Samsung HW-N950 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Samsung HW-N950 Soundbar system delivers an immersive audio experience, bringing cinematic sound to your home. Featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, this system utilizes 15 speakers, including upward and side-firing speakers, to create a dynamic 7.1.4 channel soundstage that moves sound around and above you. Designed for seamless integration with Samsung televisions, it also offers convenient control through Alexa.

This image displays the complete Samsung HW-N950 Soundbar system, featuring the central soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two compact wireless rear speakers, all in black.

2. What's in the Box

Carefully unpack your Samsung HW-N950 Soundbar system and ensure all components are present:

• Soundbar (Main Unit)
• Wireless Subwoofer
• Rear Wireless Speaker Kit (2 speakers)
• Remote Controller
• HDMI Cable
• Optical Cable
• Wall Mount Bracket

This image shows the individual components of the Samsung HW-N950 Soundbar system: the main soundbar, the wireless subwoofer, and the two wireless rear speakers, laid out to highlight each unit.

3. Setup Guide

3.1 Speaker Placement

Optimal speaker placement is crucial for experiencing the full 7.1.4 channel immersive sound. Position the soundbar centrally below your television. The wireless subwoofer should be placed on the floor, ideally near the soundbar, but its wireless nature allows for some flexibility. The two wireless rear speakers should be positioned behind your primary listening area, to the left and right, facing towards the listener. Ensure clear paths for the up-firing and side-firing speakers to reflect sound off walls and ceilings.

This image illustrates the Samsung HW-N950 Soundbar system in a home environment, showing a person enjoying content on a television with the soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers positioned for an immersive audio experience.

3.2 Connections

1. Power Connection: Connect the power cords to the soundbar, subwoofer, and each rear speaker, then plug them into a wall outlet. The wireless components will automatically attempt to pair.
2. HDMI ARC Connection (Recommended): For the best audio quality, especially for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, connect the soundbar to your TV's HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port using the provided HDMI cable. Connect your source devices (Blu-ray player, gaming console) directly to the HDMI IN ports on the soundbar.
3. Optical Connection (Alternative): If your TV does not have an HDMI ARC port, connect the soundbar to your TV using the optical cable. Note that this connection may not support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
4. Wireless Pairing: The subwoofer and rear speakers should automatically pair with the soundbar upon powering on. If pairing fails, refer to the troubleshooting section for manual pairing instructions.

3.3 Initial Power On

After all connections are made, press the Power button on the soundbar or remote control to turn on the system. Select the appropriate input source on your soundbar (e.g., HDMI 1, D.IN for optical) using the remote.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Basic Operation

• Power: Use the power button on the remote or soundbar to turn the system on/off.
• Volume Control: Adjust the master volume using the Volume +/- buttons on the remote.
• Input Selection: Press the Source button on the remote to cycle through available inputs (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, D.IN, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

4.2 Sound Modes

The HW-N950 offers various sound modes to optimize your listening experience. Refer to the remote control for dedicated sound mode buttons or menu options to select modes like Standard, Surround, Game, or Adaptive Sound. These modes adjust the audio processing to suit different content types.

4.3 Wireless Connectivity

• Bluetooth Pairing: Select the Bluetooth input on the soundbar. On your mobile device, search for and select "[AV] Samsung HW-N950" from the list of available Bluetooth devices to pair.
• Wi-Fi Setup: Use the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone to connect the soundbar to your home Wi-Fi network. This enables features like music streaming and firmware updates.

4.4 Alexa Integration

The soundbar is compatible with Amazon Alexa. Once connected to your Wi-Fi network and linked to your Amazon account via the SmartThings app, you can use voice commands to control playback, adjust volume, and access other Alexa features.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your soundbar system, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surfaces of the soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the ventilation openings on all units are not blocked to prevent overheating.
• Environment: Keep the system away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Samsung HW-N950 Soundbar, consult the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Check all power connections and ensure units are powered on.
  • Verify the correct input source is selected on the soundbar.
  • Ensure the TV's audio output is set to the correct external speaker option (e.g., HDMI ARC, Optical).
  • If using HDMI ARC, confirm your TV's HDMI input Audio Format is set to Bitstream (not PCM) and Digital Output Audio is set to Dolby Digital (not PCM) in your TV's sound settings.
• Rear Speakers/Subwoofer Not Pairing:
  • Ensure the subwoofer and rear speakers are powered on and within range of the soundbar.
  • If automatic pairing fails, manually pair by pressing the ID SET button on the back of the subwoofer/rear speakers and then the ID SET button on the soundbar (refer to the full manual for exact steps).
• Low Volume from Rear Speakers/Subwoofer:
  • Adjust the individual volume levels for the subwoofer and rear speakers using the soundbar's remote control or menu settings. These can often be adjusted from -6 to +6.
• Sound Distortion or Interruption:
  • Check for interference from other wireless devices.
  • Ensure cables are securely connected.

7. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Samsung HW-N950 Soundbar:

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Samsung support website. For further assistance, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact Samsung customer service directly.

Online Support: Visit samsung.com/us/support/