NovaLCT V5.6.0 Release Notes

1 Update Instructions

1.1 Online Update

Step 1: From the menu bar, choose Help > Online Update.

(Screenshot shows the NovaLCT interface with the Help menu expanded to show 'Online Update'.)

Step 2: Click OK.

(Screenshot shows an 'Online Update' dialog box with a message 'A new version is available. Update now?' and 'OK' and 'Close' buttons.)

1.2 Local Update

Step 1: Visit the "Downloads" page on the NovaStar website and download the NovaLCT V5.6.0 installation package.

Step 2: Double-click to open the package and proceed with the installation.

2 Core Functions

2.1 NCP Configuration

• Improved access points for functionalities.
• Added essential configuration features like readback and hardware saving.
• Introduced smart sending mode to boost NCP distribution speed.
• Enabled support for restoring NCP settings to factory defaults.
• Updated the method for switching display modes.
• Revised access points for adjusting parameters such as brightness.

Reasons for Optimization/Change:

• Users can currently configure receiving cards through *.rcfgx or *.ncp files. The aim is to unify these access points for consistent and seamless LED screen configuration operations.
• Introduced features like parsing, readback, and hardware saving to help users verify file accuracy before configuration and confirm configuration parameters post-completion.
• Enhanced NCP file distribution efficiency to aid LED screen manufacturers in timely production and expedite terminal debugging.
• Addressed poor display effects caused by post-factory adjustments to receiving card configurations by enabling quick restoration to factory defaults.
• Ensured proper switching of display modes, which should only occur when the cabinet files on both the receiving and sending cards match, and the receiving card supports mode switching.
• Avoided redundant functions and ensured consistent logic and access points for adjusting parameters like brightness, color temperature, gamma, and mode selection.

Function Descriptions:

1. Relocation of function access point: The Send NCP function has been moved from Tools > Send NCP to Screen Configuration > Receiving Card > NCP Management.

(Comparison screenshots show the previous location of the 'Send NCP' function and the new location in 'NCP Management'.)

Additionally, on the Screen Configuration > Receiving Card page, NovaLCT will suggest a configuration method based on the receiving card model and the current configuration file type being used.

(Screenshots illustrate recommended configuration methods for *.rcfgx and *.ncp files.)

2. Parse cabinet file information: NovaLCT can parse and display cabinet information from an NCP file once it is loaded.

(Screenshot shows cabinet information parsed from an NCP file.)

3. Enhance NCP distribution efficiency: NovaLCT provides two modes for distribution: Smart Sending and Full Data. If the firmware version of the receiving card matches the NCP file, users can opt for Smart Sending, which only sends the parameter files.

(Screenshots illustrate the 'Send parameters to receiving cards' dialog with 'Smart Sending' and 'Full Data' options.)

4. Restore NCP: For the A8s Pro receiving card (version V1.2.0.0 and above), if the display performance is abnormal, the NCP can be restored to its factory settings.

(Screenshots show the process of restoring NCP settings.)

5. Switch display mode: Previously, a display mode was applied and then sent separately. Now, users should use the Send to Receiving Card function to send both the cabinet file and the display mode.

(Comparison screenshots show the previous method of switching display modes and the new method using 'Send to Receiving Card'.)

6. Adjust parameters: In NCP Management, Rotate Cabinet and Rv Card Indicators remain. Brightness, Color Temperature, Gamma, and Mode Selection settings are now centralized under the Brightness module.

(Comparison screenshots show the previous parameter adjustment interface and the new centralized Brightness module.)

7. Read cabinet information: Added the Read Cabinet Info function, allowing users to read back and display cabinet and parameter information for the receiving card (this feature is only available when the receiving card is using an NCP configuration).

(Screenshot shows the 'Read Cabinet Info' function.)

8. Save NCP to hardware: Send and save the NCP file and parameter adjustments to the receiving card, ensuring that the data persists even after power-off.

(Screenshot shows the 'Save to HW' function.)

3 Newly Supported Chips

The following chips are now supported:

FM6373, FM6864, FM6869, ICND3069, DP3357, DP3364S, DP3365S, DP3369S, xcolor888, xcolor999, NT27052, CFD855A, SM16386S, ICND1068, TX1816, CommonRZCChipV2, RT59X2 (decoding IC), DP32129 (decoding IC), LS9708/LS9716 (decoding IC).

4 New Features

4.1 Screen Configuration

4.1.1 Independent Sending of Receiving Card Performance Parameters

Reason for Change: When the module and cabinet construction is complete and the LED screen is operational, optimizing display effects through performance settings is crucial. By supporting the independent sending of performance parameters, we can enhance the efficiency of receiving card configurations, especially when only performance settings need adjustments.

Function Descriptions: Supports the independent sending of performance setting parameters.

(Screenshot shows the 'Performance Settings' section within the screen configuration.)

4.2 Display Effect Adjustment

4.2.1 Thermal Compensation On/Off and Intensity Settings

Application Scenario: During routine usage of the LED screen, prolonged operation causes temperature increases, leading to varying degrees of "greening" on the display. To counteract this, the thermal compensation feature is necessary for maintaining optimal visual quality.

Reason for Change: This feature allows users to flexibly enhance display quality based on real-time environmental conditions and display scenarios. For example, adjusting the compensation intensity can address different degrees of "greening" across various temperatures.

Function Descriptions: A new Thermal Compensation menu is added to the settings. For the A8s Pro receiving card (V1.2.0.0 or later), it also allows users to control the on/off state and intensity of thermal compensation, provided that compensation coefficients are available.

(Screenshot shows the 'Thermal Compensation' settings.)

4.3 Monitoring

4.3.1 View Monitoring Information of the TBS614 Chip Module

Reason for Change: The TBS614 chip offers a standard solution for monitoring display modules. NovaLCT needs to present this module monitoring information to help users precisely diagnose issues.

Function Descriptions: Compatible with the TBS614 chip, this feature supports module-level data monitoring. Users can view temperature, voltage, and error code information for each module. Additionally, the system supports both scheduled and manual refresh of monitoring data, as well as setting monitoring thresholds.

(Screenshots show the monitoring interface displaying module information, temperature, voltage, and error codes.)

5 Improvements

5.1 Screen Configuration

5.1.1 Check the Ethernet Port Load Information of the Sending Card

Reason for Optimization: When connecting an LED screen, it's crucial to ensure that the wiring of the cabinets doesn't exceed the load capacity of the sending card. NovaLCT should be able to calculate the load data to enhance the efficiency of configuring the screen topology.

Function Descriptions: A new feature under the Screen Connection tab displays Port Load information. If the configured cabinets exceed the sending card's load capacity, an "Overload" warning will appear.

(Screenshot shows the 'Port Load' information in the Screen Connection tab, including 'Port Capacity' and 'Configured' values.)

5.2 Display Effect Adjustment

5.2.1 Standardize the Custom Gamma Adjustment Interface

Reason for Optimization: For receiving cards with different chip models, the gamma adjustment algorithms and configuration interfaces should be unified to make them user-friendly and easier to understand.

Function Descriptions: The custom gamma adjustment algorithm and its corresponding configuration interface have been standardized.

(Comparison screenshots show the previous gamma adjustment interfaces for different chip models and the new standardized interface.)

5.2.2 Improve the View/Save Function for Full-Grayscale Coefficients

Function Descriptions:

1. When viewing or saving the Full-grayscale Coefficients, both multi-layer brightness and single-layer chroma coefficients are now included, addressing the previous issue where only multi-layer chroma coefficients were included.
2. In the calibration interface, the dropdown menu item Normal Coef under Coef Type has been renamed to Brightness and Chroma Coef.

(Screenshots show the updated 'Manage Coefficients' interface with 'Brightness & Chroma Coef'.)

5.2.3 Auto Upload and Save of Module Calibration Coefficients to Receiving Card Configuration File

Reason for Optimization: To enhance product content and align with user expectations, it's important to accurately define full-grayscale coefficients and normal coefficients. Saving the Auto Upload Module Calibration Coef configuration to the receiving card file helps prevent configuration oversights, reducing the need for repeated remote support from screen manufacturer personnel.

Function Descriptions: Auto Upload Module Calibration Coef: A new configuration option, Auto Upload Module Calibration Coef, has been added under Screen Configuration > Receiving Card > More Settings > Additional Function. This option enables users to send and save the calibration coefficients to the receiving card.

(Screenshot shows the 'Additional Function' settings with the 'Auto Upload Module Calibration Coef' option.)

5.2.4 Bright and Dark Line Adjustment Function Supports Custom Module Width and Height for Each Cabinet

Reason for Optimization: When dealing with scenarios where module configuration have varying cabinet load capacities, it is necessary to ensure the correct representation of the topology diagram. This enables users to adjust the seams between different cabinets appropriately.

Function Descriptions: In module mode, users can set the width and height of the module for each cabinet individually, allowing for the proper adaptation of LED screens with cabinets of different load capacities.

(Screenshot shows the 'Seam Brightness Adjustment' interface where module width and height can be set.)

5.2.5 Image Booster Supports Selecting Specific Cabinets via Sending Card Ethernet Port

Reason for Optimization: To allow clients to observe and compare the display effects in different sections of the same screen and to verify the image booster improvements, NovaLCT should enable users to select different loading areas for individual adjustments.

Function Descriptions: Enhanced the Image Booster, allowing users to select specific cabinets based on the sending card's Ethernet port.

(Comparison screenshots show the previous limitation of selecting only single or all cabinets and the new ability to select specific cabinets.)

5.3 Load from Cloud

5.3.1 Search for Files by Module ID

Reason for Optimization: To offer a more user-friendly display of configuration files, enhance the file search functionality, aid users in swiftly locating the needed configuration files, and boost loading efficiency.

Function Descriptions: The folder and file display interface has been improved, allowing users to search configuration files using the Module ID.

(Screenshot shows the 'Load Configuration File' dialog with a search bar for Module ID.)

5.3.2 Intelligent Matching of Receiving Card Firmware

Reason for Optimization: To address issues where the receiving card firmware version does not match the configuration file, users should be assisted in promptly locating and updating the firmware to prevent display problems.

Function Descriptions: If a mismatch between the receiving card firmware version and the configuration file is detected, an intelligently matched firmware package will be provided, enabling users to download and update the receiving card firmware.

(Screenshot shows a message indicating a firmware mismatch and the option to update.)

6 Updated Features

6.1 Login

The TU series devices now use Media Player Login for access.

Reason for Change: Previously, the TU series devices used Advanced Synchronous Login, which allowed NovaLCT to control client devices once connected to the client's router, creating a security risk.

Function Descriptions: The login method for TU series devices, including TU20 Pro, TU15 Pro, SMP6 Pro, and SMP4 Pro, has been updated to Media Player Login.

(Comparison screenshots show the previous 'Advanced Synchronous Login' and the new 'Media Player Login' process.)

7 Deleted Features

7.1 Save as USB Drive File

Reason for Deletion: The Save as USB Drive File feature is now obsolete, as saving the *.rcfgx file for the receiving card suffices for current needs.

Note: The function Screen Configuration > Receiving Card > Save as USB Drive File has been removed.

7.2 Video Control

Reason for Deletion: The Video Control feature is no longer used with current video processors.

Note: The function Tools > Video Control has been removed.

8 Bug Fixes

8.1 Construct Cabinet

8.1.1 Fix for Abnormal Display When Constructing Irregular Cabinets

Fixed the issue of abnormal displays such as black screens when constructing irregular cabinets with inconsistent module cascade rules and row extraction configurations.

(Screenshot shows the 'Construct Irregular Cabinet' interface.)

8.2 Display Effect Adjustment

8.2.1 Fix for Issue with Saving Full-Grayscale Calibration Setting

Fixed the issue where the receiving card configuration file did not save the on/off state of the Full-Grayscale Calibration, ensuring display quality is not compromised by the calibration not being enabled.

8.2.2 Fix for Abnormal Display During Multi-batch Adjustments

• Fixed the issue where checking and then unchecking Hide Screen while adding sample areas caused display errors with the test pattern.
• Fixed the issue of flickering adjustment boxes and flashing test pattern windows on the PC monitor outside the display area when inputting area parameters while adding sample areas by pixel, ensuring users can stably set sample areas.

(Screenshots illustrate the issues and fixes related to multi-batch adjustments and sample area settings.)