LED Guide · Control System

LED Display Controllers: Sending Cards, Receiving Cards and Processors Explained

The cabinets are only half of an LED screen. The control system turns your video or content into signals for every module. This guide explains the chain, the main product roles, what NovaStar-class systems do, and what to ask a supplier.

Updated 15 October 2026

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In short: This guide covers “LED Display Controllers: Sending Cards, Receiving Cards and Processors Explained” for businesses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It is written by Emirtech, an independent integrator. For a specific site, a survey or assessment comes first, then a written itemised quotation.

LED Display Controllers: Sending Cards, Receiving Cards and Processors Explained: key facts

Published by	Published by Emirtech Technology, an independent integrator in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, in operation since 2018.
Where?	Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, served from Emirtech's Mussafah, Abu Dhabi base; there is no Al Ain office. In Dubai: smart home, PABX and IP-PBX phone systems, IT AMC and time attendance by scheduled on-site visits, gate barriers, ANPR, video intercoms and turnstiles by Emirtech itself; CCTV, alarm and access control through SIRA-approved partners, with Emirtech coordinating.
Survey and quotation	Emirtech publishes no price list: it surveys or assesses first and then gives a written, itemised quotation.
Credentials	Emirtech is an independent systems integrator. It holds no manufacturer-level credential of its own, and its ADMCC approval covers security systems only, not IT services.
Last reviewed	21 October 2026

How does an LED screen control system work?

A typical LED control system takes a video source, scales and processes it in a video processor, sends it over Ethernet from a sending card or sending box, and delivers it to receiving cards inside each cabinet, which drive the LEDs. All-in-one controllers combine the processor and sender.

What are the parts of the chain?

Source, processor, sender, receiving cards and the cabinets: each has a distinct job.

Part	Job
Source or media player	Supplies the picture: a PC, media player, camera, HDMI or SDI feed
Video processor	Scales, switches and arranges inputs, handles layers and colour
Sending card or sending box	Packages the video and sends it to the screen over Ethernet cables
Receiving cards	Sit in each cabinet, receive the data and drive that cabinet’s LEDs; hold calibration settings
Cabinets and modules	Display the picture

All-in-one controllers combine the processor and sender in one box, which shortens the signal path for many projects. The system still needs receiving cards, power, cabling, mapping and commissioning.

What is NovaStar and who else makes LED control systems?

NovaStar is a major LED display control manufacturer; Colorlight and Linsn are other widely used makers, and several display makers also sell their own controllers.

NovaStar’s range covers LED control systems, processors and a cloud platform, and it publishes a product finder and distributor network. Emirtech is not a NovaStar partner and claims no manufacturer partner tier; we specify the control system that suits the screen and the project, and we choose it for compatibility with the cabinets, the resolution, the number of Ethernet outputs and the support available in the UAE. Other vendors in this space, including DigiBird, focus on video-wall controllers and LED processors with similar roles.

What should I ask about the control system?

Ask about total resolution, inputs, number of outputs, redundancy, calibration, remote monitoring and who supports it.

Resolution capacity: can the processor drive the total pixel count of the wall? Finer pitch needs more; see the pixel pitch guide.
Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, SDI or network, and the number of layers.
Redundancy: backup sender or loop-back cabling for critical walls.
Calibration: brightness and colour uniformity correction stored in the receiving cards.
Monitoring: remote status of modules, temperature and power where supported.
Content management: cloud or local scheduling so staff can update content.

How does content get to the screen?

Content reaches the screen from a media player or PC through the processor, and can be scheduled and updated remotely with a content-management platform.

For signage-style screens we set up scheduling so your team can change content without engineers. For many separate commercial displays instead of one LED wall, see digital signage solutions. The main page for projects is LED display screens in Abu Dhabi.

Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sending card in an LED display?

A sending card (or sending box) takes the processed video and sends it over Ethernet to the receiving cards in the cabinets.

What is a receiving card?

A receiving card sits inside each LED cabinet, receives the data from the sender and drives that cabinet’s LEDs, and stores its calibration data.

What is the difference between a video processor and a sending card?

The processor scales and switches inputs; the sending card transmits the result to the screen. All-in-one controllers combine both.

Is NovaStar the only LED controller brand?

No. Colorlight and Linsn are also widely used, and other makers offer their own. The right choice depends on the cabinets, resolution and support.

Is Emirtech a NovaStar partner?

No. We claim no manufacturer partner tier. We specify the control system that fits the project.

Can I update LED screen content remotely?

Yes, with a media player and content-management software that supports remote scheduling. We set this up with the screen.

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LED Pixel Pitch Guide

Choose LED pixel pitch from viewing distance: P0.9 to P10 ranges, the rules of thumb and how to test. Emirtech, Abu Dhabi.

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What an LED screen costs in the UAE: drivers and what a quote should list. Emirtech, Abu Dhabi.

Digital Signage Solutions in Abu Dhabi

Digital signage company in Abu Dhabi: commercial displays, media players, CMS software and menu boards supplied, installed and managed.

LED Display FAQ

Short answers on LED screens in Abu Dhabi: types, pixel pitch, price, permits, controllers, LED vs LCD.

Need the control system designed?

Tell us the screen size and sources. We will specify the processor, senders and cabling and quote in writing.