Bose 321 Media Center Owners Manual

The Bose 321 Media Center is a premium home entertainment system featuring a DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and integrated speaker array designed for immersive audio and video experiences. It includes a media center console, two cube speaker arrays, a hideaway Acoustimass module, universal remote control, and various connectivity options. 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 Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Center Console, Two Direct/Reflecting Cube Speaker Arrays, Hideaway Acoustimass Module, Universal Remote Control, Antenna inputs, Audio/Video inputs and outputs.

Feature	Description
Media Center Console	Central unit with DVD/CD player and AM/FM tuner
Cube Speaker Arrays	Two speakers for direct/reflecting sound
Acoustimass Module	Hideaway bass module for deep low frequencies
Universal Remote	Controls Bose system and other components
Video Inputs	Composite and S-Video inputs for external sources
Audio Inputs	Analog and digital audio inputs
Antenna Terminals	For AM loop and FM wire antennas
Power	AC power input with surge protection
Display	Front panel display for system status
Bose Link Port	For connecting additional Bose products

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place console on stable surface near TV.

Connect speakers: Attach cube arrays to console using color-coded cables.
Connect Acoustimass module: Use provided cable to link to console.
Connect to TV: Use composite or S-Video cable from console to TV.
Connect antennas: Attach AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.
Plug into AC power.

WARNING! System components are sensitive; handle with care. Ensure proper ventilation around console.

First-Time Setup

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

Initialize system: Press SYSTEM button on remote to power on.
Set display preferences: Use SETUP menu to adjust video output format.
Tune radio: Use TUNER mode to scan and store AM/FM stations.
Calibrate sound: Use ADAPTiQ audio calibration if available.
Program remote: Follow on-screen instructions to control TV and other devices.

CAUTION! Keep speakers away from heat sources and moisture. Do not place objects on speakers.

Specifications

Audio System: 2.1 channel with Direct/Reflecting speaker technology.
DVD Player: Supports DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW.
Tuner: AM/FM with 30 station presets.
Video Outputs: Composite and S-Video.
Audio Inputs: Analog stereo, coaxial digital.
Power Output: Total system power tailored for room size.
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions: Console: (W x H x D) specific measurements; Speakers: compact cube design.
Operating Environment: Indoor use at standard room temperatures.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via remote control. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, SOURCE, VOLUME knob.

Remote: POWER, SYSTEM, NUMERIC buttons, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, TRANSPORT controls (PLAY, STOP, etc.), SOURCE selection.

Setup Menu: Video output (AUTO, 480i, 480p), Audio settings (Dynamic Range, Dialogue Enhancement), Speaker settings (size, distance), Tuner setup (presets, scan). Sound: ADAPTiQ calibration, Tone controls (bass, treble), Night Mode. System: Clock set, Remote programming, Factory reset.

Connecting Devices

External Sources: Composite/S-Video inputs, Audio inputs. TV Connection: Video output to TV.

Turn off all devices before connecting.
Connect external source (cable box, game console) to appropriate inputs on console.
Connect console video output to TV input.
Select source on console using SOURCE button (DVD, AUX, TUNER).

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio/video performance. Ensure all connections are secure.

Playing Media

Supports DVD-Video, audio CDs, CD-R/RW with MP3/WMA.

Insert disc: Press EJECT, load media label side up.
Play: Press PLAY; use numeric buttons for track selection or arrows for navigation.
Stop: Press STOP; system remembers stop point for resume.
Skip: PREV/NEXT for tracks/chapters.
Search: Use LEFT/RIGHT arrows during playback.
Repeat: Press REPEAT for track, chapter, or disc repeat.
Random: Press SHUFFLE for random play of CD tracks.
Display: Press DISPLAY for on-screen playback information.

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

Audio Features

ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration: Optimizes sound for your room (requires setup microphone if included). Dialogue Enhancement: Improves vocal clarity. Dynamic Range Compression: Reduces difference between loud and soft sounds (Night Mode). Tone Controls: Adjust bass and treble to preference.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug system before cleaning. Wipe console and speakers with soft, dry cloth. Clean disc lens with approved CD/DVD lens cleaner if needed.

CAUTION! Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Avoid abrasive materials. Keep system away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. Copyright © Bose Corporation. Bose and the Bose frame design are registered trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, outlet	Ensure power cord is securely connected; try different outlet.
No sound from speakers	Connections, volume	Check speaker wire connections; ensure volume is not muted or too low.
Remote not working	Batteries, obstacles	Replace batteries; ensure clear path to console IR sensor.
Disc not playing	Disc format, dirt	Ensure disc is compatible and clean; try another disc.
Poor radio reception	Antenna placement	Reposition AM loop and FM wire antennas for better signal.
No video on TV	Video connection, input select	Check video cable connections; ensure TV is on correct input source.

Reset: Unplug system for 1 minute, then reconnect power.

Service: Contact Bose Customer Support or authorized service center. Do not open console; no user-serviceable parts inside.