NovaStar H5 Video Wall Splicer: Features and Specs Explained

NovaStar H5 is a high-end video wall splitter specifically designed for fine-pitch LED displays. It integrates video processing and control into a single system, enabling users to perform video stitching (combining multiple inputs into a continuous output) and manage how video content is displayed across the LED panels.

Key Functions of Novastar H5:

1. Advanced FPGA SystemArchitecture

At its core, the H5 utilizes a powerful Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Unlike standard processors, an FPGA is hardware-designed for specific tasks, providing superior stability, ultra-low latency, and real-time performance.

2. B/S Architecture

H5 employs a browser/server (B/S) architecture for control and monitoring. This means:

• No software installation required:Users can directly access H5’s control interface from any device (PC, Mac, tablet) on the same network via a web browser such as Chrome or Edge.
• Remote access:Technicians can monitor system status, configure settings, and troubleshoot issues anytime, anywhere, significantly simplifying maintenance and operations.

3. Three Types of 4K Sending Cards

H5 series sending cards includes H5V (for NovaLCT-controlled LEDs), H5M (for receiver card-controlled LEDs), and H5C (a cost-effective option). This flexibility ensures broad compatibility with diverse LED skins and performance requirements while delivering true 4K@60Hz output.

4. Comprehensive Input & Output Interfaces

Inputs:

• Common video inputs like HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort (DP), VGA
• Analog video (CVBS)
• SDI (various standards) for broadcast-ready sources
• IP inputs

Outputs:

• 4K-capable outputs, using Ethernet / fiber / OPT interfaces via its sending cards
• Standard display outputs like HDMI, SDI, DP
• Hot-swappable output cards

Novastar H5 features a modular architecture, allowing you to add or remove input/output cards as your project demands. Its hot-swappable design ensures cards can be replaced or upgraded without shutting down the entire system. This flexibility minimizes downtime and simplifies maintenance, particularly in mission-critical environments.

H5 relies not solely on traditional processors but employs an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) hardware architecture for core video processing. This design enhances real-time performance and ensures consistent, stable operation without latency or crashes. The result is a highly reliable system capable of continuous operation in demanding applications.

H5 can simultaneously control multiple screens, making it suitable for complex video wall installations. It also supports multi-layer processing, meaning you can overlay video, graphics, or logos onto different sections of the display at the same time. This flexibility enables creative layouts and dynamic content presentation.

Compared to 8-bit systems, 10-bit color depth ensures smoother gradients and more accurate color reproduction. With HDR10 and HLG support, the video wall processor delivers higher contrast, richer brightness, and lifelike visuals. This creates a vivid, immersive viewing experience ideal for large LED walls.

H5 supports a wide range of input interfaces, making it compatible with virtually any video source from professional cameras to standard PCs. Whether it’s HDMI for digital devices, SDI for broadcast, or IP streams for web-based content, the system handles them seamlessly. This versatility makes it ideal for events, control rooms, and hybrid video setups.

The NovaStar H5 is engineered for high-performance video wall applications, offering exceptional processing power, flexibility, and reliability. Below are its key technical specifications.

1. Input Channels: The integrated chassis supports all its built-in input ports simultaneously.
2. Output Capacity: The base unit supports up to 8 sending cards, expandable to 16 sending cards with an additional extension box (H5-BOX).
3. Pixel Loading: Each output port supports a massive 4.8 Gbps bandwidth.

• Per Sending Card: Depending on the card type (H5V/H5M/H5C), a single card can drive a significant number of LED cabinets, supporting millions of pixels.
• Total System: With 16 sending cards, the system can handle extremely large and complex video walls, such as those found in major command and control centers.

• Maximum Input Resolution: Supports 4K (3840×2160) @ 60Hz on its HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.
• Maximum Output Resolution: Each output channel can handle 4K (3840×2160) @ 60Hz.
• High Refresh Rate Support: The H5, when paired with compatible NovaStar sending cards and LED panels, supports output refresh rates up to 144Hz, ensuring incredibly smooth motion for dynamic content, sports broadcasts, and data visualization.
• Other Supported Resolutions: Full HD (1080p), 2K, and various other standard and custom resolutions are fully supported.

1. Built-in Input Interfaces (Standard on Main Unit):

• Video Inputs:

HDMI 2.0 x 2

DisplayPort 1.2 x 2

3G-SDI x 2

DVI-D x 1

VGA (YPbPr) x 1

• Control & Data:

Gigabit Ethernet Port (for control and data transmission)

USB Type-B (for local software configuration)

2. Modular Output Sending Cards (Select based on LED panel type):

The H5 chassis is designed to be populated with one of the following NovaStar sending card families:

• H5V Card: For direct control of LED panels that use NovaLCT software (panels without a separate receiver card).
• H5M Card: The universal solution for controlling LED panels that have their own built-in receiver cards. Offers the highest performance.
• H5C Card: A cost-effective version of the H5M, providing essential functionality for standard projects.

3. Optional Input Card (For Expanded Capabilities):

An optional IP/NDI Input Card can be added to the chassis to decode video streams, enabling support for:

• IP Streams: (e.g., RTSP, RTMP)
• NDI®|HX streams for software-based video sources over a network.

4. Power Requirements & Environmental Specs

Power Supply:

Type: Dual redundant, hot-swappable AC power supply units (PSUs).

Input Voltage: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz (Auto-sensing).

Power Consumption: Approximately 150W (depending on configuration and load).

Cooling:

System: Intelligent, speed-controlled fans for efficient cooling and low noise.

Airflow: Front-to-back ventilation.

Operating Environment:

Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

Humidity: 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)

Storage Environment:

Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)

Humidity: 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)

Chassis:

Form Factor: Standard 2U rack-mount unit.

Dimensions (W x H x D): 440mm x 88mm x 410mm (17.3″ x 3.5″ x 16.1″)

In summary, the NovaStar H5’s specifications underscore its role as a high-bandwidth, high-resolution processing hub. Supporting 144Hz output, modular card options (including future IP/NDI capabilities), and robust redundant power supplies, it stands as a technically superior choice for demanding professional LED video wall installations.

1. H_4xDVI input card

Support for single link and dual link input modes, and 10-bit input source.

2. H_4xHDMI input card

Support for 10-bit input source Does not support interlaced signal input.

3. H_1xHDMI2.0+1xDP1.2 input card

Set to use which connector on the Web page. The default option is HDMI 2.0connector. Does not support interlaced signal input.

4. H_2xRJ45 IP input card

Support for interlaced signal input.

5. H_4x3G SDI input card

Supports ST-424 (3G), ST-292 (HD) and SMPTE 259 SD.Supports 1080i/576i/480i de-interlacing processing.

6. H_2xCVBS+2xVGA input card

2x VGA: Each connector supports the maximum resolution of 1920×1200@60Hz.

2x CVBS: Supports PAL and NTSC.

7. H_4xVGA input card

Each connector supports the maximum resolution of 1920×1200@60Hz.

8. H_2xDP1.1 input card

Each connector supports the maximum resolution of 3840×1080@60Hzor 3840×2160@30Hz.

9. H_1xDP1.2 input card

Each connector supports the maximum resolution of 4096×2160@60Hz or 8192×1080@60Hz.

10. H_STD I/O card

H_1x12G SDI input card

H_1xHDMI2.0 input card

1. H_16xRJ45+2xfiber sending card

LED 4K sending card can load up to 10,400,000 pixels (max. width: 10,240 pixels, max. height: 10,240 pixels).

2. H_20xRJ45 sending card

LED 4K sending card can load up to 13,000,000 pixels (max. width: 10,752 pixels, max. height: 10,752 pixels).

3. H_2xRJ45+1xHDMI1.3 preview card

2xRJ45: Gigabit Ethernet outputs Connect to the network for monitoring the inputs and outputs.

1xHDMI: 1.3 Connect to a monitor for displaying the monitoring information.

Novastar H5 Specifications

Novastar H5 User Manual

Novastar H5 Quick Start Guide

Novastar H5 Firmware

Novastar H5 Release Notes

After reading this post, I think you have had a deep understanding about the specification and main features of Novastar H5. Realizing this video processor comprehensively is beneficial for high-definition video editing, controlling and displaying.