Kystar S20: twenty-port sending for a 4K-source LED system
The Kystar S20 is an LED sending controller with one HDMI 2.0 input, one DP 1.2 input and twenty Gigabit Ethernet outputs. Both video interfaces support input up to 4096 × 2160 at 60Hz. The unit’s maximum LED load is 8.85 million pixels, with four 10G optical outputs arranged as two primary paths and two backups.
Use the S20 as the sending stage in a Kystar control system for a large rental or fixed LED installation. It connects the video source to the receiving network and provides calibration, EDID and cascade tools for screen setup.
Verified S20 specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Video source inputs | 1 × HDMI 2.0; 1 × DP 1.2 |
| Input resolution | Up to 4096 × 2160 at 60Hz |
| Gigabit outputs | 20 Ethernet ports; hot-backup support |
| Total pixel load | Up to 8,850,000 LED pixels |
| Per-port pixel load | Up to 650,000 pixels |
| Maximum screen dimensions | Width or height up to 8,000 pixels, within total load |
| Optical outputs | 4 × 10G: 2 primary and 2 corresponding backup |
| Optical mapping | OPT1: Ethernet ports 1–10; OPT2: ports 11–20; OPT3/OPT4 back up OPT1/OPT2 |
| HDMI loop output | Selectable HDMI or DP source; documented cascade up to 8 units |
| PC control | USB or Gigabit Ethernet |
| 3D mode | Supported with matching 3D equipment; LED load is halved |
Plan Ethernet and optical transmission together
The optical paths transport the output data; they do not add a separate pixel budget. OPT1 and OPT2 carry the two ten-port groups, while OPT3 and OPT4 repeat their corresponding primary data for backup. Every design must satisfy the 8.85-million-pixel unit limit as well as individual port capacity.
The retained specification describes 1310nm single-mode dual-fiber modules with transmission up to 10km, plus support for 850nm multimode modules up to 300m. Distance depends on the matched optical modules, fiber and receiving equipment. Confirm the supplied module configuration, backup modules and receiving-side equipment before installation.
Calibration and setup benefits
- Passive calibration: use the Kystar calibration system without an active video source during screen correction.
- EDID management: configure compatible standard or custom source timings within the documented pixel budget.
- Flexible routing: map irregular output layouts without allocating loaded pixels to unused areas.
- Cascade control: coordinate supported units through Gigabit control connections.
- Screen adjustment: manage brightness and color temperature for the configured receiving system.
Capacity and configuration limits
A 3840 × 2160 LED canvas contains 8,294,400 pixels, within the stated total S20 capacity. A 4096 × 2160 canvas contains 8,847,360 pixels and leaves very little headroom against the maximum. These calculations establish only the overall budget: cabinet geometry, receiving-card chains, output settings and each Ethernet port must also fit.
The 8000-pixel width and height limits are separate constraints, not permission to load an 8000 × 8000 screen. Twenty outputs at 650,000 pixels each also do not imply a 13-million-pixel controller; the total remains 8.85 million. Recalculate the LED load for 3D because the manufacturer document states that this mode halves capacity.
Confirm firmware, receiving-card support, signal timing and optical accessories for the actual project. For another twenty-port sending model, compare the Kystar KBS2000 using its own documented features rather than assuming the two models are interchangeable.
Frequently asked questions
Does S20 accept 4K60 over HDMI and DisplayPort?
Yes. Its HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2 inputs are documented up to 4096 × 2160 at 60Hz.
Do four optical ports provide four independent loads?
No. Two are primary output paths and the other two back them up. They do not increase total LED pixel capacity.
What is needed for 3D operation?
Use compatible 3D transmitting equipment, glasses and receiving configuration, and size the screen for the reduced 3D load.
Conclusion
S20 offers 4K60 source input, twenty Ethernet outputs and optical primary/backup transmission for an LED system within its 8.85-million-pixel budget. Select the port mapping, receiving cards and optical modules as a complete configuration. See the official Kystar S20 page and preserved exact-model specification below.
Download Specification:
Kystar S20 LED Display Control System Sending Box Specification(Chinese)
