Comparing the NovaStar VX Series vs. NovaStar VX Pro Series
Hampus Niskala |24/02, 2025

When it comes to LED display controllers, NovaStar offers two powerful series: the VX Series and the VX Pro Series. Both series deliver high-quality video processing and control, but the VX Pro Series brings enhanced features, greater pixel capacity, and more advanced functionalities. This comparison will cover the VX400, VX600, and VX1000 from the standard VX Series and the VX400 Pro, VX600 Pro, VX1000 Pro, and VX2000 Pro from the VX Pro Series, highlighting the key differences and improvements.
Key Differences Between VX and VX Pro Series
- Higher Input Resolutions: The VX Pro Series supports HDMI 2.0 and up to 4K×2K@60Hz input resolution, compared to the VX Series' maximum of 4K×1K@60Hz (VX1000) or lower.
- Increased Layer Support: The Pro models allow up to 6 layers (VX400 Pro, VX600 Pro, VX1000 Pro) and 12 layers (VX2000 Pro), significantly more than the standard VX models (2-3 layers).
- Enhanced Output Capacity: The Pro Series offers higher pixel capacities, with the VX2000 Pro supporting up to 13 million pixels, twice the capacity of the VX1000.
- Zero-Frame Latency: By enabling low-latency mode and ByPass, the VX Pro Series can achieve 0-frame latency, crucial for real-time video applications.
- USB 3.0 Playback: The Pro models support plug-and-play USB 3.0 playback, not available in the standard VX series.
- Advanced Connectivity: Pro models feature HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2 (VX2000 Pro), and enhanced fiber inputs/outputs with self-adaptive ports.
Comparison Table: VX Series vs. VX Pro Series
Feature | VX400 | VX400 Pro | VX600 | VX600 Pro | VX1000 | VX1000 Pro | VX2000 Pro |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Pixel Capacity | 2.6 million | 2.6 million | 3.9 million | 3.9 million | 6.5 million | 6.5 million | 13 million |
Maximum Input Resolution | 1920×1200@60Hz (HDMI 1.3) | 4096×2160@60Hz (HDMI 2.0) | 1920×1200@60Hz (HDMI 1.3) | 4096×2160@60Hz (HDMI 2.0) | 3840×1080@60Hz or 3840×2160@30Hz | 4096×2160@60Hz (HDMI 2.0) | 4096×2160@60Hz (DP 1.2, HDMI 2.0) |
Ethernet Ports | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 20 |
Fiber Outputs | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Number of Layers | 2 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
USB Playback | Not supported | Supported (USB 3.0) | Not supported | Supported (USB 3.0) | Not supported | Supported (USB 3.0) | Supported (USB 3.0) |
Low Latency | 20 lines (ByPass mode) | 0-frame (ByPass mode) | 20 lines (ByPass mode) | 0-frame (ByPass mode) | 20 lines (ByPass mode) | 0-frame (ByPass mode) | 0-frame (ByPass mode) |
3D Support | Not supported | Third-party 3D emitter | Not supported | Third-party 3D emitter | EMT200 3D emitter | Third-party 3D emitter | Third-party 3D emitter |
Control Options | Front panel, NovaLCT, V-Can | Front panel, NovaLCT, Unico, VICP | Front panel, NovaLCT, V-Can | Front panel, NovaLCT, Unico, VICP | Front panel, NovaLCT, V-Can | Front panel, NovaLCT, Unico, VICP | Front panel, NovaLCT, Unico, VICP |
OPT Fiber Ports (Self-Adaptive) | 1 (Input or Output) | 1 (Input or Output) | 1 (Input or Output) | 1 (Input or Output) | 1 (Input or Output) | 1 (Input or Output) | 2 (Input or Output) |
HDMI Input | HDMI 1.3 | HDMI 2.0 & HDMI 1.3 | HDMI 1.3 | HDMI 2.0 & HDMI 1.3 | HDMI 1.4 & DVI | HDMI 2.0 & HDMI 1.3 | 2x HDMI 2.0 & 4x HDMI 1.3 |
DisplayPort Input | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | DP 1.2 |
Maximum Width/Height | 10,240 × 8,192 pixels | 10,240 × 8,192 pixels | 10,240 × 8,192 pixels | 10,240 × 8,192 pixels | 10,240 × 8,192 pixels | 10,240 × 8,192 pixels | 16,384 × 8,192 pixels |
Preset Storage | 10 presets | 256 presets | 10 presets | 256 presets | 10 presets | 256 presets | 256 presets |
Power Consumption | 35W | 41W | 35W | 41W | 43W | 43W | 80W |
Weight | 4 kg | 3.8 kg | 4 kg | 3.9 kg | 4 kg | 3.9 kg | 6.5 kg |
Key Advantages of the VX Pro Series
- Greater Pixel Capacity: The VX Pro Series offers higher pixel capacities, supporting larger LED displays without additional devices.
- 4K Input and Zero-Frame Latency: HDMI 2.0 input with 4K@60Hz and zero-frame latency provides superior video performance with real-time response.
- More Layers for Complex Compositions: Up to 6 layers (VX400 Pro, VX600 Pro, VX1000 Pro) and 12 layers (VX2000 Pro) enable advanced visual compositions.
- USB Playback with USB 3.0: The Pro Series supports direct USB media playback, simplifying workflows and reducing the need for external players.
- Advanced Control Options: Enhanced control via Unico web interface and VICP app makes configuration and management more convenient.
- More Flexible Input and Output: Additional HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2 inputs (VX2000 Pro), plus self-adaptive fiber ports, provide greater flexibility in complex setups.
Conclusion
The NovaStar VX Pro Series represents a significant upgrade over the standard VX Series, offering higher pixel capacities, more layers, HDMI 2.0 inputs, and zero-frame latency. With support for USB 3.0 playback and advanced control options, the Pro models are perfect for medium-to-large LED displays in rental, staging, and fixed installations. For applications that demand higher resolutions, larger pixel capacities, and real-time performance, the VX Pro Series delivers unmatched performance and flexibility.