NovaStar CVT4K-S is a 16-port fiber converter that converts the 16 Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet outputs of a NovaStar LED display controller into single-mode optical fiber. Video signals then travel up to 10 km with no electromagnetic interference, no ground loops and no lightning surges on the copper run. Two optical ports are primary and two are hot backups, and dual internal power supplies keep large LED displays running even if one power feed fails.
What the CVT4K-S Fiber Converter Does
The CVT4K-S is the long-distance link between the control room and the LED screen. Instead of running 16 copper Ethernet cables across a venue, you run optical fiber and convert back to Ethernet at the screen. The conversion is transparent, so existing sending cards, receiving cards and NovaStar software keep working exactly as before. Typical installations include:
- Stadium and arena perimeter screens, where the control room sits hundreds of metres from the display.
- Outdoor billboards and building facades, where long copper runs collect lightning surges and voltage differences.
- Stage and touring LED walls, where the signal has to cross between separate power distributions.
- Rental LED cabinets and multi-screen venues that need a fast, repeatable connection.
Key Features of the NovaStar CVT4K-S
- 16 Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet inputs and outputs – match the 16 Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet outputs of a NovaStar MCTRL4K one-to-one, with no adapters and no repatching.
- 4 optical fiber inputs and outputs – OPT1 and OPT2 carry the signal, OPT3 and OPT4 are their backups.
- 10G optical modules, installed at the factory – 9.95–11.3 Gb/s transmission rate, 1310 nm wavelength, hot swappable, up to 10 km on single-mode twin-core LC fiber.
- Dual-power redundancy backup inside – two independent internal power supplies for extra stability and reliability.
- Two power connector types – 3-pin power socket and PowerCON, so the unit fits whichever power cabling your site already uses.
- Full front-panel indicators – confirm at a glance whether each Ethernet port is connected and transmitting, and whether each optical port is live.
- USB and ETHERNET control connectors – control the unit from a PC or cascade several devices together.
- Certified for global projects – CE, RoHS, FCC, UL&CUL, EAC, CB and IC.
Front Panel and Indicator Lights
The indicators are in the middle area of the front panel:
- OPT1/OPT3 correspond to the indicators of Ethernet ports 1–8, on the upper half of the panel. A green indicator that stays on means the port connection works. A yellow indicator that flashes means the port is transmitting data. A yellow indicator that stays on means the port is not transmitting data.
- PWR is the power indicator and STAT shows the device status.
- OPT2/OPT4 correspond to Ethernet ports 9–16, on the lower half of the panel, using the same green and yellow logic.
- A small green triangle indicator that stays on means the corresponding optical fiber port connection works.
Note: OPT1 corresponds to Ethernet ports 1–8 and OPT2 corresponds to Ethernet ports 9–16. OPT3 is the backup of OPT1 and OPT4 is the backup of OPT2.
Rear Panel Connectors
| Type | Connector | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Input | OPT1–4 | 4 × single-mode twin-core LC optical connectors. The optical modules are installed before the unit leaves the factory: 9.95–11.3 Gb/s transmission rate, hot swappable, 1310 nm wavelength, 10 km transmission distance. |
| Output | 1–16 | 16 × Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet inputs and outputs |
| Control | ETHERNET | Connects to a PC |
| Control | USB | Cascades devices or connects to a PC |
| Power | 3-pin power socket / PowerCON | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
NovaStar CVT4K-S Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product type | Optical fiber converter for LED display control signals |
| Ethernet interfaces | 16 × Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet inputs and outputs |
| Optical interfaces | 4 × single-mode twin-core LC (2 main + 2 backup) |
| Optical wavelength | 1310 nm |
| Transmission rate | 9.95–11.3 Gb/s per optical module |
| Maximum transmission distance | 10 km over single-mode fiber |
| Control methods | ETHERNET and USB |
| Input voltage | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Rated power consumption | 10 W |
| Power redundancy | Dual internal power supplies |
| Operating temperature | –20 °C to 60 °C |
| Storage temperature | –20 °C to 70 °C |
| Operating humidity | 10%–90% RH |
| Dimensions | 500.0 mm × 386.0 mm × 96.0 mm |
| Net weight | 4.6 kg |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, FCC, UL&CUL, EAC, CB, IC |
Which NovaStar Controllers Does the CVT4K-S Work With?
The CVT4K-S pairs directly with the NovaStar MCTRL4K, which also provides 16 Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet outputs and 4 optical fiber outputs. Because the conversion is transparent, any sending card, sending box, receiving card or video processor in a NovaStar signal chain can sit on either side of the fiber link. Need the matching NovaStar software? Download it from our NovaStar software download page.
What’s in the Box
Every CVT4K-S is packed in a NovaStar-printed suitcase with an accessory box inside a large carton. Included accessories: GB power cord, Ethernet cable, USB cable, 10 screws and a Certificate of Approval.
NovaStar CVT4K-S FAQ
How far can the CVT4K-S transmit a signal?
Up to 10 km over single-mode twin-core LC fiber, using the 1310 nm optical modules that are installed at the factory. That is about 100 times the 100 m limit of copper Gigabit Ethernet.
Does the CVT4K-S work with the NovaStar MCTRL4K?
Yes. The MCTRL4K provides 16 Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet outputs and 4 optical fiber outputs, and the CVT4K-S provides the matching 16 Neutrik Ethernet ports and 4 optical ports (two primary, two backup), so the two units connect directly.
How many Ethernet ports does the CVT4K-S have?
16 Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet ports, each usable as an input or an output, plus one ETHERNET port and one USB port for control or cascading.
What is the difference between the CVT4K-S and the CVT4K-M?
Both are 16-port NovaStar fiber converters with four LC optical ports and dual power redundancy. The CVT4K-S transmits over single-mode fiber at 1310 nm and reaches up to 10 km, while the NovaStar CVT4K-M transmits over multimode fiber at 850 nm and reaches up to 300 m. Choose the CVT4K-S for long in-building or cross-site runs and the CVT4K-M for short multimode runs.
Is the CVT4K-S a controller or a sending card?
Neither. It is a signal converter: it does not process video or drive LED cabinets by itself. It extends the link between your controller and the rest of the LED display signal chain over optical fiber.
What power supply does the CVT4K-S need?
100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, with a rated power consumption of 10 W. You can use either the 3-pin power socket or the PowerCON connector, and the dual internal power supplies provide redundancy.
Download the CVT4K-S Specification
NovaStar CVT4K-S Fiber Converter Specification (PDF, V1.0.1)
