Bose Lifestyle 38 Series III Manual

The Bose Lifestyle 38 Series III 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 bass, and a universal remote control. 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. Advanced Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Center, Jewel Cube speakers (5), Acoustimass module, Universal Remote Control, ADAPTiQ headset, and various connection cables.

Feature	Description
Media Center	Central unit with DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and audio processing
Jewel Cube speakers	Five small, high-performance satellite speakers
Acoustimass module	Handles low-frequency effects and bass
Universal Remote	Controls system and compatible TV/Cable/DVD devices
ADAPTiQ audio calibration	Customizes sound to your room's acoustics
Audio Inputs	Optical, coaxial digital, and analog stereo inputs
Video Outputs	Component, composite, and S-Video outputs
On-Screen Display	Guided menus for setup and operation
Dolby Digital / DTS	Supports 5.1 channel surround sound decoding
Sleep Timer	Automatically turns off system after set time

Installation

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

Position Media Center: Place near TV and power outlet with adequate ventilation.
Connect Acoustimass module: Use provided cable to connect to Media Center's bass output.
Place Jewel Cube speakers: Front left/right, center, surround left/right at ear level when seated.
Connect speaker wires: Match colors (white/red) to corresponding terminals on Media Center and speakers.
Connect to TV: Use component or composite video cables from Media Center to TV.
Plug into AC power.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around Media Center to prevent overheating. Do not place speakers in enclosed cabinets.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts.

Initial setup: Select language, set clock, and configure basic settings.
ADAPTiQ calibration: Wear ADAPTiQ headset, follow audio prompts to optimize sound for your room.
Source setup: Configure inputs for cable/satellite box, game console, or other devices.
Remote programming: Program universal remote to control your TV and other components.
Test system: Play a DVD or FM station to verify all speakers are working.

CAUTION! During ADAPTiQ calibration, ensure room is quiet for accurate results.

Specifications

System Type: 5.1 channel home theater with DVD/CD player.
Audio Decoding: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II.
Speaker System: 5 Jewel Cube satellites (2.75" each), Acoustimass module.
Power Output: Total system power: 385 watts RMS.
Inputs: 3 optical digital, 2 coaxial digital, 4 analog stereo, FM/AM antenna.
Outputs: Component video (YPbPr), composite video, S-Video, subwoofer.
Tuner: AM/FM with 30 station presets.
Remote: Universal learning remote with backlight.
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz, 2.5A.
Dimensions (Media Center): 16.5" W × 3.6" H × 14.8" D.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via remote or front panel. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME, SOURCE, MENU.

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

Audio Settings: Speaker levels, tone controls (bass/treble), night mode (compresses dynamic range). Video Settings: Output resolution (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i), screen format. System Settings: Clock, language, remote codes, factory reset. ADAPTiQ: Re-run calibration or adjust target curve.

Connecting Devices

Connect external sources (cable box, game console, Blu-ray player) to Media Center inputs.

Turn off all devices before connecting.
For best audio: Use optical or coaxial digital connections from source to Media Center.
For video: Connect source directly to TV, or route through Media Center if needed.
Assign inputs: In SETUP menu, name and configure each input (e.g., "CABLE" for Input 1).
Select source: Press INPUT or corresponding source button on remote.

Tip: Use high-quality digital cables for optimal audio performance.

Playing Media

Supports DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD-DA, MP3 CDs, and JPEG photo CDs.

Insert disc: Press EJECT, place disc label-up in tray, close tray.
Play: Press PLAY; use navigation for titles/chapters/tracks.
Skip: PREV/NEXT for chapters/tracks.
Search: Press LEFT/RIGHT arrows during playback for fast forward/rewind.
Repeat: Press REPEAT to repeat track, chapter, title, or all.
Random: Press SHUFFLE for random track playback (CD/MP3).
Photo CD: Navigate JPEG folders, view slideshows with background music.
Stop: Press STOP; system remembers last stop point for most discs.

WARNING! Do not move system during disc playback. Use only standard-sized discs.

Advanced Features

ADAPTiQ Recalibration: Re-run if furniture changes or speakers are moved. Night Mode: Reduces loud sounds and boosts quiet ones for late-night viewing. Universal Remote: Learn commands from other remotes; macros for one-touch activities (e.g., "Watch DVD"). Parental Controls: Restrict DVD playback by rating (password protected).

Care & Cleaning

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for Media Center and speakers. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth slightly with water only. Clean disc lens with approved CD/DVD lens cleaner if playback issues occur.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasives. Keep liquids away from all components.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: Class B digital device; complies with Part 15 rules. Manufacturer: Bose Corporation, Framingham, MA, USA. Copyright and trademarks owned by 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 not muted or too low.
Remote not working	Batteries/obstructions	Replace batteries; ensure clear path to Media Center IR sensor.
Disc not playing	Disc type/damage	Ensure disc is compatible and clean; eject and reinsert.
Poor surround sound	ADAPTiQ calibration	Re-run ADAPTiQ calibration; check speaker placement.
No video on TV	Video connection/input	Check video cables; ensure TV is on correct input source.
Distorted sound	Source/connections	Check audio cables; try different source material.

Reset: Hold 1 and 4 on Media Center front panel while plugging in power to restore factory defaults (erases settings).

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