Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

Introduction

Bowers & Wilkins was founded on the belief that imaginative design, innovative engineering, and advanced technology are key to unlocking the enjoyment of audio at home. This philosophy drives every product designed by the company.

The Panorama 3 is a high-performance, network-connected, wireless active speaker. It is primarily designed to be configured and controlled via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, available for both iOS and Android™ devices. Some common control functions are also accessible via touch buttons on the rear panel. Installation and configuration require the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.

Panorama 3 Capabilities

• Listen to audio from TVs via an HDMI® ARC/eARC connection.
• Listen to audio from TVs via a digital audio optical connection.
• Listen to audio from streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify®, Apple Music, and many others.
• Listen to audio over Bluetooth® from appropriately enabled Bluetooth source devices.
• Listen to audio playing anywhere in your home on any compatible Bowers & Wilkins wireless speaker connected to your home network.*

* Feature to be enabled in 2022

Bowers & Wilkins Music App Requirements

The Bowers & Wilkins Music App is essential for connecting your Panorama 3 to your home network and other products. It also provides control and configuration functions. Before installation, download and install the app on your iOS (version 11.4 or later) or Android (version 8.1 or later) device. Ensure Bluetooth and WiFi services are enabled on your device and have your WiFi network password ready.

Note for Android users: Location Services must be enabled during setup. This is because compatible Bowers & Wilkins products use Bluetooth Low Energy (BT-LE) for service communication, which is only enabled when Location Services are allowed on Android devices. Bowers & Wilkins does not use location services data for marketing.

1. Carton Contents

• Panorama 3 speaker
• Power cable
• HDMI cable
• Wall bracket
• Literature pack

2. Installing Your Panorama 3

The Panorama 3 should be placed close to your TV for optimal performance. It requires both an HDMI connection and a mains power supply. If using a wired network connection, ensure it is within reach of an appropriate network (Ethernet) cable and a USB-C to Ethernet adaptor.

The Panorama 3 can be placed on a shelf, table, or furniture unit, or wall-mounted using the included bracket. Ensure any shelf can support the speaker's weight, as flimsy or resonant surfaces can diminish audio performance.

Note on Wall Mounting: Follow the included instructions carefully. If unsure about wall suitability or installation, seek professional assistance.

Bass Considerations: Speakers radiate sound in multiple directions. Placing the Panorama 3 too close to walls or in a corner can over-emphasize bass. If bass is too prominent, reposition the speaker or adjust the bass level via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App settings.

2.1 Connections

The Panorama 3 features an HDMI ARC/eARC connection, an optical audio connection, and a USB-C port for service. A wired Ethernet connection is possible using a USB-C to Ethernet adaptor (not supplied).

Note: Connect your WiFi or wired LAN to a commercially available router certified as telecommunications terminal equipment.

The primary recommended connection to a TV is via HDMI ARC/eARC. If your TV lacks ARC/eARC, use the optical digital audio connection.

Note on TV Settings: For best functionality, enable ARC (and eARC if available) and CEC on your TV. Refer to your TV manual for instructions. Setting the TV to pass-through or bypass mode is also recommended for optimal Dolby Atmos®-enabled content playback.

2.2 Initial Connection & Setup

Once all connections are made, the Bowers & Wilkins Music App is installed, and your TV is configured, your Panorama 3 is ready for setup. The speaker has no power switch; it starts up automatically when connected to mains power.

The start-up routine involves booting the speaker, connecting to the network, and linking to streaming services, which may take some time. During this process, the Multifunction button will flash white during boot-up and orange when establishing a network connection. An audio prompt will signal completion.

When first powered on, the Panorama 3 enters setup mode, indicated by a slow amber pulse on the Multifunction button (see Diagram 1). It will appear in the Bowers & Wilkins Music App for setup, either via a pop-up or by selecting 'Add Product' in the app settings.

The Panorama 3 automatically manages its operational state and power consumption, entering a power-saving mode after twenty minutes of inactivity. There is no need to switch it off; simply disconnect from mains power if desired. Settings are retained without mains power.

3. Restarting / Rebooting

To restart the Panorama 3, briefly press and release the Reset button on the rear panel (see Diagram 1). This reboots the speaker, retaining all settings. You can also restart it via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App settings.

4. Factory Reset

To reset the Panorama 3 to factory defaults, press and hold the Reset button for five seconds. The reset process is indicated by a red Multifunction button and an audio cue. This will shut down the Panorama 3. Upon restart, it will enter setup mode, and all settings will be deleted. A factory reset can also be performed via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App settings menu.

5. Setting up on a Network

With the Panorama 3 in setup mode (slow amber pulsing Multifunction button), launch the Bowers & Wilkins Music App on your iOS or Android device. The app will guide you through the setup process.

Note: Setup uses a Bluetooth connection between the Panorama 3 and your device. Keep them close together, as Bluetooth signals have a limited range and can be affected by room obstacles.

You will need to create or sign into a Bowers & Wilkins Music App account. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your username and password, and validate your email address.

The app will automatically search for products in setup mode. Alternatively, select 'Add product' from the 'Your devices' section in the settings menu.

During setup, you will be asked to name the 'Space' (room or area) where the Panorama 3 is located. You can choose from suggested names or create your own. Confirm your selection by pressing the Multifunction button.

If using a wireless network, confirm your WiFi network and enter the password. If using a wired Ethernet connection via a USB-C adaptor, this step is bypassed.

Note: If you have other Bowers & Wilkins products on your WiFi network, the password may be shared securely via the Quick Connect function, bypassing manual entry.

After network configuration and space selection, you will configure the TV input. The app will guide you through setting up HDMI ARC/eARC and enabling CEC for TV remote control of audio. For optical connections, the app will guide you on connecting and disabling TV internal speakers. You will then be prompted to teach the Panorama 3 your TV remote's IR commands for control.

Note: If IR commands are not received, you may need to enable IR support on your TV's external devices. Consult your TV manual.

6. Standalone Bluetooth Setup

You can use the Panorama 3 via Bluetooth without connecting it to a network. With the Panorama 3 in setup mode (slow amber pulsing Multifunction button), press and hold the Multifunction button for 5 seconds. The speaker will play an audio prompt, and the Multifunction button will flash blue, indicating Bluetooth pairing mode. Connect via your device's Bluetooth menu; the Panorama 3 will appear as 'Panorama 3'.

Note: In this mode, the product cannot be set up onto a network. To reconnect to a network, perform a factory reset (Section 4).

The Panorama 3 can be paired with up to eight devices. To enter pairing mode again, press and hold the Multifunction button for 5 seconds. Pairing mode lasts for 2 minutes.

7. Using Your Panorama 3

8. Bowers & Wilkins Music App

The app features four navigation icons: Browse, Library, Search, and Settings. The illuminated icon indicates your current section.

9. Software Update

As a network-connected speaker, the Panorama 3 receives reliability improvements, new functions, and features via software updates. A tag on the settings icon indicates an available update. Tapping it initiates the update for all network products requiring it.

10. Audio Adjustments

Speaker placement affects audio. Placing the Panorama 3 near a wall can over-emphasize bass, and positioning away from the listener can reduce high frequencies. Adjust bass and treble settings (-6dB to +6dB) via the app (Settings > Space Name > Device) for greater flexibility. Settings are stored but reset after a factory reset.

11. Amazon Alexa

The Panorama 3 includes the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. Enable it via the device-level settings page in the Bowers & Wilkins Music App. Select Settings, then the space and device, and link your Amazon account. To use Alexa, say the trigger word 'Alexa' or press the Voice Service button (?). Pressing and holding the Voice Service button mutes the microphones.

12. Panorama 3 Controls

The rear panel features buttons for play/pause (▶️/⏸️), volume adjustment (+/-), and voice assistant (?) (see Diagram 1).

Pressing Play/Pause stops and restarts audio playback.

Pressing Volume Up (+) or Volume Down (-) adjusts volume. Holding these buttons increases/decreases volume continuously.

Touching the Multifunction button (?) cycles through active streams and sources. Its illumination indicates operational states (see Diagram 2).

Pressing the Voice Service button (?) activates the voice assistant without needing the trigger word, provided a voice service is enabled.

13. Cleaning

Wipe the top surface with a clean, lint-free cloth and brush the grille with a soft brush. If using cleaning fluid, apply it to the cloth, not directly to the speaker. Test on a small area first, avoiding abrasive, acidic, alkaline, or antibacterial products.

14. Support

For further help or advice, visit the support site: bowerswilkins.com/support.

15. Environmental Information

This product automatically manages its power state, reducing consumption to below 2 watts when connected to a network and idle.

It complies with international directives such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals), and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Consult your local waste disposal authority for recycling guidance.

Specifications

Diagram Descriptions

Diagram 1: Panorama 3 control panel and connectors shows the physical buttons and ports on the speaker. Labeled parts include: a) Multifunction, b) Volume Up, c) Play/Pause, d) Volume Down, e) Voice Assistant, f) Reset, g) Digital Input, h) Service, i) Power, j) Ethernet, k) HDMI (ARC/eARC).

Diagram 2: Multifunction indicator illuminations details the visual cues from the Multifunction button:

• Flashing white: Start-up in progress
• Pulsing amber: Ready for setup
• Flashing amber: Firmware update in progress
• Pulsing white: Audio pull in progress
• Pulsing red: Error - contact support
• Solid red: Error - contact support
• Flashing red: Factory reset in progress
• Flashing blue: Bluetooth pairing mode
• Solid blue: Bluetooth connection established