The operation of LED walls is more complex than the shining result suggests. Each colourful image and each high-contrast video sequence requires a digital interaction of several components with individual requests. Amongst others, the receiving card built into the LED cabinet is of relevance. Despite its not too imposing size, it is irreplaceably important for the operation of the LED wall. Therefore, it is important to know exactly what you are dealing with.

The barely exciting addition “N” in the name of the receiving card A8s-N leads to the idea that nothing major has changed. While it sounds like the manufacturer for LED controlling solutions NovaStar simply released a “N”ew version of the A8s-receiving card, it is really a product with new features that should not be looked upon in order to grant a reliable function of the LED wall.

The receiving card with the name A8s-N is due to the lasting shortage in chips equipped with an alternative chip than the Modell without -N. The latter production was not stopped but significantly reduced in its quantity because the actual number in chips is not affordable. Nonetheless, the cards work similarly in their basic functions, the important difference lies in the non-compatibility of the two receiving cards. This creates the practical problem of the combination of different LED-series batches. With the same receiving cards for example version 1 (from the first batch) and version 2 (from the second batch) of the LedTek P4+WH Pro can be combined without any difficulties. This option does not work with two different receiving cards (like A8s and the A8s-N) as they require different RCGFX-files and firmware.

Please note: Downloading the latest firmware as an update should hence always happen through the LedTek website. Under certain circumstances, using a firmware file provided on the official NovaStar website may lead to incompatibility with or damage to the LedTek LED walls.

So far, only the A8s is built into the LedTek products (P2+sBL and P4+WH Pro). Due to the official LedTek-NovaStar partnership we are able to grant you this service until further notice.

The most important thing for you is that LedTek’s production over the next 1 ½ years will use the A8s thanks to good communication with NovaStar, and that you will not confuse the A8s and A8s-N – even if it happens easily.

By the way, the new version “-N” is currently installed in the LEDBRIX indoor system and will continue to be installed in the future. Its functions are therefore just as good as those of the predecessor card, a decision should therefore be made on the basis of compatibility.

NovaStar remains flexible: already planned is the launch of another generation of “Pro” of the receiving cards. With the introduction of the P2+BL Pro, this new version will also be built into the LedTek walls. We will keep you up-to-date!

Do you have further questions regarding receiving cards, firmware and co.? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! Give us a call at +49 551 492 493 44 or send an email to vertrieb@ledtek.de.