What controls an LED screen: NovaStar TB40, TB60, VX400, VX400 Pro, VX1000 and VX1000 Pro

Cover — a conceptual illustration of signal transmission to an LED screen, not a photograph of specific equipment.

An LED screen is not only cabinets, LEDs, and pixel pitch. Equally important is what device feeds it the image: where the clips are stored, how sources are switched, whether content can be updated remotely, and whether a separate computer is needed for day-to-day operation.

In WLTT projects, we use NovaStar devices of two classes: Taurus TB40 and TB60 multimedia players and VX400 and VX400 Pro video controllers. For tasks with a higher pixel load, in this review we will additionally consider VX1000 and VX1000 Pro. They solve different tasks. Some help the screen display advertising materials independently, while others accept signals from external sources, scale the image, and compose several windows on one canvas.

In the VX400 Pro and VX1000 Pro, these capabilities overlap: in addition to processing external video, they can play files directly from a USB drive. Therefore, for a number of everyday scenarios, a separate media computer with Resolume is no longer required. But this does not mean that the controller replaces a full-fledged system for any show.

Player and video processor: what is the difference

A multimedia player stores prepared content and plays it back independently. This is convenient for advertising screens, shop windows, and information panels. Content can be updated without leaving a permanently running computer next to the screen.

A video processor-controller accepts an image from a camera, laptop, external player, or another compatible source. It fits the picture to the LED canvas, manages windows, and sends data to the screen’s receiving cards.

When choosing, it is important to distinguish three characteristics: the resolution of the input signal, file decoding capabilities, and the pixel count of the LED screen itself. Support for a 4K input or file does not yet mean that the device controls a full-fledged 4K LED canvas.

NovaStar TB40: a standalone screen without a permanently connected PC

The TB40 combines a multimedia player and a sending controller. Its task is to accept prepared materials, store them, and display them on the LED screen without constant video transmission from a computer. This is a practical option for advertising, menus, posters, and informational content. [1]

Key features:

• Screen control up to 1.3 million pixels, two gigabit LED OUT outputs.
• 32 GB of built-in storage in the revision described by the specification, USB playback, and video decoding up to 4K with limitations on format and frame rate.
• Asynchronous mode: the player displays stored content independently.
• Synchronous mode: the image comes via HDMI 1.3; the standard maximum input is 1920×1200@60 Hz.
• HDMI output with loop support and a separate audio output.
• Publishing and control from a computer or mobile device; operation with the VNNOX cloud platform, connection of brightness and temperature/humidity sensors.
• The ability to assign one of the two outputs as backup instead of using both as primary.

How it looks in operation. An employee prepares a clip or image and transfers the material to the player. After upload, the device plays local content independently: for normal display, there is no need to keep a laptop turned on with an open video player. Network access is needed for remote updates and control, not for constant transmission of every frame of a local clip.

The TB40 is suitable when the screen fits within its pixel load and autonomy is the main requirement. When connecting a live HDMI source, it is necessary to take scaling limitations into account: the verified specification describes reducing the image, not arbitrary enlargement. This is not a replacement for a full-fledged stage video processor.

NovaStar TB60: standalone playback for higher resolution

The TB60 uses the same standalone playback logic, but is designed for a screen up to 2.3 million pixels and is equipped with four gigabit LED outputs. It is chosen when the TB40 load is no longer sufficient or the project needs a different cabinet connection scheme. [2]

Specification V1.2.4 lists 32 GB of built-in memory, 4K video decoding, USB playback, HDMI input, and HDMI output version 1.3. The standard maximum HDMI input is 1920×1200@60 Hz. The player switches between local content and an external HDMI source.

For decoding resources, alternative options are stated: one 4K clip or two 1080p clips, or a larger number of lower-resolution clips. These are not cumulative capabilities and are not the resolution of the LED canvas. When synchronous playback is enabled on several screens, the available number of simultaneously played videos decreases.

Content management and backup

The Taurus ecosystem uses ViPlex to prepare and transfer content and VNNOX for cloud management. This approach is convenient for screens where materials change regularly and the operator should not have to physically come to the controller every time. Specific functions depend on the software used, firmware, and configured access. [2, 5]

For the TB60, NTP synchronization is available, as well as GPS and RF options with the corresponding additional modules. The 4G module is not included in the basic package. The four LED outputs can operate as primary; a scheme with two primary and two backup outputs is also provided. Backup does not provide additional usable pixel capacity.

Practical choice: the TB60 is for an advertising or information screen that needs standalone operation, remote content updates, and a greater pixel load than the TB40 supports. This is not a reason to choose it only by area in square meters: the real resolution and connection scheme remain decisive.

NovaStar VX400: a previous-generation video processor

The VX400 is an all-in-one class device: the video processor and sending controller are in one enclosure. Unlike Taurus, its main task is to work with external video signals rather than independently play a library of advertising files. [3]

What it can do:

• Drives a screen of up to 2.6 million pixels via four gigabit LED outputs.
• Receives signal via two HDMI 1.3, DVI, 3G-SDI and a compatible OPT 1 optical input.
• Supports two layers — the main image and PIP, with adjustment of size, position, and priority.
• Scales and crops the image, allows saving up to 10 user presets.
• Equipped with two optical ports and an HDMI output for monitoring or video output.
• Supports redundancy, Video Controller, Fiber Converter, and Bypass modes; controlled from the front panel, via NovaLCT, and V-Can.

The VX400 USB connectors are intended for control and cascading. This model does not support playback of videos from a flash drive. Displaying files requires an external source — for example, a separate media player or computer. At the same time, the VX400 itself does not specifically require Resolume: the choice of software depends on the content and complexity of the show.

VX400 is discontinued — what we were able to confirm

According to supplier Pixel Pitchers, the VX400 is discontinued and replaced by the VX400 Pro. In its catalog, the VX400 is marked as *Discontinued* and unavailable for order; the successor is indicated directly. On the official NovaStar website, the VX400 Pro is presented in the current VX Pro series. [6, 7]

No separate public NovaStar notice with the production discontinuation date was found during the review. Therefore, we do not attribute an unconfirmed date to the manufacturer and do not claim that support for already installed devices was simultaneously discontinued.

For a new project, it is logical to consider the VX400 Pro. A working VX400 does not become unusable simply because of a generational change: the need for replacement is determined by the screen tasks, equipment condition, and required functions.

NovaStar VX400 Pro: more capabilities in one device

The VX400 Pro retains a load of up to 2.6 million pixels and four gigabit LED outputs, but significantly expands work with sources, layers, and standalone playback. This is not just a VX400 with a new name. [4]

4K input, layers, and presets

The controller is equipped with HDMI 2.0 with loop, two HDMI 1.3 inputs, 3G-SDI with loop, an optical interface, and USB 3.0 for media. Via HDMI 2.0, it accepts a signal up to 4096×2160@60 Hz — within the limits of supported combinations of color format and color depth.

Instead of the two layers of the previous model, six 2K×1K layer resources are available. Window size, position, and priority are configurable. An important caveat: a 4K×2K layer occupies four such resources, and a 4K×1K layer occupies two. Therefore, “six layers” does not mean six independent 4K windows.

You can save up to 256 presets to quickly return to prepared layouts. Scaling and cropping are performed by the controller: feeding video to an LED canvas with a non-standard aspect ratio does not necessarily require a separate composition program.

Built-in USB player and control

The VX400 Pro plays images and video directly from a USB drive. Supported formats include JPEG/PNG/BMP and H.264/H.265 video; permitted containers, bitrates, and frame rates are defined by the specification. Playback control from the front panel and transition effects between images are available.

Setup and control are available via the front panel, NovaLCT, Unico — client and web interface — and the VICP application. The additional remote control is purchased separately. OSD text and images are provided, but combinations of OSD elements have limitations: this is not an unlimited graphic editor.

Also useful for installation are two optical ports, HDMI monitoring, separate audio input and output, source and line redundancy, and restoration of saved settings after power loss. Redundancy functions must be designed and configured; the presence of a menu item by itself does not create a backup path.

NovaStar VX1000: greater pixel load and centralized control of the LED canvas

The VX1000 combines a video processor and sending controller and is designed for an LED canvas of up to 6.5 million pixels. It has 10 gigabit LED outputs — more than the VX400 and VX400 Pro considered above. This is a candidate for higher total resolution, a wide screen, or several physical LED surfaces configured as areas of a shared composition. [9]

Main specifications according to V1.6.0 specification:

• Up to 6.5 million pixels; maximum width — 10 240 pixels, maximum height — 8192 pixels. These limits do not combine into a rectangle of maximum width and height simultaneously: the total load limit applies.
• Two HDMI 1.4, two DVI, one 3G-SDI and a compatible OPT 1 optical input. The first HDMI, first DVI, and SDI have loop outputs.
• Via HDMI, supported formats include, in particular, 3840×1080@60 Hz or 3840×2160@30 Hz. A full 4K×2K@60 Hz input, as on the VX400 Pro via HDMI 2.0, must not be attributed to this model.
• Three layers with adjustment of size, position, and priority; scaling and cropping of the external signal.
• Up to 10 user presets, control from the front panel, via NovaLCT, and V-Can.
• Two optical ports, HDMI monitoring/video output, Genlock IN/LOOP, and redundancy options. OPT 1 works as either input or output depending on the connection.

What the VX1000 does not replace

The VX1000 is not a standalone media player. Its USB connectors are intended for control and cascading, not for playing videos from a flash drive. Files require an external player or computer. Resolume is not mandatory: for prepared advertising, a suitable external source is sufficient; a specialized media server is needed for more complex tasks.

Ten LED outputs do not mean ten independent video programs. These are data transmission lines to receiving cards. Several separated LED surfaces can be included in a shared screen map, but the number of independent sources and compositions is determined by the layers, external source, geometry, and system settings — not by the number of connectors.

The modes also have limitations. For example, when using a Mosaic source as the main layer, PIP layers are unavailable; in ByPass, video processing is disabled. Therefore, it is not possible to promise all capabilities from the list at the same time. [9]

VX1000 and VX1000 Pro are different models. This section covers the VX1000 specifically. Its advantage over the VX400 Pro is the higher pixel load, but not built-in playback and not the number of layers. Delivery availability and support term should be clarified separately: the specification is not confirmation of current stock availability or production status.

NovaStar VX1000 Pro: VX1000 load, 4K60 input, and built-in USB player

VX1000 Pro is a separate model, not a designation for a VX1000 configuration. It is also rated for 6.5 million pixels and 10 gigabit LED outputs, but combines this load with HDMI 2.0, expanded layer resources, and playback from USB. This is an option for the main LED canvas or a combined composition of several surfaces when the overall load capacity of the VX400 Pro is no longer sufficient. [10]

Key specifications according to the official V1.0.1 specification

• Up to 6.5 million pixels; maximum width — 10 240 pixels, maximum height — 8192 pixels. These limits apply together with the total load limitation, not as the resolution of one maximum rectangle.
• 10 gigabit Ethernet LED outputs. For one port, up to 650 000 pixels are specified at 8-bit input depth; the actual scheme is checked taking into account frame rate, receiving cards, and redundancy.
• Two 10G optical ports — OPT 1 and OPT 2. OPT 1 works as either input or output depending on the connection. OPT 2 is used for output duplication/redundancy or loop output in the corresponding mode. Optical modules are purchased separately. Optics do not increase the pixel capacity of the device.
• One HDMI 2.0 with loop, two HDMI 1.3, 3G-SDI with loop, a compatible optical input via OPT 1, and USB 3.0 for media. The maximum HDMI 2.0 input is 4096×2160@60 Hz; the permissible combinations of color depth and chroma subsampling are defined by the Video Source Features table. In particular, 4:4:4 at 60 Hz for this resolution is specified with 8-bit depth; 12-bit 4:4:4 at 4K60 cannot be promised.
• Six 2K×1K layer resources with size, position, and priority adjustment. A 4K×2K layer occupies four resources, 4K×1K occupies two, 2K×1K occupies one. This is not six independent 4K windows.
• Up to 256 user presets with saving and recall of prepared layouts.
• HDMI 1.3 for monitoring with a fixed output of 1920×1080@60 Hz, Genlock IN/LOOP, separate audio input and output. Control is via the front panel, NovaLCT, the Unico web interface, and the VICP application.

USB playback: useful, but not equal to a media server

VX1000 Pro displays images and video from a USB drive. In the verified version of the specification, JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP and video MP4 with H.264/H.265 are listed, with a single-partition drive using NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT. The maximum media size is 3840×2160; H.264 is decoded up to 30 frames/s, H.265 up to 60 frames/s. This list refers specifically to V1.0.1, not to any firmware version. [10]

The internal USB source has a fixed resolution of 1920×1080@60 Hz. Therefore, support for a 4K file does not mean outputting its full detail to the LED canvas. For prepared clips and images, the built-in player may be sufficient; it does not automatically replace a complex VJ show and Resolume functions.

How it differs from the VX1000

The total load and the number of LED outputs are the same, but the VX1000 Pro has HDMI 2.0/4K60, USB media, and up to 256 presets, whereas the VX1000 discussed above has HDMI 1.4, three layers, 10 presets, and external file playback only. The Pro has six 2K×1K resources instead of the VX1000’s three-layer scheme; the benefit depends on the resolution of the selected sources. The input set is also different: the two DVI inputs of the VX1000 cannot automatically be expected on the Pro. [9, 10]

When to choose it: if you need a controller up to 6.5 million pixels, reception of a compatible 4K60 source, more layout options, or daytime playback of files from USB without a separate player. For independent schedules on separated screens, several Taurus units may still be more convenient; the Pro’s ten LED outputs are not ten independent media players.

Limitations we take into account in the project

• In ByPass, video processing is unavailable. Zero-frame latency is specified for ByPass with Low Latency, not for a normal multilayer composition. In Video Controller mode with Low Latency, 1–2 frames of latency of the device itself are specified.
• In ByPass, Low Latency and Genlock are incompatible; in Video Controller mode there is no such mutual exclusion. For Low Latency, the cabinets must be aligned along the top edge of the bounding rectangle.
• In 3D with Side-by-Side or Top-and-Bottom formats, the output capacity is halved. The 6.5 million value cannot be transferred to this mode without qualification.
• Free topology requires certain compatible receiving cards; the maximum bounding rectangle of the screen must fit within the controller’s load. Checking only the total pixel count does not replace checking the screen map.

When the VX400 Pro lets you do without Resolume and an expensive computer

If the screen’s task is to show ready-made clips, title cards, images, and simple compositions from compatible sources, the VX400 Pro can perform playback and processing on its own. In this scenario, a separate powerful media computer and a Resolume license for playback are not needed.

For example, for background video you can connect a USB drive with prepared files. For a presentation, you can feed the signal from the speaker’s laptop via HDMI. To display a compatible video signal from a camera, use the appropriate controller input. Scaling, window positioning, and switching prepared presets are handled by the VX400 Pro.

This makes it possible not to buy or maintain a separate computer solely for file playback and simple image layout. But the computer used to create clips, prepare presentations, or initially configure the screen is a different task. The controller does not replace it.

Three limitations that are important to know in advance

1. USB playback is not full 4K output. According to specification V1.4.0, the USB player decodes files up to 3840×2160: H.264 — up to 30 frames/s, H.265 — up to 60 frames/s. At the same time, the internal USB source has a fixed resolution of 1920×1080@60 Hz. Support for a 4K file does not mean transmitting all its detail to the screen in 1:1 mode. [4]

2. Window layout is not a VJ system. Resolume is needed when the show requires creative real-time mixing, complex effects, graphics reacting to sound, control via MIDI/OSC, non-standard mapping, or other functions of a specialized media server. In such projects, Resolume and the video controller can complement each other: the former creates the composition, the latter outputs it to the LED screen. [8]

3. The declared functions cannot all be unconditionally enabled at the same time. For example, six layer resources are not equal to six 4K layers. Zero-frame latency is specified for the combination of Low Latency and ByPass, where video processing is unavailable; it cannot be promised for a normal multilayer composition. For Video Controller mode, the specification indicates its own latency of 1–2 frames with Low Latency enabled. This is not the latency of the entire system from camera to LED. [4]

The correct conclusion for the customer

Not every screen needs a media server. If the scenario is simple, the controller’s built-in functions may be sufficient. If a complex show is required, we retain specialized software and select a computer based on real requirements — without promising that one box will replace any tools.

Scenarios for a restaurant: screens in the hall, at the bar, and at the entrance

Below are conditional design examples, not descriptions of client sites. Here, a “screen” means a modular LED surface with compatible receiving cards. Regular televisions cannot be connected to LED OUT as if it were a universal video output: they require a different signal distribution scheme.

1. Different content in different locations: a separate player for each screen

Task: at the entrance — greeting and poster, at the bar — special offers, in the main hall — background video. Each screen has its own schedule and its own program.

A practical architecture is TB40 or TB60 next to each independent LED surface, with program preparation and publishing via ViPlex or configured access to VNNOX. The staff member manages content from a single workflow, while the players themselves play back the uploaded programs locally. Cloud management and its terms are verified separately; it is not implied to be free or automatically configured.

Conditional selection by pixels:

This checks only the total pixel capacity. The number of cabinets, distribution across ports, redundancy mode, and compatibility of receiving cards are verified separately. A small entrance screen does not need a VX1000 just because the restaurant has several more screens.

Advantage: the programs are independent; standard local playback does not require constant video transmission over the internet. At the same time, the stoppage of one player should not stop the other screens if their power and signal paths are truly independent.

2. One match on the hall screens, a separate poster at the entrance

Task: the same broadcast is shown in several places in the hall, while the entrance screen continues the advertising program.

One legal compatible broadcast source is used for the hall. Its video goes to VX400 Pro, VX1000, or VX1000 Pro — depending on the resolution, number of surfaces, and connection scheme. The controller and receiving cards are configured to repeat the image or to use the required areas of the overall composition. This is an engineering setup, not an automatic consequence of connecting several cables.

A separate TB40/TB60 remains at the entrance with its own content. So switching the match to a presentation in the hall does not affect the guest greeting. For an already installed VX400, this scenario is also possible within its load and input format limits: a USB player is not needed for a live broadcast.

If the image passes through different controllers or different paths, synchronization and delays are checked separately. The same clip started manually on several devices does not by itself guarantee frame alignment.

3. Several LED surfaces from one VX1000

Task: two LED screens in different parts of the restaurant and a separate LED surface at the entrance receive image from a single equipment room.

In the conditional example, two screens have a resolution of 1920×1080 each, the entrance one — 768×384. In total, this is 4 442 112 pixels: more than the VX400/VX400 Pro limit, but less than the stated 6.5 mln of the VX1000. This makes the VX1000 a candidate, not a ready conclusion about compatibility.

Next, you need to check the overall virtual canvas, its width and height limitations, layer and source resources, the load of each output, frame rate, and redundancy. If the surfaces need different images, they are assembled with the available layers or a ready-made overall composition is generated by an external source with a suitable resolution. For text and menus, it is especially important not to lose detail when scaling the input.

Signal scheme: external source or sources → VX1000 → designed LED lines / compatible optical converters → receiving cards of the corresponding surfaces.

Transmission to a remote screen is designed according to the route length. LED OUT is not a regular local network for connection through arbitrary network switches. Optical interfaces require compatible equipment and do not create additional pixel capacity.

The price of centralization is a single point of failure: stopping the only controller may affect all connected surfaces. For independent daily advertising programs, a scheme with several Taurus units is often simpler to operate.

For comparison, four 1920×1080 surfaces are 8 294 400 pixels, more than the limit of one VX1000. The number of free connectors does not solve the problem here: a different architecture or a controller of the appropriate class is needed.

4. Everyday restaurant by day, events in the evening

Task: by day, the main screen shows prepared clips; in the evening — a presentation, a performance video signal, or visual accompaniment.

For the main canvas, within the load limits, VX400 Pro can display daytime materials from USB without a separate playback computer. External inputs and preconfigured presets are used at the event. If a VJ show with effects is required, a computer with Resolume is connected; the controller remains part of the output system. The internal USB source limitation of 1920×1080@60 Hz remains.

The entrance screen and other independent information surfaces continue to operate on TB40/TB60. If the main canvas needs a higher load and VX1000 is selected, an external player is also planned for daytime files: it has no USB playback. An alternative is the VX1000 Pro with the same total pixel load and a built-in USB player, but with the same USB source limitation of 1920×1080@60 Hz.

Entrance screen: a separate check of installation conditions

The entrance may be indoors, behind shop-window glass, or outdoors — these are different conditions. Illumination, daytime readability, nighttime brightness reduction, temperature, moisture protection, and service access are checked. The controller itself does not make LED panels suitable for outdoor use; the controller and power supply are placed in suitable protected conditions.

For brief contact with a passerby, large text and a simple composition are more useful than a small menu across the entire screen. The program at the entrance should solve its own task and not necessarily repeat the video sequence from the hall.

Comparison: which NovaStar to choose for the task

*¹ According to TB40 Specification V1.2.1; earlier released units may have different memory capacity. ² VX400 Pro plays content from USB; the presence of memory for settings does not mean built-in storage for video files. ³ With a Mosaic source on the main layer, PIP is unavailable.*

Pixel load is not screen area. With the same physical dimensions, a finer pixel pitch means higher resolution. When selecting, the load of each output, the cabinet layout, frame rate, receiving card compatibility, and redundancy are also checked. The maximum width and height values do not mean they can be used simultaneously at the maximum total load.

For a standalone advertising or information screen, we choose TB40 or TB60 — according to the actual resolution, connection, and content update scenario.

For presentations, events, and several external sources, we consider VX400 Pro. It provides more flexibility in inputs and layers, and the built-in USB player helps simplify the system for everyday display.

For a greater total load and centralized video distribution, we consider VX1000 if the input formats, three layers, and distribution scheme are suitable. An external file source is mandatory; VX1000 is not an enlarged equivalent of VX400 Pro in all functions.

For loads up to 6.5 million pixels with 4K60 input and USB display, we consider VX1000 Pro. We check layer resources, the screen map, and the internal Full HD USB source limitation: the word Pro does not cancel these conditions.

For independent programs on screens in different locations, several TB40/TB60 units under unified content management are often more convenient. A Taurus combination for the entrance and VX for the main canvas makes it possible to separate daily advertising and events.

For an existing screen with VX400, we first assess what is actually missing. If USB playback, an HDMI 2.0 input, or more complex compositions are needed, upgrading to Pro makes practical sense.

We will select the controller together with the screen

At WLTT, we select the controller to fit the usage scenario, not only the model name. Tell us the desired screen dimensions, pixel pitch, content type, and signal sources via the form on the website or the AI assistant on wltt.asia.

If the pixel pitch has not yet been selected, start with the WLTT LED simulator. Then you can determine the resolution, controller, and the appropriate way to manage content.

Sources

1. NovaStar TB40 Multimedia Player Specifications V1.2.1, 20.10.2024, sections Features, Appearance, Media Decoding Specifications. Official PDF. 2. NovaStar TB60 Multimedia Player Specifications V1.2.4, 31.07.2026. Manufacturer specification; printed pages 2–6 and 9–10. 3. NovaStar VX400 All-in-One Controller Specifications V1.0.0, 30.08.2022, printed pages 1–5. Official PDF. 4. NovaStar VX400 Pro All-in-One Controller Specifications V1.4.0, 30.07.2026. Manufacturer specification; printed pages 2–7 — functions and limitations, 9 — USB, 10–13 — interfaces. PDF via link from the NovaStar website. 5. NovaStar, Taurus series and ViPlex software. Manufacturer page. 6. Pixel Pitchers, NovaStar VX400 — Discontinued. Supplier page. Wording: «The VX400 is discontinued and has been replaced by VX400 Pro». 7. NovaStar, VX Pro series. Manufacturer page. 8. Resolume Avenue & Arena. Official feature description: effects, audio reactivity, MIDI/OSC, projection mapping.

9. NovaStar VX1000 All-in-One Controller Specifications V1.6.0, 08.07.2024. Official PDF.

10. NovaStar VX1000 Pro All-in-One Controller Specifications V1.0.1, 05.03.2025. Official PDF.