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

							31
Operation
Storing preferred stations as preset selections
For radio stations that you listen to regularly, you can assign a preset number (1-25 in the AM 
band and 1-25 in FM) to tune to them quickly.
To store a particular station:
1. Tune to that station using the Tune, Seek, or Scan buttons on the remote.
2. Press Enter. A preset number blinks while STORE? appears on the media center display.
3. Press Enter to store the station to that blinking number.
Note: If you want to change the station assigned to a particular preset number, you must first 
delete the station already assigned to it.
To erase the station assigned to a particular preset number:
1. Tune to the preset station.
2. Press Enter. The preset number blinks while ERASE? appears on the media center dis-
play.
3. Press Enter to remove the station from that assigned preset number.
That number is now available for storing a different station.
Selecting a preset station
You can select preset stations using the remote control or the on-screen settings menu.
To select a preset with the remote control:
•Using the numbered keys on the remote control, press the number(s) for the preset station 
you want to hear.
•Press Preset up or down to change the preset number.
To select a preset using the settings menu:
1. Press  or  on the remote to select the FM or AM source.
2. Press  . (Make sure your TV is on.)
3. Press   to select Pr
eset.
4. Press  /  to step through the preset stations.
Changing FM settings
Selection:FM setting options:What the setting affects:
Sleep Timer:Off
mm:ssTimer not set.
Sets timer to turn off when time (01:00 to 90:00 minutes) expires.
Station:----Tunes to that station frequency.
Preset:1 of 25 Tunes to the stored preset station. 
FM StatusselectionDisplays information about the FM source.
RDS info:
(for Europe only)On
OffMakes RDS information appear in media center display.
Makes RDS information not appear on media center display.
Output mode:Stereo
MonoAlways plays the FM broadcast in stereo.
Always plays the FM broadcast in mono.
Audio Setupselection See Sound Adjustments on page 33.
System SetupselectionSee System Adjustments on page 35. 
						

							32
Operation
Changing AM settings
Playing other sources
Turn on any component connected to the media center by using the remote for that compo-
nent or controls on the component front panel. 
Pressing AUX, Video 1 or Video 2 on the 3•2•1 system remote turns on the system and 
selects the audio for that component. Be sure a tape or disc is loaded, as needed.
Use the Volume  or  buttons on the 3•2•1 remote control or media center to raise or 
lower the volume of the system. 
To control all other functions of that source, use its remote or front-panel controls. For details 
on what changes you can make, refer to the owner’s manual that came with the component.
To record to a connected tape deck, play the built-in or connected source (AM/FM, CD, or 
AUX) you want to tape. Listen to the speakers to be sure you have selected the audio you 
want to tape. Set the tape deck to Record. 
Changing settings for the other sources
System settings
When necessary, the system settings can be changed using the System Settings menus. See 
“Locating system settings” on page 35.
Selection:AM setting options:What the setting affects:
Sleep Timer:Off
mm:ssTimer not set.
Sets timer to turn off when time (01:00 to 90:00 minutes) expires. Refer to 
“Using the sleep timer” on page 30.
Station:----Tunes to that station frequency.
Preset:1 of 25
Available only if
presets include
an AM stationTunes to the stored preset station. 
AM StatusselectionDisplays information about the AM source.
Audio Setupselection See Sound Adjustments on page 33. 
System SetupselectionSee System Adjustments on page 35. 
Selection:Setting options:What the setting affects:
Sleep Timer:Off
mm:ssTimer not set.
Sets timer to turn off when time (01:00 to 90:00 minutes) expires. Refer to 
details 
VID 1, VID 2, AUX
Status:selectionDisplays information about the connected source.
Audio Setupselection See Sound Adjustments on page 33. 
System SetupselectionSee System Adjustments on page 35.  
						

							33
Sound Adjustments
Locating Audio Setup
1. Press the Settings button. A menu of the available settings for the current source 
will be displayed on your TV screen.
2. Using the Tune   button, scroll down the list and select (highlight)
Audio Setup
.
3. Press the Enter button and the audio settings will be displayed for the current source.
Audio Setup menu
Settings: Audio Setup
Range Compression:
Audio Status:Not available for FM, AM, or CD.
Audio Setup
Settings (DVD)
Bass Compensation: Treble Compensation:Mono Decoding:
Movie EQ:
Selection:Setting options:What the setting affects:
Movie EQ:On Sets proper equalization for this particular movie.
Range Compression:On
OffAutomatically adjusts the volume so you can hear soft sounds (par-
ticularly dialogue) and are not overwhelmed by loud special effects, 
like an explosion. This feature is normally engaged when you turn 
the system on to DVD, VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, or AUX.
Range compression not active.
22 2 2
      
1 + 1:1 of n Not shown above. Indicates that a Dolby 1+1 audio track is playing.
Mono Decoding:On
OffAutomatically engages Bose® Videostage® decoding circuitry when a 
Dolby Digital bitstream indicates that it contains a mono program. 
This feature can process a one-channel program in multi-speaker 
sound, directing the signals so that dialogue remains locked on-
screen, while music and ambient effects fill the room. 
Mono decoding not active.
Audio Statusselection Displays system audio information. The example in Figure 27 on 
page 34 shows the DVD audio status. 
						

							34
Sound Adjustments
Figure 27
DVD audio status
Treble Compensation:–15 to +15Decreases(–) or increases (+) the treble sound.
Rooms with too few sound-absorbing furnishings, especially those 
with bare floors and walls, may sound overly shrill or “bright.” Low-
ering this setting to a negative value (–1 to –15) decreases the treble 
sound.
Rooms with a lot of sound-absorbing furnishings, such as uphol-
stered furniture, wall-to-wall carpet, or heavy drapes, may reduce 
the treble sound of your system. Moving speakers farther away from 
soft furnishings increases treble. You can also increase the treble 
sound by raising this setting to a positive value (+1 to +15).
Bass Compensation:–15 to +15 Decreases (–) or increases (+) the bass sound.
Placement of the Acoustimass
® module affects the amount of bass 
you hear. Placing the module closer to the corner of the room will 
increase the bass. Moving the module away from the corner will 
decrease the bass. 
You can also decrease the bass sound by lowering this setting to a 
negative value (–1 to –15). To increase the bass, raise this setting to 
a positive value (+1 to +15).
Settings: Audio Setup
Range Compression: Off
Displays information about volume and other
adjustments.
select item
Audio
Volume: 55
Mute: Off
Mono Decoding:
Audio Status:
Bass Compensation: 0 Treble Compensation: 0
Movie EQ: Off 
						

							35
System Adjustments
Locating system settings
1. Press the Settings button. A menu of the available settings for the current source 
will be displayed on your TV screen.
2. Using the Tune   button, scroll down the list and select (highlight)
System Setup
.
3. Press the Enter button and the System Setup will be displayed.
Settings: System Setup
Display Language:
DVD Setup      
Video Format: 
Settings (DVD)
Video Black Level:
System Setup
DVD Autoplay:
Auto Subtitle:
Parental Control Setup
Image Format:
Restrict Unrated Titles:
Change Password
Allowed Ratings:
Confirm Password - - - - 
Parental Control Setup
Change Password
Restrict Unrated Titles:
Aspect Ratio:
Available only 
after password 
has been entered.
System Setup: DVD Setup
*
*
If you forget your password, contact Bose Customer Service for assistance.
Refer to the Bose address list enclosed with this system.
  
						

							36
System Adjustments
System Setup menu
The System Setup menu lists options for how to set up the entire system.
DVD Setup submenu
The DVD Setup submenu lists options for how the DVD player should operate, including 
Parental Control.
Selection:Setting options:What the setting affects:
Display Language:English/French/
Spanish/etc.Presents on-screen display menus in the selected language.
DVD SetupselectionProvides a selection of options, including Parental Control, for the 
DVD.
Video Format:NTSC
PA LSets video format to the USA standard.
Sets video format to the European standard.
Video Black Level:Normal
ExtendedSets black level required for most TVs.
Sets black level that may be appropriate for DVD playback.
Selection:Setting options:What the setting affects:
Auto Subtitle:On
OffSubtitles, if available on the particular DVD, are automatically dis-
played when the audio is muted.
DVD subtitles are not displayed automatically.
DVD Autoplay:On
OffDVD starts to play automatically when it is loaded into the DVD 
player.
DVD is not started automatically when loaded.
Aspect Ratio:4:3
16:9Provides the DVD aspect ratio for standard (4:3) TVs.
Provides the DVD aspect ratio for widescreen (16:9) TVs.
Image Format:Pan & Scan
LetterboxImages are sized to fit a standard TV, if the particular DVD allows it.
Images are presented in Letterbox format if the particular DVD 
allows it (with black bars at the top and bottom of the screen).
If Aspect Ratio
 is 16:9, Image Format is not applicable and the 
setting is automatically shown as “--”.
Parental Control Setupselection Provides access to the Parental Control submenu. 
						

							37
System Adjustments
Parental Control submenu
The parental control submenu provides options for restricting access to certain DVDs.
Selection:Setting options:What the setting affects:
Restrict Unrated Titles:On
OffPrevents viewing of unrated titles when password is set.
Allows unrated titles to play.
Change Password:– – – –Lists options for how to create a new password or to change a cur-
rent password. Passwords cannot be deleted.
If you forget your password, contact Bose Customer Service for assis-
tance. Refer to the Bose address list enclosed with this system.
Allowed Ratings:1 to 8* Blocks access to DVDs rated higher than the limit. Rating 8 means 
no restriction.
DVD Rating General Description of RatingMPAA Rating 
*8Unrated (generally most restricted)
7Adult audiencesNC-17
6Mature audiencesR
5Mature teenage audiences
4Teenage audiencesPG-13
3Mature young audiencesPG
2Most audiences
1General (unrestricted audiences)G 
						

							38
Reference
Taking care of your 3•2•1 home entertainment system
Caring for your system may include cleaning the system’s enclosures, cleaning your discs, 
and replacing the remote control batteries.
Cleaning the media center
•Use only a soft, dry cloth to clean the outside surfaces of the media center.
•Do not use any sprays near the system. Do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning 
solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.
•Do not allow any liquids to spill into any openings.
Cleaning the speakers
•Clean the surface of your speakers with a soft, damp cloth. You can use an ammonia-free 
window cleaner on a soft cloth to maintain the finish.
•Do not use any sprays near the speakers. Do not use any solvents, chemicals, or cleaning 
solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.
•Do not allow liquids to spill into any openings.
•The speaker grilles require no special care, although you may vacuum them carefully, if nec-
essary.
Cleaning discs
•Handle discs by their edges to prevent fingerprints and scratches (Figure 28a).
•To remove stains or fingerprints from the surface of a disc, use a soft and dry lint-free, cloth. 
Wipe in straight movements from the center of the disc to the outside (Figure 28b). Do not 
use any chemical products; they can damage the disc.
•Do not use a circular motion to clean (Figure 28c).
•Do not write on or attach labels to the surface of a disc.
•To minimize exposure to dust and dirt, return discs to their cases after use. Store each disc 
in its case, away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity.
Figure 28
Disc care
Replacing the remote batteries
Slide open the battery compartment (Figure 29).
Notice the polarity markings (+ and –) inside the compartment and install the batteries 
accordingly. Slide the battery compartment cover back into place. 
Figure 29
Putting in the batteries
a.b.c.
AA batteries
 Battery 
compartment cover 
						

							39
Reference
Troubleshooting
Problem What to do
System doesn’t do any-
thing•Make sure the unit is turned on. 
•Make sure the power cord is inserted securely into the Acoustimass® module and plugged 
firmly into an operating AC wall outlet.
•Be sure to select a source (CD/DVD, AM/FM, etc.).
•Unplug the Acoustimass module power cord from the outlet for a minute, then reconnect it. 
This allows the unit to reset itself.
No sound•Increase the volume.
•Check to see if MUTE is lit on the display. If it is, press the Mute button on the remote con-
trol to unmute the sound.
•Make sure the module cable and speaker cable are firmly seated in the media center jacks 
and the multi-pin connector on the other end is firmly seated in the Acoustimass module 
jack.
•Check speaker connections.
•Turn the media center off for 10 seconds, then on again, to restore communication 
between the media center and the speakers.
•Check the connections for any external components. Make sure to select the correct 
source for the desired input.
•Be sure the disc is placed correctly, label-side up, in the CD tray.
•Connect the FM and AM antennas.
•Unplug the Acoustimass module power cord from the outlet for a minute, then reconnect it. 
This allows the unit to reset itself.
Sound but no picture•Make sure the TV is on.
•When playing a DVD or other video source, make sure the TV is set for TV/Video. See 
Important Note on page 16. 
Remote control is 
inconsistent or does not 
work•Check batteries and their polarity (+ and –). See “Replacing the remote batteries” on 
page 38.
•Point the remote control at the media center.
Radio does not work
or has poor reception•Make sure antennas are connected properly.
•Move AM antenna at least 20 inches (50 cm) from the media center.
•Adjust antenna position to improve reception. 
•AM antenna must be upright.
•Move antennas farther from TV or other electronic equipment.
•You may be in an area of weak signal coverage.
DVD or CD does not 
play•Check to see if the play symbol in the display is lit.
•After pressing the CD/DVD button, wait a few seconds before pressing Play. 
•Make sure the disc is properly inserted (label side up).
•Eject the disc and try loading it again.
•There may be dirt or dust on the disc. Clean the disc. See “Cleaning discs” on page 38.
•The disc may be defective. Try another disc.
•Make sure region codes for both the DVD and player match. See “Check for region code 
compatibility” on page 5. 
FM sound is distorted•Adjust antenna position to reduce interference.
Sound is distorted•Make sure speaker cables are not damaged and the connections are secure.
•Reduce the output level from any external components connected to the music center. 
						

							40
Reference
Customer service
For additional help in solving problems, contact Bose® customer service. Refer to the address 
list included in the carton.
Warranty
The Bose® 3•2•1 home entertainment system is covered by a limited transferable warranty. 
Details of the warranty are provided on the warranty card that came with your system. Please 
fill out the information section on the card and mail it to Bose.
Accessories
The Bose 3•2•1 home entertainment system shelf speakers are compatible with Bose mount-
ing accessories, including the UB-20 wall brackets, UFS-20 floor stands and UTS-20 table 
stands. Bose also offers cable adapters for use in running speaker cable through walls. 
For further information or to order mounting brackets, stands, or cable adapters, contact your 
Bose dealer. Or, to call Bose directly, refer to the address sheet included with the system. 
Technical information 
Power rating
USA/Canada: 120VAC, 60 Hz, 300W
Inputs
AUX, VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2: 2VRMS maxi-
mum
EXTERNAL ANTENNA: 75 ohm
Outputs
1 audio output
1 video output
Maximum ambient temperature
40˚CDimensions
Music center:
4
1/8H x 131/4W x 101/4D 
(10.4 cm x 33.9 cm x 26.0 cm)
Remote control:
1
1/8 H x 21/2 W x 81/16 D
(3.0 cm x 6.5 cm x 20.5 cm )
Speakers:
3
1/2H x 77/8W x 51/4D
(8.7 cm x 19.9 cm x 13.6 cm)
Acoustimass
® module:
14
1/2H x 83/4W x 191/8D 
(36.7 cm x 22.2 cm x 48.5 cm)
Weights
Music center: 8.8 lb (4.0 kg)
Speakers: 2.7 lb (1.2 kg) each
Acoustimass module: 23.3 lb (10.6 kg)
Finish
Music center: polymer
Speakers: polymer
Acoustimass module: polymer