In LED display systems, people often focus on the screen itself, overlooking a crucial component—the sending cards and sending boxes. These devices act as the “brain” of the LED system, processing and transmitting signals from media players, computers, or other video sources to the receiving cards and display modules. They determine whether the image can be presented clearly, stably, and in real-time. Therefore, selecting the right sending-end equipment is essential to ensure professional and reliable display performance.
Sending cards and sending boxes offer different capabilities depending on the scale, application, and technical requirements of a display system. For instance, high-definition conference systems emphasize refresh rates and image processing, stage performances prioritize real-time synchronization and multiple interface access, and retail or advertising displays require simplified installation and wireless content updates. These needs vary greatly among brands and models, each with distinct advantages.
✅ Core Functions of Sending Cards & Boxes
These devices perform four primary functions:
1️⃣ Input Video Signals
They support HDMI, DVI, and other interfaces to bring content sources into the LED system.
2️⃣ Signal Processing & Format Adjustment
This includes resolution conversion, grayscale processing, and frame synchronization.
3️⃣ High-Speed Transmission to Receiving End
They distribute processed data to the receiving cards, ensuring accurate pixel-level display.
4️⃣ Content Playback & System Control
Some sending boxes offer storage and asynchronous playback capabilities, allowing them to operate independently without a connected computer.
Thus, whether for small display screens or large outdoor advertising, professional sending-end solutions are indispensable.
✅ Synchronous vs Asynchronous: How to Choose
Synchronous Systems: Prioritize Real-Time Performance
Ideal for stage performances, live events, and conferences.
Typical models include the NovaStar MSD300 Sending Card and NovaStar MSD600 Sending Card. These cards use DVI inputs to deliver real-time computer graphics with near-zero latency, making them standard solutions for stage and conference setups.
Asynchronous Systems: Prioritize Flexibility
Suitable for advertising screens, storefront displays, and information signage.
Typical models include the NovaStar TB30 Multimedia Player and Huidu HD-A4L Multimedia Player. These devices can operate independently, with content updated via Wi-Fi, USB, or cloud platforms, ideal for unattended or multi-location applications.
With the advancement of LED technology, dual-mode controllers that support both synchronous and asynchronous operation have emerged. For example, the Mooncell MB4 Multimedia Player provides both modes, offering flexibility to adapt to complex projects while maintaining system stability.
✅ Technical Features of Leading Brands
NovaStar: Industry Standard & Professional Engineering Choice
Widely adopted in stage and large-scale projects.
Models like MCTRL300, MCTRL600, and MCTRL660 PRO are high-performance synchronous controllers, supporting higher pixel loads, faster refresh rates, and multi-unit control.
For 4K content, MCTRL4K offers full 4K@60Hz input and output support, making it ideal for high-end stages and immersive visual projects.
For asynchronous applications, NovaStar’s Taurus series (e.g., TB40, TB50, TB60) integrates Wi-Fi, 4G, and USB content updating, with centralized control through NovaLCT and ViPlex software.
Mooncell: Cost-Effective & Engineer-Friendly Design
Mooncell sending devices are known for high load capacity and stability, suitable for commercial displays and educational projects.
For example, the V30 PRO Sending Card supports 1.3 million pixels, offering reliable image transmission with a user-friendly interface.
For projects needing both synchronous and asynchronous operation, the MB4 Multimedia Player allows flexible mode switching, meeting live control requirements while enabling automated playback, reducing operational costs.
Huidu: Widely Used in Retail & Advertising
Huidu focuses on efficient and user-friendly asynchronous control systems, commonly used in chain advertising screens, storefronts, and small to medium outdoor projects.
Models include HD-A3L, HD-A5L, and HD-A6L.
These devices support Wi-Fi and USB updates, multi-screen linkage, and scheduled playback, ideal for high-frequency content updates.
Huidu systems emphasize user-friendliness, supporting web and mobile control, and provide robust signal stability and recovery features, ensuring content remains reliable under continuous operation.
✅ How to Choose the Right Sending-End Device
When selecting sending equipment, consider the compatibility with project requirements:
-
Real-time performance: For live events and conferences, choose synchronous devices for precise timing and minimal latency.
-
Content update flexibility: For advertising and information screens, asynchronous devices allow offline playback and remote updates, reducing maintenance workload.
-
Screen size & resolution: Larger screens or 4K content require high-performance controllers like NovaStar MCTRL series or Mooncell V30 PRO.
-
Environment & maintenance: Outdoor environments may require protection and heat dissipation, while multi-location deployment benefits from cloud-based centralized management.
Each decision directly impacts installation complexity, long-term maintenance, display quality, and system reliability.
✅ Conclusion
Whether for high-end stage performances, immersive visual experiences, or outdoor advertising and storefront digital signage, sending cards and controller boxes are the essential bridge for precise content display. They determine not only how images are rendered but also the system’s scalability and long-term stability.
When choosing sending devices, evaluate project needs, environment, and budget comprehensively. Avoid blindly pursuing high-spec models or ignoring compatibility and support. Only when the sending and receiving ends work in perfect coordination can an LED display truly achieve its full visual potential.