Bose 321 Home Theater Manual

The Bose 321 Home Theater System is a premium 2.1-channel DVD home entertainment system featuring a media center, two cube satellite speakers, a hideaway Acoustimass module, and a universal remote control. It delivers immersive surround sound from only two visible speakers, supports DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD, and MP3 CD playback, and includes advanced features like ADAPTiQ audio calibration, VideoPilot on-screen setup, and multiple audio/video inputs. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing Media 8. Audio Calibration 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Center, Two Cube Satellite Speakers, Hideaway Acoustimass Module, Universal Remote Control, ADAPTiQ Headset, and connection cables.

FeatureDescription
Media CenterCentral unit with DVD/CD player, amplifier, and input/output ports
Cube Satellite SpeakersTwo small speakers for left/right channels (wall-mountable)
Acoustimass ModuleHideaway bass module for low-frequency effects
Universal RemoteControls system, TV, cable box, and other devices
ADAPTiQ Audio CalibrationAutomatically adjusts sound to your room's acoustics
VideoPilot On-Screen SetupStep-by-step visual guidance for installation
Audio InputsOptical and coaxial digital inputs, analog stereo inputs
Video OutputsComponent, composite, and S-Video outputs
Playback FormatsDVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD, MP3 CD
Sound ModesMovie, Music, Sports, Night modes

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose a stable location for the media center.

  1. Position speakers: Place cube satellites at ear level, at least 6 feet apart. Place Acoustimass module on floor near a wall.
  2. Connect speakers: Use color-coded cables to connect satellites and module to media center.
  3. Connect video source: Use component or composite cables to connect media center to TV.
  4. Connect audio sources: Connect cable box, game console, etc., to media center inputs.
  5. Plug into AC power.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around media center. Do not block vents.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow VideoPilot on-screen instructions.

  1. Initial setup: Select language, set clock, configure video output resolution.
  2. ADAPTiQ calibration: Wear ADAPTiQ headset, follow prompts to optimize sound for your room.
  3. Remote setup: Program universal remote to control your TV and other components.
  4. Source setup: Assign names to connected devices (e.g., "Cable", "Blu-ray").

CAUTION! During ADAPTiQ calibration, ensure room is quiet for accurate results.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menus via remote or front panel buttons. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME, SOURCE, MENU.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, EJECT, SOURCE, VOLUME, MUTE, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, ENTER, PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, SKIP, SOUND (mode selection).

System Settings: Language, Clock, Video Output (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i), Parental Controls (password 0000 default). Audio Settings: ADAPTiQ on/off, Tone (bass/treble), Dynamic Range Compression, Speaker Levels. Source Setup: Rename inputs, learn remote commands. DVD Settings: Display mode, audio format, subtitle, angle.

Connecting Devices

TV: Use component (recommended) or composite video cables. External Sources: Connect to optical/coaxial digital or analog audio inputs.

  1. Turn off all devices before connecting.
  2. Use high-quality cables for best performance.
  3. Select source on media center or remote (DVD, AUX 1, AUX 2, etc.).

Tip: For digital audio, use optical cable for best sound quality.

Playing Media

Supports DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD, MP3 CD.

  1. Insert disc: Press EJECT, load disc label-side up.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; use navigation for titles/chapters/tracks.
  3. Stop: Press STOP; system remembers stop point (resume).
  4. Skip: PREV/NEXT for chapters/tracks.
  5. Sound Modes: Press SOUND to cycle through Movie, Music, Sports, Night.
  6. Search: Press LEFT/RIGHT arrows during playback for scan.
  7. Repeat: Press REPEAT to repeat chapter/track/all.
  8. MP3 CD: Navigate folders using MENU and arrows.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregularly shaped discs. Keep discs clean.

Audio Calibration

ADAPTiQ System: Optimizes sound based on room size, furnishings, and speaker placement. Run calibration after any speaker repositioning. Access via MENU > System Setup > ADAPTiQ.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for media center and speakers. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth slightly with water.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep liquids away from electronics.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital device; complies with Part 15 rules. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose, the Bose logo, Acoustimass, ADAPTiQ, and VideoPilot are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord/outletEnsure power cord is securely connected; try different outlet.
No sound from speakersConnections/volumeCheck speaker wire connections; ensure volume is up; not muted.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; point remote at media center; remove obstacles.
No pictureVideo connections/sourceCheck video cables between media center and TV; select correct TV input.
Disc not playingDisc format/damageEnsure disc is compatible and clean; eject and reinsert; check for scratches.
Poor sound qualityCalibration/settingsRerun ADAPTiQ calibration; adjust tone or sound mode settings.

Reset: Unplug media center for 60 seconds, then plug back in.

Service: 1-800-999-2673; www.bose.com/support

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