1. Introduction
The NovaStar TB40 is a new generation multimedia player designed for full-color LED displays. It integrates both playback and sending capabilities, offering users flexible content publishing and LED display control via various devices such as computers, mobile phones, or tablets. When paired with NovaStar's cloud-based platforms, the TB40 allows for remote management of LED displays from any Internet-connected location.
This multimedia player supports multi-screen synchronous playback, as well as synchronous and asynchronous modes, making it suitable for a wide array of commercial and smart city applications. Its robust design ensures stable performance under various conditions.
Video: Overview of NovaStar TB40 features and applications.
2. Key Features
2.1 Output Capabilities
- Loading Capacity: Up to 1,300,000 pixels.
- Maximum Resolution: 4096 pixels (width) x 4096 pixels (height).
- Custom Resolutions: Supports non-standard resolutions in both asynchronous and synchronous modes, with a pixel clock not exceeding 153 MHz.
- Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Two ports, both serving as primary by default, configurable for primary/backup roles.
- Stereo Audio Connector: 1x, with a fixed audio sample rate of 48 kHz.
- HDMI 1.3 Output: Supports 1920x1200@60Hz and HDMI loop.
2.2 Input Capabilities
- HDMI 1.3 Input: 1x, pixel clock not exceeding 153 MHz. Maximum input 1920x1200@60Hz. In synchronous mode, this connector is used as the video source and can be scaled to fit the entire screen automatically.
- Sensor Connectors: 2x, for connecting brightness, temperature, and humidity sensors.
2.3 Performance
- Powerful Processing: Quad-core ARM A55 processor @1.8 GHz.
- Video Decoding: Supports 4K video decoding.
- Memory: 1 GB onboard RAM.
- Storage: 32 GB internal storage.
- Flawless Playback: Supports playback of 1x 4K, 2x 1080p, 5x 720p, 6x 480p, or 6x 360p videos. Videos between 2K and 4K resolutions are converted to 4K.
2.4 Functionality
- All-round Control: Publish content and control screens from computers, mobile phones, or tablets. Monitor screens remotely.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi AP and Wi-Fi Sta simultaneously.
- 4G Modules: Supports 4G connectivity (4G module must be purchased separately).
- Time Synchronization: Supports NTP, GPS, and RF time synchronization (requires specific 4G/RF modules for GPS/RF).
- High-Precision Adaptive Scaling: Supports various video specifications for full-screen display.
3. Specifications
3.1 General Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Parameters | Input power | DC 12 V, 2 A |
| Maximum power consumption | 18 W | |
| Recommended supply power | 25 W | |
| Storage Capacity | RAM | 1 GB |
| Internal storage | 32 GB | |
| Operating Environment | Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 0% RH to 80% RH, non-condensing | |
| Storage Environment | Temperature | -40°C to +80°C |
| Humidity | 0% RH to 80% RH, non-condensing | |
| Physical Specifications | Dimensions | 238.8 mm × 140.5 mm × 32.0 mm |
| Net weight | 430.0 g | |
| Gross weight | 860.8 g (Total weight including product, accessories, and packing materials) | |
| Packing Information | Dimensions | 385.0 mm × 280.0 mm × 75.0 mm |
| Accessories | 1x Wi-Fi omnidirectional antenna, 1x AC power cord, 1x Quick Start Guide, 1x Certificate of Approval | |
| IP Rating | IP20 | Please prevent the product from water intrusion and do not wet or wash the product. |
| System Software | Android 11.0 operating system software | |
| Android terminal application software | ||
| FPGA program (Note: Third-party applications are not supported.) | ||
Figure 1: NovaStar TB40 Dimensions Diagram
3.2 Media Decoding Specifications (Image)
| Category | Codec | Resolution | Format | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG | JFIF file format 1.02 | 64×64 pixels to 4096×2304 pixels | JPG, JPEG | Support for interlaced scan only, SRGB JPEG, Adobe RGB JPEG |
| BMP | BMP | 64×64 pixels to 4096×2304 pixels | BMP | N/A |
| GIF | GIF | 64×64 pixels to 1920×1088 pixels | GIF | At 1280×720, frame rate 1-30fps. At 1920×1088, frame rate 1-10fps. |
| PNG | PNG | 64×64 pixels to 4096×2304 pixels | PNG | N/A |
| WEBP | WEBP | 64×64 pixels to 4096×2304 pixels | WEBP | N/A |
3.3 Media Decoding Specifications (Video)
| Codec | Resolution | Max Frame Rate | Max Bit Rate (Ideal Case) | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.264 | 64×64 pixels to 4096×2304 pixels | 30fps | 80Mbps | MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV |
| H.265/HEVC | 64×64 pixels to 4096×2304 pixels | 60fps | 100Mbps | MP4, MKV, MOV |
| MPEG4 | 64×64 pixels to 1920×1088 pixels | 30fps | 38.4Mbps | MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV |
| VP8 | 64×64 pixels to 1920×1088 pixels | 30fps | 38.4Mbps | MKV, WEBM |
| VP9 | 64×64 pixels to 4096×2304 pixels | 60fps | 80Mbps | MKV, WEBM |
4. Product Appearance
4.1 Front Panel
Figure 2: NovaStar TB40 Front View
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| SWITCH | Switches between synchronous and asynchronous modes. Staying on: Synchronous mode. Off: Asynchronous mode. |
| SIM CARD | SIM card slot, designed to prevent incorrect insertion. |
| RESET | Factory reset button. Press and hold for 5 seconds to reset to factory settings. |
| USB | USB (Type B) port for connecting to a control computer for content publishing and screen control. |
| LED OUT | Gigabit Ethernet outputs (LED OUT 1, LED OUT 2). |
| PWR, SYS, CLOUD, RUN | LED indicators for Power, System Status, Cloud Connection, and Run Status. |
4.2 Rear Panel
Figure 3: NovaStar TB40 Rear View
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| SENSOR | Sensor connectors (SENSOR 1, SENSOR 2) for brightness, temperature, and humidity sensors. |
| HDMI OUT | 1x HDMI 1.3 OUT, supports HDMI loop. Max output 1920×1200@60Hz. |
| HDMI IN | 1x HDMI 1.3 IN. Max input 1920×1200@60Hz. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi antenna connector (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi supported). |
| ETHERNET | Gigabit Ethernet port for control computer, LAN, or public network. |
| COM 1 | 4G antenna connector. |
| COM 2 | GPS antenna connector. |
| USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 (Type A) port for USB playback, firmware upgrade, and storage expansion. Supports FAT32/NTFS file systems, 2GB-128GB USB drives, and single files up to 4GB. |
| AUDIO OUT | 3.5mm audio output connector (three-pole audio jacks supported). |
| 12V === 2A | Power input connector. |
5. Setup Guide
5.1 Initial Connection
- Power Connection: Connect the provided AC power cord to the '12V === 2A' power input connector on the rear panel and plug it into a suitable power outlet.
- Network Connection:
- Wired Network: Connect an Ethernet cable from your network (LAN or public network) or control computer to the 'ETHERNET' port on the rear panel.
- Wi-Fi: Attach the Wi-Fi omnidirectional antenna to the 'WiFi' connector. The device can connect to an existing Wi-Fi network or act as a Wi-Fi AP.
- 4G (Optional): If using 4G connectivity, insert a SIM card into the 'SIM CARD' slot on the front panel and attach the 4G antenna to the 'COM 1' connector on the rear panel.
- Display Connection: Connect the LED display to the 'LED OUT 1' and 'LED OUT 2' Gigabit Ethernet ports using standard Ethernet cables.
- Video Input (Synchronous Mode): If operating in synchronous mode, connect your video source (e.g., computer, media player) to the 'HDMI IN' port on the rear panel.
- Audio Output (Optional): Connect external speakers or an audio system to the 'AUDIO OUT' 3.5mm jack.
- Sensor Connection (Optional): Connect brightness, temperature, or humidity sensors to the 'SENSOR' connectors.
5.2 Connecting to a Control Device
The TB40 can be controlled via a computer, mobile phone, or tablet. Ensure your control device has the appropriate NovaStar software installed.
- Via USB: Connect your control computer to the 'USB' (Type B) port on the front panel.
- Via Ethernet: Connect your control computer to the 'ETHERNET' port.
- Via Wi-Fi: Connect your control device to the TB40's built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The default SSID is "Model+Last 8 digits of SN" (e.g., TB40XXXXXXXX) and the default password is printed on the SSID label on the device. Alternatively, connect the TB40 to your existing Wi-Fi network.
6. Operation
6.1 Powering On/Off
Once all connections are secure, the device will power on automatically when connected to power. There is no dedicated power button.
6.2 Mode Switching (Synchronous/Asynchronous)
Use the 'SWITCH' button on the front panel to toggle between synchronous and asynchronous modes:
- Staying on: Synchronous mode (HDMI input is used as video source).
- Off: Asynchronous mode (internal video source works).
6.3 Content Publishing and Screen Control
Utilize NovaStar's control software on your computer, mobile phone, or tablet to:
- Publish Content: Upload and schedule videos, images, and other media to your LED display.
- Control Screens: Adjust display parameters, brightness, and manage playback schedules.
- Remote Management: With cloud-based platforms, manage your displays from anywhere with an internet connection.
6.4 Time Synchronization
The TB40 supports various time synchronization methods to ensure precise playback across multiple displays:
- NTP Time Synchronization: Standard network time protocol.
- GPS Time Synchronization: Requires a specified 4G module to be installed.
- RF Time Synchronization: Requires a specified RF module to be installed.
6.5 High-Precision Adaptive Scaling
The TB40 features high-precision adaptive scaling, allowing various video resolutions and aspect ratios to be perfectly displayed on the screen without distortion. In synchronous mode, the HDMI video source can be scaled automatically to fit the entire screen.
7. LED Indicators
The front panel of the TB40 features several LED indicators to show the device's status:
| Name | Color | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PWR | Red | Staying on | The power supply is working properly. |
| SYS | Green | Flashing once every 2s | The operating system is functioning normally. |
| Staying on/off | The operating system is malfunctioning. | ||
| CLOUD | Green | Off | The device is not connected to the Internet. |
| Staying on | The device is connected to the Internet and the connection is available. | ||
| Flashing once every 2s | The device is connected to VNNOX and the connection is available. | ||
| Flashing once every second | The device is upgrading the operating system. | ||
| Flashing once every 0.5s | The device is copying the upgrade package or files from the USB drive. | ||
| RUN | Green | Flashing once every 4s | The FPGA has no video source. |
| Flashing once every 0.5s | The FPGA is functioning normally. | ||
| Staying on/off | The FPGA loading is abnormal. |
8. Troubleshooting
8.1 Common Issues and Solutions
- Device not powering on: Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the device and the power outlet. Check the power source.
- Operating system malfunctioning (SYS indicator staying on/off): Try performing a factory reset by pressing and holding the 'RESET' button for 5 seconds. If the issue persists, contact technical support.
- No Internet connection (CLOUD indicator off): Verify your Ethernet cable connection or Wi-Fi settings. Ensure your network is active and the TB40 has proper network configuration. Check the priority order of network connections (Wired > Wi-Fi > 4G).
- No video source (RUN indicator flashing every 4s): In synchronous mode, ensure the HDMI input source is correctly connected and active. Check the video source settings.
- FPGA loading abnormal (RUN indicator staying on/off): This indicates a critical internal error. Perform a factory reset. If the problem continues, contact technical support.
- Problems with content publishing or screen control: Ensure your control device is properly connected to the TB40 (USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi) and the NovaStar control software is up-to-date and correctly configured.
- USB drive not recognized or files not playing: Ensure the USB drive is formatted to FAT32/NTFS, has a capacity between 2GB and 128GB, and individual file sizes do not exceed 4GB.
9. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. Do not use liquid cleaners or sprays.
- Environmental Conditions: Operate the device within the specified temperature (-20°C to +60°C) and humidity (0% RH to 80% RH, non-condensing) ranges.
- Water Protection: The device has an IP20 rating. Prevent water intrusion and do not wet or wash the product.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check the NovaStar official website for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features. Firmware can be updated via the USB 3.0 (Type A) port.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the device in a dry environment within the storage temperature range (-40°C to +80°C).
10. User Tips
- For seamless remote management, ensure a stable and strong internet connection for the TB40.
- When using Wi-Fi, consider the signal strength and potential interference for optimal performance.
- Always back up your content before performing major firmware updates or factory resets.
- If you experience any issues with 4G connectivity, double-check your SIM card insertion and ensure the 4G antenna is securely attached.
11. Certifications
The NovaStar TB40 is certified with CQC, SRRC, and RoHS compliance.
Important Note: If the product does not have the relevant certifications required by the countries or regions where it is to be sold, please contact NovaStar to confirm or address the problem. Otherwise, the customer shall be responsible for the legal risks caused or NovaStar has the right to claim compensation.
12. Notes and Cautions
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures to mitigate the interference.
13. Warranty and Support
For accuracy and reliability, NovaStar may make improvements and/or changes to this document at any time and without notice. If you experience any problems in use or have any suggestions, please contact NovaStar via the contact information below.
- Official Website: www.novastar.tech
- Technical Support Email: support@novastar.tech
For the full user manual in PDF format, please refer to the official document: NovaStar TB40 Multimedia Player Specifications (PDF)