The Novastar MX20 is a COEX all-in-one LED display controller with video processing, three layers and six Gigabit Ethernet outputs, rated for up to 3.9 million pixels. It is managed through NovaStar’s VMP software. Choose it when your source formats and cabinet load fit its limits; consider the MX30 for 4K input, HDR or greater capacity. This guide covers features, connections, price considerations and the MX20 vs MX30 comparison.
1. What Is the MX20 LED Screen Controller?
The MX20 combines processing and sending for an indoor LED screen or event wall. Use All-In-One Controller mode for scaling and layer composition. Send-Only Controller mode suits an upstream processor that already prepares the picture. Select the mode around your signal workflow before configuring cabinets.
- Capacity: up to 3.9 million pixels, subject to frame rate, bit depth and receiving-card limits.
- Connections: two HDMI 1.3 inputs, one 3G-SDI input and two 10G optical outputs.
- Composition: three independent layers with adjustable priority.
- HDR: do not specify the MX20 for HDR10/HLG; these are MX30 features in NovaStar’s controller comparison.
Check the source, receiving cards and firmware together. Specifications below reference NovaStar’s MX20 specification v1.5.0.
2. Novastar MX20 Multi-Layer Processor: Core Features
The Novastar MX20 supports the following processing and calibration functions. Some require compatible receiving cards and cabinet hardware.
2.1 Advanced Video Processing
- Scaling: custom, pixel-to-pixel, snap-to-canvas and fill-screen modes.
- Color: 14-channel correction adjusts black, white and 12 standard colors.
- Latency: NovaStar specifies a minimum controller processing delay of 0 frames (<1 ms), with Send-Only reducing delay by one frame versus All-In-One. This is not total source-to-screen latency. Low Latency and Genlock cannot operate together.
The input-selection screen below offers HDMI1, HDMI2, SDI and an internal source.
2.2 Full Grayscale Calibration
Full-grayscale calibration needs compatible A10s Pro/A8s Pro receiving cards or derivatives, CC3 software and supported cameras such as CC60/C3200. COEX v1.5.0 and later does not support CalCube 2.X. Confirm the calibration toolchain before commissioning.
2.3 Frame Rate Adaptive Technology
The v1.5.0 specification lists frame-rate adaptation from 23.98–480 Hz with 0.01 Hz adjustment. This feature requires compatible A10s Pro-series cards, driver ICs and NCP configuration. It does not mean every input accepts 480 Hz: listed HDMI and SDI timings have separate limits.
2.4 No Rectangle Restriction
For irregular layouts, blank areas between cabinets do not consume loaded pixels. Per-port and total-device limits still apply. The image’s per-port limits, written as 8-bit / 10-bit pixels, are: 50 Hz: 791,667 / 395,833; 60 Hz: 659,722 / 329,861; 120 Hz: 329,861 / 164,931; 144 Hz: 274,884 / 137,442. Receiving-card exceptions are explained under outputs.
2.5 System Monitoring and Diagnostics
VMP reports device temperature, voltage, fan status and faults to help diagnose problems; monitoring does not guarantee uninterrupted operation. In the illustrated menu, open System Settings → Working Mode and choose All-In-One Controller or Send-Only Controller. Save your configuration and recheck the display after switching.
3. Novastar MX20 Input Output Ports Overview
Separate video inputs, LED data outputs and management connections when planning the signal path.
3.1 Inputs
- HDMI 1.3: two inputs with loop outputs. Nominal input is 1920 × 1200 at 60 Hz; forced modes include 3840 × 600 or 800 × 2560 at 60 Hz. These are alternative formats, not 3840 × 2560 or 4K/60 support.
- 3G-SDI: one input and loop, including 1920 × 1080 and 2048 × 1080 at 60 Hz. Check the source-format table for timing, chroma and bit-depth combinations.
- Genlock: input and loop accept supported synchronization signals; disable Low Latency when using Genlock.
3.2 Outputs
- Six Gigabit Ethernet ports: at 60 Hz, each supports 659,722 pixels at 8-bit, or 329,861 at 10-bit with other Armor cards. Compatible A10s Pro/A8s Pro-series cards allow approximately 494,000 at 10-bit. Narrow loading widths and higher frame rates can reduce capacity.
- Two 10G optical ports: OPT1 carries Ethernet ports 1–6; OPT2 copies OPT1 for backup. They do not add pixel capacity. Optical modules are not included by default.
- SPDIF: digital audio output.
3.3 Control Ports
- Two Ethernet control ports: connect VMP and cascade up to 20 controllers for management.
- AUX: reserved for RS232 control applications; confirm integration requirements.
Use the official input and loading tables to confirm the complete chain, including cable distance and receiving-card model, before ordering.
4. Novastar MX20 Controller Price and Value Analysis
The Novastar MX20 controller price depends on supplier, region and included services. No verified current quotation is provided here; request an itemized quote rather than budgeting from an undated online price.
- Specify controller quantity, receiving cards, optical modules/converters and spare equipment.
- Confirm shipping, taxes, warranty and local support.
- Compare equivalent source formats, pixel loads and accessories when assessing alternatives.
For rack planning, overall dimensions are 482.6 × 49.9 × 384 mm (W × H × D), weight 4.5 kg and rated consumption 50 W. The drawing below also shows a 440 mm body width and 359 mm body depth. Allow room for connectors and ventilation; the IP20 controller needs a dry indoor location.
5. Novastar MX20 vs MX30: Which One is Better?
The Novastar MX20 vs MX30 choice depends on input requirements and loaded pixels. The comparison uses official MX20 and MX30 v1.5.0 specifications; capacity changes with operating conditions.
| Feature | MX20 | MX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel Load Capacity | Up to 3.9 million pixels | Up to 6.5 million pixels |
| Input Options | 2 × HDMI 1.3; 1 × 3G-SDI | 1 × HDMI 2.0; 1 × HDMI 1.4; 1 × DP 1.1; 2 × 3G-SDI |
| Output Ports | 6 × Gigabit Ethernet; 2 × 10G optical | 10 × Gigabit Ethernet; 2 × 10G optical |
| Latency | Minimum 0 frames (<1 ms); configuration dependent | Minimum 0 frames (<1 ms); configuration dependent |
| HDR | Not specified for HDR10/HLG | HDR10 and HLG via HDMI 2.0 |
| Price | Request a current, itemized quote | Compare an equivalent configured system |
Choose MX20 when six output ports and its supported source timings cover the wall. Choose MX30 when you need 4K input, HDR10/HLG, ten ports or more pixels. Both require a checked cabinet map and compatible receiving cards.
6. FAQs
7. Conclusion
The Novastar MX20 can combine scaling, layer composition and LED sending in a single controller. Its practical fit depends on source timing, port loading and receiver compatibility. Validate these before installation, then test video, synchronization and backup behavior with the actual equipment.
For purchasing, compare a complete MX20 system quotation against MX30 using the same accessories and support terms. Higher capacity is useful only when your display or source workflow needs it.
Planning an event LED display? Share cabinet resolution, quantity, input format and cable distances with your supplier for a configuration check.
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