Brompton · top-tier LED processor

Brompton Tessera SX40 LED wall processor

The Tessera SX40 is Brompton Technology's highest-capacity processor: a single unit nominally handles 9 million pixels at 36 bits per pixel at 60 Hz, and supports full 4K (4096×2160) 12-bit HDMI 2.0b and 12G-SDI input. On the output side there are four 10GBASE-T (copper) and four 10GBASE-LR (fibre) ports, which switch automatically between media types and also support processor or loop redundancy.

The machine offers Brompton's full Tessera feature set: HDR (HLG and PQ), Dynamic Calibration, Extended Bit Depth (for refining the deep black range of PWM-driven panels), HFR+ up to 250 fps, ShutterSync for camera capture, and 3D LUT import. Its end-to-end latency is only 2 frames (1 frame in Ultra Low Latency mode).

In large systems, paired with the Tessera XD data distribution unit, the cabling can be simplified drastically, since one 10G trunk can serve as many as ten independent 1G endpoints. It is this combination that makes the SX40 the cornerstone of the largest and most demanding LED projects (world tours, ICVFX studios).

Where the Brompton Tessera SX40 sits in the signal chain. Every stage of the diagram is clickable — it takes you to that category.

Where the Tessera SX40 sits in an LED wall system

In the studio chain the SX40 sits between the media server (disguise vx/rx, PIXERA, Resolume) and the LED panels: it takes the picture over SDI or HDMI, the studio's tri-level sync reference on its genlock input, and sends the Tessera protocol out to the panels over 10G copper or fibre. The fourth element of the xR chain is camera tracking, which drives the render node rather than the processor. HDR, Dynamic Calibration and Extended Bit Depth, however, are only live on panels with a Tessera R2/R2+ receiving card — when a panel manufacturer says "Brompton compatible", it means the module's hub board takes an R2+ in a DDR2 SO-DIMM socket.

WHEN IT IS THE RIGHT CHOICE

World tours, large concert stages, ICVFX/virtual studios and broadcast productions calling for maximum pixel capacity, a 4K input and built-in redundancy.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Alongside the top-tier price, the HDR and Dynamic Calibration functions can only be fully exploited with Brompton R2-based panels (with a Tessera R2/R2+ receiving card); for large systems with many outputs it is worth designing in the Tessera XD data distribution unit, or the homerun cabling can become unmanageable.

The Tessera SX40 in practice

The cornerstones of setting up in front of a camera: the panel's refresh rate has to be matched to the camera shutter — that is what ShutterSync is for, aligning the PWM cycle with the shutter window so that banding disappears; and the processor is genlocked to the studio's tri-level reference, or the wall and the camera slowly drift apart. At low brightness — in virtual production the wall typically runs well below maximum — the grayscale is the first thing to fall apart: that is what Dark Magic and Extended Bit Depth are for. Calibration is carried out cabinet by cabinet with the Hydra system, typically at manufacture or after a larger panel replacement. The 2-frame latency has to be planned together with the audio delay on a live broadcast, and drops to 1 frame in ULL mode.

Alternatives to the Tessera SX40

The steps by capacity: up to 4.5 million pixels the Tessera S8 brings the same feature set for less, while for 8K and AVoIP (ST 2110 / IPMX) the Tessera SQ200 goes up to 36 million pixels. With many outputs, the Tessera XD simplifies the cabling. A different ecosystem is the Megapixel HELIOS. For a fixed advertising board or a shopfront this level is superfluous: a NovaStar MCTRL660 Pro or VX600 belongs there.

Tessera SX40 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.