Bose 321 home entertainment system Sold from September 2001 to 2006 User Manual

							 
11 
System Setup 
Placement choices for the Acoustimass 
® 
 module 
Consider the guidelines below when choosing a location for the module. 
Make sure to place it: 
•within reach of the cables to the music center and an AC (mains) power outlet
•at the same end of the room as the TV and the speakers (Figure 5)
•a minimum of 3 feet (1 meter) from the TV to prevent interference from the module, which is 
not magnetically shielded 
Figure 5 
3-foot distance between 
the Acoustimass module 
and the TV 
Attach the medium-sized rubber feet to the bottom of each foot on the module. The rubber 
feet provide increased stability and protection from scratches. 
CAUTION:  
The Acoustimass module generates a magnetic field. Although this is not an 
immediate risk to your video tapes, audio tapes, and other magnetic media, you should not 
store any of these items directly on or near the module. 
Keep the port and ventilation openings free and unimpeded: 
•Choose a location that is convenient (under a table, behind a sofa or chair, screened by 
drapes) but will not block the ventilation openings of the module.
•Aim the port of the module into the room or along the wall. This prevents a blocked port or 
over-powering bass.
•Stand the Acoustimass module on its feet. Do not lay it on its side or stand it on either end 
(Figure 6). 
Figure 6 
Recommended orientation 
for the module 
CAUTION:  
Do not block the openings on the back of the module, which provide ventilation 
for the built-in circuitry.
AC INPUT
MUSIC CENTER 
						

							 
12 
System Setup 
When the system setup is completed 
With the speakers and media center placed as directed, you can enjoy the freedom to sit, 
recline, or move about in the room without missing a note. 
Figure 7 
System placement for ideal 
coverage  
CAUTION:  
Be sure to read the section on making connections before you plug in the system. 
						

							 
13 
System Setup
Making the connections 
Labeled jacks on the rear of the media center (Figure 8) and the custom cables supplied with 
the Model 3•2•1 system make it easy to get everything hooked up right the first time. 
Figure 8
Connection panel on the 
rear of the media center 
Follow these basic steps
1. On the rear panel of the media center, insert the single-plug end of the speaker cable into 
the SPEAKERS connector (Figure 8). Tighten the screws on either side of the plug to 
ensure a snug connection (Figure 9).
Note: When properly inserted, there will be a small gap between the plug and the panel.
Figure 9
Completed connection of 
speaker cable to media 
center rear panel
2. At the other end of the speaker cable, grasp the two connectors and pull the cable apart 
as much as necessary to reach each speaker.
3. Plug the LEFT connector of the separated cable into the rear jack on the left speaker (to 
the left of the TV as you face it) and the RIGHT connector into the rear jack on the right 
speaker (to the right of the TV). LEFT or RIGHT is printed on the appropriate connector 
(Figure 10).
Figure 10
LEFT and RIGHT markings 
on the speaker connectors
LL
RD
DL
RC
SC
SL
R VIDEO  1 VIDEO 2 AUXAUDIO INPUT
AUDIO
OUTPUT VIDEO
OUTPUT VIDEO
INPUT
OPTICAL75
Ω
FM
ANTENNAAM
LOOP
ANTENNASPEAKERS
ACOUSTIMASSMODULED
R
P
owerV
o
l
umeSour
c
eS
k
ip/ScanSto
p
/
Eject
Screws
Gap
RIGHTLEFT 
						

							14
System Setup
4. On the Acoustimass® module, insert the right-angle connector (Figure 11) of the Acousti-
mass module cable into the jack labeled MEDIA CENTER. On the rear panel of the media 
center, insert the other end of the cable into the jack labeled ACOUSTIMASS MODULE. 
Firmly tighten the two screws at each end of the cable. 
Figure 11
Right-angle connector that 
attaches to the Acousti-
mass module
5. On the rear panel of the media center, insert one end of the supplied video cable (marked 
in yellow) to VIDEO OUTPUT (Figure 12). Insert the other end of the cable into the video 
input on your TV.
CAUTION: Do not plug the Acoustimass module into an AC power (mains) outlet until all the 
components are connected.
Figure 12
Basic connections to the 
media center
Note: Before using your TV to play a DVD or other video source, be sure to read the Impor-
tant Note on page 16.
S-video as an alternate means to connect to the TV
An S-video input jack, provided on many TVs, delivers a higher-quality TV picture than the 
composite video output connection shown above. 
To make this alternate connection, insert the end of an S-video cable from the TV into the S-
VIDEO OUTPUT on the media center. This cable may be purchased from your Bose
® dealer or 
a local electronics retailer.
L
RL
RD
DL
RC
SC
SL
R VIDEO IDEO 2 AUXAUDIO INPUT
AUDIO
OUTPUT VIDEO
OUTPUT VIDEO
INPUTOPTICAL75
Ω
FM
ANTENNAAM
LOOP
ANTENNASPEAKERS
ACOUSTIMASS MODULED
AC INPUT
MUSIC CENTER
RIGHT
LEFT
Speaker 
cable
Acoustimass 
module cable
video input To TV
AC input  VIDEO OUTPUT   jack 
						

							15
System Setup
Connecting other sources
You can connect both the audio and video outputs of a VCR or other video source to the 
media center. A video connection will pass signals through to the TV.
A typical arrangement of components is shown in Figures 13 through 15. For additional 
examples of how these connections can be made, refer to “Other choices” on page 19.
Figure 13
Typical arrangement of 
components connecting to 
the media center 
Other component connections
You can connect the audio output of up to three components, including your TV, directly to 
the media center using the Video 1, Video 2, and Aux input jacks on the rear panel.
Each input includes jacks for Left and Right analog audio and a coaxial jack for digital audio. 
In addition, the Video 1 input provides an optical jack for digital audio.
The jacks marked VIDEO 1 and VIDEO 2 are set automatically for movie EQ. If you connect a 
video source to AUX, you can still set sound for movie EQ in the Settings on-screen menu.
When connecting a component’s audio to the media center jacks, remember to:
•use standard RCA audio cables
•match the red connector to the right channel (R) and the white (or black) connector to the 
left channel (L)
•use a Y-adapter (available at electronics stores) to connect to a mono source
For further details on making the video connections between your VCR and TV, refer to the 
manuals for those video components.
When all the components are connected to the media center, you can add the antennas and 
then plug in the system. 
audio 
video
audio
 
videoaudio & video
Input from cable
TV Cable/sat
audio 
audio & video
VCR 
						

							16
System Setup
Connecting your TV to the system
The type of video connection used with your TV (Figure 14) must match the type of connec-
tion used with your VCR. If you connected your TV to the COMPOSITE VIDEO OUTPUT 
(using the cable with a yellow connector at each end), connect your VCR output to the COM-
POSITE VIDEO INPUT. If you connected your TV to the S-VIDEO OUTPUT, connect your VCR 
to the S-VIDEO INPUT. If your VCR does not have an S-VIDEO output, you may be able to 
connect your VCR composite video output directly to your TV.
Figure 14
Connecting the Audio out-
put from the TV to the 
VIDEO 1 input on the media 
center 
Important Note: Your television must be set for VIDEO INPUT when playing a DVD or other 
video source. If it is not set properly, you may hear the sound, but will not see the DVD picture 
on the TV screen. 
For most TV models*, there is a button labeled either “TV/VIDEO,” “INPUT,” or “AUX IN” (or a 
similar term) for you to use. When the video input is correctly selected, the word “VIDEO,” 
“AUX,” or “LINE IN” usually appears in a corner of the TV screen. 
If you are unable to locate the video input of your television, please consult the manufacturer 
of your TV.
Also note: Some older TVs, which include a standard TV cable connector, have neither a 
composite video nor an S-Video input. Such TVs are not compatible with any DVD players 
and require use of an RF modulator for this connection, which is available at your local elec-
tronics store.
Connecting your VCR to the system
The type of video connection used with your TV and VCR (Figure 15 on page 17) must match 
the type of connection used with your cable/satellite box. If you connected your TV to the 
COMPOSITE VIDEO OUTPUT (using the cable with a yellow connector at each end), connect 
your cable/satellite box output to the COMPOSITE VIDEO INPUT on your VCR. If you con-
nected your TV to the S-VIDEO OUTPUT, connect your cable/satellite box to the S-VIDEO 
INPUT on your VCR.
*Other TV models (in particular, some GE/RCA/Proscan models) assign the video input to 
channel 00 or 91, so you need to select that channel to receive the video input.
RL
VIDEO
INAUDIO
OUT
L
RL
RD
DL
RC
SC
SL
R VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 AUXAUDIO INPUT
AUDIO
OUTPUT VIDEO
OUTPUT VIDEO
INPUTOPTICAL75
Ω
FM
ANTENNAAM
LOOP
ANTENNASPEAKERS
ACOUSTIMASS MODULED
Supplied video cable
RCA cable Media 
center
TV
TV/VIDEO
TV/VIDEO,
INPUT, or
AUX IN
TV remote 
						

							17
System Setup
Figure 15
Connecting audio output 
from a VCR to the VIDEO 2 
input on the media center, 
and the video from the VCR 
to the composite video 
input on the media center
Note: Do not connect the video output of your 3•2•1 system media center to a VCR; playing 
copy-protected DVDs may result in poor picture quality.
Attaching the supplied antennas
The rear panel of the media center provides jacks for AM and FM antennas (Figure 16). 
Unwind the wires of each antenna to ensure the best reception.
Note: An outdoor antenna may be used in place of the two that are supplied. To add an out-
door antenna, consult a qualified installer. Follow all safety instructions supplied with the 
antenna.
Figure 16
Adding the AM and FM 
antennas
FM antenna
Plug the connector into the FM antenna jack on the media center rear panel. Spread out the 
antenna arms at the other end and move them around to establish optimum FM reception. 
Extend the antenna as far from the media center and other external equipment as possible.
AM antenna
1. Plug the connector into the AM antenna jack on the media center.
2. Move the antenna loop as far as possible, at least 20 inches (50 centimeters) from the 
media center and at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) from the Acoustimass
® module. Experiment 
with positioning the loop for optimum AM reception.
3. Follow the instructions enclosed with the AM loop antenna to stand it on the supplied 
base, or mount it to a wall.
RL
VIDEO
OUTAUDIO
OUT
L
RL
RD
DL
RC
SC
SL
R VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 AUXAUDIO INPUT
AUDIO
OUTPUT VIDEO
OUTPUT VIDEO
INPUTOPTICAL75
Ω
FM
ANTENNAAM
LOOP
ANTENNASPEAKERS
ACOUSTIMASS MODULED
Media 
center
VCR
RCA cable 
Video cable
L
RL
RD
DL
RC
SC
SL
R VIDEO IDEO 2 AUXAUDIO INPUT
AUDIO
OUTPUT VIDEO
OUTPUT VIDEO
INPUTOPTICAL75
Ω
FM
ANTENNAAM
LOOP
ANTENNA
ACOUSTIMASSSPEAKERS
MODULED
L
R VIDEOA
OPTICAL75
Ω
FM
ANTENNAAM
LOOP
ANTENNAD
FM
AM 
						

							18
System Setup
Connecting cable FM radio
Some cable TV providers make FM radio signals available through the cable service to your 
home. This connection is made to the external FM jack on the back panel of the media center. 
To connect to this service, contact your cable TV provider for assistance.
Note: Make sure that the cable radio installation includes a signal splitter so that only the FM 
radio band, not the cable TV band, is received by the media center. If necessary, contact a 
qualified installer.
Make the power connection after all the others
To make the final connection, insert the small connector end of the power cord into the AC 
INPUT jack on the module (refer to Figure 12 on page 14). Insert the large end of the cord into 
an AC power (mains) outlet (Figure 17). 
Figure 17
Power cord as the final 
connection
Turning off the internal speakers in your TV
When you listen to TV sound through your 3•2•1 system, the speakers in your TV should not 
be on. Use the on-screen menus in your TV to select INTERNAL SPEAKERS: OFF (the exact 
on-screen message may be different for different TVs). Refer to your TV owner’s guide for 
detailed instructions.
If your TV does not have an option to turn off the internal speakers, you can reduce the vol-
ume of your TV to its lowest setting. 
AC outlet 
						

							19
System Setup
Installing remote control batteries
1. On the back of the remote, slide open the battery compartment (Figure 18).
2. Insert the two supplied AA (IEC-R6) 1.5V batteries, or their equivalent, as shown. Match 
the plus (+) and minus (–) marked on the batteries with the plus (+) and minus (–) inside 
the battery compartment.
3. Slide the battery compartment cover back into place.
Note: Replace the batteries when the remote control stops operating or its range seems 
reduced.
Figure 18
Installing the batteries
Other choices
The 3•2•1 system is designed to deliver high-quality home entertainment free of complexity 
and complications. But it also provides the flexibility for you to add other components in a 
variety of configurations.
The following illustrations show two additional means of connecting equipment to the media 
center. 
In Figure 19 below, both audio and video from a cable or satellite box are routed through the 
VCR. Audio from the VCR is connected to the media center, while the TV audio is not. Any 
non-cable/satellite TV sound comes directly from the TV, while you enjoy the benefits of 
Bose
® sound with any cable/satellite or VCR programs. 
Figure 19
The media center receives 
audio signals from the cable 
or satellite box and the 
VCR, but not from the TV 
AA batteries
 Battery 
compartment cover
audio 
video
audio
 
videoaudio & video audio & video
Input from cable
TV
VCR
Cable/sat 
						

							20
System Setup
In Figure 20, the audio from both the cable or satellite box and the VCR is routed to the TV, 
and the TV audio is connected to the media center. This delivers all of the video source sound 
through one jack (for instance, VIDEO 1) on the media center. This allows you to use just one 
button on your remote to select the sound from any video program you play. 
Figure 20 
The media center receives 
all audio-for-video signals 
directly from the TV
Connecting recording equipment
The rear panel of the media center provides audio output (RECORD) connections for audio 
recording (Figure 21).
Figure 21
Record/playback connec-
tions
Input from cable
audio & video
audio & video
video
audio
 
audio 
video audio
 Cable/sat
VCR
TV
RECORD
INPUT
L
RL
RD
DL
RC
SC
SL
R VIDEO I VIDEO 2
AUX AUDIO INPUT
AUDIO
OUTPUT VIDEO
OUTPUT VIDEO
INPUT
OPTICAL75
Ω
FM
ANTENNAAM
LOOP
ANTENNADSPEAKERS
ACOUSTIMASSMODULE
R
L
Recording componentMedia center