When connected to a processor that supports fiber optic converters, LED screens can activate fiber optic converter mode to enable efficient long-distance content transmission.
There are many different brands of fiber optic converters on the market, but Novastar fiber converters stand out for their powerful transmission performance and excellent build quality. So, is the Novastar fiber converter right for your project? Read this article to find out.
What Is the Novastar Fiber Converter?
The Novastar Fiber Converter is a device used for controlling LED screens. When connected to the LED screen control system, it interfaces with a fiber optic receiver and fiber optic cables, enabling the LED screen to transmit signals via fiber optics.
Fiber optic converters typically require devices to be installed at both ends (the LED screen and the LED control equipment). They work by first converting the electrical signals output by the controller into optical signals, allowing these signals to be transmitted quickly over long distances. Upon reaching the LED screen, the converter reconverts the optical signals back into electrical signals and transmits them to the LED screen.
For some fiber optic converters equipped with fiber optic output interfaces, only one converter needs to be configured at the LED display end.
Why Do LED Screens Need to Use Novastar Fiber Converters?
Longer Signal Transmission Distances
With traditional LED screen control methods, signal transmission distances are typically limited to within 100 meters. However, when using Novastar fiber converters, signal transmission distances can reach several kilometers or even tens of kilometers, allowing your project to separate the control room from the LED screen for more convenient screen management.
The transmission distance supported by a fiber optic converter depends on the device type. Novastar fiber converters generally come in two types:
- Single-mode Novastar fiber converter: Uses small-diameter fiber optic cables (9 micrometers) to transmit signals over distances of up to 20 kilometers.
- Multimode Novastar fiber converter: Uses fiber optic cables with a diameter of approximately 60 micrometers to transmit multiple signal lines. Due to the large number of signals being transmitted and the broader transmission range, the typical transmission distance for these devices is only 300 meters to 5 kilometers.
Zero-Latency Mode
Fiber optic converters convert electrical signals into optical signals for transmission, and optical signals travel at extremely high speeds.
Even when transmitting large-scale source signals, they enable high speed, zero-latency transmission, ensuring viewers see smooth, synchronized footage. For live events, broadcast recordings, and similar scenarios, the ability to display content on screen instantly is crucial.
No Need to Install Additional Applications
The Novastar fiber converter is a convenient, plug-and-play device. For basic signal conversion, simply connect the converter to the LED screen and LED control equipment using cables, plug it into a power source, and it’s ready to use; no need to install control software or set aside time for advanced debugging.
For firmware updates, you’ll need to install the NovaLCT software to perform the operation.
Signals Resistant to Electromagnetic Interference
Unlike electrical signals, the optical signals transmitted by the Novastar fiber converter are virtually immune to electromagnetic interference in the environment.
This ensures stable signal transmission and clear, smooth screen display, preventing screen stuttering caused by signal interference and other issues that could negatively impact on-site operations.
Stable Operation in Harsh Environments
Some models of Novastar fiber converters feature an IP65 protection rating, effectively preventing moisture and dust from entering the device and damaging its components.
With an operating temperature range of -20 °C to 70 °C, the devices can maintain stable and reliable operation in challenging environments such as industrial settings and high temperature conditions.
Specifications of Several Popular Novastar Fiber Converters
Below is a comparison table of specifications for several popular Novastar fiber converters:
| Comparison Items | Novastar CVT310 | Novastar CVT320 | Novastar CVT10 | Novastar CVT10 Pro | Novastar CVT4K-S |
| Device Type | Multimode | Single-mode | Single-mode or multimode | Single-mode or multimode | Single-mode |
| Fiber Ports | 1 × LC (dual-core) | 1 × LC (dual-core) | 2 × LC (dual-core) | 2 × LC (dual-core) | 4 × LC (dual-core) |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 × Gigabit Ethernet | 1 × Gigabit Ethernet | 10 × Gigabit Ethernet | 10 × Gigabit Ethernet | 16 × Neutrik Ports |
| Supported Transmission Distance | 300 meters | 15 kilometers | 10 kilometers (single-mode), 300 meters (multimode) | 10 kilometers (single-mode), 300 meters (multimode) | 10 kilometers |
| Data Rate | 1.25 Gb/s | 1.25 Gb/s | 9.95 – 11.3 Gb/s | 9.95 – 11.3 Gb/s | 9.95 – 11.3 Gb/s |
| Power Consumption | 3.5 W | 3.5 W | 18 W | 22 W | 21 W |
| Operating Temperature | -20 ℃ ~ 70 ℃ | -20 ℃ ~ 70 ℃ | -20 ℃ ~ 55 ℃ | -20 ℃ ~ 55 ℃ | -20 ℃ ~ 60 ℃ |
| Protection Rating | / | / | / | IP65 | / |
| Power Connector | 1 × 3-pin socket | 1 × 3-pin socket | 1 × T-type socket | 1 × PowerCON | 1 × 3-pin power socket, 1 × PowerCON |
| Quality Certifications | KC、CE、RoHS、PSE、EAC、FCC、IC | KC、CE、RoHS、PSE、EAC、FCC、IC | RoHS、FCC、CE、IC、RCM | RoHS、FCC、CE、CBIC、RCM、KC、UL | RoHS、UL&CUL、FCC、CE、EAC、CB、IC、RCM |
| Dimensions | 149.0 mm × 135.0 mm × 38.0 mm | 149.0 mm × 135.0 mm × 38.0 mm | 254.3 mm × 290 mm × 43.6 mm | 482.6 mm x 280 mm x 88.1 mm | 500 mm × 386 mm × 96.0 mm |
| Weight | 0.53 kg | 0.53 kg | 2.1 kg | 5.9 kg | 4.6 kg |
| Redundancy Design | None | None | OPT2 Backup Port | OPT2 Backup Port | Dual Power Supplies: OPT3 and OPT4 Standby |
Application Scenarios for Novastar Fiber Converters
Stage Performances
LED displays used in big stage performances typically have high resolutions to ensure they provide audiences with high definition visuals at event venues, and the source content captured by cameras also has relatively high resolution.
Using the Novastar CVT4K-S as a converter, its 16 Neutrik Ethernet ports can quickly transmit large-volume source signals, ensuring clear, stable, and latency-free images on the on-site screens.
Industrial Environments
For challenging environments with relatively high dust levels, such as construction sites and factories, you can choose the Novastar CVT10 Pro. With an IP65 protection rating, it ensures stable operation in harsh environments and offers a long service life, helping you avoid maintenance-related losses.
Large-Scale Trade Shows
Trade show LED screens are sometimes used to broadcast footage from large-scale exhibition venues. For such scenarios requiring stable and efficient content transmission, using a Novastar fiber optic converter can help you precisely achieve your display objectives.
Broadcast Studios
To ensure a clean and aesthetically pleasing program recording space, LED screens in broadcast studios are typically located some distance from the control room. Connecting a Novastar fiber converter allows the LED screen controller to exceed the original 100-meter transmission distance limit, providing you with high-speed, long-distance signal transmission.
How to Troubleshoot Unstable Transmission with a Novastar Fiber Converter?
If you experience unstable fiber optic transmission, check the following:
- Cable bending radius: Verify that the cable’s bending radius falls within the rated range. Generally, it is recommended to maintain a bending radius of at least ten times the cable’s diameter.
- Connectors: Check the cleanliness of the connectors to prevent dust or grease from affecting transmission performance.
- Transmission distance: Different models of Novastar fiber converters support different transmission distances. When the actual transmission distance approaches the device’s maximum limit, signal transmission may become unstable.
- Fiber quality: Poor-quality fiber optic cables may also cause unstable signal transmission. We recommend using OM3 or OM4-certified fiber.
FAQ
Can Multimode Novastar Fiber Converters and Single-Mode Novastar Fiber Converters Be Used Together?
No. Single-mode and multimode fiber optic converters have different core diameters and optical dispersion characteristics, so they are not compatible.
In a single LED display project, you can only use either multiple single-mode fiber optic converters or multiple multimode fiber optic converters simultaneously.
Which Novastar Fiber Converter Should Be Used for Sports LED Displays?
For sports LED displays, to ensure high definition visuals, the transmitted game footage typically has a high resolution, an extremely high frame rate, and a very large volume of content.
We recommend choosing the Novastar CVT10-S, CVT4K-S, or Novastar CVT10 Pro-S. These three converters offer strong load-carrying capacity and long transmission distances, making them better suited to your project’s needs.
How Much Do Novastar Fiber Converters Cost?
Market prices vary significantly depending on the model. For entry-level devices, such as the Novastar CVT310 and Novastar CVT320, prices typically range from $ 100 to $ 300; for high-end models, such as the Novastar CVT10 and Novastar CVT4K-S, market prices can range from $ 1,500 to $ 3,000.
Is the Novastar Fiber Converter Difficult to Use?
No, it’s not complicated. Novastar fiber converters require no assembly; simply plug them in after receiving the package, and they’re ready to use. Additionally, no additional software installation is required, making them very convenient and quick to use.
Can an LED Screen Function Normally Without a Fiber Optic Converter?
Yes. Installing a fiber optic converter on an LED screen is solely for transmitting content and managing the screen in Fiber Optic Converter Mode. Even without using this mode, you can still manage the screen using Video Controller Mode or Bypass Mode.
Summary
If your LED display is used in a large-scale setting where the control room is located far from the LED screen, purchasing a Novastar fiber converter to use in conjunction with your LED control equipment can provide stable, high speed, and ultra long distance signal transmission for your project.
If you have any other questions, such as regarding LED screen procurement or LED control equipment, please feel free to contact JYLED for more detailed information.
