POLK AUDIO OMNI SB1 OWNER'S MANUAL

Introduction

The Polk Audio Omni SB1 is a voice-optimizing 3.1 sound bar system designed to create a broad, enveloping soundstage for movies, music, and more. It features Polk VoiceAdjust™ Technology, which uses an optimized 3-speaker array with controllable voice channel level to reproduce clear, crisp dialogue. The system includes an 8" wireless subwoofer for rich, bass-heavy sound without the clutter of wires.

Music and Movie Immersion Modes allow you to tailor the sound field for a more immersive listening experience. Polk's exclusive Full Complement Bass Technology ensures the sound bar can reproduce its lowest range easily, delivering a warm, bass-rich timbre at lower distortion and higher volumes.

The SmartBar™ feature enables the sound bar to learn your TV's original IR remote control commands, allowing you to control the soundbar with your TV remote. The system supports Dolby Digital decoding, including Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0.

The Omni SB1 is part of the Polk Omni Collection, described as the "First Great-Sounding Wireless Music System™". It can be used as a standalone wireless soundbar system or as part of a larger collection. Users can enjoy Polk's signature sound throughout their home by adding more components and streaming music services, internet radio, and personal digital music libraries from smartphones, tablets, or computers. The system utilizes the DTS Play-Fi® technology standard for wireless connectivity, offering future-proofing and ease of use.

Getting Started

Unpacking Your SB1

Carefully unpack all components, starting with the subwoofer as indicated on the carton, followed by the sound bar. It is recommended to save all cartons and packing materials for future use, such as moving or shipping.

What's in the Box

The package includes:

1. Sound bar
2. Subwoofer
3. 8' analog stereo cable (3.5mm)
4. 6' optical cable
5. Subwoofer power cable
6. Sound Bar power cables (6' power supply; 8' power cable)
7. Remote control (battery included)

Your Home Network

Wi-Fi audio involves streaming music throughout a home network by connecting multiple speakers and/or devices. The Polk Omni Collection is controlled via the Polk Omni App, which sends music information to each DTS Play-Fi enabled speaker or device.

System Requirements

To connect your SB1 to your network, you will need:

• A Wireless Network connected to the internet with an 802.11g router or better.
• An Android device with version 2.2 operating system or newer, OR an iOS device with version 6.0 operating system or newer.
• The password for your wireless network (if required).

*Router type is usually listed on the router itself. Contact Polk Preferred Services at 1-800-638-7276 for router type questions.

For The Best DTS Play-Fi Experience

To ensure optimal performance:

• For the fastest streaming, especially with multiple speakers, an 802.11n router or better is recommended.
• Ensure the DTS Play-Fi device is within wireless reach of your router, and that the signal is not hindered by dense walls (concrete, brick). Connection quality can be monitored in the Polk Omni App via the Wireless Strength icon.

Hooking Up the SB1 to Your TV

The sound bar can accept audio from up to three different sources, such as your TV, DVD player, or cable/satellite box. The simplest connection is to use the optical audio output from your TV to the optical input on the back of the SB1 bar for the highest quality audio. If your TV lacks an optical output, you can use the optical output from your DVD player or cable/satellite box.

Controls and Operation

Bar Controls

Front Controls:

• Power: Turns the bar on or puts it in standby mode.
• Source/Learn: Enters "learning mode" to program the bar to respond to your TV's IR remote control. It also cycles through input sources (digital/optical, analog, Wi-Fi).
• Master Volume Up/Down (+/-): Adjusts the overall system volume.
• Voice Volume Up/Down (+/-): Adjusts the volume of the center channel for clearer dialogue.
• Bass Up/Down (+/-): Adjusts the volume of the subwoofer.
• Mute: Mutes and unmutes the sound.
• Wi-Fi: Pairs and connects with a Wi-Fi enabled device.

Back Controls:

• Power Switch: Turns the bar on or off. Can be left on.
• Power Connection: Connects the bar's power supply.
• Audio Inputs: Connect sources via optical (Source 1), AUX (Source 2), or Wi-Fi (Source 3).
• Sub Out: Connects an additional subwoofer.
• SYNC: Ensures the subwoofer and bar are communicating.

Note: If the SB1 system loses power, it will default to "Standby" when power is restored.

Subwoofer Controls

Power Switch: Turns the wireless subwoofer on or off. Can be left on.

Power Connection: Connects the subwoofer's power cord.

Status Light: Indicates connection status:

• Green Steady: Bar and subwoofer connected.
• Green Slow Blinking: Subwoofer searching for the bar.
• Green Fast Blinking: Subwoofer connecting with the bar.
• Red Steady: Subwoofer in standby mode.
• Red Blinking: Subwoofer in protection mode.

VoiceAdjust™ Technology

The SB1 features a dedicated center channel, controllable via the bar or remote, to make movie or television dialogue louder and more intelligible.

Remote Control

The included remote control offers the following functions:

• Power: Turns the bar on or puts it in standby mode.
• Mute: Mutes and unmutes the sound.
• Source 1, 2, Wi-Fi: Changes the input source.
• Master Volume Up/Down (+/-): Adjusts the system's master volume.
• Center Volume Up/Down (+/-): Adjusts the center channel volume.
• SUB Volume Up/Down (+/-): Adjusts the subwoofer volume.
• Movie/Music Select: Tailors audio for movies or music.

IR Remote Learning (SmartBar™ Learning)

To enable your sound bar to respond to your TV's IR remote control:

1. Ensure the sound bar is on and has sound output.
2. Press and hold the “SOURCE/LEARN” button on the bar or remote for 5 seconds.
3. Press and release the “Volume Up” button on the SB1's included remote.
4. Hold your TV's remote 6"-1' from the sound bar.
5. Press the “Volume Up” button on your TV's IR remote control once.
6. The LEARN LEDs will turn solid, confirming the command is learned.

Repeat these steps for “Volume Down” (-), Source, Mute, and Power buttons. After programming all commands, press and hold the “Source/Learn” button for 5 seconds to save them.

Note: If the bar fails to learn a code, the power LED will blink red three times. Erase previous codes and try again. To erase codes, press and hold the “Source/Learn” button for 10 seconds until the POWER LED flashes green ten times.

Connecting Your SB1

Wi-Fi Setup

1. Place your SB1 near your internet-connected wireless router for the easiest setup.
2. Connect the power cable to the SB1 and a power outlet. The device will power on.
3. The white light on the back will blink quickly for about 20 seconds, then pulse slowly, indicating readiness to connect.
4. If the Wi-Fi LED is not pulsing slowly, press and hold the Wi-Fi setup button for 8 seconds until the second tone is heard.
5. Download the Polk Omni App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
6. Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: For Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the SB1 for 4 seconds (until the first beep), then press the WPS button on your wireless router. The SB1 will connect automatically.

Wired Ethernet Connection

A wired Ethernet connection can offer a faster transfer rate. While Polk Omni Collection products do not have a dedicated Ethernet port, they feature a USB Port. An Ethernet adapter for a USB cable can be used to connect your products directly to your router.

Connecting the Subwoofer

The SB1 Sound Bar and wireless subwoofer are factory-preset to work together. Ensure the subwoofer is plugged in and its main power switch is ON. The subwoofer automatically receives the wireless signal from the bar.

Note: If the wireless subwoofer stops receiving an audio signal, follow these steps to re-establish the connection:

1. Turn off the subwoofer's AC Mains switch.
2. Press and hold the SYNC button on the back of the bar for three seconds.
3. The LED on the back of the bar will blink, indicating it's ready to connect.
4. Turn on the subwoofer's AC Mains switch. When the subwoofer LED turns solid green, the bar and subwoofer are connected.

Apps

iOS Device Instructions

1. Launch the Polk Omni app.
2. The app will prompt you to set up a new device. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Exit the Polk Omni app and go to your iOS device's Settings.
4. Select Wi-Fi and ensure it is enabled. Choose the device listed with "DTS Play-Fi" in its name.
5. Exit settings and return to the Polk Omni App to select your wireless network and enter your password if required.
6. Once connected, the Wi-Fi light will change from blinking to solid white.
7. You are connected. You can rename your device or skip to enjoying music.

Android Device Instructions

1. Launch the Polk Omni app.
2. The app will automatically find your device and prompt you to set it up. Tap "Set up".
3. If your Wi-Fi network is protected, enter the password. The app will connect the device.
4. When connected, the Wi-Fi light will change from blinking to solid white.
5. You are connected. You can rename your device or skip to enjoying music.

Polk Omni Utility App

For extended functionality like Product Firmware Updates, Source Selection, and EQ Settings (for specific Polk Omni models), download the free Polk Omni App from the App Store or Google Play Store. This app is not required for daily music streaming.

Downloading the DTS Play-Fi PC App

Visit https://Play-Fi.com/windows/polk and click "Download Free Version". After downloading, the DTS Play-Fi logo will appear in your Task Manager. Click on the DTS Play-Fi driver and then any zone to begin controlling.

For multi-zone control, contact Polk Preferred Services at 1-800-638-7276 to upgrade to the Premium Play-PC driver.

Working with NAS Drives, PCs, and Mac Devices

The Polk Omni App can recognize Media Servers or NAS drives broadcasting over your home network using the DLNA protocol. The Polk Omni Collection products will play files compatible with the Windows operating system, including music services. Refer to "Downloading the DTS Play-Fi PC App" for more information.

For OSX devices, third-party software like Twonky, Plex, or Servio is required for DLNA compatibility. Once installed, locally stored content on OSX devices will appear in the Polk Omni App under "Media Server."

Playing Music

Once connected, open the Polk Omni app to start playing music. Select your preferred music source, then the device(s) you want to play music on, and click "Next." You can then select the music you wish to play.

Music choices include:

• Your personal music library: Access music stored on your phone, tablet, or computer.
• Internet Radio: Enjoy free radio stations globally across various genres. Popular stations include Disney, BBC, NPR, Fox News Radio, and Wall Street Journal Radio.
• Online music services: Stream popular services like Pandora and Songza. For an updated list, visit www.polkaudio.com. Services like KKBox, QQMusic, and Deezer are available internationally.

Adding Another Speaker or Component

Adding to your Polk Omni Collection is simple. Create a whole-house wireless music system by adding more S2 speakers, a sound bar, an amp, or an adapter to an existing audio system.

• From the Omni App home page, choose "Settings."
• From the "Settings" screen, choose "Add DTS Play-Fi Device."
• Follow the app's instructions to add the device.

Maximum Number of Rooms/Zones Supported

Up to eight separate wireless source devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) can be supported simultaneously, with each wireless source device streaming to up to 8 playback devices. Due to wireless network bandwidth limitations, it is not recommended to have more than 16 wireless DTS Play-Fi products on the Wi-Fi network concurrently. With hard-wired Ethernet connections, up to 256 devices can theoretically be supported. Contact Polk Preferred Services at 1-800-638-7276 for more information.

Primary vs. Secondary Speakers

Within the Polk Omni app, devices are grouped into primary and secondary zones for music playback. The DTS Play-Fi software requires a primary speaker to be selected to create a new listening session or zone, ensuring synchronization to eliminate sound echo. It is recommended to select the DTS Play-Fi enabled product with the strongest signal strength as the primary device. Secondary speakers connect to the primary speaker; disabling the primary speaker will also disable secondary speakers until a primary speaker is re-selected.

SB1 Specifications

Troubleshooting

File Quality

• Supports lossless file reproduction up to 16-bit/48kHz (CD Quality) and high-resolution music up to 24bit/192k.
• Plays all format bitrates [kbps]. DTS Play-Fi transmits high-resolution files, down-sampling them for home distribution.

Software Updates

Software updates improve performance and functionality. Register your Polk product during setup to receive notifications. Access updates via "Preferred Services" in the app.

Basic Troubleshooting

The "Troubleshooting" section in the Omni App's "Settings" provides access to the DTS Play-Fi Knowledge Base (https://Play-Fi.com/faq?/support). Issues are often related to router or network performance. For further assistance, contact Polk Preferred Services at 1-800-638-7276.

Important Note: Router speeds and ranges are determined under ideal conditions. Walls and construction materials can affect a router's signal.

Troubleshooting FAQs

The bar does not power on.

• Ensure the power supply is plugged into a live wall outlet.
• Verify all power supply components are connected properly.
• Confirm the power supply is securely connected to the bar's power input.

No sound from the bar.

• Check that the TV or cable box is providing a signal.
• Try an alternate source if necessary.
• Ensure the bar is receiving power and is turned on.
• Turn up the bar's volume.
• Check input cables for secure connections.
• Turn up the volume on your television or cable box.
• Check the mute status: if the bar's status light is slowly blinking green, press the Mute button on the bar.

The sound coming from the bar is distorted.

• Try turning down the volume of your audio source.
• Disable any audio processing that may be occurring before the signal reaches the bar.

The included remote control won't work.

• Ensure the battery's protective plastic tab has been removed.
• Replace the battery (CR2025).

The bar won't learn my remote control commands.

• Carefully follow the programming instructions on the previous page.
• Hold the remote steady, 1-2 feet from the front of the bar.
• Quickly "tap" the button on your existing remote until the status LED blinks green. Note that some IR protocols cannot be programmed.

The volume of my television speakers gets louder than my Sound bar system over time.

• Turn off your TV speakers as instructed on page 4.
• If holding the remote's volume button causes your TV volume to change faster than the bar, use the bar's buttons to adjust the volume for a better balance.

Technical Assistance

For questions or comments regarding your Polk purchase, contact Polk Customer Service in North America at 800-377-7655 (M-F, 9:00 AM-5:30 PM EST) or via email at polkcs@polkaudio.com. For assistance outside the US, call +1-410-358-3600.

Contact Us Directly

Polk
5601 Metro Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215
800-377-7655 | www.polkaudio.com