Brompton Tessera SX40
Brompton Tessera SX40: video input, XD distribution and canvas
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Model and role
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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.
Prepare the system
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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; proposed rehearsal checks are not physical tests by GLMedia.
Operating questions
The wall is black. How do I separate an input problem from a panel-data problem?
Check Video In status and the selected source first, including the complete matrix/extender route and exact timing. Check Blackout and Freeze, then the correct XD project, link status, online fixture count and association.
During rehearsal, compare a simple supported source connected through a known compatible route and change one link at a time. Preserve the starting configuration. HDMI Thru is documented for confidence monitoring, not a preferred mission-critical distribution path.
Can an ordinary 10G Ethernet switch split the SX40 feed to several XDs?
No. The cable appendix explicitly does not support 10G Ethernet switches or splitting these feeds through switches. Use the documented Tessera distribution arrangement for the exact hardware and firmware. The management network is separate.
The current compatibility note adds a condition: with original XD firmware 3.5.5, daisy-chaining XDs is not supported when processor failover is used. Record the topology and versions before changing cables; do not copy an older chain example into a different redundancy setup.
If the canvas uses fewer than 9000000 pixels, is any width or frame rate allowed?
No. Total pixel count, input dimensions, frame rate and processing modes impose separate limits. The custom-canvas section specifies an even width up to 4094 and height up to 4095; native 4096×2160 is a separate preset. A physically wide wall may need an explicitly planned source mapping.
HFR documentation gives approximately 4500000 input pixels at 120 Hz versus 9000000 at 60 Hz. Ultra Low Latency at 60 Hz also limits input capacity to 4500000; that mode requires compatible HDMI/EDID behavior and is not supported on SDI. Validate the complete chosen mode and panel support rather than adding the headline maxima.
Symptom and next check
| Symptom | Check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| No wall picture | Source status, Blackout/Freeze, XD links and association | Identify the failing part of the route. |
| 10G splitter/switch proposed | Exact Tessera topology and firmware | Use only a supported distribution design. |
| Canvas or mode rejected | Dimensions, pixel budget and HFR/latency limits | Validate the intended format and panel loading. |
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
Reviewed October 22, 2026. Official product page, online manual sections and dated compatibility note. Distribution models and firmware must match the proposed topology; capacities are conditional.