Novastar MCTRL4K is a 4K all-in-one LED display controller built by NovaStar for large and ultra-wide LED video walls. A single unit loads up to 4096×2160@60Hz — as many as 8,800,000 pixels from DisplayPort or HDMI input — across 16 Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet ports, and the same hardware can also run as two independent master controllers when you need extra flexibility on site. Screen configuration, input switching and brightness adjustment are all handled from the front panel, so no PC is needed to set the screen up.
The MCTRL4K is the controller rental, staging and fixed-installation teams reach for when a display has to look perfect at 4K. HDR10 and HLG processing, individual gamma adjustment for RGB, pixel-level brightness and chroma calibration and low-latency mode keep every cabinet matched and every image detailed and vivid, while the 4 × 10G optical ports send data over long distances on a single fibre run. Up to 10 MCTRL4K units can be cascaded to drive one giant screen.
Novastar MCTRL4K video overview
See the NovaStar MCTRL4K 4K LED display controller in action:
Novastar MCTRL4K key features
Video inputs
- DP 1.2 × 1 — up to 4096×2160@60Hz, HDCP 1.3 compliant
- HDMI 2.0 × 1 — up to 4096×2160@60Hz, HDCP 1.4 and HDCP 2.2 compliant
- Dual-link DVI-D × 2 — up to 3840×1080@60Hz each, with mosaic and multi-card operating modes for dual-link DVI input
- 8-bit, 10-bit and 12-bit input sources, plus decimal frame rates of 23.98 / 29.97 / 47.95 / 59.94 / 71.93 / 119.88 Hz
- Custom resolutions with a maximum width or height of 7680 pixels (7680×1080@60Hz or 1080×7680@60Hz)
Outputs
- 16 × Neutrik (NE8FBH) Gigabit Ethernet ports — 650,000 pixels per port with 8-bit sources, 320,000 pixels per port with 10-bit or 12-bit sources, with redundancy between ports
- 4 × 10G optical ports (OPT1–OPT4) — OPT1 carries the data of Ethernet ports 1–8, OPT2 carries ports 9–16, and OPT3/OPT4 are duplicate channels for long-distance transmission or backup
- Maximum output width or height of a single controller: 7680 pixels
- GENLOCK IN – LOOP (BNC) — sync signal connector supporting Bi-level, Tri-level and Blackburst
Image processing and control
- HDR10 and HLG support for greater brightness range and detail (requires HDR-capable receiving cards)
- Individual gamma adjustment for RGB on 10-bit and 12-bit inputs, controlling low-grayscale non-uniformity and white balance offset
- Pixel-level brightness and chroma calibration with NovaStar’s high-precision calibration system for high brightness and chroma consistency
- RGB limited to RGB full conversion for natural black in low-grayscale scenes
- Low latency — the delay between input source and receiving cards can be reduced to one frame
- 3D display support when used with the NovaStar EMT200 3D emitter and 3D glasses
- NovaStar G4 engine for stable, flicker-free pictures with no scanning lines and smooth images with a good sense of layering
- Front-panel LCD screen, rotary knob and BACK button for on-site configuration without a PC
- Web-based screen configuration, Ethernet control and USB IN (Type-B) / USB OUT (Type-A) cascading up to 10 MCTRL4K units
- Smart configuration that greatly shortens the time needed for stage preparation
- Multiple controllers can be cascaded for uniform control of very large displays
Novastar MCTRL4K specifications
| Product name | NovaStar MCTRL4K |
| Product type | All-in-one 4K LED display controller (master controller / video processor) |
| Loading capacity | Up to 4096×2160@60Hz (8,800,000 pixels from DP / HDMI input, 8,300,000 pixels from DVI input) |
| Maximum output width / height | 7680 pixels |
| Video inputs | 1 × DP 1.2, 1 × HDMI 2.0, 2 × Dual-link DVI-D |
| Video outputs | 16 × Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet (NE8FBH), 4 × 10G optical ports (OPT1–OPT4) |
| Ethernet port capacity | 650,000 pixels per port (8-bit input); 320,000 pixels per port (10-bit / 12-bit input) |
| Sync | GENLOCK IN – LOOP (BNC), Bi-level / Tri-level / Blackburst |
| Control interfaces | ETHERNET (control computer), USB IN (USB 2.0 Type-B), USB OUT (USB 2.0 Type-A) |
| Operator interface | Front-panel LCD screen, rotary knob, BACK button, power switch, USB port |
| Cascading | Up to 10 MCTRL4K units |
| Bit depth | 8-bit / 10-bit / 12-bit input sources |
| HDR | HDR10 and HLG (10-bit HDMI input sources) |
| Input voltage | AC 100 V ~ 240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Rated power consumption | 30 W |
| Operating temperature | −20°C to +60°C |
| Operating humidity | 10% RH to 90% RH, non-condensing |
| Storage temperature | −20°C to +70°C |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 482.6 × 88.1 × 372.0 mm — 2U rack-mountable chassis |
| Net weight | 4.6 kg |
| Certifications | FCC, CE, UL&CUL, EAC, CB, IC, KC, RCM |
Novastar MCTRL4K dimensions
The MCTRL4K is a 2U rack-mountable controller measuring 482.6 mm wide × 88.1 mm high × 372.0 mm deep, with a net weight of 4.6 kg. It is designed to be placed horizontally only — do not mount it vertically or upside down.
Novastar MCTRL4K control panel and rear ports
The front panel puts a power switch, USB port, LCD screen, rotary knob and BACK button within reach, so you can configure a screen, adjust brightness or switch inputs on site. The rear panel carries the full set of professional 4K input and output connectors.
- Front panel: power switch, USB port (for a USB drive), LCD screen, rotary knob and BACK button
- Rear panel: DP 1.2, HDMI 2.0, Dual DVI-D 1 and 2, 16 × Neutrik Gigabit Ethernet ports (1–16), OPT1–OPT4 optical ports with master and backup connectors, ETHERNET IN/OUT (network), USB IN/OUT, LOOP OUT/IN (GENLOCK) and AC 100–240V power input
Software, specifications and manual downloads
The MCTRL4K can be configured from its front panel without a PC, or from a control computer over Ethernet or USB using NovaStar’s SmartLCT screen configuration software. The latest SmartLCT and NovaLCT releases are always available from the official NovaStar download centre. Download the documents below to check every detail before you buy.
- Novastar MCTRL4K LED Display Controller Specifications V1.2.0 (PDF)
- NovaStar SmartLCT Screen Configuration Software User Manual V3.5.0 (PDF)
- NovaStar HDR Master 4K Video Processor User Manual V1.0.0 (PDF)
Novastar MCTRL4K price and what is included
The Novastar MCTRL4K is priced at US$2,999.00 per unit at EagerLED, which includes the controller, cables and a NovaStar certificate of approval. Packing weight is approximately 12.5 kg, and orders ship worldwide with fast delivery. Contact us for project pricing on multiple units, spare optical modules or matching NovaStar receiving cards.
Typical applications for the Novastar MCTRL4K
The MCTRL4K is mainly used in rental and fixed installation applications where a large, high-resolution LED screen has to be driven reliably:
- Concerts, touring stages and live events
- 4K LED video walls in broadcast studios and control rooms
- Sports centres, stadiums and security monitoring rooms
- Exhibition halls, conference venues and corporate lobbies
- Any ultra-long or ultra-wide LED display that needs a custom resolution up to 7680 pixels on one axis
Frequently asked questions about the Novastar MCTRL4K
How many pixels can one Novastar MCTRL4K control?
A single MCTRL4K loads up to 4096×2160@60Hz, which is 8,800,000 pixels when the source is DisplayPort or HDMI, or 8,300,000 pixels when the source is DVI. Its maximum output width or height is 7680 pixels, so it can drive ultra-long or ultra-wide screens with custom resolutions.
Can the MCTRL4K run without a computer?
Yes. The MCTRL4K has a front-panel LCD screen, rotary knob and BACK button, so you can configure the screen, switch inputs and adjust brightness without connecting a PC. When you do want software control, you can connect a control computer over Ethernet or USB and use NovaStar SmartLCT.
What is the price of the Novastar MCTRL4K?
The Novastar MCTRL4K is US$2,999.00 per unit at EagerLED. Volume pricing is available for multiple units and project orders — contact us for a quote.
Which receiving cards work with the MCTRL4K?
The MCTRL4K works with NovaStar receiving cards and supports redundancy between its 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports. To use HDR, the receiving cards on the screen must also support HDR.
How many MCTRL4K units can be cascaded?
Up to 10 MCTRL4K units can be cascaded, using either the USB IN/OUT ports or the optical ports, for uniform control of very large LED displays.
What is in the box?
Each MCTRL4K ships with the controller, a power cord and the NovaStar certificate of approval, packed in a carrying case with an accessory box. Packing weight is approximately 12.5 kg.
Which software configures the MCTRL4K?
Screen configuration is carried out with NovaStar SmartLCT, either over Ethernet or USB, or directly from the front panel. The SmartLCT user manual and the MCTRL4K specification are available in the downloads section above.
Related Novastar LED controllers and video processors
- Novastar MCTRL500 LED Display Player — a lower-capacity single-unit controller for smaller screens
- VDWall LVP609 4K/2K 60Hz LED HD Video Processor
- All LED sending boxes and controllers
- More NovaStar LED display parts
