JBL BAR 500MK2 Soundbar System
User Manual
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the JBL BAR 500MK2, designed to deliver superior 3D sound for your home entertainment. This manual provides essential information on product setup and usage. For optimal performance, consider updating the product's software via the JBL One app.
JBL One App
The JBL One app enables you to:
- Easily complete product setup.
- Connect music streaming services.
- Discover new music through integrated services.
- Access software updates when available.
- Customize sound settings.
- Access additional features.
Refer to sections "5.3 Connect to Your Home Network" and "7.5 Playback via Your Home Network" for more details.
What's in the Box
Carefully unpack the box and verify that all the following parts are included. If any part is damaged or missing, do not use the unit and contact your dealer or customer service representative.
- Soundbar
- Subwoofer
- Remote control (with 2 AAA batteries)
- Power cable*
- HDMI cable (1.2 m)
- Wall-mounting kit (includes screws and brackets)
- Product information and wall-mounting template
*Power cable specifications and plug type vary by region.
Product Overview
Soundbar
Front and Top Panel:
- 1. Status Indicator: Displays system status (e.g., system booting, software update in progress, factory reset) and network connection status (Wi-Fi connection, Wi-Fi setup mode, network connected, weak Wi-Fi).
- 2. +/- (Volume): Press to increase or decrease volume. Press both simultaneously to mute or unmute. Press and hold both for over 10 seconds to enter Wi-Fi setup mode.
- 3. Microphone: Used for sound calibration.
- 4. Source Button: Powers on the unit. Selects the audio source: TV (default, preferred for TV audio input over Optical), Bluetooth, or HDMI IN. Press and hold for over 3 seconds to enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
- 5. Display: Shows status information.
Rear Panel:
- 1. Power: Connect to power using the supplied power cable.
- 2. USB: For software updates (service only). For USA versions, connect a USB storage device for MP3 playback.
- 3. HDMI / HDMI IN: Connect to the HDMI output of your digital device.
- 4. TV Connectors:
- HDMI / HDMI OUT (TV ARC/TV eARC): Connect to your TV's HDMI ARC / HDMI eARC input.
- OPTICAL: Connect to your TV or digital device's optical output.
Subwoofer
Connection Status Indicator: Shows connection status to the soundbar (solid white: connected; flashing white: pairing mode; pulsing white: re-pairing mode; solid orange: standby mode).
Power Connector: Connect to power using the supplied power cable.
Remote Control
The remote control features buttons for Power, Volume (+/-), Mute, Source selection, Dolby Atmos toggle, Bass level adjustment, and Sound Calibration.
Placement
On a Surface
Place the product on a flat, stable surface. Maintain recommended distances from walls and your listening position for optimal sound performance.
Diagram Description: Illustrates recommended clearances around the soundbar and subwoofer, including distances from walls and the optimal viewing/listening distance.
Wall Mounting
Follow the included template and instructions to mount the soundbar on a wall. Ensure the wall can support the soundbar's weight. Avoid placing it in areas with high temperatures or humidity. Ensure all cables can reach their connections before mounting. Disconnect power before installation to avoid electric shock.
Diagram Description: Shows the steps for wall mounting, including using a template to mark positions, drilling holes, attaching brackets, and securing the soundbar.
Connections
Connecting to TV and Digital Devices
To play audio through the soundbar, connect it to your TV using an HDMI or optical cable (sold separately). HDMI connection is recommended for digital audio and video transmission.
Note: If both HDMI and optical cables are connected, HDMI has priority. Full compatibility with all HDMI-CEC devices is not guaranteed.
TV (HDMI eARC)
Recommended for the best Dolby Atmos experience. Connect the soundbar's HDMI OUT (eARC) to your TV's HDMI IN (eARC) port. Ensure HDMI-CEC and HDMI eARC are enabled on your TV. Connect your TV to a digital device (e.g., streaming device, set-top box, Blu-ray player) via HDMI. Set your digital device's audio output to "Bitstream" or "Raw data" for optimal Dolby Atmos.
Diagram Description: Shows connection from TV HDMI eARC to Soundbar HDMI OUT, and from a digital device to TV HDMI IN.
TV (HDMI ARC)
Connect the soundbar's HDMI OUT (ARC) to your TV's HDMI IN (ARC) port. Ensure HDMI-CEC and HDMI ARC are enabled on your TV. Connect your digital device to the soundbar's HDMI IN port.
Note: If your TV does not support HDMI eARC, connect your digital device via the soundbar's HDMI IN port instead of the TV to ensure Dolby Atmos information is transmitted.
Diagram Description: Similar to eARC, showing connection via HDMI ARC.
Optical
Connect the soundbar's OPTICAL port to your TV's optical audio output using an optical cable. For audio playback via optical cable, select the TV source.
Diagram Description: Shows connection from TV OPTICAL OUT to Soundbar OPTICAL IN.
Connecting to Your Bluetooth Device
Pair your soundbar with Bluetooth devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops for wireless audio streaming. Select the Bluetooth source on the soundbar or remote, and pair your device.
Diagram Description: Illustrates the Bluetooth pairing process, showing the soundbar's Bluetooth name and connection status on a mobile device.
Connect to Your Home Network
Use the JBL One app to connect the soundbar to your home Wi-Fi network. This allows streaming audio from services like Google Cast, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect.
To set up Wi-Fi: Initiate Wi-Fi setup mode on the soundbar and follow the instructions in the JBL One app to connect to your network.
Diagram Description: Shows the Wi-Fi setup process using the JBL One app, including connecting the soundbar to a home network.
Setup
Connect to Power
Connect the power cable to the soundbar and subwoofer, then plug into a power outlet. The soundbar will display "LOAD" followed by "HELLO". The subwoofer will automatically connect to the soundbar and its indicator will turn solid white.
3D Surround Sound
Sound Calibration
Optimize your 3D surround sound experience by calibrating the system to your room's acoustics. Use the remote control to initiate calibration; the soundbar will display "CALIBRATION" and guide you through the process.
Diagram Description: Shows the remote control buttons for calibration and the soundbar display messages during the process (CALIBRATION, PRESS AGAIN TO CONFIRM, CALIBRATING, DONE).
Dolby Atmos
Enjoy height effects when playing content from TV or HDMI IN sources. Use the remote control to toggle Dolby Atmos ON or OFF.
Note: Dolby Atmos effects apply only to Dolby Atmos content.
Diagram Description: Shows the remote control buttons to turn Dolby Atmos ON or OFF.
Bass Adjustment
Adjust the bass level to your preference using the remote control. Levels range from LVL1 to LVL5.
Diagram Description: Shows the remote control buttons for bass adjustment (LVL1-LVL5).
Playback
Playback from TV Source
After connecting the soundbar, enjoy TV audio. Ensure your TV is configured for external speakers and its internal speakers are muted. Select the TV source on the soundbar. The soundbar can automatically turn on with your TV if HDMI ARC/eARC is used and HDMI-CEC is enabled on the TV.
Playback from HDMI IN
When connected as shown, your digital device can play video on the TV and audio through the soundbar. Ensure your digital device is powered on; both the TV and soundbar will wake from standby and switch to the correct input.
Playback from Bluetooth
Stream audio wirelessly from your Bluetooth-enabled device to the soundbar. Select the Bluetooth source and pair your device.
Playback via Home Network
Stream audio from your smartphone or tablet to the soundbar using supported services like Google Cast, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect via the JBL One app. Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the soundbar.
Google Cast
Use the Google Home app to group speakers and stream music. Start playback in a Google Cast-enabled app and select the grouped speakers.
AirPlay
Stream audio from your iOS device to the soundbar using AirPlay. Access the Control Center on your iOS device, select the soundbar, and start audio playback from your app.
JBL One App Playback
Stream music from enabled music services directly to the soundbar via the JBL One app.
Multi-room Playback
Synchronize audio playback across multiple rooms by grouping soundbars using Google Cast or AirPlay.
Advanced Use
Sound Settings (Sound Sync)
Synchronize audio and video to ensure no lip-sync delay. Adjust the audio delay using the remote control or the JBL One app.
Restore Factory Settings
To restore factory settings, press and hold specific buttons on the soundbar as indicated in the manual.
Software Update
Connect the soundbar to your home network for automatic software updates. The soundbar will display "WAIT" during the update and "DONE" upon completion.
Reconnecting the Subwoofer
The soundbar and subwoofer are pre-paired. If connection is lost, follow the instructions to re-enter pairing mode on both the subwoofer and the soundbar.
Technical Specifications
- Model: JBL BAR 500MK2
- Total Output Power: 750W
- Connectivity: HDMI (eARC/ARC), Optical, Bluetooth v5.3, Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision
- Dimensions (Soundbar): 940 x 50.5 x 104 mm (37" x 2.0" x 4.1")
- Dimensions (Subwoofer): 325 x 400 x 325 mm (12.8" x 15.7" x 12.8")
- Weight (Soundbar): 2.9 kg (6.5 lbs)
- Weight (Subwoofer): 8.1 kg (17.8 lbs)
Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions for common issues such as the device not powering on, no sound output, poor Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi connection problems, AirPlay detection issues, audio/video sync discrepancies, and remote control malfunctions. Refer to the detailed steps in the manual for each problem.
Trademarks
This product incorporates trademarks and logos from Bluetooth®, HDMI, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™, Spotify, Roon Ready, Samsung SmartThings, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Google, and Apple AirPlay. For Spotify, visit spotify.com/connect for remote control instructions.
Open Source Software License Notice
This product contains open-source software licensed under the GPL. Source code and related instructions are available at the provided URL.
