Connecting other devices

In addition to computers, you can connect a variety of other devices to the display:

  • USB peripherals

  • External displays

  • External audio systems

  • Room control systems

Warning 

Ensure that any cables that cross the floor to the display are properly bundled and marked to avoid a trip hazard.

 

Note 

The SMART Board NX series displays provide limited support for USB drives. For example, you can use a connected USB drive to install an SSL certificate for wireless network access, but the display doesn't include a file manager for copying files to or from a USB drive.

The display includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A receptacles on the front connector panel and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A receptacles on the side connector panel. You can connect peripherals (such as keyboards), and other devices to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A receptacles and use these devices with the display’s embedded OS or OPS slot computer. The display’s USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A receptacles will switch to the active input.

Position of the USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A receptacles on the side rear and front connector panels

You can connect an external display using the HDMI 2.0 out connector on the connector panel.

The external display shows the same image as the display. This is useful when you’re using the display in an auditorium or other large space where a second display would be beneficial.

Position of the HDMI 2.0 out connector on the rear connector panel

Important 

If the connected external display doesn’t support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), no image will appear on the external display. For full resolution output, connect a display that supports HDCP.

Note 

The display’s default output resolution is 4K (3840 × 2160). The output resolution can also be set to 1080p 60Hz in display settings.

SeeInput and output.

You can connect an external video source, such as a DVD player, media box, or cable box, to your display using an HDMI cable and any of the HDMI connectors on the display’s connector panel. To view the source content, switch to the connected HDMI input.

The display includes two 20 W speakers, which are designed to provide sound at the front of a room. You might want to connect a third-party external audio system if you’re providing sound in a larger space.

You can connect an external audio system to the display using the stereo 3.5 mm out connector (pictured). You can also connect an external audio system directly to a room computer.

Position of the 3.5 mm out connector on the rear connector panel

Use of an external audio system must be enabled in display settings.

SeeInput and output.

Important 

Use a 3.5 mm stereo jack (15 mm long barrel only) to connect to the display’s stereo 3.5 mm Out connector.

Note 

You can use the display’s volume controls to adjust the volume of an audio system connected to the display’s stereo 3.5 mm Out connector.

In addition to the stereo 3.5 mm out connector, the display also provides a Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) Out connector (pictured). S/PDIF is a digital audio transmission medium. You need an audio receiver that supports S/PDIF to use this connection with an external sound bar or other audio system.

Position of the Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) out connector on the side rear connector panel

Note 

When you connect an audio system to the display’s S/PDIF Out connector, the audio system’s volume controls, rather than the display’s, adjust the volume.

A room control system enables users to control a room’s lighting, audio system, and possibly, the display. Some installations may require you to integrate the display with a room control system.

You can use the display’s RS-232 connector to connect a third-party external control system to the display.

SeeManaging the display using RS‑232

Note 

Displays are not compatible with centralized remote control systems, such as a universal remote control.

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