Hardware Common Question and Answer

Tech Support
1

What is the maximum loading capacity of the MX40 Pro?

The device loading capacity differs under different bit depths and frame rates. When transmitting an 8bit@60Hz video source, the MX40 Pro’s maximum loading capacity is 9 million pixels. Additionally, the single-port loading capacity of the MX40 Pro differs under different frame rates and bit depths.
Refer to this website for more information.

3

Must COEX controllers be paired with industrial cameras for calibration?

It depends on the type of calibration. For brightness&chroma calibration and brightness calibration, both a digital camera or an industrial camera can be used. Full grayscale calibration requires an industrial camera.

4

Among the MX2000/6000 Pro cards, which ones ship with optical modules and which do not?

MX_4x10G_Fiber output card: Ships with four 10G optical modules (single-mode or multi-mode module model corresponds to the order).
MX_1x40G_Fiber output card: Ships with one 40G optical module (single-mode or multi-mode module model corresponds to the order).
AVoIP card: Does not ship with optical module.

5

In the 5G transmission solution, what is the receiving card loading capacity under different bit depths?

At 8bit and 10bit, the receiving card itself does not reduce loading capacity. At 12bit, the loading capacity is 60% of that at 8bit and 10bit.

6

Which 100G optical module models does NovaStar’s device support?

100GBASE-CR4, 100GBASE-LR4, 100GBASE-KR4.

7

For fixed-design COEX devices, can Ethernet ports and OPT control the LED screen simultaneously?

In VMP V1.2.3 and earlier versions, mixed use was not possible. In VMP V1.4.0 and later versions, they can be used simultaneously provided the ports do not conflict. For example, ports 1-5 can use ethernet ports, while ports 6-10 use OPTs. If the same port is used by both ethernet port and OPT, only the OPT takes effect.

8

Can 1G bandwidth output cards and 5G bandwidth output cards be used simultaneously in modular design COEX devices?

Yes, when both the controller firmware and VMP software are at version V1.4.0 or later, they can be used simultaneously. However, 1G cabinets and 5G cabinets cannot be mixed on the same screen.

9

Can a COEX device use MCTRL 4K as a fiber converter in the link?

No. This is because the MCTRL 4K can only function as a sending card.

10

How many power supplies does the MX6000 Pro ship with?

The MX6000 Pro ships with two power supplies; no additional order is required.

11

Does COEX support custom gamma curves?

The COEX system does not support custom gamma curves. It only supports switching between standard gamma curves.

12

Which interfaces and cards support SPDIF audio output?

MX6000 Pro
DP12x4 Yes
DP14x2 Yes
HDMI20x4 Yes
HDMI21x2 Yes
Combination Card Yes
12G SDIx4 No
ST2110 Subcard (1 primary 1 backup, 2 primary 2 backup, 4HD) No

KU20
HDMI1.3 Yes

MX20
HDMI1.3 Yes
HDMI1.4 Yes

MX30
DP1.1 Yes
HDMI2.0 Yes
HDMI2.0_1 No

MX40Pro
HDMI2.0_2 Yes
HDMI2.0_3 Yes
DP1.2 No

CX40Pro
HDMI20_1 No
HDMI20_2 Yes
DP12 No

13

What is the process for cross-version update of modular design COEX devices?

Modular design devices can perform cross-version update through card version synchronization. If the cross-version is more than 1, VMP will recommend updating to an intermediate version before updating to the target version. For example, when updating from V1.2.3 to V1.5.0, VMP will suggest updating to V1.4.0 first, then to V1.5.0. If the cross-version is too large, please contact NovaStar FAE.

14

When uploading calibration coefficients, it requires matching the cabinet ID, where is cabinet ID from? Where can users check cabinet ID?

The cabinet ID is written by manufacturer during calibration. In the calibration coefficient management interface of VMP, user can hold the mouse over a cabinet to view its ID.

15

Which COEX devices have video input ports that support the color sampling mode YUV4:2:0?

HDMI1.3, HDMI1.4, DP1.1, DP1.2 do not support YUV4:2:0. HDMI2.0, HDMI2.1, DP1.4 supports YUV4:2:0.

16

Can temperature sensors be used for monitoring in VMP V1.5.0?

The monitor function in VMP V1.5.0 does not support monitoring temperature via temperature sensors. It can only be used with the following products:
Fiber converter: CVT10, CVT10 Pro, CVT8-5G
Multifunction card: MFN300
Light sensor: NS060
3D Emitter: EMT200, EMT200 Pro

17

What certifications do COEX devices have?

Please refer to the specifications of the device currently used by the user.

18

Why is the actual loading capacity of COEX sometimes smaller than the total loading capacity of all ports?

This involves two concepts in COEX: port loading capacity and canvas loading capacity.
On traditional controllers, such as the VX series, port loading capacity multiplied by the number of ports equals the controller’s total loading capacity.
However, COEX introduces the concept of a canvas. The “canvas loading capacity” is not necessarily equal to “COEX actual port loading capacity multiplied by the number of ports.” The smaller of the two values determines the COEX controller’s actual loading capacity.
So, how do we compare their sizes under different video source parameters? It is known that port loading capacity is related to resolution, bit depth, and frame rate, while canvas loading capacity is only related to resolution and frame rate. This means that when only the bit depth changes, the single-port loading capacity changes, but the canvas loading capacity does not.
Now, let’s calculate the port loading capacity of the MX40 Pro. Assuming a fixed input of 4K@60Hz video source, the single-port loading capacity at different bit depths is:

  • 8bit → 0.65 million pixels
  • 10bit → 0.48 million pixels
  • 12bit → 0.325 million pixels
    The MX40 Pro has 20 ports, so the total port loading capacity is:
  • 8bit: 13 million pixels
  • 10bit: 9.6 million pixels
  • 12bit: 6.5 million pixels
    However, the canvas loading capacity does not change with bit depth. At 60Hz, the MX40 Pro’s canvas size is at the 4K level, with a loading capacity of 9 million pixels.
    Therefore, under the same 60Hz condition but different bit depths, the smaller value is taken:
  • At 8bit and 10bit, the canvas loading capacity is smaller, so the controller’s actual loading capacity is 9 million pixels.
  • At 12bit, the total port loading capacity is smaller, so the controller’s actual loading capacity is 6.5 million pixels.
19

MX40 Pro has 20 Ethernet ports, why is not its loading capacity 13 million pixels?

The MX40 Pro is a 4K-level controller. Having more ports is for user flexibility in cabinet connecting. Furthermore, the 40 ports mode has been added. It supports higher bit depths, flexible backup, and screen output duplication. It provides users with more flexible usage.

20

Compared to the 1G transmission solution, what are the advantages of the 5G transmission solution?

  1. Bigger loading capacity and faster transmission speed available: With just one cable, you can load 2.9 million pixels—four times more than the traditional 1G solution—supporting more cabinets and significantly reducing the qty for Ethernet cables. The faster data transmission speed improves on-site uploading of coefficients and files. With the 5G solution, it takes much less time to set up and wiring time, cutting labor costs substantially.
  2. Even for high color depth, the loading capacity per port remains impressive:
    8bit@60Hz: 2,951,200 pixels
    10bit@60Hz: 2,213,200 pixels
    12bit@60Hz: 1,475,600 pixels
  3. Minimize the number of cards and processors, enhancing system reliability and reducing the risk of on-site failures.
  4. XA50 Pro supports 512*1024, the perfect fit for fine pitch cabinets like P0.9/ P0.7/ P0.6. One card can drive one cabinet.
21

Which type of network cable is required for the 5G transmission solution?

CAT6A. Currently, only CAT6A bandwidth can support 5G transmission.