In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the delivery of high-quality LED video wall visual content is essential across various industries, including entertainment, advertising, and events. Enter the NovaStar VX6s, a cutting-edge video processor designed to handle complex display setups with precision.
This post dives deep into Nova VX6s features, specifications, applications, and more, providing a comprehensive guide for professionals seeking reliable and high-quality solutions.
1. What is NovaStar VX6s?
NovaStar VX6s is a high-performance, all-in-one LED video controller designed to streamline and elevate LED display deployments. It eliminates the need for separate processors and senders, streamlining installation and reducing rack space. Unlike traditional solutions that require separate video processors and sending cards, the VX6s integrates both functions into a single 1U rack–mount chassis.
Powered by an advanced FPGA–based processing engine, the VX6s NovaStar delivers real–time video handling with ultra–low latency and broadcast–quality performance. It supports multiple input formats—SDI, HDMI, DVI, and even direct USB media playback—and provides powerful on–board controls via an intuitive OLED screen and multifunction knob, along with software control over Ethernet.
Whether your deployment is a live concert, broadcast studio, corporate event, digital signage installation, or command center, the VX6s offers flexibility, reliability, and convenience in a compact package.
2. NovaStar VX6s Features
The NovaStar VX6s stands out with its robust feature set:
① Seven Multi-Format Video Inputs
- 2× 3G-SDI (up to 1080p/60) for broadcast-grade camera feeds.
- 2× HDMI 1.3 (up to 1920×1200 @ 60 Hz) for modern media players and PCs.
- 2× DVI (up to 1920×1200 @ 60 Hz) plus loop-through DVI port for daisy-chaining previews.
- 1× USB playback (flash drive slot) supporting MP4, AVI, MKV, JPEG, PNG, MP3, WAV, and more, enabling PC-free media playback.
② Six Gigabit Ethernet Outputs
- 6× RJ45 ports drive up to 3.9 million pixels across LED cabinets, supporting Cat5e/6 cabling for standard daisy-chain or star topologies.
③ Three Independent Display Layers
- Three windows (layers) that can be freely positioned, resized, and stacked, allowing picture-in-picture, graphics, and background content simultaneously.
- Auto-fit function adjusts content to the LED canvas with one button.
④ Flexible Transition & Switching Modes
- Seamless switching and fade transition effects powered by the FPGA platform for broadcast-quality scene changes.
- Front-panel TAKE button for instant program/preview switching in Switcher mode.
⑤ Front-Panel Control & User Presets
- OLED display with multifunction knob and clear indicator LEDs for intuitive, PC-free operation.
- 16 memory slots to store full-screen layouts, layer settings, input assignments, and transition parameters for one-touch recall.
⑥ Redundancy & Synchronization
- Genlock support: Any HDMI/DVI input can lock genlock across multiple units for frame-accurate sync.
- Input source and port redundancy modes to guard against cable or device failures, ensuring uninterrupted display.
⑦ Cascading & Scalability
Ethernet or USB daisy-chain allows multiple NovaStar VX6s units to be combined for larger pixel-count mosaics, with unified control and synchronized playback.
⑧ FPGA-Based Processing
High-performance FPGA delivers ultra-low latency (under one frame at 60 Hz) and real-time video processing for live events and broadcasts.
3. NovaStar VX6s Specification
Here’s a breakdown of the NovaStar VX6 Specifications:
3.1 Input
| Connector | Description |
| 2× 3G-SDI |
|
| 2× USB 2.0 | Connects to a mouse/keyboard, or connects to a USB drive to play media files stored in the drive. The supported USB drives and the formats of the media files in it are described as follows.
Video coding: MPEG-1/2, MPEG-4, H.264/AVC, MVC, H.265/HEVC, H.263, GOOGLE VP8, VC-1 and MOTION JPEG
Audio coding: − MPEG Audio: MPEG1/2/2.5 Audio Layer1/2/3 − Windows Media Audio: WMA Version 4/4.1/7/8/9, wmapro − WAV Audio: MS-ADPCM, IMA-ADPCM, PCM − FLAC Audio: Compress Level 0-8 − AAC Audio: ADIF, ATDS Header AAC-LC and AAC-HE, AAC-ELD − AMR Audio: AMR-NB, AMR-WB |
| 2× DVI |
|
| 1× DVI LOOP | DVI loop output connector |
| 2× HDMI |
|
3.2 Output
| Connector | Description |
| 6× Ethernet | 6 Ethernet outputs |
| 1× DVI | A monitoring connector, which can be set to preview the editing image or monitor the PGM |
3.3 NovaStar VX6s Overall Specifications
| Connector | Description |
| 6× Ethernet | 6 Ethernet outputs |
| 1× DVI | A monitoring connector, which can be set to preview the editing image or monitor the PGM |
4. Difference between Novastar VX6s vs VX600
NovaStar VX6s and VX600 are both NovaStar all-in-one LED video controllers that integrate video processing and sending-card functions into a single chassis.
However, the VX6s NovaStar focuses on versatile multi-format inputs and USB playback in a compact 1U, low-power design, while the VX600 adds ultra-high resolution support, fiber-optic I/O, and multiple working modes for large-scale or long-distance installations.
Here is a detailed comparison between NovaStar VX6s vs VX600:
| Feature | NovaStar VX6s | NovaStar VX600 |
| Video Inputs | 7 (2× 3G-SDI, 2× HDMI, 2× DVI, USB) | 5 (1× HDMI, 1× DVI, 1× 3G-SDI, 2× OPT) |
| Loading Capacity | 3.9 million pixels | 3.9 million pixels |
| Max Resolution | 4096 × 4096 pixels | 10240 × 8192 pixels |
| Output Ports | 6× Gigabit Ethernet | 6× Gigabit Ethernet; 2× fiber for converter modes |
| Working Modes | Video Controller | Controller, Fiber Converter, Bypass |
| Genlock/Input Mosaic | HDMI/DVI sync; cascading mosaic | Self-adaptive OPT1; mosaic input supported |
| Presets | 16 front-panel | 10 front-panel |
| Scaling & Layers | 3 layers; auto-fit; 16 presets | 3 layers; built-in scaling; 10 presets |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
Colorlight also provides two-in-one LED video controllers, such as the Colorlight X7 all-in-one LED video processor. For more product recommendations, please read Colorlight LED Processor Solutions!
5. Application Scenarios
From high-pressure live concerts to mission-critical command centers, NovaStar VX6s delivers seamless switching, multi-layer layouts, and reliable redundancy to meet varied operational demands:
① Event Rental & Touring: NovaStar VX6s can be rapidly deployed for concert stage LED screen backgrounds, festivals, and touring shows, with front-panel presets for quick switching.
② Broadcast & Live Production: Seamless transitions in switcher mode for multi-camera feeds via SDI/HDMI inputs.
③ Corporate & Conference Halls: USB playback of presentations/media with simple click-through control.
④ Command & Control Rooms: Multi-window layouts for simultaneous monitoring of various video streams.
⑤ Digital Signage & Exhibitions: USB or network content playback, auto-fit scaling, and template presets for unattended displays.
6. How about NovaStar VX6s Price?
What is the price of NovaStar VX16s? The NovaStar VX6s price varies by region, vendor, and service package (warranty, software support, and accessories). Typical ballpark figures (USD):
● MSRP: Approximately $1,600
● Street Price: $1,400–$1,800
● Rental Rate: $200–$300 per day (depending on duration and geography)
Additional cost considerations:
● Cables & Accessories: SDI/HDMI/DVI cables, USB drive, rack ears.
● Software Licenses: V-Can and NovaLCT are generally free, but advanced modules or custom development may incur fees.
● Warranty Extensions: One-year standard, with optional two- or three-year extensions.
7. How to Set up NovaStar VX6s? Quick Guide!
How to set up NovaStar VX6s? Before operating VX6s NovaStar, you need to confirm:
Prerequisites
- The LED screen is standard, not irregular in shape or configuration.
- The cabinets of the LED screen are uniform, and each cabinet maintains an identical resolution.
- The cabinet connection (data flow) must follow one of the eight predefined patterns. The physical connections of cabinets loaded by each Ethernet port must adhere to the same directional flow.
- During data flow configuration, ensure that Ethernet Port 1 is positioned at the start of the entire physical connection, and all ports are connected sequentially without interruption.
Operating Procedure
Step 1. Power on the LED screen.
Step 2. Navigate to the menu page, select “Screen Settings > Quick Config” to access the Quick Configuration page.
Step 3. Set the “Cabinet Row Quantity” and “Cabinet Column Quantity” (number of cabinet rows and columns) according to the actual configuration of the LED screen.
Step 4. Rotate the knob to select “Port 1 Cabinet Quantity” (number of cabinets loaded by Ethernet Port 1) and configure the number of cabinets accordingly.
Note:
The number of cabinets loaded by each Ethernet port must adhere to the following rules:
- Ethernet Port 1 ≥ Ethernet Port 2 ≥ Ethernet Port 3 ≥ Ethernet Port 4 ≥ Ethernet Port 5 ≥ Ethernet Port 6
- The number of cabinets loaded by each Ethernet port must be an integral multiple of the number of cabinet rows or columns in the LED screen.
Step 5. Rotate the knob to select “Data Flow (Front View)”, then press the knob to choose a data flow pattern that corresponds to the current cabinet connection.
Additional Information:
When configuring the data flow, you can preview the results of different data flow patterns in real time on the LED display by rotating the knob. Once satisfied with the LED display image—ensuring no image parts are overlapped or displayed redundantly—press the knob to apply and save the selected data flow. If the “ESC” button is pressed, the current operation will be exited, and the previewed data flow will not be saved.
Here is the NovaStar VX6s manual download to help you understand the more detailed settings of VX6s.
8. FAQs
Q1. Can NovaStar VX6s Handle How Many Pixels?
The VX6s has a maximum loading capacity of 3.9 million pixels, allowing it to drive large LED canvases with crisp detail. Its six Gigabit Ethernet outputs each contribute to this capacity, supporting standard Cat5e/6 daisy-chain or star cabling topologies.
Q2. How to Upload Video to NovaStar VX6s?
- Prepare a USB flash drive formatted in FAT/FAT32 with your media files (MP4, AVI, MKV, JPEG, PNG, MP3, WAV, etc.).
- Insert the USB drive into the NovaStar VX6s USB-A port on the rear panel.
- Connect a USB mouse and the DVI monitor output to the unit to access the Android-based media player interface.
- Navigate the on-screen menu with the mouse to browse and select your video or image files for playback—no PC required.
Q3. What is the resolution of the NovaStar VX6s?
Maximum Output Resolution: 4096 × 4096 pixels, enabling square or ultra-wide LED walls up to this dimension.
Input Support:
- 3G-SDI: up to 1080 p @ 60 Hz
- HDMI 1.3 / DVI: up to 1920 × 1200 @ 60 Hz, with support for custom resolutions (up to 3840 × 648 in Direct mode or 2048 × 1200 in Switcher mode)
Q4. What is the frame rate of NovaStar VX6s?
All video I/O on the VX6s—including SDI, HDMI, DVI inputs, and the DVI monitor port—operates at a 60 Hz refresh rate by default, providing smooth transitions and minimal motion artifacts. The built-in FPGA processing delivers sub-frame latency (under one frame at 60 Hz) for live-event and broadcast applications.
9. Conclusion
NovaStar VX6s is an excellent all-in-one LED video control solution that combines powerful features with user-friendly operation. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications from live events to fixed installations. With multiple input options, seamless switching, and convenient USB playback, the VX6s provides a reliable and efficient choice for high-quality show control.
