1 Overview
The MX40 Pro is a flagship all-in-one LED display controller from Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd. (NovaStar). It features 20 Ethernet ports, integrates video processing and control, and offers multiple video input connectors (HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, 12G-SDI). It also includes 20x Ethernet output ports and 4x 10G optical ports. The controller works with the Vision Management Platform (VMP) software for enhanced operation and control.
2 Appearance
2.1 Front Panel
The front panel includes:
- Running Indicator: Shows device status (Solid red: Standby, Solid blue: Powering on, Solid green: Running normally, Flashing red: Abnormal).
- Standby Button: Powers the device on/off, or restarts it with a long press (5s+).
- USB 2.0 Port: Used for sending cabinet configuration files and exporting diagnostic results.
- TFT Screen: A 3.5-inch screen displaying device status, menus, and parameter settings.
- Knob: Navigates menus, selects items, and adjusts values. Press to confirm.
- BACK Button: Returns to the previous menu or cancels the current operation.
Note: Holding the Knob and BACK button simultaneously for 5s+ locks/unlocks buttons.
2.2 Rear Panel
The rear panel features various input, output, and control ports:
- Input Ports: HDMI 2.0 (x3), DP 1.2, 12G-SDI.
- Output Ports: 20x Gigabit Ethernet output ports, 4x 10G optical output ports (OPT 1-4).
- Loop Ports: HDMI 2.0 LOOP (x2), 12G-SDI LOOP.
- Audio Output: SPDIF OUT (Reserved).
- Control Ports: 2x ETHERNET (for TCP/IP, VMP connection), 1x GENLOCK (for sync signal), 1x AUX (RS232, Reserved).
- Power Input: 100-240V~, 50/60Hz, 1.5A with an AC power input connector and switch.
Specifications: Inputs, Outputs, and Controls
Inputs (INPUT area)
| Type | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.0-1 IN | 1 |
Resolutions: Max 4096×2160@60Hz or 8192×1080@60Hz; Min 800×600@60Hz Max width/height: Max width 8192 pixels, Max height 8192 pixels Frame rates: 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60/71.93/72/75/100/119.88/120/143.86/144/240 Hz HDR: Supports HDR10 (SMPTE ST 2084/2086) and HLG (BT.2100) EDID management: Supports standard resolutions up to 3840×2160@60Hz and custom inputs HDCP: 2.2 compliant, backwards compatible Interlaced signal inputs: Not supported |
| HDMI 2.0-2 IN | 1 |
Resolutions: Max 4096×2160@60Hz or 8192×1080@60Hz; Min 800×600@60Hz Max width/height: Max width 8192 pixels, Max height 7680 pixels Frame rates: 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60/71.93/72/75/100/119.88/120/143.86/144/240 Hz HDR: Supports HDR10 (SMPTE ST 2084/2086) and HLG (BT.2100) EDID management: Supports standard resolutions up to 3840×2160@60Hz and custom inputs HDCP: 2.2 compliant, backwards compatible Interlaced signal inputs: Not supported |
| HDMI 2.0-3 IN | 1 |
Resolutions: Max 4096×2160@60Hz or 8192×1080@60Hz; Min 800×600@60Hz Max width/height: Max width 8192 pixels, Max height 7680 pixels Frame rates: 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60/71.93/72/75/100/119.88/120/143.86/144/240 Hz HDR: Supports HDR10 (SMPTE ST 2084/2086) and HLG (BT.2100) EDID management: Supports standard resolutions up to 3840×2160@60Hz and custom inputs HDCP: 2.2 compliant, backwards compatible Interlaced signal inputs: Not supported |
| DP 1.2 | 1 |
Resolutions: Max 4096×2160@60Hz or 8192×1080@60Hz; Min 800×600@60Hz Max width/height: Max width 8192 pixels, Max height 8192 pixels Frame rates: 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/47.95/48/50/59.94/60/71.93/72/75/100/119.88/120/143.86/144/240 Hz EDID management: Supports standard resolutions up to 3840×2160@60Hz and custom inputs HDCP: 1.3 compliant Interlaced signal inputs: Not supported |
| 12G-SDI IN | 1 |
Standards: Supports ST-2082 (12G), ST-2081 (6G), ST-424 (3G), ST-292 (HD) video inputs. Supports 3G-Level A/Level B (DS mode). Resolutions: Max 4096×2160@60Hz Frame rates: Up to 60 Hz |
Outputs (OUTPUT area)
| Type | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1-20 | 20 |
Gigabit Ethernet output ports. Support hot backup between Ethernet ports. Max loading capacity per port: • 8bit@60Hz: 650,000 pixels • 10bit@60Hz: 480,000 pixels (with A10s Pro receiving card) • 10/12bit@60Hz: 325,000 pixels |
| OPT 1-4 | 4 |
10G optical output ports. • OPT 1: Ethernet ports 1 to 10. • OPT 3: Copy channel of OPT 1. • OPT 2: Ethernet ports 11 to 20. • OPT 4: Copy channel of OPT 2. |
| HDMI 2.0-1 LOOP | 1 | HDMI loop through |
| HDMI 2.0-2 LOOP | 1 | HDMI loop through |
| HDMI 2.0-3 LOOP | 1 | HDMI loop through |
| 12G-SDI LOOP | 1 | SDI loop through |
| SPDIF OUT | 1 | Digital audio output (Reserved) |
Controls (CONTROL area)
| Type | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ETHERNET | 2 | Gigabit Ethernet control ports. Support TCP/IP protocol and star topology. Connectable to VMP software; acts as a built-in network switch for cascading control. |
| GENLOCK | 1 |
Pair of Genlock signal connectors. Supports Bi-Level and Tri-Level. • IN: Accept sync signal. • LOOP: Loop sync signal. Up to 20 MX40 Pro devices can be cascaded for standard Genlock signal generators. |
| AUX | 1 | Auxiliary connector for central control device (RS232) (Reserved) |
| Power | 1 | AC power input connector and switch (100-240V~, 50/60Hz, 1.5A) |
3 Applications
The MX40 Pro supports two typical application scenarios, with an LED screen size of 4096×2160 in these examples:
Application 1: Synchronous Mosaic
Diagram Description: Shows an MX40 Pro connected via HDMI/DP/SDI cable to an input source. The MX40 Pro outputs video via Ethernet to an LED Screen (4096×2160).
Application 2: Long-Distance Transmission via OPT Ports
Diagram Description: Shows an MX40 Pro connected via HDMI/DP/SDI cable to an input source. The MX40 Pro outputs video via Fiber (OPT1) to a Fiber Converter, which then outputs via Ethernet to an LED Screen (4096×2160). Another fiber connection (OPT2) is also shown, potentially for redundancy or additional data.
4 UI Introduction
4.1 Home Screen
After powering on, the home screen displays device information. It shows the device name (MX40 Pro | All-In-One Controller), IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.10), input status (HDMI1, HDMI2, HDMI3, DP, SDI, Internal), screen resolution and frame rate, OPT port status, and quick access buttons for Sync, HDR10, 3D, and temperature.
Home Screen Descriptions:
| Classification | Content | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Top line | MX40 Pro | Device name (can be changed in VMP software). |
| Send-Only Controller | Device working mode: All-In-One Controller (video processing & sending) or Independent Controller (sending only). Refer to 7.1 Switch Working Mode. | |
| Device button lock status: Icon displayed means locked; icon not displayed means unlocked. Lock/unlock by holding Knob and BACK simultaneously (5s+). | ||
| 192.168.0.10 | Device IP address. Refer to 7.3 Set an IP Address. | |
| Input | HDMI1, HDMI2, HDMI3, DP, SDI, Internal |
Input source type and status: • Green: Accessed and used. • Blue: Accessed, not used. • Red: Not accessed or abnormal. • Gray: Abnormal and not used. Refer to 5.1.1 Set Input Source for Send-Only Controller mode. |
| HDMI1 4096*2160@60.00Hz | Current input source resolution and frame rate. Displays layer number if used by a layer. Refer to 6.2.2 Set Resolution and Frame Rate. | |
| Screen | 4096*2160@59.94Hz | Screen resolution and frame rate. |
| 100% | Screen brightness. Refer to 6.4.1 Adjust Screen Brightness. | |
| Port | 1-20 | Ethernet port status: Blue (Connected), Gray (Disconnected). |
| OPT | 1-4 | OPT port status: Blue (Connected), Gray (Disconnected). |
| Bottom line | Sync: Genlock |
Sync signal status: • Sync: Active Input: Sync with input source frame rate. • Sync: Genlock: Sync with Genlock signal frame rate. • Sync: Internal: Sync with internal clock frame rate. Color code: Blue (normal), Red (abnormal). Refer to 6.4.6 Set Sync Source. |
| HDR10 | Dynamic range format. Refer to 6.2.4 Set HDR. | |
| 3D | 3D function status: Icon displayed means ON, not displayed means OFF. Refer to 6.4.3 Enable 3D Function. | |
| 36°C | Temperature inside the chassis. |
4.2 Main Menu
Press the knob from the home screen to access the main menu. The menu includes options like Screen Brightness, Layer Settings (in All-In-One mode), Input Settings, Screen Configuration, Display Control, Preset, Advanced Functions, System Settings, Communication Settings, and Language (语言/Language).
5 Initial Screen Configuration
Screen configuration can be done via the device front panel menu if the LED screen, cabinets, data flow, and connections meet requirements. Otherwise, use VMP software. Requirements include a regular LED screen, uniform cabinets, and consistent data flow.
5.1 Quick Configuration via Front Panel Screen
5.1.1 Set Input Source
Select an input source and configure its resolution and frame rate. Matching source and screen resolutions ensures pixel-to-pixel display. Lower frame rates may cause flickering; higher rates improve stability.
Note: Input source settings are required for Send-Only Controller mode, not for All-In-One Controller mode.
Step 1: On the main menu, navigate to Input Settings > Select Input.
Step 2: For external sources (HDMI, DP), select the source, then EDID. Set Mode to Custom or Standard and configure resolution and frame rate. Click Apply. For internal sources, navigate to Internal Source > Image, select a picture/video, set parameters if needed, then configure Resolution (Mode, Custom/Standard, resolution, frame rate, bit depth) and click Apply.
5.1.2 Load Cabinet Config File
If cabinets don't display correctly, load a cabinet configuration file (.rcfgx) via VMP or USB. Store the file in the USB drive's root directory and insert it into the device's front panel USB connector.
Step 1: Navigate to Screen Configuration > Send Cabinet Config File.
Step 2: Select the target configuration file.
Step 3: Confirm by selecting Yes.
Step 4: Press BACK to return to the upper-level menu.
Step 5: Select Save to RV Card.
Step 6: Confirm by selecting Yes.
5.1.3 Configure the Screen Quickly
Set screen configuration parameters to quickly connect cabinets and ensure normal input source display.
Step 1: Navigate to Screen Configuration > Quick Configuration.
Step 2: Confirm by selecting Yes.
Step 3: Set parameters:
- Cabinet Row Qty: Number of cabinet rows.
- Cabinet Column Qty: Number of cabinet columns.
- Port 1 Cabinet Qty: Number of cabinets connected to Ethernet port 1.
- Data Flow (Front View): Select data flow for cabinets on Ethernet port 1.
- H Offset: Horizontal offset of the displayed image.
- V Offset: Vertical offset of the displayed image.
5.2 Free Screen Configuration via VMP
VMP software allows configuration of regular or complex screens, supports free wiring, and calculates loading capacity. Refer to the VMP Vision Management Platform User Manual for details.
6 Display Effect Adjustment
6.1 Apply Presets
Apply saved presets from VMP to quickly adjust display effects.
Step 1: On the main menu, select Preset.
Step 2: Select a preset from the list.
6.2 Set External Input Source Parameters
6.2.1 View Input Source Information (HDMI1, HDMI2, HDMI3, DP, SDI)
View input source attributes like resolution, frame rate, bit depth, and color gamut.
Step 1: Navigate to Input Settings > input source > Infoframe. (Note: Select Input menu is not shown in All-In-One Controller mode).
Step 2: View the input source information.
6.2.2 Set Resolution and Frame Rate (HDMI1, HDMI2, HDMI3 and DP only)
Configure the resolution and frame rate for external input sources. Matching source and screen resolutions ensures pixel-to-pixel display. Lower frame rates may cause flickering; higher rates improve stability.
Step 1: Navigate to Input Settings > input source > EDID. (Note: Select Input menu is not shown in All-In-One Controller mode).
Step 2: Set Mode to Custom or Standard and configure resolution and frame rate. Click Apply.
6.2.3 Adjust Color (HDMI1, HDMI2, HDMI3, DP, SDI)
Set infoframe override parameters and adjust color. Override parameters influence color adjustment calculations.
Step 1: Navigate to Input Settings > input source > EDID. (Note: Select Input menu is not shown in All-In-One Controller mode).
Step 2: Set override parameters. Select Auto to use source attributes.
Step 3: Press BACK.
Step 4: Select Color Adjustment.
Step 5: Adjust parameters, including Black Level for contrast.
6.2.4 Set HDR (HDMI1, HDMI2 and HDMI3 only)
Configure parameters for parsing HDR video sources.
Step 1: Navigate to Input Settings > input source > HDR. (Note: Select Input menu is not shown in All-In-One Controller mode).
Step 2: Select HDR format (Auto reads source attributes).
Step 3: Select HDR10 Parameters to configure settings. HDR-related parameters include PQ mode (ST2084, ST2086) and MaxCLL Override/MaxCLL for brightness mapping. Select Reset to restore defaults.
6.3 Set Internal Input Sources
Configure internal sources for screen testing and troubleshooting.
Step 1: Navigate to Input Settings > Internal Source > Image.
Step 2: Select a static picture or motion picture.
Step 3: Set parameters as needed.
Step 4: Press BACK and select Resolution.
Step 5: Set Mode to Custom or Standard, then configure resolution, frame rate, and bit depth. Click Apply.
6.4 Set Output Parameters
6.4.1 Adjust Screen Brightness
Adjust and save screen brightness.
Step 1: On the main menu, select Screen Brightness.
Step 2: Use the knob to adjust brightness and press to confirm.
Step 3: Navigate to Screen Configuration > Save to RV Card.
Step 4: Confirm by selecting Yes.
6.4.2 Adjust Gamma and Color Temperature
Adjust and save Gamma and color temperature.
Step 1: Navigate to Advanced Functions > LED Screen Color.
Step 2: Adjust Gamma value using the knob.
Step 3: Adjust Color Temperature value using the knob.
Step 4: Press BACK, then navigate to Screen Configuration > Save to RV Card.
Step 5: Confirm by selecting Yes.
6.4.3 Enable 3D Function
Turn on the 3D function and set related parameters.
Step 1: Navigate to Advanced Functions > 3D.
Step 2: Toggle the 3D Switch to ON.
Step 3: Set parameters: Video Source Format (SBS, TAB, Frame SEQ), Right Eye Start, Eye Priority, 3rd Emitter (switch), and Emitter Delay.
6.4.4 Set Low Latency
Enable low latency to reduce delay or increase it for high-latency equipment.
Step 1: Navigate to Advanced Functions > Output Settings.
Step 2: Enable Low Latency by toggling the switch. Set Additional Video Delay if needed by adjusting the value with the knob.
6.4.5 Set Bit Depth
Configure the output bit depth.
Step 1: Navigate to Advanced Functions > Output Settings.
Step 2: Select Bit Depth and choose a value. 'Auto' uses the input bit depth.
6.4.6 Set Sync Source
Select a synchronization signal for display frame rate and set phase offset.
Step 1: Navigate to Advanced Functions > Output Settings > Sync.
Step 2: Select Sync Source: Active Source, Genlock, or Internal. If Internal is selected, configure Frame Rate.
Step 3: Press BACK.
Step 4: Select Phase Offset.
Step 5: Choose Adjustment Mode (Off, Angle, Fraction, Absolute).
6.5 Set Layers (All-In-One Controller Mode only)
Configure canvas size and up to 4 layers.
Step 1: On the main menu, select Layer Settings.
Step 2: Select Canvas Size to edit and set the value.
Step 3: Select a layer and set parameters: Status (On/Off), Input Source, Scaling Mode (Custom, Pixel to Pixel, Snap to Canvas), Width, Height, H Position, V Position, Priority, Crop, and Border.
7 Device Management
7.1 Switch Working Mode
Set the device working mode to All-In-One Controller or Send-Only Controller.
Step 1: Navigate to System Settings > Working Mode.
Step 2: Select the desired mode.
Step 3: Confirm by selecting Yes.
7.2 Set a Backup Device
Specify a backup device to take over if the primary device fails.
Step 1: Navigate to Advanced Functions > System Backup > Select Backup Device.
Step 2: Select a found device.
Step 3: Confirm by selecting Yes.
7.3 Set an IP Address
Manually set a static IP address or configure the device to obtain one automatically.
Step 1: Navigate to Communication Settings > Network Settings.
Step 2: Choose Mode (Manual or Auto).
Step 3: If Manual, set IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway, then Apply. If Auto, this step is skipped. Select Reset to revert to default IP settings.
7.4 Enable Mapping
The Mapping function allows cabinets to display information like Ethernet port and receiving card numbers, aiding in locating and understanding connection topology.
Step 1: Navigate to Screen Configuration > Mapping.
Step 2: Enable the function by toggling the switch.
7.5 Control Display Status
Set the display to a black screen or frozen status.
Step 1: On the main menu, choose Display Control.
Step 2: Select status: Normal, Freeze (displays current frame), or Blackout (screen goes black).
7.6 Diagnostics
Perform device diagnostics and export results.
Step 1: Navigate to System Settings > Diagnostics.
Step 2: Confirm by selecting Yes.
Step 3: After diagnostics, select Close.
Step 4: View Results or Export to USB Drive.
7.7 View the Firmware Version
View the current firmware program version.
Step 1: On the main menu, select System Settings.
Step 2: Find the Firmware Version next to the Firmware Version label.
7.8 Reset to Factory Settings
Reset device data to factory settings.
Step 1: Navigate to System Settings > Factory Reset.
Step 2: Choose to 'Keep User Data' (resets most settings except imported files, network, language, name) or 'Reset All' (resets all data). Confirm with Yes.
8 Basic System Settings
8.1 Set Language
Change the system language.
Step 1: On the main menu, select 语言/Language.
Step 2: Choose English or 中文 (Chinese).
8.2 Set Session Timeout
Configure the time after which the LCD returns to the home screen if no action is performed.
Step 1: Navigate to System Settings > Return to Home.
Step 2: Select 30s, 1min, or 5min.
8.3 View Service Information
Access NovaStar's service information.
Step 1: Navigate to System Settings > About Us.
Step 2: View the official website, technical support email, and service hotline.
9 Specifications
| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Specifications | Power input | 100-240V~, 50/60Hz, 1.5A |
| Max power consumption | 95 W | |
| Operating Environment | Temperature | -20°C to +50°C |
| Humidity | 0% RH to 80% RH, non-condensing | |
| Storage Environment | Temperature | -30°C to +80°C |
| Humidity | 0% RH to 95% RH, non-condensing | |
| Physical Specifications | Dimensions | 482.6 mm x 94.2 mm x 467.0 mm |
| Net weight | 7.5 kg | |
| Gross weight | 10.5 kg (includes product, accessories, and packing materials) | |
| Packing Information | Packing box | 660.0 mm x 570.0 mm x 210.0 mm, kraft paper box |
| Accessory box | 408.0 mm x 290.0 mm x 50.0 mm, white cardboard box | |
| Accessories |
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| IP Rating | IP20 | Please prevent the product from water intrusion and do not wet or wash the product. |
Note: The amount of power consumption may vary depending on factors such as product settings, usage, and environment.
Copyright and Trademark
Copyright © 2022 Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this document may be copied, reproduced, extracted or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd.
Trademark: NOVA STAR is a trademark of Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd.
Statement: Thank you for choosing NovaStar's product. This document is intended to help you understand and use the product. 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 us via the contact information given in this document. We will do our best to solve any issues, as well as evaluate and implement any suggestions.
Official website: www.novastar.tech
Technical support: support@novastar.tech
