1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the Novastar CMS130 and CMS260 LED Display Processors. These all-in-one controllers are designed for easy operation and integrate advanced video processing and LED screen control technologies, making them suitable for various complex operational environments such as malls, hotels, exhibition sites, and TV studios.
CMS130 Overview
The CMS130 is a pure hardware device, equivalent to the Novastar V760, featuring an all-English display menu. It supports various high-definition input connectors and offers robust video processing capabilities for effortless on-site installations.
CMS260 Overview
The CMS260 is a new all-in-one controller, equivalent to the Novastar V960, also supporting an all-English display menu. It integrates video processing and video control into a single unit, featuring 4 Ethernet ports. A single CMS260 unit can drive up to 2.6 million pixels, with a maximum output width and height of 3840 pixels. It excels at receiving diverse video signals, processing high-resolution images, and providing stepless output scaling and chroma calibration for an excellent image display experience.
2. Features
CMS130 Key Features
- Up to five input connectors: 1x DVI, 1x HDMI 1.3, 1x VGA, 1x USB, 1x CVBS.
- Adjustable layer position and size, with input cropping support.
- Easy switching between input sources using dedicated buttons.
- External independent audio support.
- EDID management supported.
- Personalized image scaling: Full screen, pixel to pixel.
- Quick configuration for easy LED screen setup.
- 2x Ethernet output connectors with a loading capacity of up to 1.3 million pixels.
- Easy preset saving and loading, with up to 6 user-defined presets.
- LED screen color adjustment, including brightness and Gamma.
- Controlled via central control devices.
CMS260 Key Features
- Input connectors: 1x HDMI 1.3 (IN & LOOP), 1x HDMI 1.3, 1x 3G-SDI (IN & LOOP).
- Output connectors: 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- Single device unit drives up to 2.6 million pixels, with max output width/height of 3840 pixels.
- Audio input and output: Audio input accompanied with an HDMI input source, audio output via a multifunction card.
- Free input cropping.
- Easy preset saving and loading, with up to 10 user-defined presets.
- Multiple kinds of hot backup: Backup between devices, backup between Ethernet ports, input source hot backup.
- Ethernet port backup test functionality.
- Up to 4 units cascaded for image mosaic.
- Output image quality management.
3. Setup
3.1 Front Panel Overview
The front panel provides access to power, display, and control functions.
Figure 3.1.1: CMS130 Front Panel
Figure 3.1.2: CMS260 Front Panel
3.2 Rear Panel Connectors
The rear panel houses all input, output, and control connectors.
Figure 3.2.1: CMS130 Rear Panel
Figure 3.2.2: CMS260 Rear Panel
CMS130 Connector Details
| Connector | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Input Connectors | ||
| 3G-SDI | 1 | ST-424 (3G), ST-292 (HD) and ST-259 (SD) standard video inputs supported. Max. input resolution: 1920×1080@60Hz. Deinterlacing processing supported. 3G-SDI loop output supported. Does Not support input resolution and bit depth settings. Does Not support the signal source in Level B format. |
| HDMI 1.3 | 2 | Max. input resolution: 2K×1K@60Hz. HDCP 1.4 compliant. Does Not support deinterlacing processing. Does Not support interlaced signal inputs. Custom resolutions supported. Max. width: 3840 (3840×600@60Hz). Max. height: 1920 (800×1920@60Hz). Force inputs supported: 600×3840@60Hz. Accompanied audio input supported. Loop output supported on HDMI 1.3-1. |
| Output Connectors | ||
| Ethernet ports | 4 | Gigabit Ethernet port. Max. loading capacity: 2.6 million pixels. Max. width: 3840 pixels. Max. height: 3840 pixels. Only Ethernet port 1 supports audio output. When you use a multifunction card to parse the audio, be sure to connect the card to Ethernet port 1. |
| Control Connectors | ||
| USB (Type-B) | 2 | Connect to the control PC. Input connector for device cascading. |
| USB (Type-A) | Output connector for device cascading. | |
CMS260 Connector Details
| Connector | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Input Connectors | ||
| DVI-D | 1 | VESA standard video inputs with the maximum resolution of 1920×1080@60Hz, downward compatible. HDCP 1.4 compliant. Interlaced signal inputs supported. |
| HDMI | 1 | HDMI 1.3 standard. Input resolution up to 1920×1080@60Hz, downward compatible. HDCP 1.4 compliant. Interlaced signal inputs supported. |
| VGA | 1 | Input resolution up to 1920×1080@60Hz, downward compatible. |
| CVBS | 1 | PAL/NTSC standard video inputs. |
| USB (Type A) | 1x USB 2.0 | Connect to a USB drive. 1080p@30fps video files supported. File system: NTFS, FAT32 and FAT16 (supported), exFAT (FAT64) (not supported). Supported image formats: jpg, jpeg, png and bmp. Supported video coding: MPEG1/2, MPEG4, Sorenson H.263, H.264 (AVC1), H.265 (HEVC), RV30/40, DivX and Xvid. Supported audio coding: MPEG1/2 Layer I, MPEG1/2 Layer II, MPEG1/2 Layer III, AAC-LC, VORBIS, PCM and FLAC. |
| AUDIO | 2 | Audio input and output. |
| Output Connectors | ||
| Ethernet ports | 2 | 2x Ethernet output connectors. Connect to the receiving cards. |
| Control Connectors | ||
| ETHERNET (RS232) | 1 | Connect to the central control device. |
| USB (Type B) | 1 | Connect to the control PC for program updating or debugging. |
3.3 Connection Diagrams
Refer to the following diagrams for typical connection setups.
Figure 3.3.1: CMS130 Simplified Connection Diagram (Control PC, HDMI, SDI sources, LED Screen)
Figure 3.3.2: CMS130 Detailed Application Diagram (Control PC, USB Drive, CVBS, VGA, HDMI, DVI sources, Power Supply, LED Screen)
Figure 3.3.3: CMS260 Simplified Connection Diagram (Control PC, HDMI, SDI sources, LED Screen)
Figure 3.3.4: CMS260 Detailed Application Diagram (Control PC, USB Drive, CVBS, VGA, HDMI, DVI sources, Power Supply, LED Screen)
4. Operating Instructions
This section details the basic operation of the Novastar CMS130/CMS260 processors using the front panel controls.
4.1 Front Panel Controls (CMS130)
- Power button: Press to power on or power off the device.
- LCD screen: Displays the current device status and settings menu.
- Knob: Rotate to select a menu item or adjust a parameter value. Press the knob to confirm the setting or operation.
- ESC button: Exits the current menu or cancels an operation.
- SCALE button: A shortcut for the full screen function. Press to make the layer of the lowest priority fill the entire screen.
- On (blue): Full screen scaling is turned on.
- On (white): Full screen scaling is turned off.
- Input source buttons: Used to switch between input sources.
4.2 Front Panel Controls (CMS260)
- LCD screen: Displays the device status, menus, submenus, and messages.
- Knob: Rotate to select a menu item or adjust the parameter value. Press the knob to confirm the setting or operation.
- ESC button: Exits the current menu or cancels an operation.
- Control area: Contains MAIN/PIP and SCALE functions.
- MAIN/PIP: Open or close a layer, and show its status.
- On (blue): The layer is opened.
- Flashing (blue): The layer is being edited.
- On (white): The layer is closed.
- SCALE: A shortcut for the full screen function. Press to make the layer of the lowest priority fill the entire screen.
- On (blue): Full screen scaling is turned on.
- On (white): Full screen scaling is turned off.
- MAIN/PIP: Open or close a layer, and show its status.
- Input source buttons: Show the input source status and switch the layer input source. Status LEDs indicate:
- On (blue): An input signal is accessed and used.
- Flashing (blue): The input source is not accessed but used by the layer.
- On (white): The input source is not accessed or the input source is abnormal.
- Shortcut function buttons:
- PRESET: Access the preset settings menu.
- TEST: Access the test pattern menu.
- FREEZE: Freeze the output image.
- FN: A customizable button.
4.3 General Operation Tips
- Ensure all cables are securely connected before powering on the device.
- Use the knob and ESC button to navigate through the on-screen menu for advanced settings.
- Regularly check the LCD screen for status messages and error indicators.
- For USB input, ensure your media files are in supported formats (e.g., 1080p@30fps video, JPG/PNG/BMP images).
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. Avoid liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow around the unit to prevent overheating. Do not block ventilation openings.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features. Use the USB (Type B) port for firmware updates, connecting to a control PC.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the device in a cool, dry environment within the specified storage temperature and humidity ranges.
6. Troubleshooting
- No Power: Check the power cable connection and the power outlet. Ensure the power button is pressed.
- No Video Output: Verify that input sources are correctly connected and selected. Check the Ethernet cable connections to the LED screen. Ensure the LED screen is powered on and configured correctly.
- Image Distortion/Flickering: Check input signal resolution and refresh rate. Ensure cables are not damaged. Verify output settings match the LED screen's specifications.
- Control Issues: If using a control PC, ensure the USB (Type B) cable is connected and the control software is running correctly.
- Audio Issues: For CMS130, ensure Ethernet port 1 is used for audio output if a multifunction card is parsing audio. For CMS260, check audio input/output connections.
7. Specifications
7.1 CMS130 Specifications
Figure 7.1.1: CMS130 Dimensions and Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Parameters | Power connector | 100-240V~, 0.6A, 50/60Hz |
| Rated power consumption | 28W | |
| Operating Environment | Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 0% RH to 80% RH, non-condensing | |
| Storage Environment | Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Humidity | 0% RH to 95% RH, non-condensing | |
| Physical Specifications | Dimensions | 482.6 mm × 250 mm × 50.1 mm |
| Net weight | 3.2kg | |
| Packing Information | Accessories | 1x Power cord, 1x USB cable, 1x HDMI cable, 1x Certificate of Approval |
| Packing size | 550.0mm × 175.0mm × 400.0mm | |
| Gross weight | 5.3kg | |
| Noise Level (typical at 25°C/77°F) | 45 dB (A) |
CMS130 Video Source Features (HDMI 1.3)
Figure 7.1.2: CMS130 HDMI 1.3 Video Source Features
7.2 CMS260 Specifications
Figure 7.2.1: CMS260 Dimensions and Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Specifications | Power connector | 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Rated power consumption | 12 W | |
| Operating Environment | Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
| Humidity | 20% RH to 90% RH, non-condensing | |
| Storage Environment | Humidity | 10% RH to 95% RH, non-condensing |
| Physical Specifications | Dimensions | 482.6 mm × 250.0 mm × 50.0 mm |
| Net weight | 2.8 kg | |
| Total weight | 6 kg | |
| Packing Information | Carrying Case | 565mm × 88mm × 328mm |
| Accessories | 1x Power cable, 1x USB cable, 1x DVI cable, 1x HDMI cable, 1x Certificate of Approval | |
| Large Outer Case | 585mm × 353mm × 113mm | |
| Noise Level (typical at 25°C/77°F) | 38 dB (A) |
CMS260 Video Source Features (HDMI 1.3, 3G-SDI, DVI)
Figure 7.2.2: CMS260 Video Source Features
7.3 Dimensions
Figure 7.3.1: CMS130 Dimensions (Unit: mm)
Figure 7.3.2: CMS260 Dimensions (Unit: mm)
8. User Tips
- Always refer to the latest firmware and software documentation from Novastar for the most up-to-date features and compatibility information.
- When setting up complex display configurations, it is recommended to test each component (input source, processor, LED screen) individually before integrating them.
- For optimal performance, ensure your control PC meets the recommended system requirements for Novastar control software.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your original point of purchase or the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt and product serial number handy for faster service.
The product includes a Certificate of Approval in the packing information.
10. Product in Action
See the Novastar LED display processors in various applications:
Video 10.1: Showcase of LED display applications, demonstrating the versatility of the processors.
