How to Fix LED Display Screen Artifacts When Using NovaStar H-Series Splicing Processors

In the field of LED display control, stability and compatibility are everything. Professionals rely on high-quality splicing processors, such as NovaStar’s H-Series, to deliver seamless and vibrant images across large LED installations. However, even the most reliable systems can encounter technical hiccups — one common issue being artifacts or distorted images (commonly referred to as “flower screen” in the industry) after hardware upgrades or component replacements.

In this article, we will explain why this problem occurs, how to solve it effectively, and best practices to avoid it in the future.

Understanding the Problem: Why “Flower Screen” Happens

Imagine this scenario: you’ve recently upgraded your LED display system, replacing or adding new components such as input boards, output boards, or receiver cards in your NovaStar H-Series processor. You power on the system, expecting flawless performance, but instead, the display shows artifacts, scrambled images, or no proper output at all.

When customers encounter this, their first reaction is often to suspect faulty hardware. In fact, in many cases, the processor itself works perfectly fine. For example, in our own testing at the NovaStar maintenance department, units returned by customers with “flower screen” complaints performed normally under our lab conditions. This can be confusing — how can the system be fine in our hands, yet malfunction in the customer’s setup?

The answer often lies in firmware and software compatibility.

The Root Cause: Firmware and Software Mismatch

As with many professional AV systems, NovaStar continuously releases hardware updates and improvements to the H-Series processors and their associated modules. These updates may include:

• New input boards with enhanced signal handling

• Output boards supporting higher resolutions or refresh rates

• Improved receiver cards with expanded features

• System optimizations for better stability

However, these hardware upgrades can sometimes outpace the firmware and software versions running on your existing system. When the firmware does not support the new hardware’s specifications, the result can be display errors — such as artifacts, unstable images, or a complete inability to detect the newly installed modules.

This is particularly common in two scenarios:

1. Adding More Input or Output Boards

   • If you expand your H-Series processor by installing additional boards without upgrading the software, the system may not detect them, resulting in blank outputs or corrupted images.

2. Replacing Receiver Cards

   • When swapping out receiver cards, the new ones may require updated firmware to function correctly. Without this update, the display may fail to output properly, or you might encounter visible artifacts.

The Solution: Upgrade Your Software and Firmware

Fortunately, the fix is straightforward — upgrade the software and firmware to match your new hardware configuration. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Identify the Current Versions

   • Before making changes, check the firmware version of your H-Series processor and the software version of the control application (e.g., NovaLCT or the H-Series management software).

2. Download the Latest Versions from NovaStar

   • Visit the official NovaStar website or your distributor’s support portal to download the latest firmware for your H-Series model and any related components (input boards, output boards, receiver cards).

3. Upgrade Step-by-Step

   • Update the processor firmware first.

   • Then update the firmware for each module (input/output boards).

   • Finally, update the receiver cards if necessary, using NovaLCT or another compatible configuration tool.

4. Reboot and Re-Test

   • After upgrading, reboot the system and check if the display operates normally. In most cases, the “flower screen” issue will disappear immediately.

Best Practices to Prevent Compatibility Issues

To ensure smooth operation and avoid similar issues in the future, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Always Upgrade Before Installing New Hardware

   • Before adding or replacing components, make sure your processor is running the latest firmware.

2. Keep Software Updated

   • Regularly check for updates to NovaLCT, the H-Series configuration software, and related utilities.

3. Document Your System Versions

   • Keep a log of firmware and software versions used in your setup. This makes troubleshooting easier if issues arise.

4. Test New Hardware in a Controlled Environment

   • Before deploying new components on-site, test them in a controlled environment to verify compatibility.

5. Work with Authorized Distributors or Technicians

   • Experienced suppliers and technicians can ensure proper upgrade sequences and avoid operational downtime.

A Real-World Example

One of our long-term clients recently expanded their H-Series processor to accommodate additional inputs for a large event display. They installed two new input boards without upgrading the firmware. The result was a completely garbled output across multiple LED panels.

After receiving the report, we conducted a series of tests in our facility using identical boards — and everything worked perfectly. This led us to investigate the firmware version on their system. As suspected, it was outdated and did not support the newly released input boards.

Once the client upgraded their software and firmware to the latest version, the “flower screen” issue vanished instantly, and the system ran flawlessly for the duration of the event.

Conclusion

While the NovaStar H-Series splicing processor is known for its exceptional reliability and performance, firmware and software compatibility are critical when upgrading or replacing components. The “flower screen” issue, though alarming at first, is usually a straightforward fix: simply ensure your system is running the latest firmware and software versions.

By following proper upgrade procedures and keeping your system updated, you can maximize the life and performance of your H-Series processor — ensuring stunning, stable visuals for every LED display application.

Remember: in professional AV systems, hardware power means little without the right software to support it. Stay updated, stay compatible, and keep your screens flawless.