NovaStar MG Series Comparison Guide:2K vs 4K Distributed Processors

The NovaStar MG Series includes both 2K and 4K distributed processors designed for different LED system scales and performance requirements. This guide provides a practical comparison of MG 2K and 4K models, covering key differences, deployment considerations, and typical applications to help you choose the right processor for your project.

catalogue

NovaStar MG Series distributed processors are advanced AV over IP systems that enable high-quality video transmission, signal switching, and remote control across decentralized networks. These Novastar processors integrate seamlessly into various environments, including control rooms, conference centers, and monitoring hubs.

• High Image Quality & Low Latency: Advanced processing technology delivers crisp, synchronized video with latency as low as 60ms, supporting up to 4K@60Hz and 10-bit color depth.
• Decentralized & Scalable Design: Unlike traditional centralized systems, the MG Series allows devices to be distributed across locations and easily expanded via IP networks.
• KVM Operator System: Enables cross-platform control with mouse roaming, allowing one keyboard/mouse to manage multiple signals and screens across Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Signal Pushing & Collaboration: Operators can share live signals with other users or display them directly on LED walls for coordinated decision-making.
• Web-Based Management: An intuitive web interface provides centralized control over devices, user permissions, screen layouts, EDID settings, and system updates.
• Flexible Audio Support: Supports both embedded (HDMI/DP) and independent analog audio, with volume control and output routing options.

The MG 2K series is designed for applications that require reliable full HD video distribution and control within an AV over IP system. These Novastar processors deliver high-quality, low-latency performance for environments such as meeting rooms, monitoring stations, and mid-scale control centers where 1080p resolution meets operational needs.

Captures and transcodes HDMI audio-video signals into IP streams for transmission over standard network infrastructure. It supports resolutions up to 1920×1080@60Hz and features an audio input/output connector, USB control interface, and loop-through HDMI output for local monitoring.

Receives and decodes IP streams, outputting video to displays while supporting KVM remote operation. It offers both HDMI and analog audio output, and can be configured as a screen node or KVM node within the distributed system.

A multi-functional Distributed Processor that combines decoding and LED screen driving capabilities. It can drive up to 3.9 million pixels, with a maximum canvas size of 10240×8192 pixels, making it suitable for direct LED wall control without an external sending card.

• Video Performance: Input and output resolutions up to 1920×1080@60Hz with support for H.264/H.265 encoding, ensuring efficient bandwidth usage and clear image quality.
• Synchronization Technology: Ensures frame-accurate synchronization across multiple decoders when building video walls, eliminating tearing or misalignment during dynamic content playback.
• Audio Flexibility: Supports both embedded audio over HDMI and independent analog audio input/output, providing adaptable audio routing options.
• Web-Based Management: All devices can be centrally configured and monitored through an intuitive web interface, enabling remote operation and system diagnostics.

NovaStar MG 4K series distributed processors are engineered for high-end applications demanding ultra-high definition video, expansive deployment, and absolute reliability. As a premium AV over IP system, it supports resolutions up to 4K×2K@60Hz with 10-bit color depth, incorporating nanosecond-level synchronization and advanced control features. It is ideally suited for mission-critical environments like command and control centers, large-scale conference halls, and broadcast facilities.

Designed for 4K signal capture and encoding, it supports dual inputs via HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2. It transcodes audio, video, and USB control signals into IP streams in real time. Featuring both PoE and optical fiber (OPT) network ports with backup functionality, it guarantees transmission reliability.

Delivers 4K@60Hz output utilizing full-link nanosecond synchronization technology (NovaSync), ensuring perfectly aligned video walls without tearing. The front panel includes four USB 3.0 ports for KVM and data drive connectivity. It supports network and optical backup, and comes equipped with IR, serial (RS232/485), and relay control interfaces for extended integration.

A combined decoder and LED screen driver, it features 10 Gigabit Ethernet output ports for LED panels, capable of driving up to 6.5 million pixels (max canvas: 10240×8192). It supports direct screen configuration via NovaLCT software, simplifying LED video wall deployment.

A more powerful Novastar processor, it offers 20 LED output ports and supports massive displays up to 13 million pixels (max canvas: 16384×8192). It includes an additional HDMI 2.0 input and loop-out, making it ideal for ultra-large LED installations and complex signal routing scenarios.

• Ultra-HD & Low Latency: Supports 4K@60Hz 10-bit 4:2:2 video encoding/decoding with H.265/H.264 compression. End-to-end latency is under 60ms, achieving true “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” performance.
• Full-Link Synchronization & Image Enhancement: Nanosecond synchronization technology eliminates artifacts in multi-decoder video walls. The SuperView 3.0 scaling algorithm preserves image clarity and detail.
• High Reliability & Scalability: Features redundant power options (PoE/DC), dual-link backup (Network/OPT), signal source backup, and system configuration backup to ensure 24/7 operation.
• Advanced Control & Collaboration: Enables remote PC power on/off, USB data tunneling, mosaic source management from multi-connector graphics cards, scrolling OSD, and seamless signal pushing between KVM operators.

Choosing between the MG 2K and MG 4K distributed processors models depends on several factors:

• Choose the MG 2K series if your content is primarily in Full HD (up to 1920×1080@60Hz).
• Opt for the MG 4K series if you require Ultra HD content (up to 4K×2K@60Hz) with 10-bit color depth.

• The MG 2K series, particularly the MGT600 All-in-One Decoder, supports up to 3.9 million pixels, suitable for medium-sized LED walls or video walls in corporate and education environments.
• The MG 4K series offers significantly higher driving power: the MGT1000 handles up to 6.5 million pixels, while the MGT2000 supports up to 13 million pixels, making them ideal for large-format LED installations in command centers, event venues, and large public displays.

• The MG 2K series provides a cost-effective entry into a professional AV over IP system, offering core functionalities such as KVM control, web management, and basic synchronization at a lower investment.
• The MG 4K series represents a premium investment, justified by advanced features like nanosecond synchronization, dual-network backup, remote power control, USB data tunneling, and superior scaling algorithms for demanding operational environments.

• If your needs focus on reliable signal distribution, basic video wall layouts, and straightforward operation, the MG 2K platform is often sufficient.
• For projects involving multi-layer screen layouts, precise frame synchronization across vast canvases, collaboration between multiple operators, and integration with external control systems, the enhanced capabilities of the Novastar processor in the MG 4K series are recommended.

The flexibility and performance of the NovaStar MG Series distributed processors make them a versatile AV over IP system well-suited for a range of professional environments:

• Control Rooms: Delivers synchronized, low-latency video walls for real-time monitoring and collaborative decision-making, crucial in security, transportation, and energy operations.
• Conference & Collaboration Centers: Enables seamless switching and sharing of presentations across multiple displays, supporting interactive meetings and hybrid communication setups.
• Monitoring & Surveillance Hubs: Integrates high-definition IP camera feeds with minimal delay, providing operators with clear, real-time visual intelligence.
• Data Center & IT Operation Rooms: Centralizes control of servers and workstations through KVM functionality, allowing efficient management from a single interface.
• Broadcast & Production Studios: Supports 4K signal handling, frame-accurate synchronization, and flexible multi-layer layouts for live production and master control.
• Education & Corporate Displays: Powers digital signage, lecture halls, and information walls with reliable, network-based content distribution and scheduling.

Setting up a NovaStar MG Series system is streamlined around its network-based architecture. The core process is universal: connect all devices to your network, designate one as the management hub, and control the entire system from a single web interface.

• Network & Hardware Connection: Connect all encoders (for video sources) and decoders (for displays) to a standard Gigabit Ethernet switch. Attach your source devices (computers, cameras) to the encoder inputs and connect your monitors or LED screens to the decoder outputs.

• Designate the Primary Node: Using a web browser, access the IP address of one decoder. Configure it as the Primary Management Node, which becomes the central controller for the entire AV over IP System.
• Web-Based Configuration: Log into the Primary Node’s intuitive web interface. The system will automatically discover all online devices, allowing you to manage signals, configure video walls, set user permissions, and control every Distributed Processor from one central platform.

To successfully deploy an MG Series AV-over-IP system, follow these fundamental configuration steps as outlined in the official user manual:

• Open a web browser and enter the IP address of the intended management device followed by port 8081 (e.g., http://192.168.x.x:8081).
• In the Primary Management Node Settings page (see Figure 3-1), select Primary Management Node from the Node Management Type dropdown.
• Click Apply. All nodes in the system will restart and register under this primary node.
• (Reference: Section 3.1.1, Page 10)

• Navigate to the primary node’s IP address (default HTTP port 80).
• Use the default credentials:

Username: admin
Password: password123

• This logs you into the main control interface (Figure 3-2 & 3-3).

(Reference: Section 3.1.2, Page 11)

• Go to Configuration > Device (Figure 3-18) to view all detected encoders and decoders.
• Rename devices for clarity (e.g., “Encoder-MeetingRoom”) via the device details page (Figure 3-19).
• For 4K encoders (e.g., MG420), specify the active input connector (HDMI or DP) and set encoding parameters like mode (Smooth/Clear/Custom), codec (H.264/H.265), and resolution (Section 3.3.3, Page 26–28).
• For decoders, set the Type to either Decoder-Screen (for video walls) or Decoder-KVM (for operator stations) (Figure 3-22, Page 30).

• Navigate to Configuration > Video Wall and click Add (Figure 3-8).
• Select the area, enter a wall name, choose wall type (LED or LCD), and define Rows and Columns.
• Drag Decoder-Screen nodes from the left panel into the layout grid to match the physical screen arrangement (Figure 3-9).
• For LCD walls, enable LCD Bezel Compensation and enter horizontal/vertical spacing values (Page 16–17).
• (Reference: Section 3.2.2, Page 15)

• Local sources connected to encoders appear automatically under Configuration > Signal (Figure 3-25).
• Hover over a signal name and click the edit icon to rename it for easier identification (Figure 3-27, Page 35).
• To add an IP camera, click Add, select Network Source, and configure RTSP or ONVIF parameters (Figure 3-26, Page 33).