Bose 321 Home Theater System Manual

The Bose 321 Home Theater System is a premium audio entertainment system designed to deliver immersive surround sound for movies, music, and TV. It features a Media Center with integrated DVD/CD player, two direct/reflecting satellite speakers, a hideaway Acoustimass module for powerful bass, universal remote control, 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 DVD/CD Media 8. Sound Customization 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Center (DVD/CD player and amplifier), Two Direct/Reflecting Satellite Speakers, Hideaway Acoustimass Module, Universal Remote Control, Audio/Video Inputs, Digital Optical Input.

FeatureDescription
Media CenterIntegrated DVD/CD player with amplifier and input connections
Satellite SpeakersTwo speakers for left/right channels with direct/reflecting technology
Acoustimass ModuleHideaway bass unit for deep, powerful low frequencies
Universal RemoteControls Bose system, TV, cable box, and other components
Digital Optical InputFor connecting digital audio sources (e.g., set-top box)
Analog Audio InputsRCA jacks for connecting additional audio sources
Video OutputsComposite and S-Video outputs to TV
POWERTurns system on/off
VOLUMEAdjusts master volume level
MUTEInstantly mutes all audio

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose optimal placement for speakers and media center.

  1. Position Speakers: Place satellite speakers on either side of TV, at ear level when seated.
  2. Place Acoustimass Module: Position on floor near wall (not in enclosed cabinet).
  3. Connect Media Center: Use provided cables to connect speakers and Acoustimass module.
  4. Connect to TV: Use composite or S-Video cable from Media Center VIDEO OUT to TV input.
  5. Connect Audio Sources: Connect cable/satellite box, game console, etc., to Media Center inputs.
  6. Plug into AC power.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around Media Center. Do not block vents.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts if connected to TV.

  1. Remote Setup: Program universal remote to control TV and other devices (see remote manual).
  2. Speaker Calibration: Use ADAPTiQ audio calibration system (if included) for optimized sound.
  3. Input Configuration: Assign names to inputs (e.g., "CABLE", "GAME") in system menu.
  4. Sound Modes: Select preset sound modes (MOVIE, MUSIC, SPORTS) for different content.

CAUTION! Handle speakers with care; avoid placing near heat sources.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access menu via remote or front panel buttons. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME, INPUT SELECT.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, EJECT, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, ENTER, SOUND MODE (MOVIE/MUSIC/SPORTS).

Audio Settings: Bass, Treble, Dialogue Enhancement, Night Mode (compresses dynamic range). Video Settings: TV Type (4:3, 16:9), Output Resolution (480i, 480p). System: Input Setup, Remote Setup, Factory Reset. DVD/CD: Repeat, Random Play, Parental Controls (password default 0000).

Connecting Devices

TV: Composite or S-Video from Media Center VIDEO OUT. Audio Sources: Digital optical for best quality; analog RCA for older devices.

  1. Turn off all components before connecting.
  2. Use high-quality cables for optimal performance.
  3. Select input on Media Center (e.g., OPTICAL, AUX, DVD).
  4. Match TV input to Media Center output (e.g., AV1).

Tip: For digital audio, use optical cable from source to Media Center OPTICAL IN.

Playing DVD/CD Media

Supports DVD-Video, audio CDs, MP3 CDs.

  1. Insert disc: Press EJECT, place disc label-side up in tray.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; use navigation for title/chapter selection.
  3. Stop: Press STOP; system remembers stop point (Last Memory).
  4. Skip: PREV/NEXT for chapters/tracks.
  5. Repeat/Random: Press REPEAT or RANDOM during playback.
  6. Sound Mode: Cycle through MOVIE, MUSIC, SPORTS for optimized sound.
  7. Parental Controls: Set rating limit in DVD setup menu.
  8. MP3 CD Navigation: Use folder navigation to browse MP3 files.

WARNING! Do not move system during disc playback. Allow discs to cool before handling.

Sound Customization

ADAPTiQ Calibration: Uses headset to analyze room acoustics and optimize sound (if equipped). Sound Modes: MOVIE (enhanced surround), MUSIC (balanced stereo), SPORTS (clear dialogue). Night Mode: Reduces loud sounds and boosts quiet ones for late-night viewing.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug system before cleaning. Wipe Media Center and speakers with dry, soft cloth. Clean disc lens with approved CD/DVD lens cleaner only.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners on speakers. Keep Acoustimass module away from moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential installation. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and Acoustimass are registered 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 sound from speakersConnections/volumeCheck speaker wire connections; ensure volume not muted or too low.
Remote not workingBatteries/obstructionsReplace batteries; ensure clear path to Media Center IR sensor.
No picture from DVDVideo connection/TV inputVerify video cable from Media Center to TV; select correct TV input.
Disc not recognizedDisc format/damageEnsure disc is compatible format (DVD, CD, MP3); clean disc if dirty.
Weak bassAcoustimass placementReposition Acoustimass module away from corners; check connection.

Reset: Press and hold POWER on Media Center for 10 seconds to reboot.

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

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