Bose Lifestyle AV38 Media Center Manual

The Bose Lifestyle AV38 Media Center is a premium home entertainment system featuring a media console, five cube speakers, an Acoustimass module, and a universal remote. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, AM/FM tuner, DVD/CD playback, and connectivity for various audio/video sources. 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. System Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Media Console, Five Direct/Reflecting Cube Speakers, Acoustimass Module, Universal Remote Control, AM/FM Antennas.

Feature	Description
Media Console	Central control unit with DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and inputs
Cube Speakers	Five small speakers for front, center, and surround channels
Acoustimass Module	Handles low-frequency effects (bass)
Universal Remote	Controls system and other connected devices
Audio Decoding	Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II
Inputs	Composite video, S-Video, Component video, Analog audio, Optical digital
Outputs	Speaker terminals, Subwoofer output, Video monitor output
AM/FM Tuner	Built-in with supplied antennas
On-Screen Display	Menu system for setup and adjustments
System Power	Standby and full operation modes

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Choose optimal location for media console and speakers.

Place Media Console: Ensure adequate ventilation, near TV and power outlet.
Position Speakers: Front left/right, center, surround left/right per room layout.
Connect Acoustimass Module: Place near front speakers, connect to console.
Connect TV: Use video output (composite, S-video, or component) from console to TV.
Connect Antennas: Attach AM loop and FM wire antennas to rear terminals.
Plug into AC power.

WARNING! System components are sensitive; handle with care. Ensure all connections are secure and cables are not pinched.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts.

Initial Setup: Use on-screen menu to select language, set clock, and configure inputs.
Speaker Setup: Run ADAPTiQ audio calibration (if equipped) or manually set speaker sizes/distances.
Tuner Setup: Auto-scan for AM/FM stations and store presets.
Source Setup: Assign names to connected devices (e.g., "Cable Box", "Game Console").
Remote Setup: Program universal remote to control TV and other components.

CAUTION! Do not place media console in enclosed cabinet without ventilation. Keep speakers away from heat sources.

Specifications

Audio Formats: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II, PCM.
Video Formats: Supports composite, S-Video, component video output.
Tuner: AM/FM with 30 station presets.
Disc Playback: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD, CD-R/RW.
Inputs: 4 A/V inputs (composite/S-video + analog audio), 2 optical digital audio inputs.
Outputs: 5-channel speaker outputs, subwoofer output, video monitor output.
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Remote Control: Universal, infrared, requires 2 AA batteries.
Dimensions (Console): Approx. 16.5" W x 3.6" H x 12.8" D.

Controls and Settings

Access OSD via remote's SYSTEM button. Front Panel: POWER, EJECT, VOLUME knob, INPUT selector.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, MENU, Navigation arrows, SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, INPUT, DVD transport controls (PLAY, STOP, etc.), SYSTEM button for setup.

Audio Settings: Speaker levels, distance, size, crossover frequency. Video Settings: Output resolution (480i/480p), aspect ratio. Tuner: Preset memory, auto-scan. System: Language, clock, remote codes, factory reset.

Connecting Devices

Connect sources (cable box, game console, Blu-ray player) to available A/V inputs on media console.

Turn off all devices before connecting.
For best audio: Use optical digital connection if source supports it.
For video: Use highest quality connection supported (component > S-video > composite).
Assign input: In SYSTEM menu, name the input (e.g., "SAT" for satellite box).
Select source: Press INPUT on remote or front panel to cycle through sources.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for optimal audio/video performance. Keep cable runs tidy to avoid interference.

Playing Media

Supports DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, audio CDs.

Insert disc: Press EJECT, load disc label-side up.
Play: Press PLAY; use navigation for title/chapter selection.
Stop: Press STOP; system remembers stop point for resuming (if enabled).
Skip: PREV/NEXT for chapters/tracks.
Audio Tracks: Use AUDIO button to select different soundtracks or languages.
Subtitle: Use SUBTITLE button to enable/select subtitles.
Zoom: Press ZOOM for picture magnification (DVD only).
Repeat: REPEAT button for chapter/track/disc repeat modes.

WARNING! Do not use damaged or irregularly shaped discs. Keep disc tray clean from dust.

System Features

ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration: Optimizes sound for your room (if system includes ADAPTiQ headset). Night Mode: Compresses dynamic range for quieter listening. Parental Controls: Restrict DVD playback by rating (password protected).

Care & Cleaning

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for console and speakers. For stubborn stains, dampen cloth slightly with water only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Do not allow moisture into vents or openings.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose, Lifestyle, AV38, 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; check circuit breaker.
No sound from speakers	Connections, mute, volume	Check speaker wire connections; ensure mute is off; increase volume.
Remote not working	Batteries, obstacles, sensor	Replace batteries; ensure clear path to media console IR sensor; re-program remote if needed.
No picture	Input selection, cables	Ensure correct input is selected; verify video cable connections between console and TV.
Disc not playing	Disc format, dirt, damage	Ensure disc is compatible format; clean disc with soft cloth; check for scratches.
Poor AM/FM reception	Antenna placement	Reposition AM loop and FM wire antennas; keep away from large metal objects.

Reset: SYSTEM menu > Settings > Factory Reset (note: erases all custom settings).

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