Finding the Perfect NovaStar COEX Series Solution

Hampus Niskala |20/10, 2026

NovaStar's COEX series covers everything from a single-HDMI controller for a small fixed screen to a modular 8K system for stadium-size LED walls. This guide compares all seven current NovaStar COEX controllers, so you can pick the right one for your next project. Updated October 2026.

What all COEX controllers have in common

Video processing and LED sending in one box. Every COEX model can run as an all-in-one controller (layers, scaling, 1 frame latency) or as a send-only controller with 0 frame latency.
VMP software. All models are set up and run from NovaStar's Vision Management Platform (VMP), so you learn one workflow for the whole range.
No rectangle restriction. Blank areas on irregular screens don't use up load capacity.
Fiber outputs on every model for long cable runs, plus monitoring, alarms and cascading over Ethernet without extra switches.
Best results with the right receiving cards. Features like Frame Rate Adaptive, Full Grayscale Calibration and Dynamic Booster need NovaStar's newer receiving cards, such as the A10s Pro or A8s Pro (1G systems) or the 5G cards for CX40 Pro.

NovaStar COEX controllers compared

Model	Inputs	Outputs	Max load	Layers	Best for
KU20	1x HDMI 1.3	6x 1G Ethernet, 1x 10G fiber	3.9 million pixels	1	Small fixed installations, one source
MX20	2x HDMI 1.3, 1x 3G-SDI	6x 1G Ethernet, 2x 10G fiber	3.9 million pixels	3	Small events, churches, Genlock on a budget
MX30	1x HDMI 2.0, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DP 1.1, 2x 3G-SDI	10x 1G Ethernet, 2x 10G fiber	6.5 million pixels	3	Mid-size rental and fixed screens with a 4K source
MX40 Pro	3x HDMI 2.0, 1x DP 1.2, 1x 12G-SDI	20x 1G Ethernet, 4x 10G fiber	9 million pixels	4	4K rental, broadcast and xR, 1G receiving cards
CX40 Pro	2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DP 1.2, 2x 12G-SDI	6x 5G Ethernet, 1x 40G fiber	9 million pixels	3	4K screens on 5G receiving cards, fewer cables
MX2000 Pro	2 input card slots (up to 8x 4K@60Hz or 4x 8K@30Hz)	2 fiber output card slots	35.38 million pixels	4 per output card	8K and large events in a 2U chassis
MX6000 Pro	8 input card slots (up to 32x 4K@60Hz or 8x 8K@60Hz)	8 fiber output card slots	141 million pixels	Up to 32 4K layers	Stadiums, xR/VP studios, the biggest shows

Load capacity at 8-bit, 60Hz. Specifications from NovaStar's V1.5.0 documentation.

Compact COEX controllers: KU20, MX20 and MX30

The NovaStar KU20 is the simplest way into COEX: one HDMI input, up to 3.9 million pixels, and the same VMP software as the bigger models. It suits fixed screens with a single source, where you don't need layers or Genlock.

The NovaStar MX20 has the same 3.9 million pixel capacity, but adds a second HDMI input, 3G-SDI, three layers and Genlock for camera work. It's a good fit for small events, houses of worship and smaller rental screens.

The NovaStar MX30 steps up to 6.5 million pixels over 10 Ethernet ports and takes a 4K@60Hz source over HDMI 2.0, with HDR10 and HLG. For many mid-size rental and fixed installations, it's the sweet spot in the range.

4K COEX controllers: MX40 Pro and CX40 Pro

The NovaStar MX40 Pro is the 4K flagship of the fixed-I/O models. It drives 9 million pixels over 20 Gigabit Ethernet ports, takes three HDMI 2.0, DP 1.2 and 12G-SDI sources, and adds the features camera and broadcast work needs: four layers, 12-bit, 3D LUT, frame multiplication, Shutter Fit and sync phase offset. If you're building with 1G receiving cards such as the A10s Pro, this is the one to look at.

The NovaStar CX40 Pro has the same 9 million pixel capacity but uses six 5G Ethernet outputs instead of twenty 1G ports. Each 5G port carries about four times the load of a classic port, so you run far fewer cables. It needs NovaStar's 5G receiving cards, and has a 40G fiber port for long runs.

Modular 8K COEX controllers: MX2000 Pro and MX6000 Pro

For 8K content and the largest screens, COEX moves to plug-in input and output cards. You choose the inputs your project needs (HDMI 2.0 and 2.1, DP 1.2 and 1.4, 12G-SDI or SMPTE ST 2110 over IP), and outputs run over fiber to NovaStar fiber converters. See all COEX input and output cards.

The NovaStar MX2000 Pro fits two input and two output cards in a 2U chassis, for up to 35.38 million pixels. It's the practical choice for large rental events, TV studios and e-sports. If you want everything in one order, the MX2000 Pro Complete Kit comes ready to go.

The NovaStar MX6000 Pro is the top of the COEX range: a 6U chassis with eight input and eight output card slots, up to 141 million pixels, dual power supplies and full redundancy. It's built for stadiums, xR and virtual production stages, and the biggest live shows.

How to choose

Count your pixels first. Multiply your screen's width by its height in pixels. Up to 3.9 million: KU20 or MX20. Up to 6.5 million: MX30. Up to 9 million: MX40 Pro or CX40 Pro. More than that: MX2000 Pro or MX6000 Pro.
Check your source. A 4K source needs MX30 or higher. 8K needs the MX2000 Pro or MX6000 Pro.
Shooting with cameras? Choose a model with Genlock (all except KU20). For xR, virtual production and broadcast, the MX40 Pro, MX2000 Pro and MX6000 Pro add frame multiplication and Shutter Fit.
Match your receiving cards. 1G receiving cards work with the KU20, MX20, MX30 and MX40 Pro. The CX40 Pro needs 5G cards. The MX2000 Pro and MX6000 Pro connect through fiber converters.

Looking for the CX80 Pro?

The NovaStar CX80 Pro has been discontinued. For 8K projects, the MX2000 Pro is the closest current replacement.

Buy NovaStar COEX controllers in Europe

Pixel Pitchers ships NovaStar COEX controllers from Sweden. Order in-stock items by 14:00 CET for same-day UPS Express, with delivery in 1–2 days across the EU and no import duties.

Not sure which model you need? Send us your screen size, pixel pitch and receiving cards, and we'll help you choose.

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