Brompton Tessera SX40: video input, XD distribution and canvas

Model and role

With the date, location, and intended use, we can review which equipment and combination can be offered. You can inquire before measurements, drawings, or the final schedule are ready.

The Brompton Tessera SX40 is an LED video processor for compatible Tessera-controlled panels. It accepts video, maps fixtures and sends panel data through its distribution system. It is useful when the display needs a defined pixel layout, signal format and operating plan; it is not a playback server.

Connections and limits

Video input

HDMI 2.0 and 12G-SDI. The SDI guide documents progressive input up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz, 10 bits per channel, using 2SI; square-division SQ is not supported on that input.

Distribution

4 independent 10G trunks with copper/fibre connection options. In the documented original XD system, SX40 feeds XD distribution units and panels connect to XD 1G outputs. Management Ethernet is a separate control path.

Capacity

Nominal input capacity is approximately 9000000 pixels at 60 Hz, subject to mode and system limits. Original XD has 10 panel outputs; each is nominally 525000 pixels at 8 bpc, 60 Hz. Frame rate and bit depth affect port capacity.

Local operation and power

DisplayPort local GUI, USB peripherals, reference input and front Blackout/Freeze controls. IEC mains input AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz; provide ventilation and the documented 0–40 °C ambient range.

What the system needs

Compatible panels/receiver configuration, identified distribution units and fixture packs, source, tested data/video cables, saved project and a rehearsed fallback. Record processor, distribution and panel firmware together before planning changes.

For original SX40/XD fibre links, use the documented single-mode 1310 nm, 9/125 µm cable and PC/UPC connectors; multi-mode and APC are not supported. Check exact copper type, termination and route against the cable appendix.

For a filmed screen, share camera location, intended shots, and known settings or production format. We can start with the scene concept and a sample before the final map, identifying panels, receivers, and distribution still to confirm.

Prepare the system

1. Save the operating project and record hardware revisions, firmware, source format, canvas, bit depth and latency mode. Identify original XD versus newer distribution models before applying a topology.
2. Connect the source to the intended input and the distribution units to the correct 10G trunks. Use the local DisplayPort interface or a compatible Tessera Remote setup; check source status, Blackout and Freeze before changing panel settings.
3. Inspect detected fixtures, then associate them with their intended canvas positions using the correct fixture definition. Detection alone does not establish that a replacement panel is mapped correctly.
4. Test a labeled border and panel identifiers at a suitable brightness, then the real content, camera requirements and fallback. Verify the actual mode and per-port loading.
5. Separate audience-readability testing from camera testing. With the identified system, test text, skin tones, and motion under intended lighting and retain settings and results; a working presentation setup does not establish a particular camera result.

Technical questions and show decisions

• Black screen before the show: how do I distinguish source and LED distribution issues?
• Can an ordinary 10G Ethernet switch split the SX40 feed to several XDs?
• If the canvas uses fewer than 9000000 pixels, is any width or frame rate allowed?
• Does high refresh guarantee a clean LED background on camera?
• What should we define for live artist images and stage content on the same LED screen?

Symptom and next check

Power, environment and installation

Check the revision-specific firmware requirements. SX40 serial prefixes 02 require processor software 3.4 or later. Do not downgrade or install beta firmware as a generic troubleshooting step.

Keep cooling and power distribution appropriate to the exact equipment. Use the specified fibre connectors; APC mismatch may damage connectors. This guide does not authorize mechanical installation or internal service.

Preserve project and fixture-pack backups. Factory reset deletes project files and additional fixture packs; it is not an initial missing-image check.

Manufacturer documentation

• Official SX40 product page
• SX40 hardware and connections
• Documented processor setup
• Original XD distribution unit
• SX40/XD cable requirements
• Canvas dimensions and custom limits
• HFR capacity and panel conditions
• Ultra Low Latency conditions
• Version-specific distribution compatibility, September 2026
• Connecting and associating fixtures
• Brompton — ShutterSync, Camera Viewer

Distribution models and firmware must match the proposed topology. Check the selected mode’s limits against the manual and version-specific compatibility note.