Bose Lifestyle 38 III Manual

The Bose Lifestyle 38 III is a premium home theater system featuring a Media Center, Acoustimass module, five cube speaker arrays, and a universal remote. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, AM/FM tuner, CD/DVD playback, and multiple audio/video inputs. The system includes Intelligent Equalization, ADAPTiQ audio calibration, and VideoSync technology for seamless integration with your entertainment setup. 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, Acoustimass module, Five cube speaker arrays, Universal remote control, AM/FM antenna inputs, Multiple audio/video inputs, Optical digital input.

Feature	Description
Media Center	Central control unit with CD/DVD player and tuner
Acoustimass module	Powerful bass unit for low-frequency effects
Cube speaker arrays	Five small speakers for surround sound (Front L/R, Center, Rear L/R)
Universal remote	Controls system and other compatible devices
Optical digital input	For connecting digital audio sources
Video inputs	Composite and S-Video inputs for external video sources
ADAPTiQ system	Automatically calibrates audio to your room's acoustics
Intelligent Equalization	Optimizes sound for different content types
VideoSync technology	Synchronizes audio with video from connected sources
Sleep timer	Automatically turns off system after set time

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place Media Center in well-ventilated area.

Position speakers: Place front left/right and center speakers near TV; rear speakers behind listening area.
Connect Acoustimass module: Use provided cables to connect to Media Center.
Connect cube speakers: Use color-coded cables to connect each speaker to Media Center.
Connect video sources: Use composite or S-Video cables to connect DVD player, cable box, etc.
Connect antennas: Attach AM loop and FM wire antennas to Media Center.
Plug into AC power.

WARNING! System components are heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts.

Run ADAPTiQ calibration: Place headset in primary listening position; follow audio prompts.
Set input preferences: Assign names to connected sources (DVD, CABLE, etc.).
Program universal remote: Follow on-screen instructions to control other devices.
Adjust audio settings: Use system menu to customize equalization and volume levels.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation around Media Center; do not block vents.

Specifications

Audio Formats: Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM.
Tuner: AM/FM with 30 station presets.
Media Playback: CD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, MP3 CDs.
Inputs: Optical digital, composite video, S-Video, analog audio.
Outputs: Speaker terminals, subwoofer output, composite video.
Power Output: 200 watts total system power.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions (Media Center): 16.5" W × 3.6" H × 14.5" D.
Operating Temp: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).

Controls and Settings

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

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, MENU, NAVIGATION arrows, SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, TRANSPORT controls (PLAY, STOP, etc.), INPUT SELECT.

Audio Settings: ADAPTiQ calibration, Intelligent Equalization (MOVIE, MUSIC, SPORTS), tone controls, speaker levels. Video Settings: VideoSync delay adjustment, input naming. System: Sleep timer, display brightness, remote programming, factory reset.

Connecting Devices

Audio Sources: Optical digital for best quality; analog RCA for legacy devices. Video Sources: Composite or S-Video.

Turn off system and devices before connecting.
Match cables to ports (optical to optical, composite to composite).
Select input via remote (DVD, AUX, TV, etc.).

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best performance; keep cables organized.

Playing Media

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

Insert disc: Press EJECT, load media face down.
Play: Press PLAY; use numeric buttons to select track/chapter.
Stop: Press STOP; eject with EJECT button.
Skip: PREV/NEXT for tracks/chapters.
Repeat: Press REPEAT to repeat track, chapter, or disc.
Shuffle: Press SHUFFLE for random playback.
Audio formats: System automatically detects Dolby Digital, DTS, or PCM.
Resume: Some discs resume from last stop point.

WARNING! Do not force disc into slot; eject properly. Keep fingers from mechanism.

Accessibility Features

Audio Description: Enable in DVD menu if available. Parental Controls: Set rating limits in system menu. Closed Captions: Available through connected TV settings.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for Media Center and speakers. For stubborn marks, dampen cloth slightly with water.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasive cleaners. Keep away from moisture and heat sources.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Bose Corporation; all rights reserved. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Connections/volume	Check speaker wire connections; ensure volume not muted or too low.
Remote does not work	Batteries/obstructions	Replace batteries; point directly at Media Center IR sensor; remove obstacles.
No picture from video source	Cables/input selection	Verify video cables are secure; select correct input on system and TV.
Disc will not play	Disc format/damage	Ensure disc is compatible format (DVD-Video, CD, etc.); check for scratches.
Poor AM/FM reception	Antenna placement	Reposition antennas; ensure AM loop is unfolded and FM wire is extended.
System overheats	Ventilation blocked	Ensure at least 2 inches clearance around Media Center vents.

Reset: Menu > System > Factory Reset if needed (note: erases all settings).

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