NovaStar AD20 LED Multimedia Player Overview
The NovaStar AD20 is a multimedia player and asynchronous control card for full-color LED displays with a total loading capacity of up to 1.3 million pixels. It combines content playback, signal transmission and display control in one device. Programs can be published from PCs, mobile phones and tablets, while cloud publishing and monitoring support centralized management of displays in different locations.
The AD20 is designed for digital advertising, distributed LED signage and multi-screen installations. It supports both synchronous playback from an HDMI source and asynchronous playback from internal storage, so operators can switch between live input and scheduled content without changing the controller.
NovaStar AD20 Key Specifications
| Specification | NovaStar AD20 capability |
|---|---|
| Maximum loading capacity | 1.3 million pixels |
| Maximum width / height | 4096 / 4096 pixels, within the total loading capacity |
| LED outputs | 2 Gigabit Ethernet output ports; two main outputs by default, or one main plus one backup |
| HDMI input | 1 x HDMI 1.4; full-screen adaptive playback in synchronous mode |
| HDMI output | 1 x HDMI 1.4, up to 1080p@60Hz, with HDMI loop support |
| Processor | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 at 1.8GHz |
| Video decoding | H.264 and H.265 up to 4K@60Hz |
| Memory and storage | 1GB RAM and 32GB internal storage |
| Network and wireless | 1 x Gigabit LAN, WiFi AP mode and WiFi STA mode; optional 4G module support |
| USB | 1 x USB 3.0 Type-A for flash-drive playback and firmware upgrades; 1 x USB Type-B for direct computer connection |
| Audio | 1 x stereo audio output |
| Sensors | 2 sensor interfaces for brightness or temperature and humidity sensors |
Core Features
Synchronous and Asynchronous Playback
- Asynchronous mode: plays programs from the AD20 internal storage without requiring a live video source.
- Synchronous mode: displays the video source received through the HDMI 1.4 input.
- WiFi can operate in both AP and STA modes to suit direct device access or an existing wireless network.
Multi-Screen Splicing and Synchronized Playback
HDMI input and output cascading allows the AD20 to be used in multi-screen splicing projects. Multiple screens can also maintain synchronized playback through NTP time synchronization, GPS time synchronization with a compatible 4G module, or RF time synchronization with a compatible RF module.
Remote Publishing and Monitoring
Publish programs and control the LED display from a PC, phone or tablet. A direct Ethernet connection, a local network or a public network can be used for content delivery and screen control. Supported cloud platforms also enable remote cluster publishing, display control and status monitoring across multiple locations.
4K Video Decoding and Multi-Window Playback
The quad-core 1.8GHz ARM Cortex-A55 processor supports H.264 and H.265 4K@60Hz decoding. Playback capacity includes:
- 1 channel of 4K video
- 2 channels of 1080p video
- 4 channels of 720p video
- 4 channels of 480p video
- 6 channels of 360p video
Interfaces and Audio Notes
- The USB 3.0 Type-A port supports program playback from a USB flash drive and firmware upgrades.
- The USB Type-B port connects a computer directly to the AD20 for program publishing and display control.
- The internal audio source uses a fixed 48kHz sampling rate. External audio sources support 32kHz, 44.1kHz and 48kHz.
- Use a 48kHz sampling rate when audio is output through a multifunction card.
Typical Applications
- Commercial LED advertising displays
- Multi-screen LED video walls and spliced displays
- Distributed digital signage managed from a central location
- Installations that require scheduled content plus live HDMI input
- LED display networks that need remote publishing and status monitoring
NovaStar AD20 Product Images
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum loading capacity of the NovaStar AD20?
The NovaStar AD20 can control up to 1.3 million pixels. The maximum width is 4096 pixels and the maximum height is 4096 pixels, subject to the total pixel-capacity limit.
Does the AD20 support both synchronous and asynchronous modes?
Yes. In asynchronous mode it plays content from internal storage. In synchronous mode it displays the live source connected to the HDMI input.
Can the NovaStar AD20 decode 4K video?
Yes. It supports H.264 and H.265 decoding up to 4K@60Hz and can play one 4K video channel.
Can multiple AD20-controlled screens play in sync?
Yes. Multi-screen synchronized playback is supported through NTP, GPS or RF time synchronization. GPS and RF synchronization require the corresponding compatible modules.
How can programs be published to the AD20?
Programs can be published from PCs, mobile phones and tablets through USB, WiFi, a direct Ethernet connection, a LAN or a public network. Cloud-based publishing and monitoring are also supported for multi-location management.
Download the NovaStar AD20 Specification
Download the NovaStar AD20 LED Display Multimedia Player Specification (Chinese PDF).
