JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your JBL Bar 500 5.1-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure proper operation and to maximize your audio experience.

The JBL Bar 500 is designed to deliver an immersive home theater experience with 5.1-channel sound, 590 Watts of total power, and advanced audio technologies like Atmos and MultiBeam for breathtaking 3D surround sound. Its dedicated 10-inch wireless subwoofer provides deep, rich bass. Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, 4K Vision Passthrough, Dual Band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Voice control integration and the JBL One App offer convenient management and customization.

What's in the Box

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer or JBL customer support.

• JBL Bar 500 590W 5.1-Channel Atmos Soundbar System
• Remote Control with Batteries
• HDMI Cable
• Power Cord (for soundbar)
• Power Cord (for subwoofer)
• 6 Outlet Surge Protector
• 2 x L-Shape Wall Mount Bracket with Hardware
• Wire Straps
• 32GB USB Stick Flash Drive
• Toslink Optical Cable
• Ethernet Cable
• Cleaning Kit

Figure 1: Contents of the JBL Bar 500 package, including the soundbar, wireless subwoofer, remote control, various cables (HDMI, optical, Ethernet, power), wall mount brackets, wire straps, a USB flash drive, and a cleaning kit.

Setup

1. Placement

For optimal audio performance, place the soundbar centrally below your TV. The wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room, ideally near a power outlet and within 10 feet of the soundbar for a stable wireless connection.

Figure 2: Top view of the JBL Bar 500 soundbar, showing its sleek design and integrated controls. This view helps in understanding the soundbar's orientation for placement.

Figure 3: Close-up view of the JBL Bar 500 wireless subwoofer, highlighting its compact design and the textured finish. This image assists in identifying the subwoofer for proper placement.

2. Physical Connections

Connect the soundbar to your TV using the provided HDMI cable for the best audio quality, especially for Dolby Atmos content. Ensure your TV supports HDMI eARC for full functionality.

1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI OUT (TV eARC) port on the soundbar.
2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your TV.
3. (Optional) For devices like Blu-ray players or gaming consoles, connect them to the HDMI IN ports on the soundbar.
4. (Optional) If your TV does not have an HDMI ARC/eARC port, use the Toslink Optical Cable to connect the soundbar's OPTICAL port to your TV's optical output. Note that optical connection does not support Dolby Atmos.
5. Connect the power cords to the soundbar and subwoofer, then plug them into a power outlet.

Figure 4: Rear view of the JBL Bar 500 soundbar, displaying the various input and output ports including HDMI eARC, HDMI IN, Optical, and Ethernet. This image is crucial for identifying connection points.

Figure 5: Rear view of the JBL Bar 500 wireless subwoofer, showing its power input and regulatory labels. This view helps in locating the power connection and understanding compliance information.

3. Wireless Subwoofer Pairing

The subwoofer should automatically pair with the soundbar when both are powered on. If the connection is not established, follow these steps:

1. Ensure both the soundbar and subwoofer are powered on.
2. On the rear of the subwoofer, press and hold the PAIRING button until the LED indicator flashes rapidly.
3. On the soundbar, press and hold the BASS button on the remote control for 5 seconds. The soundbar display will show "PAIRING".
4. Once successfully paired, the LED on the subwoofer will turn solid white, and the soundbar display will show "PAIRED".

Figure 6: Bottom view of the JBL Bar 500 wireless subwoofer, revealing the speaker cone and rubber feet. This image provides insight into the subwoofer's acoustic design and stability.

4. Wall Mounting (Optional)

The JBL Bar 500 can be wall-mounted for a clean and space-saving setup. Use the provided L-shape wall mount brackets and hardware.

1. Determine the desired mounting height and position, ensuring it is level with your TV.
2. Mark the drilling points on the wall using the wall mount template (if provided, or measure according to the brackets).
3. Drill holes and insert wall anchors if necessary.
4. Secure the L-shape brackets to the wall.
5. Attach the soundbar to the brackets. Ensure it is securely fastened.

Operating Instructions

1. Basic Controls

The soundbar can be controlled using the included remote control or the buttons on the top panel of the soundbar.

Figure 7: The JBL Bar 500 remote control, alongside various bundled accessories such as power cables, wall mount brackets, and batteries. The remote control features dedicated buttons for power, TV input, Bluetooth, HDMI, bass, and calibration.

2. Audio Modes and Features

• Dolby Atmos & MultiBeam Technology: These technologies create a 3D surround sound experience, making sound appear to come from all directions without additional rear speakers. Ensure your content supports Dolby Atmos for the full effect.
• PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement: This feature uses a unique algorithm to optimize voice clarity, ensuring dialogue is clear and easy to understand even during intense action scenes.
• Sound Calibration: Use the calibration feature to optimize the soundbar's audio output for your specific room acoustics. Press the "Calibr" button on the remote to start the process.

3. Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Connect the soundbar to your home Wi-Fi network for access to over 300 online music streaming services, Alexa Multi-room Music, AirPlay, and Chromecast Built-in. Use the JBL One App for Wi-Fi setup.
• Bluetooth: Pair your mobile devices via Bluetooth to stream audio wirelessly. Select "Bluetooth" as the source and pair from your device's Bluetooth settings.
• HDMI eARC & 4K Vision Passthrough: Enjoy high-quality audio and video passthrough. Ensure your TV's HDMI eARC/ARC setting is enabled.

4. Voice Control

The JBL Bar 500 supports voice control through your preferred digital assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri) when connected to your Wi-Fi network and configured via the JBL One App. Use simple voice commands to control playback, adjust settings, and more.

5. JBL One App

Download the JBL One App from your smartphone's app store. The app allows you to:

• Set up Wi-Fi and network connections.
• Customize sound settings and equalizer.
• Manage integrated music services.
• Control playback and volume.
• Receive automatic software updates.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

To maintain the appearance and performance of your soundbar and subwoofer:

• Unplug the power cords before cleaning.
• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the surfaces.
• For stubborn marks, lightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Use the provided cleaning kit for delicate surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.

2. Software Updates

The JBL Bar 500 benefits from automatic software updates over Wi-Fi. Ensure your soundbar is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi to receive the latest features and improvements. You can also check for updates manually through the JBL One App.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your JBL Bar 500, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Specifications

Warranty and Support

JBL products are designed for durability and performance. For information regarding warranty coverage, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official JBL website.

For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or to inquire about service, please contact JBL Customer Support. You can find contact information on the official JBL website or through the JBL One App.

Online resources and FAQs may also be available on the JBL Official Store or support pages.