Bose Lifestyle 38 Operating Manual

The Bose Lifestyle 38 is a premium home theater system featuring a media center with built-in DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and proprietary ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology. It includes five cube speaker arrays, an Acoustimass module for bass, and a universal remote control. The system supports Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, offers multiple audio inputs, and provides intuitive on-screen menus for setup and operation. Below are key sections covering system overview, setup, operation, features, and troubleshooting.

1. System Overview 2. Unpacking & Placement 3. Initial Setup & Connections 4. Specifications 5. Controls & Remote Functions 6. Connecting Audio/Video Sources 7. Playing Media (DVD/CD) 8. ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory & Compliance 11. Troubleshooting

System Overview

Key components: Lifestyle 38 Media Center, five cube speaker arrays, Acoustimass bass module, universal remote control, ADAPTiQ headset, and connection cables.

ComponentDescription
Media CenterMain control unit with DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and input/output ports
Cube Speaker ArraysFive small speakers for front, center, and surround channels
Acoustimass ModuleHandles low-frequency effects (bass)
Universal RemoteControls system and compatible external devices
ADAPTiQ HeadsetUsed for room-specific audio calibration
Connection CablesIncludes speaker wires, audio/video cables, and power cords
POWERTurns system on/off (standby mode)
INPUT SELECTCycles through connected sources (DVD, AUX, TV, etc.)
VOLUMEAdjusts master volume level
MENUAccesses on-screen setup and settings

Unpacking & Placement

Carefully unpack all components. Place media center in a well-ventilated area.

  1. Position speakers: Front left/right beside TV, center above/below TV, surrounds behind listening area.
  2. Place Acoustimass module: Along a wall or in a corner for optimal bass response.
  3. Ensure clear paths for cables and IR signals to remote.
  4. Keep components away from heat sources and moisture.

WARNING! The Acoustimass module is heavy; lift with care. Ensure stable placement to prevent tipping.

Initial Setup & Connections

Connect all components before powering on.

  1. Connect speakers: Use color-coded wires to media center speaker terminals.
  2. Connect Acoustimass module: Use provided cable to media center.
  3. Connect TV: Use HDMI or composite video cable from media center to TV.
  4. Connect sources: DVD player, cable box, etc., to appropriate media center inputs.
  5. Plug media center and module into AC power.
  6. Power on and follow on-screen setup wizard.

CAUTION! Double-check polarity on speaker connections. Incorrect wiring can affect sound quality.

Specifications

Controls & Remote Functions

Media Center front panel: POWER, EJECT, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME knob. Remote: POWER, numeric keypad, transport controls (PLAY, STOP, etc.), MENU, GUIDE, volume/channel, input selection, setup button for ADAPTiQ.

On-Screen Menus: Use MENU button to access setup, source selection, audio settings, and system info. Audio Settings: Adjust bass, treble, dialogue enhancement, night mode. Source Setup: Rename inputs, assign audio types. System: Set clock, sleep timer, restore defaults.

Connecting Audio/Video Sources

Connect external devices (cable box, gaming console, Blu-ray player) to media center inputs.

  1. Turn off all devices before connecting.
  2. Use recommended cables (HDMI for best quality).
  3. Connect device output to corresponding media center input (e.g., HDMI 1, AUX).
  4. Power on devices, then media center.
  5. Select input on remote or media center.

Tip: Label cables for easy identification. Use optical cables for digital audio sources when possible.

Playing Media (DVD/CD)

Insert disc into media center slot.

  1. Press EJECT to open tray, place disc label-side up, close tray.
  2. Press PLAY; use remote transport controls (PAUSE, SKIP, etc.).
  3. Access DVD menu: Press MENU or TITLE.
  4. Change audio track/subtitle: Use AUDIO and SUBTITLE buttons.
  5. Repeat/random play: Access via on-screen options.
  6. Eject: Press EJECT during stop mode.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Keep fingers clear of disc slot.

ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration

ADAPTiQ optimizes sound for your room.

  1. Connect ADAPTiQ headset to media center front panel.
  2. Press SETUP on remote, select "ADAPTiQ Calibration."
  3. Follow on-screen prompts; wear headset and sit in primary listening position.
  4. System will emit test tones; remain quiet during process.
  5. Repeat for additional listening positions if desired.

Note: Calibration is recommended after initial setup or room changes.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for media center and speakers. For stubborn marks, lightly dampen cloth with water; do not use solvents.

CAUTION! Do not spray cleaners directly on components. Avoid getting moisture into vents or ports.

Regulatory & Compliance

FCC Part 15 Class B compliance. This device complies with industry standards for home use. Contains licensed technologies under patents. Bose and Lifestyle 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 powerPower cord, outletEnsure power cord is securely connected; try different outlet.
No sound from speakersConnections, volumeCheck speaker wire connections; ensure volume not muted.
Remote not workingBatteries, obstaclesReplace batteries; ensure clear line-of-sight to media center.
No picture from DVDTV input, cablesVerify TV is on correct input; check video cable connections.
Disc not recognizedDisc format, dirtEnsure disc is compatible and clean; try another disc.
Poor sound qualityCalibration, placementRe-run ADAPTiQ calibration; verify speaker placement.

Reset: Unplug media center for 60 seconds, then reconnect.

Service: Contact Bose Support at 1-800-999-2673 or www.bose.com.

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