TCL 43S551F, S55H

TCL 43-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV (43S551F) and S55H S Class Sound Bar User Manual

Model: 43S551F (TV), S55H (Sound Bar)

1. Important Safety Instructions

Please read all safety and operating instructions carefully before using this product. Keep these instructions for future reference.

  • Power Source: Operate the TV and sound bar only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.
  • Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation. Do not block any ventilation openings.
  • Water and Moisture: Do not expose the appliance to rain or moisture. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
  • Heat: Do not place near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
  • Cleaning: Unplug the TV and sound bar from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a dry cloth for cleaning.
  • Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

2. Product Overview

2.1 What's in the Box

Verify that you have received all components listed below:

  • TCL 43-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV (43S551F)
  • TCL S55H S Class 2.1 Channel Sound Bar
  • TV Stand (2 pieces)
  • Remote Control (for TV)
  • Power Cord (for TV)
  • Power Cord (for Sound Bar)
  • HDMI Cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Warranty Card

2.2 Key Features

  • 4K UltraHD Resolution: Experience incredible detail with 4X the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs.
  • High Brightness LED Backlight: Enjoy a brilliant picture in any room.
  • Enhanced Color: Enhanced color bringing rich, vibrant images to life.
  • 2.1 Channel S Class Sound Bar: Fill your room with sound, bringing the movie theater experience into your home with just a single HDMI cable.
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X: Spatial sound from above and behind putting you in the center of movies, music, and games.
  • Up to 220 Watts Total Power: Room-filling audio sound will immerse you in your favorite movies, TV shows, and music, delivering powerful audio experience.

3. Setup

3.1 Unpacking

Carefully remove the TV and sound bar from the packaging. It is recommended to retain the packaging materials for future transport or service needs.

3.2 TV Stand Installation

Place the TV screen-down on a soft, flat surface. Align the stand pieces with the screw holes on the bottom of the TV and secure them with the provided screws. Ensure the stand is firmly attached before placing the TV upright.

Diagram showing how to install the TV stand onto the TCL 43-inch TV.

Image: Illustration of attaching the two stand feet to the base of the TCL 43-inch TV using screws.

Alternatively, for wall mounting, refer to a VESA-compatible wall mount kit (sold separately) and its instructions.

3.3 Connecting the Sound Bar

For optimal audio, connect the S55H Sound Bar to your TV using the HDMI ARC port. This allows for control of the sound bar volume with your TV remote.

  1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on your TV.
  2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI OUT (ARC) port on the S55H Sound Bar.
  3. (Optional) For other devices, use Optical or USB inputs on the sound bar.
Diagram showing the rear ports of the TCL S55H Sound Bar, highlighting the HDMI ARC port.

Image: Close-up view of the S55H Sound Bar's rear panel, illustrating the HDMI ARC, Optical, and USB input ports.

3.4 Power Connection

Connect the power cords for both the TV and the sound bar to a suitable electrical outlet.

  • Plug the TV power cord into the TV's power input, then into a wall outlet.
  • Plug the sound bar power cord into the sound bar's power input, then into a wall outlet.

3.5 Initial Setup (Fire TV)

Once powered on, the TV will guide you through the initial Fire TV setup process.

  1. Pair Remote: Follow on-screen instructions to pair your Fire TV remote.
  2. Network Connection: Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Amazon Account: Sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one.
  4. Channel Scan: If using an antenna, scan for available channels.
  5. Software Updates: The TV may download and install software updates. Allow this process to complete.

4. Operating the TV

4.1 Remote Control Overview

The Fire TV remote allows you to navigate menus, launch apps, and control playback. Familiarize yourself with the buttons:

  • Power Button: Turns the TV on/off.
  • Voice Button: Activates Alexa voice commands.
  • Navigation Ring: For moving through menus.
  • Select Button: Confirms selections.
  • Home Button: Returns to the Fire TV home screen.
  • Back Button: Returns to the previous screen.
  • Volume Buttons: Adjusts TV volume (or sound bar volume if connected via HDMI ARC).
  • Mute Button: Mutes/unmutes sound.
  • App Buttons: Quick access to popular streaming services.
Image of the TCL Fire TV remote control with labels for each button.

Image: Front view of the Fire TV remote control, highlighting key navigation and function buttons.

4.2 Navigating Fire TV

The Fire TV interface provides access to streaming apps, live TV, and settings. Use the navigation ring and select button on your remote to browse.

  • Home Screen: Displays recommended content, recently used apps, and input options.
  • Apps: Access your installed applications.
  • Live TV: View content from connected antennas or live TV streaming services.
  • Settings: Adjust picture, sound, network, and device preferences.

4.3 Input Selection

To switch between connected devices (e.g., game console, Blu-ray player), press the Input button on your remote or navigate to the "Inputs" section on the Fire TV home screen.

4.4 Picture Settings

Access picture settings via Settings > Display & Sound > Picture to adjust:

  • Picture Mode: Standard, Movie, Sport, Game, Custom.
  • Brightness, Contrast, Color, Sharpness: Fine-tune image quality.
  • Advanced Settings: Adjust color temperature, noise reduction, etc.

4.5 Sound Settings (TV Speakers)

If not using the sound bar, adjust TV speaker settings via Settings > Display & Sound > Audio.

  • Sound Mode: Standard, Music, Movie, Speech.
  • Balance: Adjust left/right speaker output.
  • Digital Audio Out: Select output format for external audio devices.

5. Operating the Sound Bar

5.1 Powering On/Off

The S55H Sound Bar will typically power on/off automatically with the TV when connected via HDMI ARC. You can also use the power button on the sound bar itself or its dedicated remote (if included).

5.2 Input Selection

Press the Input button on the sound bar or its remote to cycle through available inputs: HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth, USB.

5.3 Volume Control

When connected via HDMI ARC, the TV remote's volume buttons will control the sound bar's volume. Otherwise, use the volume buttons on the sound bar or its remote.

5.4 Sound Modes

The S55H Sound Bar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X for immersive audio. Use the sound mode button on the sound bar's remote (if applicable) to select different audio presets or surround sound modes.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning the TV and Sound Bar

  • Screen: Gently wipe the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth. For stubborn marks, use a screen cleaner specifically designed for TVs, applied to the cloth, not directly to the screen.
  • Cabinet: Wipe the cabinet and sound bar surfaces with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
  • Important: Always unplug the power cords before cleaning.

6.2 Software Updates

Your Fire TV will periodically check for and install software updates automatically when connected to the internet. You can manually check for updates via Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, try the following solutions before contacting support.

Problem Possible Solution
No power / TV or Sound Bar won't turn on.
  • Ensure power cords are securely plugged into the device and a working electrical outlet.
  • Try a different outlet.
  • Check if the power indicator light is on.
No picture / Blank screen.
  • Verify the correct input source is selected on the TV.
  • Check all cable connections (HDMI, etc.) are secure.
  • Restart the TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
No sound from TV or Sound Bar.
  • Check volume levels on both the TV and sound bar. Ensure neither is muted.
  • If using the sound bar, ensure it's on the correct input (e.g., HDMI ARC).
  • Verify HDMI ARC is enabled in TV settings (Settings > Display & Sound > Audio > Digital Audio Out).
  • Try restarting both devices.
Remote control not working.
  • Replace batteries in the remote.
  • Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the TV.
  • Re-pair the remote by holding the Home button for 10 seconds.
Network connection issues.
  • Check your Wi-Fi router and modem.
  • Restart your router and modem.
  • Go to TV Settings > Network and try reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network.
  • Ensure the TV is within range of your Wi-Fi signal.

8. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the TCL 43-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV (43S551F) and S55H S Class Sound Bar.

Feature Specification
Brand TCL
TV Model 43S551F
Sound Bar Model S55H
Display Technology LED
Resolution 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Screen Size 43 inches
Smart TV Platform Fire TV
Supported Internet Services Amazon Instant Video, Browser, Hulu, Netflix, etc.
Sound Bar Channels 2.1 Channel
Sound Bar Audio Technologies Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
Total Audio Power (Sound Bar) Up to 220 Watts
Audio Inputs (Sound Bar) HDMI (ARC), Optical, USB
Mounting Type Table Mount, Wall Mount (VESA compatible)
Color Black

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official TCL support website. TCL provides a limited warranty for its products, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

Customer Support:

  • For technical assistance, product registration, or to download the full user manual, please visit the official TCL support website: www.tcl.com/us/en/support
  • You may also find helpful video tutorials and FAQs on the TCL support page.

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