JBL BAR 500

User Manual

Important Safety Information

Before using the JBL BAR 500 (soundbar and subwoofer), ensure it is compatible with your local power supply (100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz AC). Connecting to a different voltage may pose a safety hazard and damage the unit. Consult your dealer or support representative if you have questions about your model's power requirements or your local mains voltage before plugging into a wall socket.

Do not use extension cords: For safety, use only the power cord supplied with the unit. Avoid running the power cord under carpets or rugs, or placing heavy objects on it. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately by an authorized service center with a cord that meets the manufacturer's specifications.

Handle the AC power cord carefully: Always pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting from the outlet. If you do not plan to use the speaker for an extended period, unplug it from the power source.

Do not open the cabinet: There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Opening the cabinet may expose you to electric shock, and any modification to the product will void the warranty. If liquid is accidentally spilled into the unit, unplug it immediately and contact an authorized service center.

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the JBL BAR 500 (soundbar and subwoofer), designed to deliver immersive 3D sound to your home entertainment system. We encourage you to take a few minutes to read this manual, which describes the product and provides step-by-step instructions to help you set up and get started.

To fully utilize the product's features and support, you may need to update the product's firmware over the internet in the future. Refer to the firmware update section to ensure your device has the latest firmware.

Design and specifications are subject to change without prior notice. For any questions regarding the soundbar, installation, or operation, please contact your dealer or support representative, or visit our website: www.jbl.com.

JBL One App

With the JBL One app, you can:

For more information, see "5.3 Connecting to Your Home Network" and "7.5 Playing Through the JBL One App".

NOTE: Subscriptions may be required and are not provided by the JBL One app.

2. What's in the Box

Carefully unpack the box and check for the following items. If any item is damaged or missing, do not use it and contact your dealer or support representative.

*Power cord length and plug type vary by region.

3. Product Overview

3.1 Soundbar

3.1.1 Controls

1) + (Source): Selects the audio source: TV (default, for audio input from TV where the HDMI OUT (TV ARC/TV eARC) jack has priority over the OPTICAL jack), Bluetooth, or HDMI IN.

2) -/+ (Volume): Turns the unit on/off. Adjusts volume up or down. Press and hold to continuously increase or decrease volume. Press both buttons simultaneously to mute or unmute the sound.

3.1.2 Rear Panel Connections

  1. POWER: Connects to the power source (using the power cord).
  2. USB: USB port for firmware updates (for service only). USB port for MP3 file playback (US version only).
  3. ETHERNET: Connects to your home network via an Ethernet cable.
  4. HDMI IN: Connects to the HDMI output on a digital device.
  5. TV Connectors:
    • HDMI OUT (TV ARC/TV eARC): Connects to the HDMI ARC / HDMI EARC input on your TV.
    • OPTICAL: Connects to the optical output on your TV or a digital device.

3.2 Subwoofer

  1. Connection Indicator: Solid white: Soundbar detected by the JBL One app. Blinking white: Wi-Fi setup mode, or network disconnected. Solid amber: Restoring factory settings. Solid green: Network connected. Solid white: Wi-Fi connection is weak.
  2. Power Connector: Connects to the power source (using the power cord).

4. Placement

4.1 Tabletop Placement

Place the soundbar and subwoofer on a stable, level surface. Ensure the subwoofer is at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from the soundbar and at least 10 cm (4 inches) from the wall.

NOTES:

4.2 Wall Mounting

Preparation:

  1. Attach the included wall-mount template to the wall using adhesive tape, ensuring it is at least 50 mm (2 inches) from the TV.
  2. Use the tip of a ballpoint pen to mark the screw holder locations. Remove the template.
  3. Drill a 4 mm (0.16 inch) hole at the marked location.

Installation:

  1. Install the wall-mount bracket supports.
  2. Use the screws to secure the wall-mount brackets to the back of the soundbar.
  3. Mount the soundbar.

NOTES:

5. Connection

5.1 Connecting to Your TV and Digital Devices

To play audio through the soundbar, connect the soundbar to your TV using the included HDMI cable or an optional optical cable.

HDMI connection supports digital audio and video through a single cable. HDMI connection is the preferred option for your soundbar.

5.1.1 TV (HDMI ARC / eARC)

(Recommended connection for the best Dolby Atmos sound experience)

1. Connect the soundbar to the HDMI IN (ARC/eARC) jack on your TV using the included HDMI cable.

2. Connect the soundbar to a digital device, such as a TV set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray player, or game console, using an HDMI cable (V2.0 or later).

3. To play audio from the digital device connected to the soundbar, select HDMI on the remote control.

NOTES:

5.1.2 TV (HDMI eARC)

1. Connect the soundbar to the HDMI IN (eARC) jack on your TV using the included HDMI cable.

2. Connect your TV to a digital device (e.g., streaming device, set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray player, or game console) using an HDMI cable (eARC compatible, V2.0 or later).

3. To play audio from the digital device connected to your TV, select TV on the remote control.

NOTES:

5.1.3 OPTICAL

1. Connect the soundbar to your TV using an optical cable.

2. Connect your TV to a digital device (e.g., streaming device, set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray player, or game console) using an HDMI cable (V2.0 or later).

3. To play audio via the optical cable, select TV on the remote control.

5.2 Bluetooth Connection

Pair the soundbar with a Bluetooth device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or laptop) via Bluetooth.

5.2.1 Connecting a Bluetooth Device

  1. To select the Bluetooth source, press ← on the soundbar or on the remote control. → "BT PAIRING" will be displayed, indicating the device is ready for Bluetooth pairing.
  2. Enable Bluetooth on your Bluetooth device and find "JBL BAR 500" within three minutes. → Successful connection: This name will be displayed if your device name is set in English. A confirmation tone will sound.

5.2.2 Reconnecting to the Last Connected Device

The Bluetooth device will remain paired when the soundbar enters standby mode. When the Bluetooth source is turned on next time, the soundbar will automatically connect to the last paired device.

5.2.3 Connecting to Another Bluetooth Device

  1. To enter Bluetooth pairing mode, press and hold the BT PAIRING button on the soundbar or on the remote control until "BT PAIRING" is displayed. → The soundbar will enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
  2. Follow Step 2 in the "5.2.1 Connecting a Bluetooth Device" section.
    • If the device was already paired with the soundbar, first unpair "JBL BAR 500" on the device.

NOTES:

5.3 Connecting to Your Home Network

Connect the soundbar to your home network via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. With the JBL One app and supported streaming services (Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, and Alexa), the soundbar allows you to stream audio to your smartphone or tablet through the soundbar's speakers.

To connect to Wi-Fi:

  1. On your Android or iOS device, ensure it is connected to the same network as the soundbar. Download the JBL One app.
  2. Follow the in-app instructions to complete the setup.

NOTES:

6. Setup

6.1 Subwoofer Connection

The soundbar and subwoofer are paired at the factory. Once powered on, they will pair and connect automatically. In some cases, re-pairing may be necessary.

To enter subwoofer pairing mode:

  1. On the back of the subwoofer, press and hold the SUB PAIRING button until the white light starts blinking rapidly.
  2. To enter subwoofer pairing mode on the soundbar, press and hold the BASS button on the remote control for more than three seconds, then press the button on the remote control. → "SUB PAIRING" will be displayed. → "SUB PAIRING" indicates the subwoofer is connected.

NOTES:

6.2 3D Surround Sound

Optimize your unique listening environment for 3D surround sound.

6.2.1 Sound Calibration

1. Press CALIBR on the remote control to start calibration. → "CALIBRATION" will be displayed on the soundbar.

2. When "PRESS AGAIN TO CONFIRM" is displayed, press CALIBR again. → A countdown from 5 to 1 will begin. → A calibration tone will sound, and audio calibration will begin. "CALIBRATING": Calibration is in progress. "DONE": Calibration is complete.

NOTES:

6.2.2 Dolby Atmos®

With virtual Dolby Atmos, enjoy height sound effects when playing movies from a TV/HDMI IN source.

1. Connect a Blu-ray player or streaming device via the HDMI ARC/HDMI eARC and HDMI jacks, and start playback. (See "5.1 Connecting to Your TV and Digital Devices").

2. Press on the remote control to turn the height sound effects on or off (default: ON).

NOTES:

6.2.3 Bass Adjustment

You can adjust the bass as needed.

Press the BASS button on the remote control to cycle through the bass levels: "LVL1" - "LVL5" (default: "LVL3").

7. Playback

7.1 Power On / Auto Standby / Auto Wake Up

7.1.1 Power On

To turn on the unit, press any button on the soundbar or on the remote control. → "HELLO" will be displayed. → The subwoofer will automatically reconnect to the soundbar. The connection indicator will light up solid white.

7.1.2 Auto Standby

If the soundbar is inactive for more than 10 minutes, it will automatically enter standby mode. "STDBY" will be displayed. The subwoofer will also enter standby mode and its indicator will light amber. When powered on again, the soundbar will return to the last selected source.

7.1.3 Auto Wake Up

In standby mode, the soundbar will wake up automatically when:

7.2 Playing from TV Source

With the soundbar connected, you can listen to TV audio through the soundbar's speakers.

1. Ensure your TV is set to support external speakers and that the TV's built-in speakers are disabled. Refer to your TV's manual for more information.

2. Ensure the soundbar is properly connected to your TV (see "5.1 Connecting to Your TV and Digital Devices").

3. To select the TV source, press ← on the soundbar or TV on the remote control. → "TV": The TV source is selected. The TV source is selected by default.

NOTES:

7.2.1 TV Remote Control Setup

IR TV Remote Learning

With the infrared learning function, your TV's remote control can learn some commands for the soundbar.

  1. On the soundbar, press and hold and + for more than three seconds until "LEARNING" is displayed. → You have entered TV remote learning mode.
  2. Point your TV remote control at the soundbar. Follow the on-screen instructions to operate the TV remote control buttons:
    • When "POWER", "VOL+", "VOL-", or "MUTE" is displayed on the soundbar, press the corresponding button on your TV remote. → "DONE": The soundbar's functions are now mapped to your TV remote buttons. → The soundbar will return to the last selected source.

    To stop and exit TV remote learning mode, press and hold and + on the soundbar until "EXIT LEARNING" is displayed. → Learned functions will be discarded.

    NOTES:

    • The soundbar will automatically exit TV remote learning mode if no action is taken for 30 seconds. Learned functions will be discarded.

    For the TV remote control to operate the TV and soundbar, your TV must support HDMI-CEC. If your TV does not support HDMI-CEC, follow the instructions in the "IR TV Remote Learning" section.

    If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, enable the functions as specified in your TV's manual. You can control the soundbar's volume +/-, power on/off, and standby mode using your TV remote control.

7.3 Playing Through HDMI IN

The connection diagram shown for the soundbar allows you to play video from a digital device on your TV while the sound plays through the soundbar's speakers.

1. Ensure the soundbar is properly connected to your TV and digital device (see "5.1 Connecting to Your TV and Digital Devices").

2. Turn on the digital device. → The TV and soundbar will automatically exit standby mode and switch to the input source.

3. Put your TV into standby mode. → The soundbar and source device will enter standby mode.

NOTES:

7.4 Playing from Bluetooth Source

You can stream audio from a Bluetooth device to the soundbar via Bluetooth.

1. Ensure the soundbar is properly connected to the Bluetooth device (see "5.2 Connecting via Bluetooth").

2. To select the Bluetooth source, press ← on the soundbar or on the remote control.

3. Start playing audio on the Bluetooth device.

4. Adjust the volume on the soundbar, remote control, or Bluetooth device.

7.5 Playing Through the JBL One App

With the JBL One app, stream audio to the soundbar from your enabled music services.

1. On the soundbar, ensure it is properly connected to your home network (see "5.3 Connecting to Your Home Network").

2. On your Android or iOS device:

3. To exit music playback mode, switch to another source.

NOTES:

1. In the JBL One app, personalize the (Moment) function.

7.6 Playing Through Chromecast built-in

With Chromecast built-in, you can cast audio from your Android or iOS device to the soundbar.

1. On the soundbar, ensure it is properly connected to your home network (see "5.3 Connecting to Your Home Network").

2. On your Android or iOS device:

7.7 Playing Through AirPlay

With AirPlay, you can stream audio from your iOS device to the soundbar.

1. On the soundbar, ensure it is properly connected to your home network (see "5.3 Connecting to Your Home Network").

2. On your iOS device:

3. To exit music playback mode, switch to another source.

7.8 Playing with Amazon Music

If the soundbar is connected to the Alexa app, you can stream music from your Amazon Music library to the soundbar.

1. On the soundbar, ensure it is properly connected to your home network (see "5.3 Connecting to Your Home Network").

2. On your Android or iOS device:

3. Launch the Amazon Alexa app to start playing music.

NOTES:

7.9 Playing in Multi-Room Mode

With multi-room playback, you can stream music from your Android or iOS device to multiple Chromecast-enabled / AirPlay / Alexa speakers.

7.9.1 Chromecast built-in

1. Using the Google Home app, connect multiple Chromecast speakers to the same network, place them in different rooms, and create groups as needed.

2. Launch a Chromecast-enabled app on your smartphone or tablet.

3. Play music. Tap the cast icon and select the grouped speakers.

NOTES:

7.9.2 AirPlay

1. Sign in to the Control Center on your iOS device.

2. Tap to select multiple speakers as needed.

3. Start streaming audio from an app.

7.9.3 Alexa MRM for Multi-Room Music

1. Ensure you have enabled the Amazon Alexa streaming service on the soundbar using the JBL One app.

2. Using the Amazon Alexa app, create a multi-room music group on the soundbar. For more information, refer to the Amazon Alexa app.

NOTES:

8. Sound Settings

8.1 Audio Sync

The audio sync feature allows you to synchronize audio and video so that the sound plays without delay.

  1. On the remote control, press and hold TV for more than three seconds, then press +. → "SYNC>" will be displayed.
  2. Within five seconds, press + or on the remote control to adjust the audio delay and match it with the video. → The audio sync interval will be displayed.

8.2 Intelligent Mode

With the default Intelligent Mode, you can enjoy enhanced sound effects when watching TV programs. When watching TV programs such as news and weather forecasts, you can reduce the sound effects by turning off Intelligent Mode and switching to Standard Mode.

Intelligent Mode: Uses EQ settings and JBL's signature surround sound for enhanced sound effects.

Standard Mode: Uses preset EQ settings for standard sound effects.

To turn off Intelligent Mode:

9. Reset to Factory Settings

Resetting to factory default settings will erase all personalized settings on the soundbar.

10. Firmware Update

JBL may offer firmware updates for the soundbar in the future to optimize product performance and enhance functionality.

Online Update

11. Reconnecting the Subwoofer

The soundbar and subwoofer are paired at the factory. Once powered on, they will pair and connect automatically. In some cases, re-pairing may be necessary.

To enter subwoofer pairing mode:

  1. On the back of the subwoofer, press and hold the SUB PAIRING button until the white light starts blinking rapidly.
  2. To enter subwoofer pairing mode on the soundbar, press and hold the BASS button on the remote control for more than three seconds, then press the button on the remote control. → "SUB PAIRING" will be displayed. → "SUB PAIRING" indicates the subwoofer is connected.

NOTES:

12. Product Specifications

General

HDMI Specifications

Audio Specifications

USB Specifications (USB playback available in US version only)

Wireless Connection Specifications

13. Troubleshooting

Never attempt to repair the unit yourself. If you encounter problems with the unit, check the following points before calling for support.

System

Sound

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi Network

Playback

Remote Control

14. Trademarks

Bluetooth®

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

HDMI

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.

Wi-Fi 6 CERTIFIED™

Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ and the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6™ Logo are trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance.

COMPATIBLE WITH Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos

Dolby, Dolby Vision, 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 © 2012-2021 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

Works with Alexa

Amazon, Alexa, and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Spotify

Use your phone, tablet or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to spotify.com/connect to learn how. The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: https://www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.

Works with Google Home

Google, Android, Google Play, Chromecast built-in, and Google Home are trademarks of Google LLC. Google Assistant is not available in certain languages or countries.

Works with Apple AirPlay

Use of the "Works with Apple" badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple, and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. To use AirPlay with JBL BAR 500, the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS is recommended.

15. Open Source License Notice

This product contains GPL-licensed open source software. For your convenience, the source code and related build instructions are also available at https://harman-webpages.s3.amazonaws.com/JBL_BAR_Gen3_package_license_list.htm. Contact us:

Harman Deutschland GmbH

ATT: Open Source, Gregor Krapf-Gunther, Parkring 3

85748 Garching bei Munchen, Germany

or

OpenSourceSupport@Harman.com, if you have further questions regarding the open source software.

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HA JBL Bar 500 OM V8 RU

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