Bose Lifestyle 18 Series 3 Manual

The Bose Lifestyle 18 Series 3 is a premium home theater system featuring a Media Center with built-in DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and proprietary ADAPTiQ audio calibration. It includes five Jewel Cube speakers, an Acoustimass module for deep bass, and a universal remote. The system supports Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, offers multiple audio/video inputs, and provides intuitive setup wizards for optimal room-specific sound. 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. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Center, Five Jewel Cube speakers, Acoustimass module, Universal Remote Control, ADAPTiQ headset, Speaker cables, Antenna connectors.

Feature	Description
Media Center	Central unit with DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and system controls
Jewel Cube speakers	Five small, high-performance speakers for surround sound
Acoustimass module	Handles low-frequency effects and deep bass
Universal Remote	Controls system, TV, and other components
ADAPTiQ audio calibration	Customizes sound for your room's acoustics
Audio Inputs	Optical, coaxial, and analog inputs for external sources
Video Outputs	Component, composite, and S-Video outputs
On-Screen Display	Menu system for setup and adjustments
Dolby Digital/DTS	Supports 5.1-channel surround sound formats
Sleep Timer	Automatically turns off system after set time

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Plan speaker placement for optimal surround sound.

Connect Media Center: Place near TV and other components. Connect to power.
Connect Acoustimass module: Place in corner or along wall. Connect to Media Center.
Connect Jewel Cube speakers: Run included cables from each speaker to Media Center.
Connect TV and sources: Use appropriate audio/video cables from Media Center to TV and external devices.
Connect antennas: Attach AM loop and FM wire antennas to Media Center.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen setup wizard.

Run ADAPTiQ calibration: Wear ADAPTiQ headset; system plays tones to optimize sound for your room.
Set speaker configuration: Confirm speaker placement (Front, Center, Surround).
Configure inputs: Assign names to connected devices (DVD, Cable, etc.).
Set clock and tuner: Set time and auto-scan for FM/AM stations.
Program remote: Follow prompts to control TV and other components.

CAUTION! Keep ADAPTiQ headset clean and store properly after use.

Specifications

Media Center: DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW playback.
Audio Formats: Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM.
Tuner: AM/FM with 30 station presets.
Speaker System: 5 Jewel Cube speakers (2.25" drivers each).
Bass Module:Acoustimass technology with 10" driver.
Inputs: 4 Audio (2 optical, 1 coaxial, 1 analog), 3 Video (Component, Composite, S-Video).

Outputs: 5.1-channel analog audio, video outputs.

Power: 120V AC, 60Hz.

Remote: RF capability for controlling components in cabinets.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via remote or Media Center front panel. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME, INPUT SELECT.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, INPUT, DVD transport controls.

Audio Settings: Bass, Treble, Dialogue (center channel), Surround Level. Video Settings: Output resolution (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i), Screen format. System Settings: ADAPTiQ recalibration, Speaker levels, Input configuration, Clock, Tuner presets. DVD Settings: Parental controls, Audio language, Subtitle.

Connecting Devices

Audio Sources: Connect CD player, game console, etc., to Audio Inputs on Media Center. Video Sources: Connect cable/satellite box, streaming device to Video Inputs.

Turn off all components before connecting.

Use digital optical cables for best audio quality from compatible sources.

Assign a name to each input in the system menu for easy selection.

Select source using INPUT button on remote or Media Center.

Tip: For best surround sound, use digital connections (optical/coaxial) when available.

Playing Media

Supports DVD-Video, audio CDs, CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW (video and audio).

Insert disc: Press EJECT on Media Center or remote, load disc.

Play: Press PLAY; use navigation for title/chapter selection.

Stop: Press STOP; system remembers stop point for most discs (resume play).

Skip: PREV/NEXT for chapters/tracks.

Repeat/Shuffle: Access via on-screen menu during CD playback.

Search: Use LEFT/RIGHT arrows during playback for fast forward/rewind.

Audio Tracks: Press AUDIO button to select different soundtracks or languages.

Subtitles: Press SUBTITLE button to turn on/off or select language.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or improperly formatted discs. Keep disc tray clean.

Accessibility Features

Audio Description: Available on some DVDs; enable in DVD menu. Dialogue Enhancement: Adjust center channel level for clearer speech. Large Font Menu: Option in system settings for easier reading.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug Media Center before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. For Jewel Cube speakers, use soft brush to remove dust from grilles.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or cleaners on speakers or Media Center. Do not open any components.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose, Lifestyle, Jewel Cube, Acoustimass, and ADAPTiQ are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

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 up; verify input selection.

Remote not working Batteries/obstructions Replace batteries; ensure clear path to Media Center (RF remote doesn't need line-of-sight but avoid major obstructions).

Poor surround sound ADAPTiQ calibration Rerun ADAPTiQ audio calibration.

Disc not playing Disc format/damage Ensure disc is compatible and clean; eject and reload.

No video to TV Cables/settings Check video cable connections; verify TV is on correct input; check video output resolution in system menu.

Reset: System > Settings > Factory Reset (note: erases all settings).

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

Bose Lifestyle 18 Series 3 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

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 up; verify input selection.
Remote not working	Batteries/obstructions	Replace batteries; ensure clear path to Media Center (RF remote doesn't need line-of-sight but avoid major obstructions).
Poor surround sound	ADAPTiQ calibration	Rerun ADAPTiQ audio calibration.
Disc not playing	Disc format/damage	Ensure disc is compatible and clean; eject and reload.
No video to TV	Cables/settings	Check video cable connections; verify TV is on correct input; check video output resolution in system menu.