TCL S45H 2.0 Channel Dolby Atmos All in One Soundbar User Manual

1 Before you begin

• Carefully read and observe all safety instructions in the safety leaflet.
• This Soundbar is intended for indoor use only. In case it accidentally gets in contact with small amounts of water, unplug immediately and use a dry cloth to remove the water.
• Unplug the Soundbar if it is not used for long periods of time or during lightning storms.
• Make sure the Soundbar is installed on a solid surface or solidly wall-mounted below your TV for the best experience.
• Only use AAA 1.5V non-rechargeable batteries for the Remote Control.
• In case any of the cables are visibly damaged or pinched, unplug the Soundbar and replace the cable.
• Be careful not to sharply bend the HDMI and optical cable as they may affect the performance.
• Protect your hearing by adjusting to a proper volume. Predefined and customizable sound settings are available for your listening comfort.

Important safety instructions

Make sure you read all the safety information before you use this product. TCL Overseas Marketing Limited bears no responsibility for accidents or damages caused by unauthorized changes, modifications or improper use of the product. User Manual can be found at www.tcl.com on the specific product page in the “Download” section.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

This symbol indicates that this product incorporates double insulation between hazardous main voltage and user accessible parts. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.

Warnings

• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. This product should not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on or near the product.
• The product is unstable if it is not properly placed or mounted to the wall. Be sure to follow the wall mounting instructions provided in the user manual to ensure your safety.
• Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire, and so forth.
• To avoid the danger of suffocation, keep plastic packaging away from pets, babies, and children. Do not use packaging bags in cribs, beds, carriages, or playpens.
• Shielded cables must be used with this unit to ensure compliance with the Class B FCC limits.

Safety

• Read these instructions - Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating the product.
• Retain these instructions - Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
• Heed all warnings - Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.
• Follow all instructions - Follow all operating and use instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water - The appliance should not be used near water or moisture for example, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool and the like.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where it exits from the product. If the cord set is damaged, it must be replaced by a special cord set available from the manufacturer or its service agent.
• Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

The user must maintain a minimum distance of 20CM from the device at all time.

This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

Cautions

• To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
• Do not place any sources of danger on the product (for example: liquid filled objects, lighted candles).
• Disconnect the power cord to shut off when find trouble or not in use. The power cord shall be readily operable.
• Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those described herein, may result in hazardous radiation exposure or other unsafe operation.
• The power cord/appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device must remain readily operable.
• The rating label is located at the bottom or back of the product.
• The use of apparatus in tropical and moderate climates.

Battery precautions

• Do not mix batteries (old and new or carbon and alkaline).
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire or water.
• Recycle or dispose of batteries as per state and local guidelines.
• Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
• When the remote control is not to be used for a long time (more than a month), remove the battery from the remote control to prevent it from leaking.
• If the batteries leak, wipe away the leakage inside the battery compartment and replace the batteries with new ones.
• Keep away the batteries from heat or moisture.
• Do not carry or store batteries with other metallic objects. Doing so could cause batteries to short circuit, leak or explode.
• Never recharge a battery unless it is confirmed to be a rechargeable type.
• If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product and keep it away from children.

Disposal of your old product and battery

Your product is designed and manufactured with high quality materials and components, which can be recycled and reused.

This product may contain lead and mercury. Disposal of these materials may be regulated due to environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling information, please contact your local authorities.

This product contains batteries:

• Do not incinerate. Batteries may explode if overheated.
• For disposal or recycling information, please contact your local authorities.

2 Welcome

Congratulations on the purchase of your new TCL Soundbar! After it is set up and connected, you can experience a superb sound quality and state-of-the-art design to best fit your home entertainment system. You are recommended to read through this user manual which helps you set up, connect and operate the product easily and properly.

Let's get started.

What's in the box

• Soundbar
• Power cord
• Remote control
• AAA battery x 2
• Wall mounting screw x 2
• Wall anchor x 2
• Wall mount bracket x 2
• Manual
• Wall mount template
• Warranty card

Overview of the Soundbar

1 Power button: Short Press: Power on/sleep; Long Press: Power off

2 Source button: Short Press: Switch input sources (HDMI eARC/Optical/AUX/USB/Bluetooth)

3 Bluetooth button: Short Press: Select Bluetooth mode; Long Press: Bluetooth pairing

4 Volume buttons: -/+ Press to increase or decrease the volume level

5 Input Source LED Indicator:

• HDMI eARC: Magenta
• Optical: Yellow
• AUX: Green
• USB: Cyan
• Bluetooth: Blue

6 AC input power connector

7 AUX input connector

8 HDMI eARC connector

9 Optical input connector

10 USB Type A connector

Set up your Soundbar system

Position your Soundbar

The ideal place to position the Soundbar is centered underneath your TV.

You are recommended to place the Soundbar on the top of the cabinet and right below the center of your TV.

Mount your Soundbar on the wall

1. Place the supplied wall mount template on the wall. Make sure the wall mount template is at least 5CM below the center of the TV.
2. Use a level to make sure the wall mount template is positioned accurately.
3. Use the tape to stick the wall mount template firmly on the wall.
4. Mark on the wall using each marking on the template through the mounting holes.
5. Take away the wall mount template.
6. Drill a screw hole at each marking on the wall.
7. Insert the wall anchors in the holes on the wall.
8. Insert the supplied screws with the wall brackets into the hole of the wall anchors.
9. Fix and tighten the wall bracket screws on the wall. (Keep space between the screw cap and the brackets)
10. Pick up the Soundbar and attach it to the wall screws, similar to how you would hang a picture. Make sure everything is tight.

Install/replace the Remote Control batteries

1. Open the battery compartment, remove the old batteries if necessary.
2. Place two new AAA batteries into the battery compartment with the correct polarity (+/-).
3. Close the battery compartment.

Setup is complete. Your Soundbar is ready to use. For more information about how to access different connection options on your Soundbar, see the following chapter.

Overview of the Remote Control

• 1 Short Press: Mute/Unmute the sound
• 2 Short Press: Power on/sleep; Long Press: Power off
• 3 Short Press: Select Bluetooth mode; Long Press: Bluetooth Pairing
• 4 Short Press: Change different LED brightness levels; Long Press: Switch between LED light on or turn off
• 5 Short Press: Switch input sources HDMI eARC/Optical/AUX/USB/Bluetooth
• 6 + Increase volume; - Decrease volume
• Play/Pause: Play previous music; turn to previous item; Play next music; turn to next item; Play/Pause music
• 7 Press to switch Night Mode ON or OFF
• 8 Short press to enter Voice Enhance Mode, short press + / - to switch different levels. Long press to enable or disable the voice prompts.
• 9 Short press to enter Surround Enhance Mode, short press + / - to switch different levels
• 10 Short press to enter AI Sonic-Adaptation Menu. Short press + / – to switch different AI Sonic-Adaptation: Default/Sonic 1/Sonic 2/Sonic 3
• 11 Short Press: Switch input sound mode Standard/Movie/Music/Voice/Game/Sports
• 12 Short press to adjust the treble sound effect. Increase or decrease treble with + / - button
• 13 Short press to adjust the bass sound effect. Increase or decrease bass with + / - button

Combination keys:

1. Press both [Mute] and [Source] simultaneously to activate or deactivate DTS TruVolume.
2. Press both [Night Mode] and [Bluetooth] simultaneously to activate or deactivate DTS® Virtual:X™™.

TCL Home App

This Soundbar can be fully controlled via the TCL Home App, including power, volume, input switching, effects, AI Sonic-Adaptation and more. Use the TCL Home App to explore additional smart features.

Please download the latest version from the app stores.

[QR Code for TCL Home App]

TCL Home App
Your TCL Smart Hub.
Download Now!

3 Connect your Soundbar system

After you have fixed the position of the Soundbar, you can start connecting it to your TV or other devices and listen to the audio through your Soundbar. Make sure you have muted the audio of your TV or device. For information, check the user manual of your TV or device.

Connect with the HDMI cable

Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI eARC input connector on your Soundbar and another end to the HDMI (eARC/ARC) output connector of your TV or device. To get the best possible audio experience using the HDMI cable, follow below given steps:

For TCL TV:

1. Connect HDMI cable from the HDMI (eARC) interface on the Soundbar to the HDMI (eARC/ARC) interface on the TV.
2. Enable the CEC function in the settings of the TCL TV. (See TV User Manual for instructions)

For other TV brands:

1. Connect HDMI cable from the HDMI (eARC) interface on the Soundbar to the HDMI (eARC/ARC) interface on the TV.
2. Enable the CEC function in the settings of the TV.

* CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) function naming may differ by TV manufacturer. This feature may be called CEC, Anynet+, SimpLink, BRAVIA Link, EasyLink or VIERA Link. Please see your TV's user manual for more information.

TCL Tutti Choral

When the Soundbar is connected, "TV+Soundbar" menu appears on the TV.

Settings > Display & Sound > Audio Output > Internal Speaker+Soundbar(HDMI)

Connect with the optical cable

1. Remove the protective caps from the optical cable when necessary.
2. Connect one end of the optical cable to the optical input connector on your Soundbar and another end to the optical output connector of your TV or device.

Connect with the audio cable

Connect one end of the audio cable (not supplied) to the AUX input connector on your Soundbar and another end to the headphone or audio output connector on your TV or device. This will disable the sound of your TV built-in speakers.

Direction for setting up your Soundbar using an optical cable

To get the best possible audio experience using the optical cable:

1. Press the Home button on your TCL TV Remote.
2. Navigate to Audio option under Settings.
3. Change the TV settings so that the sound of the TV can be output from the speaker system. Depending on your TV, this may be set automatically when the speaker system is connected. Refer to the operating instructions of your TV.

Connect your Soundbar to power supply

1. Make sure that you have completed all other connections before connecting the Soundbar to power supply.
2. Make sure the power supply voltage complies with your country's safety standards (see ‘Specifications’ on page 34)
3. Connect one end of a supplied AC power cord to the AC input connector on your Soundbar and another end to the power socket on the wall.

Connect the Soundbar with your Bluetooth device

1. Press [Power].
2. Press [Bluetooth].
3. Press and hold [Bluetooth] on the Remote Control or press and hold [Bluetooth] on your Soundbar.
   You will see blue lights flash rapidly.
   The Soundbar is ready to pair.
4. Power on your Bluetooth device and activate its Bluetooth function.
5. Select TCL S45H.
   You will see the blue light on for 3 seconds.
   Pairing is successful.
6. If you want to pair another device, please repeat step 3.

4 Use your Soundbar system

Use your Soundbar with the top panel or Remote Control

1. Make sure the Soundbar is properly connected to the power supply and sources.
2. Press [Source] at the top panel of your Soundbar or Remote Control to switch to the correct source.

LED state helps to understand Soundbar behaviour.

Remote Control and Soundbar Action

Listen to music from your Bluetooth device

1. Make sure that your device supports A2DP and/or AVRCP. For information, check the specification of your device.
2. Pair your Bluetooth device with the Soundbar (see 'Connect the Soundbar with your Bluetooth device' on page 25).
3. Start listening to music stored in your Bluetooth device through the Soundbar.
   
   • If your Bluetooth device supports A2DP, you can listen to music, but you cannot control the playback.
   • If your Bluetooth device supports AVRCP, you can listen to music and control music playback with the Remote Control. Press the center button to pause or resume music playback. Press left/right button to skip to the previous/next track.

Use the USB cable or device for music playback

• Press play/pause button on the Remote Control to listen to/pause/resume the music.
• Press left/right button on the Remote Control to skip to the previous or next track.
• Press up/down button to increase or decrease the volume level.

5 Software update

TCL may offer updates for the Soundbar's system firmware in the future. When an update is available, you can upgrade the Soundbar by connecting the USB drive or using TCL HOME app to update the firmware online.

Online update

Follow the instructions in the image below to update the firmware on TCL HOME app.

[Image: Screenshot 1 of TCL HOME app showing settings]
[Image: Screenshot 2 of TCL HOME app showing firmware update available]
[Image: Screenshot 3 of TCL HOME app showing firmware update in progress]
[Image: Screenshot 4 of TCL HOME app showing update complete]
[Image: Screenshot 5 of TCL HOME app showing update complete]

USB update

Requirements:

• TCL Soundbar
• Computer connected to the Internet
• A USB storage device formatted in FAT/FAT32 with at least 100MB of free space.

Update Procedure:

1. Find and download the latest update file for your TCL Soundbar on TCL support web (www.TCL.com -> Support). It is VERY important to use the correct file for your specific model.
2. Move or copy the downloaded file to your FORMATTED and EMPTY USB storage device. Once completed, the file named ".UPG" should be the ONLY file located on the USB storage device.
3. Upgrade the TCL Soundbar using the following steps:
   Step 1: Unplug and reconnect the power cord, then restart the Soundbar.
   Step 2: Switch the Soundbar to USB mode and plug in the USB storage device.
   Step 3: The system will automatically upgrade and you can understand the updates process by the Soundbar LED.
   Step 4: The soundbar will restart after the updates completed, the whole process of the update will take approximately 3mins. Please REMOVE the USB storage device from the Soundbar after the upgrade completed.

6 Specifications

Product Name

2.0 Channel Dolby Atmos All in One Soundbar

Soundbar

• Power Supply: AC 100-240V~50/60Hz
• USB: 5V 500mA max
• Power consumption: 38W
• Power consumption at standby mode (after long pressing the power button for 3 seconds): < 0.5W
• Power consumption at standby mode (when the Soundbar has no signal input or audio output for 19 mins) with TCL Home APP on: < 2W
• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Frequency response: 180Hz-20KHz
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 810x60x98MM
• Weight: 2.05 KG
• Operating temperature: 0°C - 45°C

Bluetooth

• Bluetooth version: 5.2, Bluetooth profile - Bluetooth stereo supported (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile - A2DP; Audio Video Remote Control Profile - AVRCP)
• Frequency range: 2402 Mhz – 2480 Mhz
• Max transmitting power: 9.5dBm

Remote Control

• Distance/Angle: 6m/ 30°
• Battery type: 1.5V AAA battery x 2, user replaceable.

7 Notice

Declaration of conformity

Hereby, TCL Overseas Marketing Limited declares that the radio equipment type Soundbar is in compliance with relevant UK statutory requirements.

The full text of the declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: http://www.tcl.com go to Support and enter the model name.

Disposal of your old product and battery

Your product is designed and manufactured with high quality materials and components, which can be recycled and reused.

[Recycling symbol]

This symbol on a product means that the product is covered by European Directive 2012/19/EU.

[WEEE symbol]

This symbol means that the product contains a battery covered by European Directive 2013/56/EU which cannot be disposed of with normal household waste. Inform yourself about the local separate collection system for electrical and electronic products and batteries. Follow local rules and never dispose of the product and batteries with normal household waste. Correct disposal of old products and batteries helps prevent negative consequences for the environment and human health.

Remove the disposable battery

To remove the disposable batteries, see the section 'Install/replace the remote control battery'.

Environmental protection and sustainability

We have omitted all unnecessary packaging and make sure it is eco-friendly and sustainable.

Trademarks

Dolby Atmos

Dolby, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished works. Copyright © 2012-2024 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

Bluetooth®

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by TTE Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

dts

For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com. Manufactured under license from DTS, Inc. DTS, Digital Surround, Virtual:X, and the DTS logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of DTS, Inc. in the United States and other countries. © 2024 DTS, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HDMI™ HIGH-DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE

“The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI trade dress and the HDMI Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.”

8 FAQ

No power

• Make sure the AC power cord and AC input connector are connected properly.
• Make sure there is power supply.
• Make sure the Soundbar has turned on.

No sound

• Make sure the audio cable is connected to the Soundbar and your device.
• Make sure you have selected the correct source.
• Press up button to increase the volume level.
• Make sure the Soundbar is not muted.

Low voice

• Use the Remote Control to adjust the volume.

The Remote Control does not work.

• Make sure you have selected the correct source.
• Make sure the distance of Remote Control and the Soundbar is within operational range.
• Make sure the battery is correctly inserted and is working.
• Make sure the Remote Control is close to the Remote Control sensor of the Soundbar.

I hear distorted sound.

• Make sure all cables are properly connected.
• Make sure you have selected the correct source.
• Make sure the TV is muted if you play audio from the TV.

I cannot find the Bluetooth name of this Soundbar on my Bluetooth device.

• Make sure the Bluetooth function is activated and LED blink quickly. If the LED is always on, long press bluetooth button on the Remote Control to make the LED fast blink.
• Make sure the Soundbar has paired with your Bluetooth device.

TCL Support

Please visit www.tcl.com

[Image: "WE ARE READY TO HELP" text with contact information]

Copyright © 2024 TCL. All rights reserved.
English-S45H-EU_EN_UM_V1.5

[CE logo] [UK CA logo]