NovaStar H9: capacity, cards, layers and input backup

No. Identify H9 or H9 Enhanced and the output card first. The V1.17.0 table distinguishes, for example, a maximum of 65 million pixels with H_20xRJ45 from 130 million on H9 or 260 million on H9 Enhanced with H_4xfiber sending card (enhanced). These are configuration-dependent system maxima, not the capacity of one card or a guarantee for every unit labeled H9.

For the show, calculate pixel width × height for each surface and distribute that load across the available cards and ports. Then check the supported resolution, frame rate and bit depth for each part number. If one output exceeds its limit, staying below the chassis total does not solve it: redistribute the map or review the cards before booking the system.

Not in the combinations NovaStar excludes. Fiber sending cards cannot load the same screen together with H_20xRJ45 or H_16xRJ45+2xfiber. H_4xfiber and H_4xfiber sending card (enhanced) also cannot be combined on one screen. Spare connectors do not prove that the outputs can form a single logical surface.

Compare each exact card part number with the screen assignment before moving cables. If the combination is incompatible, stop that configuration and choose a compatible output family for the surface; stretching layers will not fix it. For independent screens, verify the supported design, distribution and receiving cards separately.

A fade needs resources for both the outgoing and incoming compositions. In Settings → Other → Preset, check the effect and duration, then examine the layers of both presets on the affected outputs. Manual V1.15.0 warns that exceeding the layer limits specified for a transition causes a Cut. The chassis-wide layer count does not guarantee every fade.

The card matters too: H_4xfiber, H_4x3G SDI, H_1x12G SDI and H_4xHDBaseT do not support Fade on their screens; H_4xfiber sending card (enhanced) does, within its limits. During rehearsal, test two simple presets on the same output. If they fade, add layers progressively; if not, check the card and mode first. Have a clean cut tested as a fallback before the event.

In Settings → Backup Management, enable Input Backup, choose the relationship and add the input pair. Primary and Backup prioritizes the primary and returns to it when it recovers; Mutual Backup establishes mutual backup. Check the standby source status shown in the interface. This manual does not allow these relationships for NDI or IPC sources.

Test signal loss and recovery during rehearsal, watching the image, framing and behavior when the primary returns. A stalled computer can still output a valid signal: do not assume Input Backup will detect frozen content. Input backup does not cover an output-card, chassis or power failure; those paths need their own design and test.