architecture to implement smart configuration; the screen debugging can be
completed within 30 seconds; greatly shorten the preparation time on the stage;
13) A intuitive OLED display interface and clear button light hint simplify the control of the system.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 4
Appearance
5.1 Front panel
①: Power switch.
②: Operation screen(Please see the section-Main Interface for detail).
③: Knob. To press knob means Enter or OK, rotating knob represents selection or adjustment.
④: ESC. Escape current operation or selection.
⑤: Four control keyboard shortcuts.
PIP:PIP Turn-on/off. The lighting of this key represents the turn-on of PIP; otherwise, PIP is turned
off.
SCALE: Picture zoom turn-on/turn off. The lighting of this key represents the turn-on of zoom
function; otherwise, zoom function is unavailable.
MODE: Shortcut menu of loading or storage of display model. The key is light when entering the
model or shortcut menu, in case of exiting, the key is not bright.
TEST: Shortcut of turn-on/off of testing picture. In case of entering testing picture, the key is bright;
otherwise, the key is not bright.
⑥:Shortcut keys for switching of 10 signal input source. Short press to set as the main screen
input source, and long press to set as PIP input source. the key is bright after press when the video
source has signal; the key flashes when the input of video source has no signal. the setting result
can be checked while setting on the display screen and OLED screen.
⑦: Function keys.
TAKE: Display switching shortcut key. After short pressing TAKE key, PIP will be opened; if it has
been opened, the switching of between MAIN and PIP will be realized.
Fn:Custom shortcut key.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 5
⑧: Flat mouth (TypeA, female USB) is USB interface, which connects U disk;
Square mouth (Type B female USB) is USB controlling interface, Communication with PC.
5.2 Rear panel
Tips: In order to improve the user’s experience, thelayout of interfacemay be adjusted a little,Thepicture
is only for reference.
Input Source
Audio
Audio Input
DP
DP Input
HDMI
HDMI Input
CVBS1~CVBS3
3-Channel PAL/NTSC TV composite video Inputs
DVI -1~DVI-2
2-Channel DVI Inputs
VGA1~VGA3
3-Channel VGA Inputs
Output Interface
DVI LOOP
DVI LOOP Output
Monitor -DVI OUT1
DVI Monitoring Interface 1
Monitor -DVI OUT2
DVI Monitoring Interface 2
LED Out 1、2、3、4
4-Channel LED Outputs
Controlling Interface
ETHERNET
Network Control (Communication with PC, or Access Network)
Type B, female USB
USB Control (Communication with PC, or Cascade IN)
Type A, female USB
USB Cascade OUT
Power
AC 100-250V～50/60HZ
AC Power Interface
Tips：The two USB ( typeA) on front panel and rearpanel are both forbidden to connect with PC directly.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 6
Signal connection
Connect the required hardware equipment reference with the interface descriptions of the previous
chapters.
Diagram of VX4 signal connection
Tips: It's must to turn-off Power before signal connection.
If it is required to control more than one sets of VX4, please connect them according to the following
figure.
Multiple cascade
Operational motion instruction
Knob:
Press the knob under main interface to enter the operation interface of menu;
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 7
Rotate the knob to select menu or press the knob under the operation interface of menu to
select current menu or enter submenu;
Rotate the knob to adjust the parameter after selecting the menu with parameter; press the
knob again for confirmation after adjustment.
ESC: Return key, exit current menu or operation.
Key lock/unlock: long press knob and ESC key simultaneously.
Main Interface
After starting the controller, the main interface of OLED display is as follows:
First row: Company name; the name and IP of the product are shown alternately;
Second row: Main screen 1; signal source; input source signal format;
Third row: PIP 2; signal source; input source signal format;
Forth row: Status bar. the meanings of all icons are shown below.
LED Output (it is Port 2 output currently in primary mode, and backup status is
displayed as )
PIP is turned off
PIP is turned on
The current effect is point-to-point display
It is “scale down”mode
It is “scale up”mode
Image Mosaic is disabled;
Image Mosaic is enabled;
It is USB control currently
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 8
It is network port control currently
The current brightness is 25%
Sign of press key lock. When this icon appears at the main interface, it is in key and
knob function locking state.
Operation instruction
Tips:
The functions of VX4 are powerful with very simple operation, and multiple operations can be completed
with a knob and a returnkey. The design of more than one shortcut keys makes operations more efficient.
Generally, the LED display can be used normally, and the brightness is moderate after conducting the
following four steps: Input settings →Screen settings →Brightness →Output settings. Othermenus
such as screen control and senior setting can help users better control LED display.
See the following section for details of operations.
9.1 Step1: Input Settings
Setresolution of inputsourcesignal.Resolutioncanbe directlysetand changedfordigitalinput interfaces
DVI, HDMI and DP. Resolution can only be modified for other input methods on input devices.
Input resolution can be set in two ways:
Method one: Default Resolution.
Selection is made in preset resolution of the controller. If there is no preset resolution, you can select the
second method and customize resolution.
Method two: Custom Resolution.
Set Horizontal Res, Vertical Res and Custom refresh rate and then select "apply" and press the knob for
application. If the application is not confirmed, custom resolution is invalid.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 9
9.2 Step2: Screen settings
The precondition of Screen setting in shortcut is that the screen must be regular rectangle (not special-
shaped), cabinet must be regular rectangle and the size of each cabinet are identical.
Step 1 The screen being power-on, if the cabinet is in normal display, enter into step 2); if the cabinet
is in abnormal display, first load the cabinet file, and save it to the receiving card; see detailed
operation in 9.7 Advanced Settings .
Step 2 Return to the “Screen Settings”submenu. Rotate the button to switch to submenus of other
options respectively to perform configurations, as shown in the following figures:
Step 3 Set Cabinet Row Qty and Cabinet Column Qty according to the actual situation of the screen.
Step 4 Set Port1 Cabinet Qty. The device has some limitations on the cabinet quantity of ports. For
details, see precautions for screen settings a).
Step 5 Set the Data Flow(Front View). Pay attention to precautions for screen settings c), d) and e)
below.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 10
Precautions for screen settings:
a) If the number of ports with loads is n
(n≤4), the first n-1 ports must load the
same number of cabinets, which
must also be an integral multiple of
the number of cabinet rows or
columns and be greater than or equal
to the number of cabinets for the nth
ports.
Example:
For example, if port 1, port 2, port 3 have loads, port 1 and
port2musthave thesamenumber ofcabinets,whichmust
also be an integral multiple of the number of cabinet rows
or columns.Therefore, you need only to setport 1 cabinet
Qty according to the actual situation when setting the
screen. The number of receiving cards port 3 loads must
be smaller than or equal to port 1.
b) In the case of special-shaped cabinets, different cabinet sizes and special-shaped screen, the
NovaLCT-Mars software is required to be connected to configure the screen.
c) During Data Flow setting, you can rotate the button to see the effects of different data flow on the
screen in real time. If you are satisfied with the effect of current data flow, you must press the
button to save the setting. You can press the ESC to exit from the current operation.
d) During Data Flow setting, you must ensure that the data flow of each port is downward in the
same direction.
e) During Data Flow setting, you must ensure that Port 1 is the start position of the whole data flow
connection.
f) VX4 can load 2.3 million (2048x1152@60Hz) pixels in maximum. The width of lateral load can
reach to 3840pixels inmaximum(3840x600@60Hz); the longitudinal load can reach to 1920pixels
in maximum(1920 x1200@60Hz).
9.3 Setp3: Brightness
Return to the main menu interface. Press the Knob to select the corresponding value of Brightness. You
can rotate the Knob to adjust the value at this time.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 11
9.4 Setp4: Output Settings
Output settings are divided into three cases:
First one: disable Scaling, i.e., the sizes of output image and input image are the same, and original
scale output is used. If the input resolution is smaller than the LED display in one direction, LED display
may not become bright in this direction; if the input resolution is greater than the LED display in one
direction, the input contents may not be displayed completely in this direction. This option is applicable
to the application scenarios requiring point-to-point display. Horizontal offset and vertical offset of images
can be set according to the needs, and at this time the displayed contents may move to the left or top at
the LED display.
Diagram of display effect of disabling scaling
Second one:Auto Fit .At this point [Scaling] is enabled, and [Auto Fit] is enabled.
When enabling [Auto Fit], the input contents will be fully zoomed to the size of LED display, and the input
contents will be adaptive to adapt to the size of LED display. This mode is suitable for full-screen playback
of the contents. Setting method is as shown below:
Third one: Custom Scaling.At this point [Scaling] is Enabled, while [Auto Fit] is Disabled.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 12
The following steps should be performed for custom scaling:
Step 1: Set the input Capture, i.e., capture part of interesting screens from behind one starting point of
inputting image and display it on LED display. It is generally required to set Horizontal Res (smaller than
or equal to the lateral resolution of input source), Vertical Res (smaller than or equal to the vertical
resolution of input source), horizontal X and vertical Y.
Step 2: Set output window, the size of window is smaller than or equal to the size of LED display; after
setting the window, the images can only be adaptive to the displayed size within the range of window,.
This option is applicable to the application scenarios requiring reserving border at the LED display or
restricting playing area.
After setting according to the above two steps, the captured contents will only be input and displayed at
the set area on the LED display, as shown below:
Schematic diagram of custom scaling
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 13
9.5 Display Control
Normal : Normally display.
Blank Out: The display is blank
Freeze: The current play lists are frozen.
Testing Pattern: There are eight kinds of testing screens in total, including pure color and lines.
Image Settings
Red, Green, Blue and Gamma value are set according to the requirements. After they are adjusted to
satisfaction, the parameters should be saved into receiving card.
Switching effect
Set the effects when switching screens, including Quick switching, fading and turning off. After selecting
the desired effect, it will take effect after pressing the knob.
Tips: When enabling PIP function, the switching effect will automatically disappear. Only when PIP
function turn off, the special effect function of channel switching can take effect.
9.6 Audio Settings
Control the enabling /disenabling of Audio, volume and Audio mode.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 14
For example, when using the audios input via Audio In port, it is required to first enable audios and then
select theAudio mode to be fixed; when using the Audio from HDMI, set the Audio mode to be
accompanied after enabling audios and then switch source to HDMI, and the Audio we hear comes
from HDMI.
9.7 Advanced Settings
Several setting options of main functions are included in advanced settings, as shown in the figure below,
Operation of each function will be detailed for users in the following text.
9.7.1PIP
Control the turn-on/off of PIP, Set input source of main screen and PIP, as well as the size and position
of PIP and PIP Crop.
PIP: Turn on/off setting of PIP is the same as the role of PIP button on front panel and synchronous with
it.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 15
Main source/PIP source: Input source switching of main picture and PIP is the same as the role of input
source switching on the front panel.
Horizontal X
Horizontal width of PIP
Vertical Y
Vertical height of PIP
Horizontal Res
Horizontal offset of PIP
Vertical Res
Vertical offset of PIP
PIP Crop Settings
Picture is cropped from the setstarting position and is displayed on PIP and its size is set horizontal width
and vertical height.
Enable this function and then set horizontal width, vertical height, horizontal X and vertical Y.
The Conflict List of PIP Signal Source(VX4)
Input Source of Main Channel
HDMI
DVI1
DVI2
VGA1
VGA2
VGA3
CVBS1
CVBS2
CVBS3
DP
PIP
Input
Source
HDMI
√
×
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
DVI1
√
√
×
√
√
×
√
√
√
DVI2
×
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
VGA1
√
×
√
√
√
×
√
√
√
VGA2
√
√
√
√
×
√
√
√
√
VAG3
√
√
√
√
×
√
√
√
√
CVBS1
√
×
√
×
√
√
√
√
√
CVBS2
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
×
√
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 16
CVBS3
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
×
√
DP
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
The Conflict List of PIP Signal Source(VX4S)
Input Source of Main Channel
HDMI
DVI
VGA1
VGA2
CVBS1
CVBS2
SDI
DP
PIP
Input
Source
HDMI
×
√
√
√
√
√
√
DVI
×
√
√
√
√
√
√
VGA1
√
√
×
√
√
√
√
VGA2
√
√
×
√
√
√
√
CVBS1
√
√
√
√
×
√
√
CVBS2
√
√
√
√
×
√
√
SDI
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
DP
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
9.7.2Image Mosaic
When the display screen is huge, two or more VX4 needs to be cascaded for loading the huge screen;
Firstly enable Image Mosaic function and then set total number of pixels of huge screen, and lastly set
size of load area of each VX4 and starting position.
Total number of pixels is the sum of sizes of load areas of all cascaded VX4.
Image Mosaic example: The total number of pixels of LED display is 3000×1000, exceeding the load
capacity of single VX4. two sets of VX4 are used for Image Mosaic processing. The connection method
is shown in the right figure, and specific parameter settings are shown in the following table.
VX4（1）
VX4（2）
Total horizontal points
3000
Total vertical points
1000
Horizontal width
1500
1500
Vertical height
1000
1000
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.

User's Manual of Led Display Video Controller VX4S/VX4
www.novastar-led.com 17
Horizontal start
0
1500
Connection Diagram of Image Mosaic
Vertical start
0
0
Tips: If you want to enable Image Mosaic, it should be ensured that output setting is the third case-
Custom Scaling. In other words, [Scaling] is Enabled, while [Auto Fit] is Disabled.
9.7.3Load Cabinet Files
VX4 is connected with PC, NovaLCT-Mars runs on PC and cabinet setting file saved previously is
imported into controller.
1) Save cabinet configuration file
After receiving card is configured, click and save cabinet configuration file (.rcfg) to local
file on PC.
XI'AN NOVASTAR TECH CO.,LTD.