Samsung Soundbar User Guide

01 Checking the Components

Ensure all components are present:

• Soundbar
• Remote Control / Battery
• Subwoofer
• Surround speaker (Left/Right) (HW-Q990F/HW-Q930F only)
• Power cable (for HW-Q990F/HW-Q930F and HW-Q900F/HW-Q800F)
• HDMI Cable
• Wall-mounting Guide
• Holder-Screw (x2)
• Screw (x4)
• Wall-mounting Bracket
• Rubber Foot

For power supply and consumption details, refer to the label on the product. Additional components or cables can be purchased from a Samsung Service Center or Customer Care. For wall mount and rubber foot details, see pages 21-23.

02 Product Overview

Top side

• (Multi) Button: Turns the soundbar on/off in Standby mode or switches sources by pressing.
• + (Volume) Button: Adjusts volume.
• (Microphone) Button: Turns the microphone on or off. A red indicator light signifies the microphone is off. Press and hold for 3 seconds to enter BT PAIRING mode.
• Display: Shows status or current mode (e.g., TV ARC, HDMI, Wi-Fi, BT, D.IN).

Note: It may take 4-5 seconds for sound to start after powering on. If audio plays from both TV and soundbar, set TV's Audio Settings to 'External Speaker'.

Bottom side

Details connections for DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL), HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC), HDMI 1, HDMI 2, SERVICE, and Power Port.

03 Using the Remote Control

How to use the Remote Control

• Install AAA batteries (x2).
• (POWER): Turns the soundbar on or off. Auto-off occurs after 18 minutes of inactivity.
• (Source): Selects the connected device or mode.
• (Mute): Mutes or unmutes the soundbar.
• (Bluetooth connection): Press to enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
• Up/Down/Left/Right Buttons: Used for fine adjustments, skipping tracks, or navigating menus.
• ID SET: Used to reconnect the subwoofer or surround speakers. Press and hold the Up button for 5 seconds while powered off.
• (Play/Pause): Starts or pauses playback.
• SOUND MODE: Selects sound modes like Surround, Game Pro, Standard, or Adaptive Sound.
• (Info): Displays codec information or current status (e.g., connected device in BT mode).
• (Woofer Level): Adjusts bass levels.
• (Tone Control): Adjusts treble and bass levels (-6 to +6).

Sound Control Features:

• Channel Level: Adjusts volume for individual speakers (Center, Side, Wide, Front Top, Rear, Rear Top, Rear Side) from -6 to +6.
• SpaceFit Sound Pro: Analyzes listening space for optimal audio.
• AVA (Active Voice Amplifier) Pro: Enhances voice clarity by analyzing external noise.
• Voice Enhance: Improves dialogue clarity.
• Night Mode: Lowers volume while keeping dialog clear.
• Sound Grouping: Plays full sound through multiple speakers for large spaces.
• Private Rear: Sends audio only to rear speakers for undisturbed listening.
• Sync: Adjusts audio delay (0-300ms) if video and audio are out of sync.
• Virtual: Enhances surround effects for Dolby/DTS content.
• Moderate Bass: Mutes the subwoofer and outputs bass through the soundbar.

04 Connecting the Soundbar to Other Units

Connecting the Power and Devices

Connect the power cords to the subwoofer, surround speakers, and soundbar to an electrical outlet. Ensure proper connection and unplugging practices.

1. Connect the power cord to the subwoofer.
2. Connect the power cords to the left and right surround speakers.
3. Connect the power cord to the soundbar.

Manually Connecting the Subwoofer and Surround Speakers

Ensure all units are powered and the soundbar is on.

1. Press and hold the ID SET button on the rear of the subwoofer and surround speakers for 5 seconds. The red indicator will turn off, and the blue indicator will blink rapidly.
2. Press and hold the Up button on the Remote Control for 5 seconds. The 'ID SET' message will appear on the display, and the soundbar will power on automatically.
3. Ensure the LINK LED indicator turns solid blue for a successful connection.

Note: If the soundbar is powered on, the subwoofer and surround speakers will automatically connect. If the power cord is disconnected and reconnected while the soundbar is on, it will automatically turn on.

Status of rear indicator in subwoofer and surround speakers:

Resetting the Tx module: Turn off the soundbar, press and hold the Left button on the remote for 5 seconds, then follow the manual connection steps.

05 Connecting to a TV

Connect to a TV that supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

Caution: If both HDMI and optical cables are connected, HDMI takes priority. Ensure the correct ARC/eARC port is used. Using HDMI cables certified by HDMI.org is recommended.

1. With the soundbar and TV off, connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI IN (eARC/ARC) port on the soundbar and the HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC) port on the TV.
2. Turn on the soundbar and TV.
3. The display will show "TV ARC" or "TV eARC". The TV audio will play through the soundbar.

Troubleshooting: If no sound, press the (Multi) or (Source) button to switch to TV ARC mode. If "TV ARC" does not appear, check the HDMI cable connection. You can use your TV remote to adjust the soundbar volume.

Connecting Using an Optical Cable

Pre-connection Checklist: If both HDMI and optical cables are connected, HDMI takes priority. Remove the cap from the optical cable before use.

1. With the TV and soundbar off, connect the DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) port on the soundbar to the OPTICAL OUT port on the external device using an optical cable.
2. Turn on the soundbar and external device.
3. Press the (Multi) or (Source) button to switch to D.IN mode.
4. TV sound will play through the soundbar.

06 Connecting an External Device

Connecting via HDMI Cable

Pre-connection Checklist: Turn off secondary audio settings. Check if content supports Dolby Atmos®/DTS:X. Use appropriate HDMI cables (Ultra High Speed for HW-Q990F/Q900F, Premium High Speed for HW-Q930F/Q800F). Check TV and device specifications for UHD signals.

Note:

• For Dolby Atmos®/DTS:X, refer to "Output specifications for each sound mode" on page 7. "DOLBY ATMOS" or "DTS:X" will appear on the display when active.
• For DTS:X configuration on BD players, select "No Encoding" for bitstream in audio output options.

UHD signal support specifications (3840 x 2160p):

[HW-Q930F/HW-Q800F]

Supported specifications may vary based on the external device connected to the soundbar or the usage conditions.

1. Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI OUT port on the external device to the HDMI port on the soundbar.
2. Use an HDMI cable (included) to connect the HDMI IN port of the TV to the HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC) port on the soundbar.
3. Turn on the soundbar, TV, and external device.
4. Press the (Multi) button or the (Source) button to switch to HDMI or HDMI1/HDMI2 mode.
5. The selected mode will appear on the display, and audio will play.

07 Connecting a Mobile Device

Connecting to Bluetooth

Connect your mobile device to the soundbar via Bluetooth for wireless stereo sound.

Connecting to Bluetooth for the first time:

1. Position the device within 1 meter (3.28 ft) of the soundbar.
2. Press the Pair button on the Remote Control to open BT PAIRING mode. Alternatively, press and hold the (Microphone) button on the soundbar for 3 seconds until "BT PAIRING" is displayed.
3. Select "Soundbar Q-series" from your device's Bluetooth list.

Note: When connected, the soundbar display will show the mobile device name followed by "BT". You can use BT READY mode for quick reconnections.

If the Device Fails to Connect: Delete any previous "Soundbar Q-series" entries from your mobile device's Bluetooth list and repeat the connection steps.

Disconnecting the Soundbar from the Samsung TV

Press the (Multi) or (Source) button and switch to a mode other than BT.

What is the difference between BT READY and BT PAIRING?

• BT READY: Connects to a previously paired TV or mobile device.
• BT PAIRING: Connects a new device to the soundbar.

Precautions when connecting to Bluetooth

• Position devices within 1 meter.
• Enter PIN code "0000" if prompted.
• The soundbar automatically turns off after 18 minutes of inactivity.
• Avoid areas with electronic devices causing radio interference (e.g., microwave ovens, wireless LAN).
• Ensure only one Bluetooth device is paired at a time.
• Keep devices close to each other for optimal connection.
• Bluetooth connection may be lost if devices are out of range or in areas with weak signal reception.
• Keep the soundbar away from devices that generate electromagnetic waves.
• The soundbar supports SBC data (44.1kHz, 48kHz) and A2DP (AV) profile.
• Audio may stutter if the soundbar is placed near interference sources, or if your body touches the signal transceiver.
• Obstacles like walls may degrade audio quality.
• Your soundbar cannot be paired with other Bluetooth devices while Bluetooth audio is playing.

Connecting via Wi-Fi (Wireless Network)

Pre-connection Checklist: Wi-Fi connection is only available on Samsung TVs. Ensure your wireless router is on and the TV is connected. Connect the soundbar and TV to the same Wi-Fi network. Avoid DFS channels. Check your TV's manual for menu variations. Connect the soundbar to the router first.

Note: Wi-Fi Dolby Atmos connectivity is available on some Samsung TVs and soundbars. Press and hold the CH LEVEL button for 30 seconds to activate/deactivate Wi-Fi.

Using the Q-Symphony Feature: Connect the soundbar to a compatible Samsung TV to play audio from both simultaneously for a richer sound experience. The Q-Symphony menu will appear when connected.

Using SpaceFit Sound Pro: This feature analyzes your listening space using the soundbar's microphone for optimal audio quality. It runs automatically.

Method 1. Connecting the Soundbar: Turn on SpaceFit Sound Pro mode using the Remote Control. Press the (Sound Control) button, then press the Up button to turn it ON.

Method 2. Connecting to a TV: Turn on Adaptive Sound+ mode in the Samsung TV's menu (Settings > General > AI Mode Settings > Adaptive Sound+). This will change the soundbar's mode to Adaptive Sound+.

Connecting via Apple AirPlay

Enjoy music, podcasts, and other audio from your Apple devices on the Samsung Soundbar. Ensure the soundbar and Apple device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Register the device with the Samsung SmartThings app.

Configuring Tap Sound: In the SmartThings app, go to Settings and enable "Tap View, Tap Sound" to allow the feature to work when a mobile device is near the soundbar.

Using Tap Sound: Tap your mobile device on the soundbar to play audio content. This function is compatible with Samsung mobile devices with Android 8.1 or later.

08 Installing the Soundbar on a Wall

Precautions when installing

• Mount on a vertical wall only.
• Avoid areas with high temperatures or humidity.
• Ensure the wall can support the soundbar's weight. Reinforce if necessary.
• Use appropriate screws or anchors for the wall type (e.g., gypsum board, steel, wood).
• Install screws directly into the wall if possible.
• Turn off power and disconnect the soundbar before mounting.
• Connect all external device cables before mounting.

Wall Mount Components

Components include Wall-mounting Guide, Holder Screw, Screw, and Wall-mounting Bracket.

Installing the Surround Speakers on a Wall

Wall mounts must be purchased separately. Ensure the wall can support at least 8 kg. Use appropriate screws (e.g., 1/4 - 20 UNC screw, 6.35 mm Ø, 18 mm length).

1. Attach the Wall-mounting Guide to the wall, aligning the center line with the TV's center or the desired installation area.
2. Mark the center of the holes and drill.
3. Fasten the Holder Screws and mounting screws.
4. Install Wall-mounting Brackets to the bottom of the soundbar.
5. Hang the soundbar on the Holder Screws, ensuring the brackets are securely attached.

Notes: Check wall sturdiness. Samsung is not responsible for damage due to improper installation. Do not install speakers sideways or upside down.

09 Installing the Soundbar on Top of the TV Stand

Parts

• Rubber Foot (x4)

1. Attach the rubber feet to the bottom of the soundbar, ensuring they do not extend beyond the TV stand's width.
2. Align the center of the soundbar with the center of the TV and carefully place it on the TV stand.

Note: Place the soundbar at least 2 cm away from the TV for optimal microphone performance. Ensure the microphone is not blocked.

10 SOFTWARE UPDATE

Automatic update

The soundbar will automatically update software when connected to the internet, even when turned off. Ensure the soundbar remains connected to the internet.

USB update

Samsung may provide firmware updates via USB. Download the upgrade file from the Samsung website (www.samsung.com), unzip it, save it to a USB drive, and connect it to the SERVICE port on the soundbar. "UPDATE" will appear on the display when the update begins.

Caution: Do not turn off the power or disconnect the USB drive during the update.

Security updates information

Visit https://security.samsungtv.com for information on security updates.

Reset

Press and hold both + (Volume) buttons on the soundbar for 5 seconds. "INIT" will appear on the display, and the soundbar will reset.

Caution: This resets all soundbar settings. Reset only when necessary.

11 TROUBLESHOOTING

When the power doesn't turn on

• Check if the power cord is securely connected.

When some functions aren't working properly

• Disconnect and reconnect the power cord.
• Turn the connected external device off and on again.
• If there is no signal input, the soundbar may automatically turn off. Turn it back on.

If the remote control isn't working properly

• Bring the remote closer to the soundbar and point it directly at the soundbar.
• Replace the batteries.

When the soundbar indicator light stays red

• The microphone is turned off. Turn it on to resolve.

If there is no sound coming from the soundbar

• Check volume levels and ensure the soundbar is not muted.
• Adjust volume on connected external devices.
• Ensure the soundbar is selected as the audio output on your TV.
• Check cable connections and reconnect if necessary.
• Reset the soundbar and try again.

If there is no sound from the subwoofer or surround speakers

• Check if the LED indicator on the subwoofer/surround speaker is blue. If red or blinking blue, reconnect the soundbar (see page 9).
• Ensure no objects are blocking the path between the soundbar and subwoofer.
• Move the soundbar or speakers away from devices that may cause radio interference.
• Disconnect and reconnect the power plug.

If the subwoofer or surround speaker emits noise or a stuttering sound

• Ensure no objects are blocking the path between the soundbar and subwoofer.
• Position the subwoofer and speakers closer to the soundbar.
• Move the soundbar away from devices that may cause radio interference (e.g., wireless routers).
• Change the TV network connection from wireless to wired.

When the subwoofer sound is low

• Adjust the subwoofer volume using the Woofer Level button on the remote.
• Bring the subwoofer closer.

When the TV can't connect to the HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC)

• Ensure the HDMI cable is securely connected to the ARC/eARC port.
• Disconnect other devices connected to the TV.
• Enable HDMI-CEC (Anynet+) in the TV menu.
• Ensure the eARC function is enabled in the TV menu.

There is no audio when the TV is connected in HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC) mode

• Change the TV's audio output to PCM or Dolby Digital.

When a Bluetooth connection can't be established

• Switch to BT PAIRING mode to connect a new device.
• Disconnect from other devices before switching.
• Remove the speaker from the device's Bluetooth list and reconnect.
• Ensure the ON-TV CONNECT feature is enabled if needed.
• Disconnect and reconnect the power cord. Reset the soundbar.

When the audio stutters due to a weak Bluetooth connection

• Move the soundbar away from devices causing radio interference.
• Move the connected device closer to the soundbar.
• Check the installation environment and conditions.

When a Wi-Fi connection can't be established

• Check if the wireless router is on.
• Turn the router off and on again.
• Move the wireless router closer to the soundbar or place it in an unobstructed location.
• Reconfigure speaker network settings if a new router is installed.
• The soundbar does not support Wi-Fi 6.

My TV and soundbar are connected, but when I switch to soundbar mode, no audio is played through the TV speakers.

• If a mobile device is connected while audio is playing from the TV, the output switches to the mobile device. The soundbar remains connected to the TV, but no audio will play from any speakers. When the mobile device connection ends, the soundbar will play TV audio.

If the soundbar does not appear in the list of AirPlay-compatible devices

• Ensure you have agreed to the SmartThings app terms and registered the device.
• Ensure the soundbar is not deleted from the SmartThings app.
• Check that the soundbar and Apple devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• iOS version 13.4 or later is required.

The TV doesn't display the UHD input signal.

• Adjust TV or source device settings.
• Check if your Ultra High Speed HDMI cable is certified by HDMI.org (for HW-Q990F/Q900F models).

Group Play isn't activated.

• Ensure your audio device is a new model (released in 2024 or later).
• Check that the host device is connected to Wi-Fi.
• Ensure audio devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (5GHz).

12 LICENSE

This section lists the licenses and trademarks for various technologies used in the soundbar, including Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X, HDMI, and Apple AirPlay. It also provides information on Spotify and Roon Ready certification.

Open Source License Notice: Information on open-source software used in the product can be found at http://opensource.samsung.com.