Bose 321 GS home entertainment system Sold from September 2003 to 2004 User Manual

							Bose® 3•2•1
and 3•2•1 GS Home
Entertainment Systems
Owner’s Guide
August 18, 2003
AM271966_00_V.pdf
AM271966_00_V.pdf   August 18, 2003 
						

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English
Safety Information
The AV3-2-1 and AV3-2-1 GS media centers are to be used only with the PS3-2-1 or PS321 
powered speaker system (Acoustimass® module).
WARNING:To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the system to rain or 
moisture. 
These CAUTION marks are located on the bottom of your 3•2•1 home entertainment system 
media center and the rear panel of the Acoustimass module:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is 
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage 
within the system enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a 
risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle, as marked on the system, is 
intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and mainte-
nance instructions in this owner’s guide.
CAUTION:To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, insert fully.
CAUTION:No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the
apparatus.
Class 1 laser product
The DVD player contained within the media center is classi-
fied as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT according to 
EN60825-1:1994 + A11. The CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT 
label is located on the bottom of the media center.
CAUTION:Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those 
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. The DVD player should not be 
adjusted or repaired by anyone except properly qualified service personnel.
Batteries
Please dispose of used batteries properly, following any local regulations. 
Do not incinerate.
Please read this owner’s guide
Please take the time to follow this owner’s guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate 
your system properly, and enjoy all of its advanced features. Save your owner’s guide for 
future reference.
©2003 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may be reproduced, modified, distributed or otherwise used without prior written 
permission
.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION : POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE DE DÉCHARGE
ÉLECTRIQUE, NE RETIREZ PAS LE COUVERCLE (OU
L’ARRIÈRE). IL NE SE TROUVE ÀL’INTÉRIEURAUCUNE
PIÈCE POUVANT ÊTRE RÉPARÉE PAR L’USAGER.
S’ADRESSER À UN RÉPARATEUR COMPÉTENT.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
KLASSE 1 LASER PRODUKT
LUOKAN 1 LASER LAITEKLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
Batteries
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English
Francais
EspanolEspañol
Français
Appendix
Where to find...
Safety Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contents   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Before you begin   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Selecting compatible discs   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
How text is used in this owner’s guide   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Glossary of terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
For your records  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Unpacking   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Finding the product serial numbers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Selecting locations for your 3•2•1 home entertainment system components   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Placing the media center  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..9
Placing the 3•2•1 speakers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Placing the Acoustimass
® module  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
When the system setup is completed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Making the connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Additional cables  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connecting the 3•2•1 speakers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..14
Connecting the Acoustimass module   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Attaching the supplied antennas   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..16
FM antenna   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
AM antenna   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connecting cable FM radio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connecting your TV to the media center  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
S-video as an alternate means to connect to the TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Turning off the internal speakers in your TV   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
System Setup   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connecting your TV and VCR to the media center   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
If your TV has audio output jacks   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
If your TV does not have audio output jacks  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Making the final power connection   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Installing remote control batteries   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Connecting other sources   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Guidelines for connecting other components  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Connecting recording equipment   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connecting other playback equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connecting digital audio components  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Turning on the system   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The remote control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
POWER and MUTE controls   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SOURCE controls   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..26
SOURCE and MENU controls  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
PLAYBACK controls   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
The advanced remote control   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..28
Enhanced controls  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Programming the advanced remote   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
The media center  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Control panel and buttons  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Display indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
TV on-screen menus   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
To enter the Settings menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
To leave the Settings menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Turning your system on and off  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Before you play your first DVD  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Loading and playing a DVD  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Basic DVD operations   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..33
Using the Parental Control feature to restrict future play   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Parental Control submenu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Contents
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Contents
English
Español
Français
Appendix
DVD-specific behavior  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..34
DVD play options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Loading and playing a CD   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Basic CD operations   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..36
Changing CD settings   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..37
Using the sleep timer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Using the radio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Tuning   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Storing preferred stations as preset selections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Selecting a preset station   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..38
Changing FM settings   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..38
Changing AM settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..39
Playing other sources  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Changing settings for the other sources  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
System settings   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Sound Adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Locating Audio Setup  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Audio Setup menu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..40
Locating system settings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
System Setup menu   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
DVD Setup submenu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Reference   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Taking care of your 3•2•1 or 3•2•1 GS system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Cleaning the media center  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Cleaning the speakers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..44
Cleaning discs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Replacing the remote batteries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Customer service  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Warranty  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Accessories   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Technical information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Appendix  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Setup codes for cable   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Setup codes for satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
Setup codes for television   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8
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Introduction
English
Before you begin
Thank you for purchasing the Bose® 3•2•1 or 3•2•1 GS home entertainment system, which 
offers superb sound, elegance, and simplicity in an advanced home audio setup. Using Bose 
proprietary signal processing technology, the 3•2•1 systems provide improved spaciousness 
from stereo recordings, and bold movie effects from surround-encoded materials. Yet its few 
parts require little effort to set up, so you can enjoy your new system’s performance right 
away.
Your system includes:
• Integrated AM/FM tuner and DVD/CD player in a small console
• Small, easy-to-place shelf speakers and an attractive floor-standing Acoustimass
® module
• Easy-to-use infrared remote control
• Console input jacks for connecting other source components (such as a VCR, DSS, CD 
changer, or tape deck)
Selecting compatible discs
The DVD/CD player built into the 3•2•1 media center can play the following types of discs 
identified by their corresponding logos:
• Video DVDs
• Audio CDs
• CD-R and CD-R/Ws
• MP3 on CD
Check for region code compatibility
For a DVD player and DVD disc to be compatible, their region code numbers must match. 
These numbers are allocated according to where the player and disc are sold. The 3•2•1 
home entertainment system has a region code which must also match the DVD discs. The 
user cannot change the 3•2•1 home entertainment system’s region code. Therefore, the 
system should be purchased in the region in which it will be used.
Check the region code number on the carton of the 3•2•1 home entertainment system or on 
the bottom of the media center that comes in the carton. Then be sure to choose only DVD 
discs that show the same region number on the disc label or front cover. For example, a 
Region 1 DVD disc should display the following mark: 
MP3 playability
To be compatible with the 3•2•1 or 3•2•1 GShome entertainment systems, MP3s must meet 
the following criteria: 1) All tracks must be burned in a single closed session; 2) The disc for-
mat must be ISO9660; 3) Each file must have a “.mp3” extension and have no other periods 
in the filename; 4) Although the system does not display ID3 tag information, the system may 
not recognize files with tags higher than ID3 (ID3v1).
How text is used in this owner’s guide
These instructions refer to buttons on the remote control and on the media center front panel, 
menu items that appear on your TV screen, and status indicators on the media center display. 
To help you differentiate them: 
Button names appear in bold type. If a button has only a symbol, that alone will be used.
On-Scr
een Display messages appear in bold type with a line above and below.
MEDIA CENTER DISPLAY items are represented by bold capitalized type
Important guidelines for trouble-free performance of your home entertainment system (and 
its additional components) are shown in gray boxes. 
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							6
Introduction
English
Glossary of terms
2
D– The trademarked logo for Dolby® Digital, a perceptual coding system for audio, devel-
oped by Dolby Laboratories. Dolby Digital is the most common means of encoding audio for 
DVD-Video. 
Aspect Ratio – The shape of the rectangular picture in a TV set. It is the width of the picture 
relative to the height. Our standard TV picture, in terminology used by that industry, is 4 units 
wide by 3 units high, or 4:3 (read as 4 by 3) in aspect ratio. There are currently two standard 
TV aspect ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.
Chapter – In DVD-Video, a division of a title. Technically called a part of title (PTT).
Composite Video– A single video signal that contains luminance, color, and synchronization 
information. NTSC and PAL are examples of composite video systems.
Dolby* – a source of audio encoder technology.
Dolby Digital(also called 5.1) – a type of multi-channel surround sound format used on discs. 
1– the logo representing the above.
DTS – a type of multi-channel surround sound format used on discs.
 – the logo representing the above.
DVD – An acronym that is most commonly known to mean Digital Video Disc or Digital 
Versatile Disc. The audio/video/data storage system based on 12- and 8-cm optical discs.
DVD Video – A standard for storing and reproducing audio and video on DVD-ROM discs, 
based on MPEG video, Dolby Digital and MPEG audio, and other proprietary data formats.
IR – An acronym for infrared. Pertains to the type of remote that sends/receives commands 
on an infrared light beam.
Letterbox– The projected aspect ratio of feature films is often 16:9 rather than the 4:3 aspect 
ratio of most TVs. Therefore, it is becoming common practice to transfer films to video with 
black borders at the top and bottom of the picture. The film picture becomes a “letterbox” 
within the video.
*Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Confidential unpublished works. 1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intel-
lectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must
be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized
by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. 
“DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
MPEG Layer-3 audio compression technology licensed by Fraunhofer IIS and THOMSON multimedia.
This product incorporates copyright protected technology and other intellectual property rights owned by Cirrus Logic, Inc. and sub-
ject to the copyright protection of the U.S. as well as other licensing restrictions and protections. Use of this copyright protected tech-
nology is limited solely to use with the Cirrus Logic integrated circuits incorporated in this product. Reverse engineering or 
disassembly is prohibited.
AM271966_00_V.pdf   August 18, 2003 
						

							7
Introduction
English
MPEG – a type of data compression used for audio or video storage on disc.
MP3 – MPEG-1 Layer III audio. This is a compressed audio format that allows you to record 
many hours of music on a single CD.
NTSC – An acronym for National Television System Committee. The organization that devel-
oped both the American Black & White and Color television system.
PA L – An acronym for Phase Alternate Line. This is one of several composite video systems. 
The PAL format is used extensively in Western Europe.
PCM– An uncompressed, digitally coded representation of an analog signal. This is the form 
of the digital audio signal used for both CD and laserdisc. It is a serial data stream that is 
coded for transmission or recording. PCM is also used for many other types of serial data 
communications.
S-video – A video interface standard that carries separate luminance and chrominance 
signals, usually on a four-pin mini-DIN connector. Also called Y/C. The quality of S-video is 
significantly better than composite video since it does not require a comb filter to separate 
the signals. Most high-end televisions have S-video inputs.
Title – numbered elements of the DVD contents, which may include more than the movie 
alone.
Track – Individual selections recorded on an audio tape or disc.
For your records
Serial numbers are located on the bottom of the media center and the rear of the 
Acoustimass® module. Please have your serial number ready before contacting Bose®
customer service.
Media center serial number: _________________________________________________________ 
Acoustimass module serial number: __________________________________________________
Dealer name: ______________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone: __________________________ Purchase date: _____________________________
We suggest you keep your sales receipt and product registration together with this owner’s 
guide.
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							8
English
System Setup
Unpacking
Carefully unpack your system. Save all packing materials, which provide the safest way to 
transport your system. Check to be sure your system includes the parts shown in Figure 1.
If any part of the system appears damaged, do not attempt to use it. Notify Bose or your 
authorized Bose
® dealer immediately. For Bose contact information, refer to the address 
sheet included in the carton.
WARNING:To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags out of the reach of children.
Figure 1
Contents of the shipping 
carton
Finding the product serial numbers
Now is a good time to find the serial numbers on the bottom of the media center and
Acoustimass® module. Copy those numbers onto your product registration card and in the 
space provided on page 7.
240V power cord
120V power cord
115/230V power cord
with adapter
230V power cords220V power cord Your carton contains 
one of the cords below:
Acoustimass
module
Remote
control
Batteries
 Module cable
Speaker cableOwner’s guideQuick setup  (2) Model 3•2•1 speakers
Media center
Stereo cableVideo cable AM antenna Rubber feetRubber feet
Antenna stand
 FM antennaDemo disc (2) 3•2•1 Gemstone
TM
speaker arraysor
guide
Š
AM271966_00_V.pdf   August 18, 2003 
						

							9
System Setup
English
Selecting locations for your 3•2•1 home entertainment system components
Use the following guidelines to choose locations and positions for the components of your 
3•2•1 home entertainment system. Keep in mind that all of the system components will be 
connected to the media center. The Acoustimass
® module is the only part of the system that 
will connect to a power outlet.
Note:While these guidelines are offered to provide the best system performance, you may 
find other placement choices that are more convenient and provide the sound you enjoy.
Placing the media center
CAUTION:Do not block any ventilation openings. For reliable operation of the product and to 
protect it from overheating, put the product in a position and location that will not interfere with 
its proper ventilation. For example, do not place the product on a bed, sofa, or similar surface 
that may block the ventilation openings. Do not put it in a built-in system, such as a bookcase 
or cabinet that may keep air from flowing through its ventilation openings.
• Place the media center where nothing obstructs opening the disc tray on its front panel.
• Make sure the media center will be placed close enough to the Acoustimass module and 
the speakers so that all the cables will reach. 
• Make sure the media center will be placed close enough to additional source components 
(TV, tape player, VCR) so that all the cables will reach. 
Placing the 3•2•1 speakers
Choosing a good location for the speakers will allow you to experience the audio surround
effects that your 3•2•1 home entertainment system is designed to deliver. 
Place the two speakers either on top of the TV or at equal distance to the left and right of the 
TV screen (Figure 2). Keep both speakers at approximately the same height.
Note:The speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent interference when they are on or 
near the TV.
Figure 2
Placement of the media 
center and 3•2•1 or 
3•2•1GS speakers in an 
entertainment unit
Place each speaker a maximum of 3 feet (1 meter) away from the edge of the TV 
screen. Placing the speakers more than 3 feet away from the TV can cause the sound to 
become separated from the picture.
If you are using a bookshelf or a home entertainment unit, place each speaker at the 
front edge of its shelf.Positioning the speakers too far back in an enclosed space can 
change the overall quality of sound and alter the movie sound effects.
The speakers must be placed at least 3 feet (1 meter) apart from each other in order to 
optimize the surround sound experience.
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							10
System Setup
English
WARNING:Choose a stable and level surface for both speakers. Vibration can cause the 
speakers to move, particularly on smooth surfaces like marble, glass, or highly polished 
wood. If you are placing the speakers on a flat surface, be sure to attach the smaller of the 
two sets of supplied rubber feet to the bottom surface. You may obtain additional rubber feet 
(part number 178321) from Bose
®customer service. To contact Bose, refer to the list of offices 
included in the product carton.
Be sure each 3•2•1 or 3•2•1 GS speaker faces straight ahead toward the listening area. Do 
not place the speakers at an angle (Figure 3).
Figure 3
Recommended placement 
of the 3•2•1 and 3•2•1GS
speakers, facing straight 
ahead toward the listening 
area, not angled
Note:Angling one or both speakers into or away from the listening area significantly alters 
system performance.
The 3•2•1 and 3•2•1 GS speakers are designed to sit only on their bottom surface, with the 
Bose logo right-side up (Figure 4).
Figure 4
Recommended orientation 
of the speakers, with Bose 
logo upright, not angled or 
upside down
AM271966_00_V.pdf   August 18, 2003