NovaStar · all-in-one control system (sender + receiving card combination)

NovaStar COEX system (CA50E receiving card) asynchronous LED controller

COEX is one of NovaStar's newest control system families, bringing together the CX80 Pro / CX40 Pro sending units and their associated receiving cards (including the 5th generation CA50E) into a shared system of simplified configuration, capable of serving resolutions up to 8K. The CA50E receiving card can handle up to 768×512 (393,216) pixels from a single card with an 8-bit or 10-bit video source, and 512×480 pixels with a 12-bit source, at 60 Hz.

The aim of the COEX system is to allow an installation based on configuration files (NCP) that is simpler than conventional NovaLCT commissioning, thereby reducing the scope for on-site error on larger, more complex LED wall projects. It appears primarily on event and premium commercial installations, where picture quality (contrast, colour depth) and fast, error-free commissioning are especially important.

Where the NovaStar COEX system (CA50E receiving card) sits in the signal chain. Every stage of the diagram is clickable — it takes you to that category.

Where the COEX system sits in an LED wall system

An important distinction: COEX is not an asynchronous system. It has no internal storage, so the picture always comes from a live source — a PC, a media player (a BrightSign XT4, for instance) or the HDMI output of an asynchronous box. The chain: source → CX40 Pro / CX80 Pro sending unit → Cat6 or fibre → CA50E receiving card → HUB → module. With an 8- or 10-bit source the CA50E carries 768×512 pixels per card, roughly double the capacity of the classic A series, so the same wall needs half as many cards and less cabling. The configuration travels in an NCP file, the software side is provided by NovaStar VMP and NovaLCT, and cloud supervision by VNNOX.

WHEN IT IS THE RIGHT CHOICE

On premium, high-resolution (up to 8K) commercial or event LED wall projects where high colour depth and simplified, file-based configuration matter.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

The system consists of several matched components (sending unit plus a receiving card of the right generation), so it is worth checking the manufacturer's compatibility list before installation.

The COEX system in practice

Commissioning here is not manual parameter entry but a file load: the NCP file supplied by the cabinet manufacturer contains the scan mode, the HUB arrangement, and the gamma and calibration data, and this is what has to be written to the cards. On site this is faster and less error-prone than NovaLCT's smart setting, but if there is no NCP file for the cabinet the process stops dead — obtaining the file has to be settled before delivery. The COEX ecosystem is closed: the CA50E is not guaranteed to work with older, non-COEX senders, nor the other way round, so with a mixed device park the manufacturer's compatibility table is the first step. With a 12-bit source the capacity falls to 512×480 pixels, which has to be allowed for in advance at design stage. After a power cut the configuration stored on the card remains, but the wall only gets its picture back from a live source.

Alternatives to the COEX system

If cost is the main consideration on the project and 8K or HDR-grade picture quality is not needed, a classic VX600 sender plus A8s receiving cards is considerably cheaper, and the NovaLCT workflow is well proven. If the wall has to run on its own without internet, an asynchronous box is needed instead of COEX: a TB60 or a T60. For a larger system with more ports, the CX80 Pro is the next step up. The deciding factors: whether there is a permanent live source, whether high colour depth is required, and whether the NCP file can be obtained for the cabinet.

COEX system manual and datasheet

The documents live on the manufacturer's own site and open in a new window — so you always get the latest version. We do not copy or translate their contents.

COEX Solution NCP File Instruction Manual V1.0.1 The official usage guide for the COEX system's NCP configuration file. PDF in English · oss.novastar.tech · opens in a new window

COEX system on video

The player is only embedded on click — until then not a single request goes to YouTube.

An overview of the 5G/8K LED solution that includes the Novastar CoEX CA50E controller, and of the VMP software. Open on YouTube

Related asynchronous controllers

NovaStar · standalone sending controller NovaStar MCTRL300 NovaStar's entry-level standalone LED controller for smaller, single-card displays. NovaStar · standalone sending controller / fibre converter NovaStar MCTRL660 Pro Mid-range NovaStar controller that can be run either as a sending card or as a fibre converter. NovaStar · LED display controller (sending controller) NovaStar MCTRL4K NovaStar's 4K-capable sending controller for larger, continuous LED walls. NovaStar · LED display controller (sending controller) NovaStar MCTRL R5 Compact NovaStar sending controller for fixed-installation LED displays. NovaStar · all-in-one controller NovaStar VX400 Entry-level NovaStar all-in-one controller combining a video processor and a sending card in one box. NovaStar · all-in-one controller NovaStar VX600 Mid-range NovaStar all-in-one controller for event and fixed-installation use.

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