In traditional film and television production, in addition to shooting real scenes, professionals often use another indoor shooting technique—green screen. However, this technique can pose several significant problems:
In light of these issues, it's no wonder that xR virtual shooting technology has gained significant momentum in recent years. With the capacity to bypass the traditional green screen technique and replace it with LED screens, professionals can enjoy a convenient and immersive WYSIWYG (what you see is what your get) shooting experience, greatly reducing the hassles of post-production. As such, xR virtual shooting is becoming more and more widely used in the fields of film and television shooting, TV program production, advertising, web-based content creation, and visual creativity.
xR, short for Extended Reality, is a technology that combines VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality). It uses computer image rendering engines to display virtual scenes in real-time on LED screens, and with the help of actors and props, it can create unlimited visuals in a limited space through camera tracking and shutter fit technologies, without the need for real outdoor scenes or green screens.
Compared to traditional shooting or green screen shooting, xR virtual shooting has the following advantages:
xR technology provides an immersive shooting experience for directors and actors, allowing them to see what they're shooting in real-time and delivering more realistic performances, ultimately improving the overall quality of the film.
xR technology allows for rapid scene switching and real-time adjustment and modification of scene content without space/time limitations. This greatly improves the efficiency of scene changes, reducing post-production costs.
Thanks to the rapidly improving LED display technology and continuously advancing software rendering capabilities, xR technology presents an exciting opportunity to streamline post-production workload and expedite the production cycle, ultimately resulting in significantly increased efficiency.
xR virtual shooting end-to-end topology
xR Configuration List
Module | Function |
LED Screen |
A background screen that typically requires features such as a wide color gamut, high grayscale, zero color difference in its LEDs, large visibility range and decent mask shading capability. |
LED Controller |
The LED controller receives the virtual images transmitted from the media server and outputs them to the LED screen. It requires a sophisticated and cutting-edge video processing technology that is capable of delivering impeccable color fidelity and precise grayscale adjustments necessary to elevate the display performance of the LED screen. Additionally, it necessitates extended support for crucial functionalities such as shutter fit, phase offset, and frame multiplication, enabling the video processing system to tackle common challenges that plague camera-based systems - scan lines and color deviations - with utmost efficiency. |
xR Media Server |
The media server includes hardware and software platforms. It creates a live model on the 3D software platform, integrates various video signals, including signals from the camera tracking system, signals provided by the rendering engine, etc., and outputs them after video synthesis, achieving the final xR effect. |
Camera |
A camera in the real space, it needs to support the Genlock interface. If multiple cameras are used for shooting, the camera needs to support the initial phase adjustment function. |
Camera Tracking System | It maps the (x,y,z) coordinates data of the camera in real shooting to the 3D modeling platform for synchronizing the virtual camera. |
Motion Capture System | A tracking system for the AR foreground object in the rendering engine. For example, when an actor opens his hand and lights up a fire, it is the system's job to define the position of the fire. |
Real-time Render Engine | It can render video content based on the movement of the camera in the three-dimensional space, which is then transmitted to the media server for integration and output. |
Sync Signal Generator | It connects various systems on-site (LED control system, shooting system, rendering system, etc.) into a common signal synchronization system to ensure the synchronization of system signals. |
The most fundamental difference between xR virtual shooting and traditional screens is that xR screen is designed for machines, while ordinary screens are mostly designed for humans. Therefore, the performance of LED screens in the camera lens is particularly important in xR applications.
Existing xR problems and requirements for LED systems
The color gamut of LED screens currently has no industry standards, so different LEDs could have different color gamut performances. However, many films are produced based on the standard color gamut, such as BT.709 for the LCD industry, DCI-P3 for the cinema industry, and BT.2020 for HDR standards. Therefore, the color gamut of most LED screens does not match the source, causing the video played on the LED screen to have color deviation, and the color effect of the photographed footage does not match what is seen on the monitor.
When the LED screen does not have enough gray levels, it will cause contours and uneven transitions in low gray images. The non-linear response of the low-grayscale will also cause inaccurate colors and the appearance of contours.
Generally, when the camera shoots the display screen, because the sensing unit of the camera performs line-by-line exposure, it does not capture the entire scanning area of the LED screen, resulting in dark lines or bands when images are merged.
Due to differences in the light flux of LEDs from different angles, and the different shapes of xR screens such as 90 degrees corner screens, sky screens, and floor tile screens, the color and brightness of the screens seen from the same angle may differ from each other.
To address these issues, the LED control system needs to meet the following requirements:
Based on the characteristics of xR virtual shooting, Xi'an NovaStar Tech Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as NovaStar) has unveiled its trailblazing COEX control system solution to cater expressly to the specifications of virtual shooting and boasts a unique suite of image-enhancing technologies. The solution deftly eradicates vexing issues such as pesky scan lines, color deviation, and loss of details. As a result, the images are imbued with a crystal clearness of detail and true-to-life color fidelity, culminating in stunningly precise and lifelike shooting outcomes, paving the way for genuinely immersive "what you see is what you get" shooting experiences. On top of that, with NovaStar's VMP (Vision Management Platform), the solution combines the quaternity of design, debugging, management, and monitoring into one package. Managing the display system has never been this efficient and convenient.
LED Screen Diagram
The COEX control system solution can cover the entire process from shipment to installation of the screen, and the following diagram illustrates the support provided by COEX in each stage.
About NCP Files
- To fully use the functionalities of the NovaStar COEX control system, it is necessary to ensure that the debugging process is completed and the cabinet library file (.ncp) is generated before the screen leaves the factory. The debugging process includes driver IC basic illumination test, frame rate adaptive configuration, cabinet optical correction (image booster), and cabinet thermal correction (thermal compensation), of which cabinet thermal correction can be performed as needed.
- NCP file combines the cabinet configuration file, firmware program, screen calibration data, and screen temperature data into one file for management. Users can easily manage the entire process of screen configuration using the NCP file on-site.
- To generate the NCP file, contact NovaStar technical engineers before the screen leaves the factory.
Solution Topology
Device list of COEX system
Module | Description |
Control Software |
VMP |
LED Display Controller |
MX40 Pro (1G), CX40 Pro (5G), MX6000 Pro (1G/5G), MX2000 Pro (1G/5G) |
Receiving Card |
A10s Pro (1G), CA50E (5G) |
Fiber Converter (Long-distance Transmission) |
CVT10 Pro (1G), CVT8-5G (5G) |
Note:
The 1G/5G in the table refers to the output bandwidth of a single Ethernet port. The MX6000 Pro and MX2000 Pro are card-based devices that can be flexibly configured to control systems with either 1G or 5G output bandwidth.
- 1G: a single port loads 659,722 pixels (8bit@60Hz).
- 5G: a single port loads 2,951,200 pixels (8bit@60Hz).
For more details, please refer to 3.2 COEX Single-Card Controller Specifications / 3.3 COEX Card-Based Controller Specifications.
Overview
Image booster can enhance the display effect via the following three methods:
By using a colorimeter to examine and calibrate the original color gamut of the screen, and with the help of NovaStar's unique color management algorithm, the image booster will realign the LED screen's color gamut to approximate the standard color gamut of BT.709, BT.2020, DCI-P3, and eventually, the color gamut is adjusted to be consistent with the video source, eliminating color deviation and reproducing natural colors.
Before and after color management
With the help of professional optical instruments, this feature individually corrects the 65,536 levels of grayscale of the driver IC to fix the display problems at low grayscale conditions, such as brightness spikes, brightness dips, color cast and mottling and achieve pinpoint accuracy in grayscale control, allowing for a significant improvement in the quality of LED display images.
Before and after precise grayscale adjustment
Harnessing the power of image quality algorithms, the bit depth of low-grayscale on the screen is elevated, resulting in an incredible 64-fold surge in dynamic contrast. This process effectively addresses common issues such as grayscale loss and contour lines that arise in case of insufficient grayscale on the screen, allowing for richer grayscale shading and intricate detail presentation for on-screen images.
Before and after 22bit+ is enabled
Applicable Scenarios
The image booster is primarily designed to address the following issues:
Prerequisites
To use the image booster, please contact NovaStar technical engineers before the cabinets leave the factory. Color analyzer such as CA410-VP427, CA410-P427, and EYE2-400 will be used to perform color gamut and brightness calibration. The image booster parameters will be integrated into the cabinet library file (.ncp).
Procedure
1. Select , and then find LED Image Booster on the right side of the screen under the Image Quality tab.
2. Manage color gamut.
Select an output color gamut from the drop-down list of Color Gamut. The output color gamut can be a standard color gamut, a custom color gamut, the original color gamut of the screen, or the color gamut of the input source (follow the input source).
To set a custom color gamut, click and select a color gamut in the attribute area of the color gamut screen. Then, adjust the parameters of red, green, blue, and white. You can also rename the custom color gamut.
3. Drag the slider to adjust color temperature.
4. Adjust the grayscale of the screen.
Toggle on Magic Gray to enable 22bit+ and Precise Grayscale
Overview
There are two HDR encoding formats supported: HDR10 and HLG. It complies with the SMPTE ST 2084/SMPTE ST 2086 standards, which allows for a wider color gamut, higher color depth, and greater brightness range. This makes the display quality richer, the contrast more vivid, and the details in shadow and highlight areas more refined.
Before and after HDR
Applicable Scenarios
Prerequisites
Supports automatic parsing and manual setting of HDR. When the input source is 12G-SDI, DP 1.2, or non-standard HDR sources, manual setting of HDR attributes is also supported.
Procedure
When HDR10 is selected, the following parameters should be set:
ST2084 (PQ): This mode 1:1 maps the brightness of the video source. The part of the video source that exceeds the screen's maximum brightness is adjusted to the maximum brightness.
ST2086 (Linear Mapping): This mode linearly maps the brightness of the video source according to the screen's maximum brightness to ensure that the ratio of the brightness of the source content remains unchanged.
Notes
When using a 10-bit HDR source, the output load will decrease accordingly. See the following figure for details:
Single Ethernet port output load
Bit Depth |
COEX 1G MX40 Pro + A10s Pro MX6000 Pro/MX2000 Pro + A10s Pro |
COEX 5G CX40 Pro + CA50E MX6000 Pro/MX2000 Pro + CA50E |
8bit |
659,722 pixels |
2,951,200 pixels |
10bit |
494,792 pixels |
2,213,200 pixels |
Overview
To address the redness at the edges of the cabinet/module and bluish-green color in the center caused by uneven heat dissipation of the screen, compensation coefficients must be dynamically adjusted based on the LED screen's status in real-time.
Before and after thermal compensation
Applicable Scenarios
Extended use of the LED screen can induce an increase in temperature, leading to varying degrees of attenuation in the RGB diodes. Usually, the Red diodes exhibit higher attenuation compared to G and B diodes in response to rising temperature, resulting in a bluish-green hue on the cabinet. Additionally, the overall display inconsistency could also be due to the uneven heat dissipation of the cabinet/module. This entails: 1) better heat dissipation at the edges; 2) chips generating more heat; 3) the power supply box areas being the hottest. Ultimately, these effects exhibit as reddish edges and bluish-green color blocks in the cabinet's center.
Prerequisites
To use Thermal Compensation, please contact NovaStar technical engineers before the cabinets leave the factory to collect thermal data of the cabinet and integrate the thermal compensation parameters into the cabinet library file (.ncp).
Procedure
Overview
To adjust the display effects for varying frame rates range from 23.98 Hz to the max frame rate supported by the screen (max frame rate is decided by the screen's hardware configuration), ensuring that the max brightness and color temperature remain consistent at different frame rates. It is suitable for scenarios that need to change the frame rate, such as using different types of video sources with different frame rates, and achieve perfect playback of high frame rate videos.
Frame Rate Adaptive
Applicable Scenarios
Prerequisites
COEX 1G solution: ICND2055, ICND2065, ICND2069, MBI5253A, MBI5253B, MBI5754B, MBI5264, MBI5264B, MBI5264C, CFD555A.
COEX 5G solution: ICND2055, ICND2065, ICND2069, ICND2076, MBI5264, MBI5264B, MBI5264C.
More driver ICs will be supported in the future. If you have any questions, please contact NovaStar.
Procedure
You can easily switch to different output frame rates via Screen Settings.
Notes
Flickering may occur when the selected frame rate exceeds the maximum supported by the screen.
For example, if the maximum frame rate is 196 Hz and a frame rate of 240 Hz is selected, flickering will occur since it exceeds the screen's hardware capability.
Overview
Enabling Low Latency can reduce the delay in data processing and transmission of LED controllers by 1 frame. The latency of the whole system is illustrated in the following figure:
System Latency Components
About System Latency
The latency of the whole system is cumulative, and no latency will occur without any relevant settings.
For example, using an A10s Pro receiving card, along with settings such as no loop output, Send-only Controller mode enabled, and Low Latency enabled in VMP, can result in a total system latency of two frames.
Applicable Scenarios
For scenarios where there is a latency between the input video source and the final display image on the LED screen.
Prerequisites
This feature is mutually exclusive with Genlock synchronization and frame multiplication.
NovaStar is actively working to resolve this issue in subsequent versions of VMP. For ongoing updates and more information, please visit the NovaStar official website at www.novastar.tech
Procedure
Notes
When Low Latency is enabled, please make sure all Ethernet ports load the cabinets vertically and share the same Y coordinate. If a custom configuration is required, such as a cabinet being loaded horizontally on Ethernet port 2 or starting at a different coordinate than port 1, enabling Low Latency may result in a decreased load.
Overview
This feature enables the synchronization of various on-site systems, including the LED control system, shooting system, and rendering system. By combining these systems into a common signal synchronization system, it ensures that all system signals are precisely synchronized.
Additionally, this feature supports setting phase offsets and adjusting the phase of the video frame relative to the selected sync source displayed on the screen. This can help resolve issues such as black lines and scan lines.
Before and after phase offset
Applicable Scenarios
In a multi-system scenario, such as a shooting situation, black lines and scan lines may appear due to discrepancies between the camera's exposure time and the screen's refresh rate, or misaligned frequency and cycle. To remedy this issue, a Genlock generator can be utilized to synchronize the LED controller and camera, while also adjusting the output phase offset. By doing so, the system can maintain precise synchronization between the LED screen and camera.
Prerequisites
1. Make sure that the controller and camera both use the same Genlock signal generator. Additionally, the camera used should meet the following requirements:
2. Mutually exclusive function: Low Latency.
Procedure
1. Select Screen Setting, and then find Sync on the right side of the screen under the Output tab.
2. Select a sync signal for the display frame rate.
3. Set the phase offset to adjust the start phase of the output frame rate of the sync source. This will ensure that the display start time of the LED screen is in sync with the exposure start time of the camera, effectively eliminating issues such as black lines and image tearing when using a camera to capture LED screens.
4. To examine whether Genlock synchronization is successfully enabled, you can use any of the following methods:
Notes
1. It is recommended to separate the Genlock signal generator and other high-power devices (such as media servers) for power supply. When the on-site power supply network is optimal, it can share the same power line with the LED controller.
2. For complex sites, one or more separate LED controllers are required to be powered separately from other high-power devices (such as LED screens, lights, and stereos). It is not recommended to use the same industrial power supply box for LED controllers and other high-power devices (this includes LED controllers and other devices sharing the same power supply box but using different power supply ports).
3. When the stability of the on-site power supply is not guaranteed, it is recommended to add an isolation transformer or UPS before the Genlock signal generator and LED controllers. It is imperative that the capacity of the isolated power supply must meet the requirements of the sync generator and LED controller.
4. Double-shielded cables should be used for the Genlock connection.
Overview
This feature adapts the screen and camera shutter to produce better filming results. It supports custom adjustment from 22.5° to 360° with an accuracy of up to 0.001°. Commonly used angles include 180°, 270°, and 360°.
Before and after Shutter Fit
Applicable Scenarios
During the debugging, Shutter Fit can be used to synchronize the camera's shutter speed and automatically adjust the screen according to the camera's exposure time and frequency. By combining this feature with phase offset, scan lines during shooting can be effectively eliminated.
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that the controller and camera Genlock are successfully synchronized. (For the detailed procedures, see 2.4.1 Genlock Synchronization)
2. Shutter Fit needs to work with Frame Rate Adaptive. Please contact NovaStar technical engineers to integrate the frame rate adaptive parameters into the cabinet library file (.ncp) before the cabinets leave the factory.
3. The camera must meet the following requirements:
Procedure
1. Check the current shutter angle/speed in the camera settings menu.
For most rolling shutter cameras, the total exposure time Ttotal = Tset +△T.
Camera shutter angle/speed example (the position of parameters may vary among different camera models, for reference only)
2. Open VMP, select Screen Settings, and then find Shutter Fit on the right side of the screen under the Output tab.
3. Set the toggle switch to on, select a mode and then set the related parameters.
Notes
After adjusting the frame multiplication/shutter fit, the original phase offset will no longer apply and needs to be readjusted.
Overview
Storing multiple sets of display configurations for a given screen type allows you to select different mode parameters based on the application scenario. This ensures that LED screens are able to achieve optimal display quality in various scenarios.
Applicable Scenarios
In the rental business, the same cabinet can be used for multiple purposes by adjusting mode parameters according to the required display effect based on the scene set-up.
For example, a P3.91 cabinet can be used in high-brightness mode for outdoor usage and switched to low-brightness mode to eliminate scan lines for xR virtual shooting.
Prerequisites
To use different modes, please contact NovaStar technical engineers to configure mode parameters into the cabinet library file (.ncp) according to the application scenarios before the cabinets leave the factory.
Procedure
Overview
By doubling or reducing the frame rate, the frame rate synchronization between multiple processors can be matched, supporting frame rates of up to 240 Hz (depending on the maximum frame rate of the screen). This can effectively resolve synchronization issues between multiple processors. When combined with a high frame rate, it can deliver optimal image quality for both camera lenses and the human eye.
Through frame interpolation, users can fuse scenes in video output using various sources such as images captured from different angles, independent video sources, or solid color images. By synchronizing the camera and setting an appropriate phase offset, it's possible to capture normal video frames alongside inserted image frames to achieve multi-camera shooting.
Applicable Scenarios
Example of Frame Multiplication
Prerequisites
Mutually exclusive function: Low Latency.
Procedure
Notes
When Frame Multiplication is enabled, the output load of the device will decrease accordingly. See the following figure for details:
Single Ethernet port output load
Frame Rate |
COEX 1G MX40 Pro + A10s Pro MX6000 Pro/MX2000 Pro + A10s Pro |
COEX 5G CX40 Pro + CA50E MX6000 Pro/MX2000 Pro + CA50E |
60 Hz |
659,722 |
2,915,200 |
120 Hz |
329,861 |
1,475,600 |
144 Hz |
274,884 |
1,229,600 |
240 Hz |
164,931 |
737,800 |
When setting frame multiplication, ensure that the frame rate and load range are appropriate to avoid system overload, which may lead to screen flickering.
Overview
This feature is for replacing one color in the image with another color without affecting other colors.
Before and after Color Replacement
Applicable Scenarios
Typically, advertising videos feature products in only one color. However, promoting products in other colors from the same series requires laborious and time-consuming re-rendering. To simplify this process, the color replacement function enables users to directly replace the specified color in their advertising video with the desired color.
Procedure
1. Select Processing and then find Color Replacement on the right side of the screen.
2. Set the Color Replacement to on and then set the colors before and after replacement.
3. Set Hue Tolerance, Hue Softness, Shadow Strength, and Skin Tone Protect.
Notes
Overview
The feature color correction of 14 colors: red, orange, yellow, lime, green, turquoise, cyan, cobalt, blue, purple, black, white. It corrects the active colors on the screen to make them more consistent with the target color.
For the 12 colors, it adjusts hue, saturation, and brightness. For black and white, it adjusts R, G, and B.
Applicable Scenarios
When precise on-site color display is required, such as when displaying green color, it is essential for color coordinates to meet certain standards. If the color captured by the camera does not accurately match the color displayed on the screen, users can compare the colors with their naked eyes, and then adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness to make them closer to the target color.
14Ch Color Correction (using green as an example)
Procedure
Parameter |
Change in Value |
Hue (H) |
Positive value: The hue angle changes counterclockwise. |
Negative value: The hue angle changes clockwise. | |
Saturation (S) |
Decrease to -100%: The 12 colors are gradually diluted. |
Increase to +100%: The 12 colors are more vivid and rich. | |
Brightness (B) |
Decrease to -100%: The 12 colors gradually darken. |
Increase to +100%: The 12 colors are brighter, and the colors seems to be diluted. |
Notes
Overview
This feature can be used to quickly adjust the brightness and hue of the image, and customize the color presentation under different gray levels.
Before and after contrast enhancement
Comparison of color rendering effects after adjustment
Applicable Scenarios
Customize the response curves for red, green, blue, and white to enable independent fine-tuning of highlights and low grays. This ensures that the screen does not get overexposed from high brightness while preserving rich details in low grays. Additionally, this feature allows for fine-tuning of the screen display to compensate for differences in ambient light and camera performance.
Procedure
1. Select Processing and then find Curves on the right side of the screen.
2. Set the Curves to on.
The color curves can adjust the brightness of all gray-scale images, including low grays, mid-tones, and highlights.
3. Drag the slider at the bottom of the curve diagram to set the curve adjustment range. Click anywhere on the curve to add an adjustment point and drag the point to adjust the curve. The Input and Output values indicate the absolute coordinates of the adjustment point in the diagram.
4. Click on the right of Channel to reset the color curve of the current channel. Click next to Curves to reset all color curves.
Notes
Overview
A set of mapping relationships are defined in the 3D LUT file (.cube) to adjust the colors of the video source. It is commonly used in the film and image processing industries. With this feature, you can change target colors without affecting neutral gray and other colors, which eliminates the issue of layer merging and maintains smooth color transitions. Additionally, this feature provides precise control over the entire color space, offering more accurate colors and enhancing the overall effect.
Before and after loading 3D LUT file
Applicable Scenarios
Prerequisites
To use this feature, please prepare a 3D LUT file (.cube) with a precision of 17×17×17. This file can be generated from professional color correction software such as DaVinci, Photoshop, 3D LUT Creator, among others.
Procedure
VMP (Vision Management Platform) is designed with a concept of opening platform, offering a seamless, all-around user experience for device management, input source configuration, screen configuration, screen correction, color processing, screen adjustment, screen monitoring, preset management, and screen maintenance. Its WYSIWYG interface provides a highly convenient and responsive experience for users. Currently, VMP is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
VMP Workflow
Managing devices by dividing screens into groups. Hosting large-scale live events with multiple screens has never been this easy.
Managing devices by groups
Irregular screens don't need to follow rectangle restrictions. When calculating screen resolutions, blank pixels aren't counted toward the total capacity for more efficient use of the Ethernet port's load capacity.
No rectangle restriction
For quick configuration in various scenarios, adjust display parameters such as brightness, color temperature, and gamma ahead of time and save them as presets. You can save up to 50 customizable presets which can be easily applied or switched with just one click during shooting.
Switching Presets
Click Preset on the main interface of VMP to set up presets.
Before the LED screen is constructed on-site, you can add offline devices and pre-configure the screen settings. You can then easily import the pre-configured settings for swift and hassle-free usage of the LED screen.
Select Tools > Offline Mode from the VMP toolbar to enter or exit offline mode.
Six in one, the NCP file combines the cabinet configuration file, receiving card firmware program, image booster (cabinet optical correction), frame rate adaptive parameters, mode adjustment parameters, and thermal compensation (cabinet thermal correction) into one file. By uploading the NCP file from a computer or pre-load the file in the control system, users can utilize the NCP file at any time to light up the screen with a few clicks and achieve optimal display effects.
To generate the NCP file, please contact NovaStar technical engineers before the screen leaves the factory.
NCP File
After receiving the NCP file, select Tools > Maintain from the VMP toolbar. Under the Cabinet tab, you can choose the cabinet that needs to be updated, then click on the Update button to upload the NCP file. You can also select Settings > Cabinet Library to manage NCP files.
The open protocol documents can be obtained from NovaStar website at www.novastar.tech.
Feature |
MX40 Pro (1G) |
MX30 (1G) |
MX20 (1G) |
KU20 (1G) |
CX40 Pro (5G) |
Load Capacity |
9,000,000 pixels |
6,500,000 pixels |
3,900,000 pixels |
3,900,000 pixels |
9,000,000 pixels |
Inputs |
3x HDMI 2.0 (IN + LOOP) 1x DP1.2 1x 12G-SDI (IN + LOOP) |
1x HDMI 2.0 (IN + LOOP) |
2x HDMI 1.3 (IN + LOOP) 1x 3G-SDI (IN + LOOP) |
1x HDMI 1.3 (IN + LOOP) |
2x HDMI 2.0 (IN + LOOP) |
Outputs |
20x 1Gbps Neutrik 4x 10G OPT 1x SPDIF |
10x 1Gbps Neutrik 2x 10G OPT 1x SPDIF |
6x 1Gbps 2x 10G OPT 1x SPDIF |
6x 1Gbps 1x 10G OPT 1x SPDIF |
6x 5Gbps Neutrik 1x 40Gbps QSFP+ 1x SPDIF |
Genlock |
1x (IN + LOOP) |
1x (IN + LOOP) |
1x (IN + LOOP) |
\ |
1x (IN + LOOP) |
Controls |
TCP/IP protocol, RJ45 connector |
TCP/IP protocol, RJ45 connector |
TCP/IP protocol, RJ45 connector |
TCP/IP protocol, RJ45 connector |
TCP/IP protocol, RJ45 connector |
Max Resolution |
4096×2160@60Hz |
4096×2160@60Hz |
1920×1200@60Hz |
1920×1200@60Hz |
4096×2160@60Hz |
Bit Depth |
12bit/10bit/8bit |
10bit/8bit |
10bit/8bit |
8-bit (customized version supports 10bit) |
12bit/10bit/8bit |
Max Input Width |
8192 |
8192 |
3840 |
3840 |
8192 |
Max Input Height |
8192 |
7680 |
2560 |
2560 |
8192 |
Frame Rate Adaptive |
Customizable from 23.98 Hz to 240 Hz. Step: 0.01 Hz |
Customizable from 23.98 Hz to 240 Hz. Step: 0.01 Hz |
Customizable from 23.98 Hz to 144 Hz. Step: 0.01 Hz |
Customizable from 23.98 Hz to 120 Hz. Step: 0.01 Hz |
Customizable from 23.98 Hz to 240 Hz. Step: 0.01 Hz |
No Rectangle Restriction |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Layer Limit |
4 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
Max Output Width |
16384 |
16384 |
4096 |
4096 |
16384 |
Max Output Height |
16384 |
16384 |
4096 |
4096 |
16384 |
List of Supported Receiving Cards |
|
||||
14h Color Correction |
√ |
√ |
√ |
\ |
√ |
Color Replacement |
√ |
\ |
\ |
\ |
√ |
3D LUT |
√ |
\ |
\ |
\ |
√ |
Curves |
√ |
\ |
\ |
\ |
√ |
Precise Grayscale |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ |
22bit+ |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ |
Color Management |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ |
Brightness and Chroma Calibration |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Full-grayscale Calibration |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ |
Thermal Compensation |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ |
Dynamic Booster |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
\ |
\ |
\ |
√ |
HDR (HDR10 / HLG) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
\ |
\ |
√ |
Brightness Overdrive |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ |
Sync |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Frame Multiplication/Frame Multiplexing |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
\ |
\ |
\ |
√ |
Shutter Fit |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
\ |
\ |
\ |
√ |
Low Latency (<1 Frame) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√ |
Preset |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Image Rotation in 90° Increments |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ (*Only supported by A10s Pro) |
√ |
SNMP |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Art-Net |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
\ |
Feature |
MX6000 Pro (1G/5G) |
MX2000 Pro (1G/5G) |
Load Capacity |
141 million pixels (max) |
35.38 million pixels (max) |
Input Cards |
8 |
2 |
Output Cards |
8 |
2 |
Inputs |
Available input cards are as follows: Video-over-IP input cards: MX_1xST 2110 (25G) input card MX_2xST 2110 (25G) input card
8K input cards: MX_2×HDMI 2.1 input card MX_2×DP 1.4 input card MX_1×DP 1.4+1×HDMI 2.1 input card
4× 4K input cards: MX_4×HDMI 2.0 input card MX_4×DP 1.2 input card MX_4×12G-SDI input card |
|
Outputs |
Available output cards are as follows: MX_4×10G_Fiber output card MX_1x40G_Fiber output card |
|
Genlock |
1x (IN + LOOP) |
1x (IN + LOOP) |
Control method |
TCP/IP protocol, RJ45 connector |
TCP/IP protocol, RJ45 connector |
Bit Depth |
12bit/10bit/8bit |
12bit/10bit/8bit |
Max Input Width |
16384 |
16384 |
Max Input Height |
16384 |
16384 |
Frame Rate Adaptive |
Customizable from 23.98 Hz to 480 Hz. Step: 0.01 Hz |
Customizable from 23.98 Hz to 480 Hz. Step: 0.01 Hz |
No rectangle restriction |
√ |
√ |
Layer Limit |
Up to 32× 4K layers
Notes: A single output card supports up to 4× 4K layers. |
Up to 8× 4K layers
Notes: A single output card supports up to 4× 4K layers. |
Max Output Width |
16384 |
16384 |
Max Output Height |
16384 |
16384 |
List of Supported Receiving Cards |
|
|
14h Color Correction |
√ |
√ |
Color Replacement |
√ |
√ |
3D LUT |
√ |
√ |
Curves |
√ |
√ |
Precise Grayscale |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
22bit+ |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
Color Management |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
Brightness and Chroma Calibration |
√ |
√ |
Full-grayscale Calibration |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
Thermal Compensation |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
Dynamic Booster |
\ |
\ |
HDR (HDR10 / HLG) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
Brightness Overdrive |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
Sync |
√ |
√ |
Frame Multiplication/Frame Multiplexing |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
Shutter Fit |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
Low Latency (<1 Frame) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, A10s Pro, A10s Plus-N, A8s, and A8s-N) |
Preset |
√ |
√ |
Image Rotation in 90° Increments |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
√(*Only supported by CA50E, XA50 Pro, and A10s Pro) |
SNMP |
√ |
√ |
Art-Net |
\ |
\ |
Issue Description
Input source after HDMI Loop may not be recognized or may experience unstable recognition.
Cause of Issue
1. The number of cascading levels exceeds 8.
2. The quality of front-end video source signal is unstable.
3. The connecting cable is not supported.
Solution
Step 1 Check the number of HDMI cascading levels. Do not use cascading levels exceeding 8.
Step 2 Check if the source device is normal and try cross-testing with other sources.
Step 3 Check the cable specifications and use the device's original cable or other HDMI 2.0-compliant cables if necessary.
Issue Description
When connecting the input source to 12G-SDI Loop, the source may not be recognized or may have unstable recognition.
Cause of Issue
1. The number of cascading levels exceeds 8.
2. The quality of front-end video source signal is unstable.
3. Non-standard 12G-SDI cables are used.
12G-SDI signals have specific requirements for SDI cables. Non-standard cables may cause signal recognition issues or image flickering. When non-standard cables are used, cascading the SDI signals may lead to more severe image abnormalities in the last cabinet.
Solution
1. Check the number of 12G-SDI cascading levels. Do not use cascading levels exceeding 8.
2. Check if the source device is normal and try cross-testing with other sources.
3. Check the cable specifications. It is recommended to use standard 12G-SDI cables from manufacturers such as Belden and Canare.
Brand |
Specifications |
Cable Length |
Note |
Belden |
4505R | Less than 40 meters. | For short distance 12G-SDI input. |
4694R | Less than 50 meters. | For relatively long distance 12G-SDI input. | |
4794R | Less than 66 meters. | For long distance 12G-SDI input. | |
Canare |
L-3.3CUHD | Less than 40 meters. | For relatively short distance 12G-SDI input. |
L-5.5CUHD (1802) | Less than 66 meters. | For relatively long distance 12G-SDI input. |
Issue Description
Display flickering on the screen caused by receiving cards has been observed on-site.
Cause of Issue
Solution
Issue Description
The images on the screen are out of sync.
Cause of Issue
A10s Pro with V1.1.3.5 and above has Low Latency enabled by default, while other AXs receiving cards do not. This causes a one-frame difference in the display.
When using all-in-one controller mode, the output sync setting ensures that the frame rate of the first layer's input source is synced. When multiple devices are cascading, make sure that the input frame rates of the first layer are synced.
Solution
Issue Description
For LED projects that require Genlock synchronization such as virtual shooting and broadcasting, there are generally two categories of issues when the LED controller fails to lock onto the Genlock sync signal.
Cause of Issue
1. The Genlock signal source (sync generator) is affected by the noise interference in the power line, resulting in instability of the Genlock signal source.
2. When the LED controller is interfered by the power line, the interference noise spreads along the cable to the entire system and couples to Genlock, causing unstable Genlock source and signal loss. When multiple LED controllers are interfered at the same time, the interference noise spreads along the Genlock cable between devices and affects each other, causing LED controllers to randomly display unstable Genlock source and signal loss.
Solution
1. It is recommended to separate the Genlock signal generator and other high-power devices (such as media servers) for power supply. When the on-site power supply network is optimal, it can share the same power line with the LED controller.
2. For complex sites, one or more separate LED controllers are required to be powered separately from other high-power devices (such as LED screens, lights, and stereos). It is not recommended to use the same industrial power supply box for LED controllers and other high-power devices (this includes LED controllers and other devices sharing the same power supply box but using different power supply ports).
3. When the stability of the on-site power supply is not guaranteed, it is recommended to add an isolation transformer (recommended model: 1S-1000W/2000W) or UPS (recommended model: UPS2000-A-3KTTS) before the Genlock sync generator and LED controllers.
It is imperative that the capacity of the isolated power supply must meet the requirements of the sync generator and LED controller.
4. Double-shielded cables should be used for the Genlock connection.
Issue Description
1. Enabling Image Booster causes a color cast issue in low grayscale range.
2. Switching to high refresh rate mode causes a color cast issue in low grayscale range.
Cause of Issue
Incorrect parameters in the NCP file.
Solution
Contact the screen manufacturer or NovaStar technical engineers to obtain and upload the correct NCP file.
Issue Description
Unable to enter offline mode.
Cause of Issue
When running the calibration software, Cabinet Tool, and VMP simultaneously, these programs use the same port. As a result, offline devices are not visible in VMP.
Solution
Issue Description
VMP cannot detect any devices after connecting to a particular Windows computer.
Cause of Issue
Firewall settings on the computer are causing the issue.
Solution
Large xR virtual shooting studios are typically utilized for TV and film productions. These studios feature upright and sky LED screens, with real scenery often used on the floor based on filming needs.
In total, the screen measures over 500 square meters and is about 10 to 15 meters in height. (For example, both the upright screen and the sky screen have a size of 200 square meters.)
Medium xR virtual shooting studios are often utilized for filming commercial advertisements, web series, and smaller-scale events in addition to film and TV productions. These studios feature upright and sky LED screens, with real scenery often used on the floor based on filming needs.
In total, the screen measures from 200 to 500 square meters (mostly around 300 square meters) and is about 10 meters in height. (For example, both the upright screen and the sky screen have a size of 100 square meters.)
Small xR virtual production studios typically utilized for filming commercial advertisements, web series, program activities, etc. These studios usually feature upright screens, floor tile screens, and backlight screens.
In total, the screen measures around 100 square meters and is about 7 to 10 meters in height. (For example, the upright screen and the floor tile screen have a size of 35 square meters, while the backlight screen has a size of 15 square meters.)
We consistently enhance and refine the content of our Wiki articles.
If you find any mistakes or errors, please contact us.
Your continuous feedback and support will help us further improve our products and content.