Colorlight X4 LED Display Controller — All-in-One Sending Card & Video Processor
The Colorlight X4 LED Display Controller integrates a professional-grade video processor and LED sending card into a single 1U chassis. With 4× Gigabit Ethernet outputs, support for 1920×1200@60Hz input resolution across 5 video sources (SDI / HDMI / DVI / VGA / CVBS), and 2.3 million pixels loading capacity, it delivers precise color calibration, seamless splicing, and multi-unit USB cascading — purpose-built for rental staging, fixed installation advertising, and fine-pitch LED display applications.
What Is the Colorlight X4 LED Display Controller?
The Colorlight X4 is a professional-grade LED display controller and sending card from Colorlight Cloud Tech Ltd. As part of the X-Series family — spanning from the entry-level X2 to the flagship X20 — the X4 occupies the mid-tier sweet spot, balancing loading capacity (2.3 million pixels), multi-input flexibility (5 video sources), and cost efficiency. Unlike basic sending cards that require a separate video processor, the X4 combines both functions in a single 1U device. For B2B buyers evaluating what is Colorlight control system architecture, understanding the X4 is essential. As a leading LED screen manufacturer, LEGIDATECH supplies the X4 factory-direct with 3-year warranty and pre-shipment burn-in testing.
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All-in-One Architecture
Video processor and LED sending card integrated in one 1U device. Accepts SDI, HDMI, DVI, VGA, and CVBS inputs; processes, scales, and distributes across 4 Ethernet ports. Eliminates $80–$250 in external processor cost per installation.
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2.3 Million Pixel Capacity
Drives LED displays up to 4096 × 2560 pixels across 4 independent Gigabit Ethernet ports (655,360 pixels per port at 8-bit). Cascading up to 8 X4 units delivers 18.4M combined pixel capacity.
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Dual USB Cascading
USB_IN connects to PC for LEDVISION configuration; USB_OUT daisy-chains to next controller. Up to 8 X4 units with strict frame-level synchronization — no external sync generator required.
Colorlight X4 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Colorlight X4 (X-Series) |
| Max Input Resolution | 1920 × 1200 pixels @ 60Hz |
| Loading Capacity | 2,300,000 pixels (2.3 million) — 655,360 pixels per Ethernet port |
| Max Output Width / Height | 4096 × 2560 pixels |
| Ethernet Outputs | 4× RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet (Port 1/2/3/4), arbitrary free-form splicing |
| Video Inputs | SDI ×1 (1080P), HDMI ×1 (HDCP 1.4), DVI ×1 (HDCP), VGA ×1 (up to 1920×1200), CVBS ×1 (PAL/NTSC) |
| Audio Input | 1× 3.5mm stereo, transmits to multifunction card |
| Front Panel | 1.8″ LCD, Rotary knob, Function keys (OK/ESC/BRIGHT/BLACK/TAKE/PART/FREEZE), Source keys (DVI/HDMI/SDI/VGA/CVBS) |
| Control Interfaces | Dual USB 2.0: USB_IN (Type-B, PC config), USB_OUT (Type-A, cascading) |
| Max Cascading | Up to 8 units via USB daisy-chain, strict frame-level sync |
| Max Input Color Depth | 8-bit |
| HDCP Support | HDCP 1.4 (HDMI and DVI inputs) |
| Gray Scale | Improved low-brightness rendering; 16-bit grayscale precision |
| Brightness & Chromaticity | Real-time calibration via front panel or LEDVISION |
| Input Voltage | AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz |
| Rated Power | 20W |
| Working Temperature | −25°C to +80°C |
| Dimensions | 1U Rack-Mount (approx. 482 × 260 × 44 mm) |
| Weight | 2.0 kg net (4.4 lbs) |
| Compatible Receiving Cards | 5A-75B, 5A-75E, E80, E120, E320, i5+, i8, i9+, K5+, K8, K9+, K10 |
| Software | LEDVISION (Windows) + LED Assistant (Android/iOS) + Colorlight Cloud |
| Release Date | October 2017 — Still in production (9+ years) |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, RoHS |
Key Features of the Colorlight X4
1. Multi-Format Video Input
Accepts 5 video sources simultaneously: SDI (1080P broadcast), HDMI 1.3 (HDCP 1.4), DVI (VESA+HDCP), VGA (up to 1920×1200), and CVBS (PAL/NTSC). No external format converter needed.
2. 4× Gigabit Ethernet with Arbitrary Splicing
Each RJ45 port drives up to 655,360 pixels independently. Free-form splicing assigns any rectangular region to any port — enabling irregular LED wall layouts without additional hardware.
3. Dual USB Cascading with Frame Sync
USB_IN for PC configuration; USB_OUT daisy-chains to next X4. Up to 8 units with strict frame-level synchronization for large LED walls. No external sync generator needed.
4. Front-Panel LCD with Tactile Controls
1.8″ LCD and dedicated function keys (BRIGHT, BLACK, TAKE, PART, FREEZE) enable source switching, display freeze, brightness adjustment without a PC. Critical for live events.
5. Low-Light Gray Scale Optimization
Maintains 16-bit grayscale precision at reduced brightness (300–500 nits). Prevents color banding in conference rooms and broadcast studios.
6. Ultra-Low 20W Power
Minimal heat generation for reliable enclosed-rack operation. Wide temperature tolerance (−25°C to 80°C) for outdoor kiosk deployments without active cooling.
7. Full Colorlight Ecosystem
Compatible with every Colorlight receiving card: 5A-75B/E, E80/E120/E320, i5+/i8/i9+, K5+/K8/K9+/K10, plus all multifunction cards and optical fiber transceivers.
8. Free Input Switching & Scaling
Switch between 5 inputs without signal loss. Built-in scaler zooms and positions the image freely. Picture-in-Picture via two combined sources — ideal for live broadcasts.
Colorlight X4 Front & Back Panel Interface Guide
Front Panel Controls
| 1.8″ LCD | Displays input source, resolution, IP, system status |
| Knob | Rotate to navigate; press to select |
| OK / ESC | Enter submenu / return |
| BRIGHT | Quick brightness 0–100% |
| BLACK | Instant blackout |
| TAKE | Preview-to-program transition |
| PART | Screen area selection |
| FREEZE | Freeze current frame |
Back Panel Interfaces
| SDI IN | 3G-SDI, 1080P@60Hz |
| HDMI IN | HDMI 1.3, up to 1920×1200, HDCP 1.4 |
| DVI IN | DVI-D, VESA, up to 1920×1200, HDCP |
| VGA IN | 15-pin D-Sub, up to 1920×1200 |
| CVBS IN | BNC, PAL/NTSC |
| AUDIO IN | 3.5mm stereo |
| PORT 1–4 | 4× RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB_IN | Type-B, PC connection |
| USB_OUT | Type-A, controller cascade |
How to Set Up the Colorlight X4 Controller
Setting up the X4 follows a 3-step workflow. A Windows PC with LEDVISION, a USB A-to-B cable, and Cat5e/6 Ethernet cables are all the hardware required.
Hardware Connection
Connect USB_IN to PC. Plug video source into desired input. Connect Ports 1–4 to receiving cards via Cat5e/6. Power on — LCD shows firmware version.
LEDVISION Configuration
Launch LEDVISION. Auto-detect X4 via USB. Configure module dimensions, cabinet layout, receiving card type, and port mapping. Set input resolution. Click Send to Hardware.
Calibration & Go Live
Use BRIGHT key or LEDVISION to set target brightness. Adjust color temperature and gamma. For multi-X4 setups, verify frame sync via TAKE transition across all screens.
Colorlight X Series LED Controller Comparison
Choosing the right X-Series controller depends on your pixel count, input requirements, and budget. The X4 sits at the optimal balance point. For comparison with what is Novastar control system alternatives, note that Colorlight hardware typically costs 15–20% less at equivalent specification.
| Model | X2 | X4 ★ | X4e | X8 | X16 | X20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethernet Ports | 2 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 20 |
| Pixel Capacity | 1.3M | 2.3M | 2.6M | 4.6M | 9.2M | 11.5M |
| Max Input Res | 1920×1200 | 1920×1200 | 1920×1200 | 3840×2160 | 3840×2160 | 7680×4320 |
| Video Inputs | DVI+VGA | SDI+HDMI+DVI+VGA+CVBS | SDI+HDMI+DVI+VGA+CVBS | SDI+HDMI+DVI+VGA+CVBS | 2×SDI+HDMI+DP+DVI+VGA | 4×SDI+HDMI+DP×2 |
| 4K Input | — | — | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ 8K |
| Power | 10W | 20W | 20W | 25W | 35W | 50W |
| Best For | Small signs | Mid-scale rental & fixed | Standalone playback | 4K walls | Stadium & broadcast | 8K command centers |
★ The X4 is highlighted. Specifications from Colorlight documentation V1.2.
Colorlight X4 Compatible Receiving Cards
Selecting the right receiving card is critical. The X4 is compatible with every Colorlight receiving card. For guidance on calculation of the number of receiving cards and sending cards, see our detailed guide.
5A-75B
192×1024 px | 1G
Most Popular
5A-75E
256×1024 px | 1G
Enhanced
E80
128×1024 px | 1G
Entry
E120
192×1024 px | 1G
Mid-Range
E320
256×1024 px | 1G
High Capacity
i5+
512×384 px | 1G
Fine-Pitch
i9+
256×1024 px | 1G
Premium
K10
512×512 px | 1G
Square
Application Scenarios for the Colorlight X4
Product Gallery — LEGIDATECH Colorlight X4 Controller
Actual photographs of Colorlight X4 controllers stocked and shipped from our Shenzhen facility. All images are unretouched QC lab photographs.
Why Source Your Colorlight X4 from LEGIDATECH?
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Genuine Factory-Sealed
Sourced directly from Colorlight’s authorized distribution channel. Serial number verification available.
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Pre-Tested Before Shipping
Each unit powered on, connected to a test LED wall, and verified for all 5 inputs and 4 outputs.
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Global Shipping & Support
Shipped to 40+ countries. DHL/FedEx (3–5 days), Air (7–10), Sea (25–35). English technical support.
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3-Year Warranty
Full 3-year warranty against defects — double the industry standard. 30-day DOA replacement at our cost.
Inside Our Factory — See How Your Controller Is Tested
Quality Control Process
Packaging & Shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum loading capacity of the Colorlight X4?
2.3 million pixels total across 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports (655,360 pixels per port at 8-bit). Maximum output width: 4096 pixels. Maximum output height: 2560 pixels. For larger projects, up to 8 X4 units can be cascaded via USB with strict frame-level synchronization.
Does the Colorlight X4 support 4K input?
No. The X4’s maximum input resolution is 1920×1200@60Hz. For 4K input, step up to the X8, X16, or X20. However, the 2.3M pixel capacity is sufficient for Full HD LED walls with additional headroom.
How many X4 units can be cascaded?
Up to 8 X4 units via USB daisy-chain with frame-level sync and zero visible tearing. Combined capacity: 18.4 million pixels. LEDVISION auto-detects all cascaded controllers.
What’s the difference between X4 and X4e?
The X4e adds USB flash drive playback (standalone operation) and 2.6M pixel capacity. The standard X4 requires a live source and is optimized for synchronous applications like stages and events.
Which software configures the X4?
LEDVISION (Windows, free) handles all setup. LED Assistant apps for Android/iOS for field adjustments. Colorlight Cloud for remote monitoring and scheduling.
What accessories are included?
X4 unit, AC power cable (IEC C13), USB A-to-B cable, quick-start guide (English/Chinese), LEDVISION download card. Ethernet and video cables available upon request from LEGIDATECH.
How do I update firmware?
Via LEDVISION: download .bin file, connect X4 to PC via USB, navigate to Settings → Hardware → Firmware Update. Process takes 2–3 minutes. Do not power off during update.
What is the factory-direct price from LEGIDATECH?
As an authorized distributor, LEGIDATECH offers X4 at factory-direct pricing significantly below retail ($125–$450). Volume discounts for 5+ units. Contact us for a customized quotation including controllers, receiving cards, and shipping.
LED Display Controller Buying Guide: Why the Colorlight X4 Delivers the Best ROI for B2B Procurement
Published: July 2026 | Reading Time: 15 minutes | Author: LEGIDATECH Engineering Team
1. Understanding LED Controller Architecture
Every synchronous LED display system requires a video processor and a sending card. Traditional architectures use two separate boxes connected via DVI/HDMI — adding cost, cabling, and a single point of failure. The Colorlight X4 unifies both functions on a single FPGA-driven board inside a 1U chassis. Benefits: reduced equipment cost ($80–$250 saved per install), lower latency (~1 frame vs 2–3 frames for separate architectures), and simplified troubleshooting (one firmware, one power supply, one warranty contact).
2. X4 vs. Competitors: Data-Driven Comparison
The X4 is the only controller in this tier combining 3G-SDI input, front-panel LCD with physical keys, and full all-in-one integration. Colorlight hardware averages 15–20% less cost than Novastar equivalents, while Novastar offers a larger .rcfg library for niche modules. See our Novastar control system comparison for details.
3. Total Cost of Ownership: 5-Year Analysis
For 4 controllers running 16h/day at $0.12/kWh: X4 5-year TCO = $830–$1,180 vs. $1,480–$2,320 for separate processor+sender. 40–50% savings. At scale (50-screen DOOH network): $32,000–$57,000 total savings. Understanding factors affecting LED display pricing further reinforces the controller’s outsized impact on TCO.
4. Installation Best Practices
1. Cable Quality: Solid-copper Cat5e/6 only (not CCA). 100m max for Cat5e, 120m for Cat6. Fiber for longer runs. 2. Logical Port Mapping: Assign each port to a contiguous wall region for intuitive troubleshooting. 3. Backup Config: Export .lvc file to USB stored in rack. 4. Ground Everything: Connect chassis ground to rack bus. Floating grounds are the #1 cause of Ethernet port failures.
5. Choosing the Right Receiving Card
Match the card to your module resolution. Rule of thumb: leave 15–20% headroom for future upgrades. For computation guidance, see receiving card calculation guide.
6. Future-Proofing: The Colorlight Ecosystem
In continuous production since October 2017 (9+ years) — one of the longest-supported LED controllers. Standardize across all installations with a single spare-parts SKU. X4e variant adds USB playback for standalone sites while maintaining pin compatibility. For the broader context, see LED display types 2026 ultimate guide.
7. Conclusion: The Rational Choice
The Colorlight X4 LED Display Controller occupies a unique market position: no other controller matches its combination of 3G-SDI input, front-panel controls, dual-USB cascading, and integrated architecture at this price point. For B2B buyers prioritizing measurable ROI — lower cost, fewer components, reduced power consumption, and decade-long support — the X4 is the data-driven optimal choice. Contact LEGIDATECH today for factory-direct pricing on your next project.
Get the Colorlight X4 at Factory-Direct Pricing
Pre-configured with your receiving card mapping. Pre-shipment burn-in tested. 3-year warranty. Global express shipping.
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