Multi-Processor Screens

When a screen's total pixel count exceeds what a single processor can drive, you need to split it across multiple processors. Each processor entry represents one physical processor, and the screen's panels are distributed between them.

There are three ways to set this up, depending on where you are in your workflow.

Why Split a Screen?

Every processor has a maximum pixel capacity determined by its output count, bit depth, and frame rate. A 10x10 grid of 256x256 panels, for example, is 6.5 million pixels — more than many processors can handle on their own. Rather than creating two separate screens (which would break the wiring path and string sequencing), you split one screen across multiple processors so it remains a single logical screen with continuous panel numbering, coordinates, and wiring.

Splitting also keeps the BOM, paperwork exports, and string labels organized per screen, even when multiple processors are involved.

Method 1: New Project Wizard

The wizard handles multi-processor setup automatically during project creation.

In Step 2: Processing, after you select a processor, the wizard calculates whether each screen fits within one processor's capacity. If a screen exceeds the limit, the wizard:

1. Creates additional processors automatically
2. Assigns all processors to the screen
3. Distributes panels using your selected assignment mode (Fill or Balance)

You don't need to do anything extra — the wizard detects the overflow and handles it. The preview shows how strings will be distributed across the processors so you can verify before creating the project.

This is the simplest approach when starting a new project from scratch.

Method 2: Screens Panel

For existing projects, or when you want manual control, use the Screens sidebar panel.

1. Expand a screen by clicking its name
2. Find the Processor section (it shows the currently assigned processor)
3. Click the "+ Split across additional processor..." dropdown at the bottom
4. Select an available processor from the list

Once a screen has two or more processors, additional controls appear:

• Up/down arrows — Reorder processors. The order determines how strings are sequenced: the first processor gets the first strings, the second continues the numbering, and so on.
• Processor dropdown — Swap a processor for a different one.
• X button — Remove a processor from the screen (disabled if only one remains).
• Distribution mode — Toggle between Fill and Balance (see Distribution Modes below).

If no spare processors exist, an auto-create option creates a new processor with matching type, layout, and video sources — so you don't need to set one up manually first.

All processors assigned to a screen must use the same processor type.

Method 3: Mapping View Context Menu

For panel-level control, use the right-click context menu in the LED Mapping view.

1. In the Mapping view, select one or more panels
2. Right-click to open the context menu
3. Under "Assign to Processor", you'll see a list of available processors
4. Click a processor to assign the selected panels to it

This is the most granular option — instead of relying on automatic distribution, you choose exactly which panels go to which processor. Each assignment is stored as a manual override that persists even if you change the distribution mode.

To remove a manual override and return panels to automatic distribution, right-click and select "Reset to Auto".

When to Use the Context Menu

• Irregular splits — The automatic Fill/Balance modes divide panels in predictable patterns, but your physical installation may require specific panels on specific processors (e.g., a column boundary rather than a row boundary)
• Fine-tuning — After automatic distribution, a few panels may need to move to balance cable lengths or match your physical processor locations
• Debugging — Quickly test how moving panels between processors affects string counts and port utilization

If the target processor isn't already assigned to the screen, assigning a panel to it automatically adds the processor — you don't need to add it through the Screens panel first.

Distribution Modes

When a screen has multiple processors and you haven't manually assigned panels, the distribution mode controls how panels are allocated:

Fill

Packs panels into the first processor until its ports are full, then spills into the next. This tends to produce fewer partially-filled ports but can leave the last processor underutilized. Best when you want to minimize the number of switch ports or trunks in use.

Balance

Distributes panels as evenly as possible across all processors. Each processor ends up with a similar number of strings and similar port utilization. Best for balanced processing load.

The distribution mode toggle appears in the Screens panel whenever a screen has two or more processors assigned.

How It All Fits Together

The three methods aren't mutually exclusive — they layer on top of each other:

1. Wizard creates the initial multi-processor setup automatically
2. Screens panel lets you add, remove, or reorder processors and change the distribution mode
3. Context menu lets you override individual panel assignments for fine-grained control

Manual panel assignments (from the context menu) take priority over the automatic distribution mode. Panels without manual overrides follow the Fill or Balance logic. You can mix both within the same screen.

Viewing Multi-Processor Assignments

Several views reflect the multi-processor split:

• LED Mapping view — Panels are color-coded by their assigned processor. Each processor has its own tab.
• String Assignment panel — Shows strings grouped by processor, with port utilization for each.
• Processor panel — Shows which screens share each processor and how many of the screen's panels are assigned to it (e.g., "48/96 panels").
• Paperwork export — Generates separate sections per processor, with string tables and switch configurations scoped to each.