The Best LED Display Controllers You Can Buy: Expert Tested

I tested several popular LED display controllers on the market, covering a range of prices from high-end to budget-friendly options. Some are pricey but offer excellent performance, while others are affordable and provide great value for the money. These controllers represent some of the top global brands today. I’ll review them based on performance, features, suitable use cases, and price. After reading this, you’ll know which display controllers are right for you.

The display controllers tested include: Novastar VX2000 Pro, Novastar MX6000 Pro, Brompton Tessera SX40, Colorlight Z5, Linsn S3000, Novastar KU20, and HUIDU HD-H8.

You can purchase at: LED Controller Card Store

Image Quality Performance:

• Color Accuracy: Supports point-by-point brightness and color correction, improving screen uniformity. It also supports image adjustments (brightness, contrast, saturation, hue).
• HDR Effect: Supports HDR10 and HLG formats. With the right receiver card, it enhances color realism and detail.
• Max Layer Support: Can handle up to 12 layers of content.

Load Capacity:Maximum load of 13 million pixels, with a maximum output resolution of 16384 (width) × 8192 (height) per device.

Image Quality Performance:

• Refresh Rate/Frame Rate: Supports high frame rate mode, up to 480Hz.
• Color Accuracy: 12-bit high bit-depth processing; supports color calibration, color curve adjustments, and 3D LUT.
• Gray Scale: Full gray-scale correction technology.
• HDR Effect: Supports HDR10 (SMPTE standard compliant) and HLG.

Load Capacity:Maximum load of 141 million pixels per device, supporting 32 channels of 4K@60Hz or 8 channels of 8K@60Hz input.

Compatibility:

• Modular Input/Output: Supports various input sub-cards for 8K/4K/VoIP; offers two output solutions: 1G/5G.
• Input Sources: Supports professional protocols like DP1.4, HDMI 2.1, 12G-SDI, ST2110.
• Receiver Cards: Compatible with series like A10s Pro, XA50 Pro, and more.
• Synchronization Performance:
• Uses frame synchronization technology to ensure fully synchronized images across the same screen.
• Supports external Genlock sync sources.

Operation & Usability:

• Equipped with a 7-inch touch screen for intuitive control.
• Supports VMP (Visual Management Platform) for smart management.
• Compatible with SNMP, Art-Net, and central control protocols, making it easy for system integration.

Image Quality Performance:

• Refresh Rate: Supports high refresh rate mode, optimized for camera recording, effectively removing scan lines.
• Color Accuracy: Supports HDR for a wider color range; 12-bit color depth for smooth color transitions.
• HDR Performance: Compatible with HDR10 standard, offering high dynamic range imaging.
• Maximum Load: Can support up to 9 million pixels (based on 12-bit color depth).

Compatibility:

• Input Ports: Supports HDMI 2.0, 12G-SDI, and other professional video inputs.
• Designed for driving LED displays, highly compatible with mainstream virtual production workflows.

Operation & Usability:

• Controlled via the Tessera software suite, with a user interface designed for professional applications and powerful features.
• Supports real-time monitoring and remote control, making system management and troubleshooting easier.
• Has dynamic calibration to maintain long-term uniformity of the display.

Image Quality Performance:

• Refresh Rate: Supports input/output frame rates from 23.98Hz to 240Hz.
• Color Accuracy: Supports HDR10/HLG; allows independent adjustment of hue, saturation, contrast, brightness, color temperature, and RGB.
• HDR Performance: Supports both HDR10 and HLG formats.

Maximum Load:

• Maximum load of 13.1 million pixels (60Hz, 8bit); maximum width 16384, maximum height 8192.
• Load capacity decreases with frame rate and color depth (at 120Hz, 8bit: 6.55 million pixels; capacity decreases further with 10bit).

Compatibility:

• Input Ports: HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2, 12G-SDI, all supporting up to 4K@60Hz input.
• Supports HDCP 1.4/2.2.
• Optional: Supports 3D sync signal output.

Operation & Usability:

• Equipped with a front-panel LCD screen, knobs, and multifunctional shortcut keys for easy on-site operation.
• Supports control via LAN, RS232, USB, and other methods.
• Supports network port grouped brightness adjustment.
• Redundancy: Supports controller and network port redundancy, improving system reliability.

Image Quality Performance:

• Supports basic high refresh rates (60Hz or above) suitable for typical commercial displays.
• Flexible image quality adjustments for brightness, contrast, saturation, etc., for basic color optimization.

Maximum Load:Maximum load of 9.8 million pixels; supports a maximum width of 15360 pixels and height of 3840 pixels.

Compatibility:

Operation & Usability:

• Supports Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality, allowing up to four independent images to be displayed simultaneously.
• Supports Fade In/Fade Out mode for smooth transitions between signal sources.
• Backup Output: Includes backup output functionality to enhance system reliability.

Image Quality Performance:

• Refresh Rate: Supports frame rate adaptation, ranging from 23.98Hz to 120Hz.
• Color Accuracy: Supports chromatic calibration to effectively eliminate brightness and color differences across the screen.
• Gray Scale Performance: Supports full gray scale calibration to ensure uniformity across each gray level.

Maximum Load: Maximum load of 3.9 million pixels.

Compatibility:

• Input Port: 1x HDMI 1.3 (with loop output).
• Output Ports: 6x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x 10G fiber optic port.
• Supports 8bit/10bit video source input.

Operation & Usability:

• Supports the new VMP (Visual Management Platform) for intelligent management.
• Compatible with SNMP, Art-Net, and central control protocols.
• Supports 128 scene presets, which can be triggered with one click.

Image Quality Performance:

• Supports basic adjustments for color, contrast, and brightness, ensuring clear and vibrant display of images and videos in different environments.
• Ideal for displaying commercial videos, PPT presentations, etc., offering rich colors and clear details.

Maximum Load:Total load of 5.24 million pixels; maximum width 65,536 pixels, maximum height 8192 pixels.

Compatibility:

• Input Ports: Extensive options including 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x SFP optical port, USB, sensor interface, RS232/RS485 (central control), etc.
• Output Ports: 8x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x HDMI OUT, 1x SFP OUT, audio output.
• Supports wireless screen mirroring on multiple platforms (Windows, iOS, Android).
• Supports Bluetooth peripherals (speakers, keyboard, and mouse).

Operation & Usability:

• Highly integrated, can replace a computer for local program creation and playback.
• Supports third-party app information publishing.
• Supports multiple cascading modes (HDMI, optical port).
• Dual Wi-Fi support for simultaneous hotspot and internet connection.
• Supports infrared standby wake-up, with standby power consumption under 0.5W.
• Provides comprehensive central control interfaces for easy system integration.

Novastar Official Website

As a leader in the LED display controller industry, NovaStar serves thousands of LED display manufacturers worldwide, including top companies like Leyard and Unilumin. NovaStar’s control systems support more than half of the global display solutions.

Key Technology Advantages of NovaStar LED Controllers:

• Launched the industry’s first MLED display-specific control chip.
• Built-in point-by-point brightness and color correction algorithms.
• 8K ultra-high-definition solution with a single-port, featuring 8K and 5G output bandwidth.

Notable Projects:

Beijing Winter Olympics,CCTV Spring Festival Gala,Hangzhou Asian Games
,Guangzhou Asian Games,London Olympics,Brazil World Cup,Rio Olympics
Russia World Cup,Qatar World Cup

Brompton Official Website

Brompton Technology, based in the UK, is recognized as an innovator in the LED display controller industry, especially popular in global high-end film production, virtual filmmaking, and large-scale tours. Their products are known for delivering excellent image quality, reliable stability, and innovative software solutions. This makes Brompton a top choice for customers looking for premium visual effects.

Key Technology Advantages of Brompton Controllers:

• Advanced LED dynamic calibration technology.
• Precise support for HDR (High Dynamic Range).
• The widely-recognized Tessera processing system, which is the core of technologies like StageCraft for virtual filmmaking.

Notable Projects:

Hollywood blockbuster “The Mandalorian”
Adele’s concert tour in Munich
2020 League of Legends World Championship in the esports industry

Colorlight Official Website

Colorlight has become an important brand in the high-end controller market globally, thanks to its great value and broad compatibility. Their products range from main control systems and receiver cards to fiber-optic transmission devices. Colorlight display controllers are widely used in outdoor advertising, stage rentals, and fixed installation projects.

Key Technology Advantages of Colorlight Controllers:

• Full range of control system hardware supporting 4K to 8K input
• Flexible splicing and high refresh rate performance
• Strong compatibility and quick setup capabilities

Notable Projects:

Tehran Light Art Tunnel
LED tram tracks in New Zealand
Various city lighting and commercial display projects

Linsn Official Website
Linsn is a well-known brand in the industry for its stable, reliable, and easy-to-use control systems. Their products include sending cards, receiving cards, and video processors. Linsn has a strong reputation for quality in both indoor and outdoor display projects.

Key Technology Advantages of Linsn Controllers:

• Stable system operation with compatibility for various light driver solutions.
• Simple software interface that’s easy to set up and maintain.
• Supports point-to-point calibration and multifunctional control.

Notable Projects:

LED displays in small and medium-sized shopping malls across China
Outdoor billboards
Corporate exhibition halls

HUIDU Official Website
HUIDU is a rising LED control solution provider in China, known for offering high value and customized services. Their products cover mainstream sending and receiving devices, making them suitable for various small to medium-sized display projects.

Key Technology Advantages of HUIDU Controllers:

• Cost-effective receiving cards and control systems
• Supports various resolution and refresh rate configurations
• Offers some level of customization for specific needs

Notable Projects:
Small to medium-sized projects, such as mall advertising screens, corporate exhibition halls, and storefront signage.

These controllers are used for displaying video content in real-time, relying on computer signal input and staying in sync with the computer screen.They usually support high refresh rates and high grayscale processing.

Suitable for: Stage performances, broadcasting, monitoring centers, live sports events, and other situations where real-time display is crucial.

These display controllers have built-in storage, allowing you to update content using a USB drive, network, or other storage devices, without needing a constant connection to a computer.

Suitable for: Advertising displays, traffic information boards, storefront signage, and other fixed content presentations.

These combine video processing, control, and playback functions into a single device. They are easy to install, simple to operate, and portable.

Suitable for: Small to medium-sized meeting rooms, retail displays, simple rental setups, and projects with limited space.

• The controller’s output resolution must match the display’s physical resolution (e.g., 1920×1080).
• The controller’s load capacity should be equal to or greater than the actual pixel size of the display.
• For high-end applications (like photography or broadcasting), the controller should support high refresh rates (≥3840Hz) and high gray scale levels.

• HDR Support: For displaying high dynamic range (HDR) content.
• Color Calibration: Professional color adjustment features.
• Rich Connectivity: Devices with a variety of input ports (e.g., HDMI, DP, SDI, DVI, fiber optic) and output ports (e.g., for computers, cameras, media players).

• Synchronous Controller: Ideal for live events, broadcasting, stage performances, virtual production, and command centers where real-time performance is critical.
• Asynchronous Controller: Best for outdoor advertising, mall information screens, traffic displays, and storefront signs where content is fixed and played on a loop.
• Integrated Controller: Suitable for smaller spaces like meeting rooms, retail displays, simple rental screens, or educational showrooms where installation simplicity is a priority.

Don’t always go for high-end brands. For top-tier events like international sports, virtual production, or major concerts, consider brands like NovaStar and Brompton for their stability and performance.

For more cost-effective projects such as advertising screens, meeting rooms, or stage rentals, mainstream brands like Colorlight and Linsn offer great value.

For applications like storefront signs or simple information boards, HUIDU offers lower-cost options.

In high-end LED display systems (such as those used in broadcasting studios or control centers), the display processor and display controller work together—both are essential. The processor optimizes the signal, while the controller drives the screen. In many mid-range or integrated systems, these functions may be combined into a single device.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” display controller, only the “best fit” solution for your needs. If you’re after the ultimate image quality, NovaStar LED display controllers are your top choice. For virtual production applications, Brompton controllers are the clear winner. If you’re working with a tighter budget but don’t want to compromise on performance, Colorlight and Linsn offer more reliable and cost-effective solutions.