Every H Series chassis side by side: input-card positions, output-card positions and layer capacity from H2 up to H20, sourced from each chassis’s published product page. Card compatibility is universal across the family — this chart answers the question that actually decides which one to buy: does it have enough positions and layers for the plan.
One family of cards, seven frame sizes
Every H Series input, output and preview card in the current catalog is documented for all seven chassis below — H2 through H20 accept the same card family. The buying decision is never “does this card fit this chassis”; it is whether the chassis has enough card positions and layers left for the finished source and cabinet plan.
| Chassis | Rack height | Input-card capacity | Output-card capacity | Layer capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2 | 2U | 4 cards / 16 channels | 2 LED sending cards / 8 channels | 32 |
| H5 | 5U | 10 cards / 40 channels | 3 LED sending cards | 48 |
| H9 | 9U | 15 cards / 60 channels | 5 LED sending cards / 20 ch, or 5 video output cards / 20 ch (separate routes) | 80 on the LED route |
| H9 Enhanced | 9U | 15 cards / 60 channels (same as H9) | 5 LED sending cards / 20 ch (same LED ceiling as H9), or 10 video output cards / 40 ch | 80 LED route / 160 video-output route |
| H15 | 15U | 30 cards / 120 channels | 10 LED sending cards / 40 channels | 160 (up to 16 × 2K layers per output card) |
| H15 Enhanced | 15U | 30 cards / 120 channels (same as H15) | 16 output cards / 64 channels | 160 total, higher 2K/DL layers allowed per card |
| H20 | 20U | 40 cards (published maximum) | 20 cards (published maximum) | 320 |
What the columns mean
- Input-card capacity — the maximum number of source-input card positions and the combined input-channel count across them.
- Output-card capacity — the maximum number of output-card positions. H9 and H9 Enhanced split this into an LED-cabinet route (sending cards) and a separate video-output route for independently fed displays; the two figures do not combine.
- Layer capacity — the maximum number of independent image layers the chassis can composite at once, which is separate from card count.
Notes by chassis
- H2 — Smallest H Series frame; one output route (LED cabinets only).
- H5 — One output route (LED cabinets only).
- H9 — LED cabinets and separately fed video displays use different card families and slot groups; the two totals do not add together.
- H9 Enhanced — The extra capacity over standard H9 is for separately fed video displays only — LED cabinet capacity is unchanged.
- H15 Enhanced — Same input capacity and 160-layer ceiling as standard H15 — the gain is more output-card positions and per-card layer headroom.
- H20 — NovaStar splits positions into dedicated input, dedicated output and shared I/O, and some cards occupy more than one physical position — confirm the exact slot plan against the published maximum before ordering.
LED pixel capacity is a separate question
This chart covers chassis-level card and layer limits, not LED pixel capacity — that depends on the specific output-card family and the receiving cards on the wall. Use the controller calculator once the output-card choice is confirmed, and the receiving card replacement chart if you are matching cards to an existing cabinet.
Not sure which chassis fits a specific source count, output-card plan or cabinet route? Send the details through and we size it before you order.
Related resources
H Series capacity FAQ
Short answers on reading this chart and choosing between chassis.
Does an H Series input or output card work in any H Series chassis?
Yes — the current H Series input, output and preview cards are documented for all seven chassis (H2, H5, H9, H9 Enhanced, H15, H15 Enhanced, H20). What limits a build is the number of open card positions and layers on the chassis, not card compatibility.
What is the difference between H9 and H9 Enhanced?
Both are 9U with the same 15 input-card positions and the same 5-card, 80-layer LED cabinet route. H9 Enhanced adds a larger separate route for independently fed video displays — up to 10 video output cards, 40 channels and 160 layers — that does not change LED cabinet capacity.
What is the difference between H15 and H15 Enhanced?
Both are 15U with the same 30 input-card positions and the same 160-layer ceiling. H15 Enhanced adds output-card positions (16 vs 10) and a higher per-card 2K/DL layer allowance.
How many input and output cards does the H20 support?
NovaStar publishes chassis maximums of 40 input cards and 20 output cards for the H20, with 320 layers. The H20 splits its rack into dedicated input positions, dedicated output positions and shared I/O positions, and some cards occupy more than one physical position, so the final card mix should be checked against the published maximum before ordering.
Which H Series chassis do I need for a small install?
H2 is the smallest frame — up to 4 input cards, 2 LED sending cards and 32 layers in 2U. Move up to H5, then H9 or H9 Enhanced, as the confirmed source count, output-card plan or layer requirement outgrows the smaller chassis.
Does layer capacity limit the LED pixel total separately from card count?
Yes. Layer capacity governs how many independent images the chassis can composite at once; LED pixel capacity depends on the selected output-card family and the receiving cards on the cabinet, which is why the two are shown as separate questions on each chassis product page.