At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere.
That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box,
verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs.
We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.
Features
uMusic System
ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration System
Speaker System
Remote Control
Inputs and Outputs
Features
Integrated System
Design: The Bose Lifestyle 38 Series IV system consists of an
elegantly-designed media center with the new VS-2 video enhancer, the
Direct/Reflecting cube speaker arrays with a horizontal center channel speaker, and
the Acoustimass module.
VS-2 Video Enhancer:
The new VS-2 Video Enhancer provides HDMI connectivity from the Lifestyle
media center. It has three video inputs and one output. Not only will the VS-2
convert any composite, S-Video, or component video input to HDMI, it will also
up-scale all inputs to the highest level the TV can accept, up to 1080p. The VS-2 is Simplay HD certified to ensure compatibility between devices from different manufacturers. The
VS-2 can be placed on a shelf or cabinet top, or wall-mounted using the two
provided keyhole slots. Dimensions: Length: 15-11/16", Width: 4-3/4", Height:
1-5/8".
Media Center: The
media center includes an AM/FM tuner and an integrated progressive scan DVD
player which can also play CDs,
CD-R/RWs, DVDs, DVD-R/RWs, Video CDs and MP3 CDs. The media center also includes
the proprietary uMusic intelligent playback
system that digitally stores up to 200 hours of music. The media center can be
controlled by the supplied
universal RF remote.
Disc Compatibility:
The media center's DVD player will play the following discs:
- Video DVDs (including those with
DTS or Dolby Digital)
- DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW,
DVD+RW
- Video CDs
- Audio CDs (including
those with DTS)
- CD-R, CD-RW, or
CD-ROM
- MP3 CDS (all tracks
burned in a single/closed session, use of ISO9660 disc format, each file
named with an".mp3" extension and no other periods, file tags no higher than
ID3 (ID3v2))
- SACD (if content is
CD-compatible)
Surround Sound
Decoding: The Media Center has built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoders. For
analog sources, Bose's Videostage 5 decoding circuitry (see below) is included.
Videostage 5 Decoding
Circuitry: The
Bose Videostage 5 decoding circuitry allows you to hear home theater surround
sound from practically everything you listen to, including VHS tapes, stereo CDs, even
mono TV programs.
Bose Link: Using
optional Bose components, you can enjoy the same source at the same time in 14
different rooms, or two different sources at the same time in 14 different
rooms. With the Bose link technology, you can have independent volume control in
each room. The optional Bose link A cable is used to connect the system to a Bose
SA-2 or SA-3 amplifier. The optional Bose link B cable allows you to connect a
Bose 3-2-1 Series II system, the Lifestyle RoomMate powered speakers, or a Bose Wave radio/CD II. This technology can also
be enabled without any room-to-room wiring with the purchase of the Bose link
AL8 homewide wireless audio link.
On-Screen
Settings Menu: The
on-screen settings menu allows for simple and efficient system control.
Audio Settings:
You can adjust the following audio settings:
-
Bass Compensation:
You can adjust the bass between -14 and +14, or from -9 to +6 following
ADAPTiQ calibration.
-
Treble
Compensation: You can
adjust the treble between -14 and +14, or from -9 to +6 following ADAPTiQ
calibration.
-
Audio Processing:
Standard Bose processing applies.
-
Movie EQ: automatically sets bass and treble compensation for the proper playback of
movie sound tracks
-
Range Compression:
range compression automatically adjusts the volume to allow you to hear soft
sounds and to prevent you from being overwhelmed by a loud special effect,
such as an explosion
-
Mono Decoding:
automatically engages Bose Videostage decoding when a Dolby Digital
bit stream indicates that it contains a mono program
-
Input Levels:
You can set the input levels to -6, -3, Normal, +3 or +6 for the following
sources:
-
TV Analog Input
-
TV Digital Input
-
VCR Analog Input
-
VCR Digital Input
-
CBL/SAT Analog
Input
-
CBL/SAT Digital
Input
-
AUX Analog Input
-
AUX Digital Input
-
ADAPTiQ: You
can turn on or off, or erase previous ADAPTiQ settings.
-
Expansion
Protocol: You can select Bose link to communicate with Bose
link-compatible products in other rooms or select Legacy to communicate with
Bose legacy products, such as Wave radios or Wave radio/CDs which pre-date
Bose link compatibility.
-
CBL/SAT/VCR Audio:
You can select Bose 5.1 if you want to hear the audio in Bose 5.1
surround, or TV Stereo if you want to hear the audio on the TV's speakers.
(This option is available only if the TV-to-VS-2 connection is HDMI.)
2-3-5 Speakers:
This feature allows you determine the number of speakers you want playing along
with the Acoustimass module.
-
2 Speakers: front left and right speakers
-
3 Speakers:
front left and right plus center channel speaker
-
5 Speakers: all
speakers playing
Video Black Level:
This function adjusts the screen black level depending on your television. You
can select between Normal or Extended.
TV On/Off Sensor: The TV on/off
sensor works with the system to automatically turn on the TV, as needed, when
a video source is selected. The TV sensor plugs into the back of the media
center and then mounts to the back of your TV with the supplied Velcro strips.
Note: Front Projectors with
a separate screen may not work with the sensor.
Multi-Angle Display:
This function allows you to choose the viewing angle of scenes that were shot
from a number of different angles.
Note: This
function is limited to DVDs recorded with multiple camera angles.
Parental Control: This system allows you
to set playback restrictions for DVDs using Parental Control. Parental Control
allows you to restrict playback according to a predetermined level. You can
select a Parental Control rating from 0-8, which is protected by a 4-digit
password.
Station Presets:
The built-in tuner allows you to store up to 20 AM and 20 FM stations. Once a
station is stored in memory, you can select it using the remote control or the
on-screen settings menu.
Sleep Timer: The
sleep timer turns the system off after a set period of time. You can adjust the
sleep timer from 10 to 90 minutes in 10-minute increments.
Display Brightness: The display
on the Media Center can be adjusted to one of seven brightness levels.
Selectable Video Format: The
system can output video in NTSC or PAL format.
TV Aspect Ratio: You can select
the screen size between Normal (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9) depending on your TV's
aspect ratio.
16:9 Reformat:
This feature, when activated, reformats Widescreen DVD videos to fit a 4:3 TV screen
automatically.
Headphone: For private
listening, you can connect headphones to the jack, which is located on the right
side of the media center.
Note: Connecting headphone
mutes all main room speakers.
uMusic System
uMusic Intelligent Playback System:
The proprietary uMusic Intelligent Playback System digitally stores up to 200 hours of music in the media center,
freeing you from managing a cumbersome CD collection. As it stores and processes
the tracks from your CDs, this system draws information about the tracks from
internal music databases. This data includes the name of each track, performing
artist, style of music (genre), and other meaningful information that helps
characterize the music you enjoy. The uMusic system actually
listens to your music and learns your preferences to select tracks based on what
you like.
Storing Music: Storing music in the media center simply
involves inserting a CD and hitting the Store button. While storing a CD, you
can listen to the AM or FM radio tuner, other CD tracks that are already stored,
or other sources connected to the system (an analog connection is required). You
cannot listen to the CD that is being stored, or watch a DVD using the media
center disc tray.
Note: The system is designed to store the
tracks of regular CDs only. It will not store MP3 tracks or the contents
of DVDs. Storing a CD takes approximately 5 minutes.
Presets: The uMusic system provides Presets 1 to 9
to provide each member of your household a private space for
their personal listening preferences. By using an exclusive preset, each
listener helps this intelligent system distinguish their individual reactions to
what it plays.
Playback Options: When playing music stored in the
uMusic system, you have access to the following playback options:
- uMusic: selects the uMusic intelligent playback
system mode for the stored source and overrides any previously selected
modes
- Library: lets you browse
the entire library of stored music by genre, artist, album, or track.
- Rating +/-: allows you to apply a negative (-) or
positive (+) rating to the stored music playing. With a negative rating, the
system logs your negative response and moves to another track immediately.
With a positive rating, the system logs your response as positive and
continues playing the track. You are likely to hear more music from that
artist and album sooner than some others.
- Encore: queues up and plays stored music that most
closely matches the style of the current track
- CD#: plays the tracks from a specific CD when it
is pressed just before pressing the number keys for that stored CD
- Playlist: plays all the tracks, if any, assigned
to a playlist; can be used with additional play mode options, like Encore
- Whole CD: skips from the track most recently
playing to the first track on the CD of origin and plays that CD from
beginning to end
ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration
System
Overview: The Bose ADAPTiQ Audio Calibration System customizes the Lifestyle system to the
size and shape of the room and the position of the listeners/viewers in the
room. It contains a special headset that contains microphones instead of
speakers and two audio calibration discs. Once the Lifestyle system has been
properly connected, it will take about 20 minutes to complete the process. The
calibration process consists of generating and analyzing sounds through the
Lifestyle system, then allowing the software to self-adjust the system's
parameters to give you optimum performance for your room and approximate seating
positions.
Headset: The special headset supplied with the
ADAPTiQ system has no speakers, but special microphones designed to be worn
above the ears. It enables you to take acoustic measurements in your room during
the custom equalization process. The headset has an adjustable headband
(7.5"-9.5") and a 30' cord terminating in a pair of stereo male RCA plugs. These
plug into the left and right AUX input on the rear panel of the Lifestyle
system.
Setup Discs: The ADAPTiQ system contains two setup
discs. Disc 1 verifies that your system's speakers are connected correctly and
ensures complete performance from your Lifestyle system. Disc 2 leads you
through the audio calibration process, which tailors the sound of your Lifestyle
system for the acoustics of your listening area.
Future Applications: Moving your Lifestyle
38 Series IV system to
another room, or significantly changing the arrangement of the existing room
(relocate seating, furniture, speakers or the Acoustimass module) will change
the acoustic environment of the listening area. When that occurs, you can repeat
the process to customize the system for the new environment.
Speaker System
Speaker System
Components: The Lifestyle 38 Series IV comes with a powerful six-piece
speaker system which consists of the Acoustimass bass module, four
Direct/Reflecting Cube speaker arrays, and a horizontal center channel speaker.
Acoustimass Module:
The innovative Bose Acoustimass bass module works in concert with the small
speakers to deliver the full range sound. The module delivers clear
low-frequency sounds, even at the loudest levels. You can easily hide the module
behind a curtain or chair without sacrificing sound quality. Even with the bass
module hidden, all of the sound seems to come from the small cube speakers. The Acoustimass bass module is equipped with two 5-1/4" high-excursion paper cone woofers, each with foam surrounds.
Direct/Reflecting Cube Array Speakers:
These cube speakers feature revolutionary Direct/Reflecting speaker technology
to create an exceptionally wide soundstage in the listening area. Each speaker array has dual 2-1/2" "Twiddler" drivers. The speakers
swivel left to right allowing you to reflect sound off your room's walls, as
well as project it directly into the room. They provide a surround
sound experience similar to what you'd get in a movie theater. Each speaker has
a single 5mm threaded insert for optional Bose or universal wall brackets or
stands.
Horizontal Center Channel
Speaker: The horizontal center channel speaker delivers natural sounding
dialog and vocals, while visually complimenting your flat panel TV screen. It
utilizes the same 2-1/2" "Twiddler" drivers found in the dual cube speakers. The speaker has
a single 5mm threaded insert for optional Bose or universal wall brackets or
stands.
Remote Control
Multibrand RF Remote:
The remote is pre-programmed to control this system and certain functions on
other brands of TVs, VCRs, and cable/satellite receivers. In addition, the
remote emits a powerful RF (radio frequency) signal, allowing you to operate
your system from another room. The remote has a range of approximately 65 feet.
Control Integration: The Media
Center and universal radio frequency (RF) remote combine to provide complete
system control. A radio frequency receiver is built into the Media Center for
exclusive communication with the Bose remote. The infrared (IR) control system
includes an infrared receiver and an infrared transmitter, allowing the Media
Center to retransmit operating commands from the radio frequency Bose remote to
the infrared-based video components, such as a TV or cable box.
IR Emitter Cable: If a
component does not respond to the Lifestyle system remote control commands, the
IR signals may not be reaching it. The supplied IR emitter can be connected to establish
a solid, stronger response.
Remote Control Switch Settings:
Each Lifestyle remote control uses a house code that corresponds to the house
code set by the media center, enabling the two to communicate. If another
Lifestyle system nearby creates a conflict with your system, you can set a new
house code in the media center and remote. The procedure involves generating a
new house code in the media center and changing the DIP switches in the remote
to correspond to the new media center code.
Inputs and
Outputs
Media Center Rear Panel:
- TV Sensor: minijack for
use with supplied TV on/off sensor
- IR Emitter: minijack for
use with supplied IR emitter
- Serial Data: minijack for
use with supplied VS-2 cable
- DC Power: DC jack for use
with system power supply (connects to VS-2 cable)
- Speakers:
- Main: 8-pin jack that connects to the
Acoustimass module using the supplied audio input cable
- Bose Link:
8-pin jack that allows you to connect optional Bose components
- AM Antenna: female mono
sub-mini
- FM Antenna: threaded
75-ohm F-connection
- RC: female mono sub-mini
for use with an optional antenna extender
- Optical Input: standard
Toslink digital input with a plastic cover
- Optical Output: standard
Toslink digital output with a plastic cover
- Audio Output: left and
right RCA audio jacks and a standard coaxial digital jack
- Aux Input: left and right
RCA audio jacks and a standard coaxial digital jack
- CBL/SAT Input: left and
right RCA audio jacks and a standard coaxial digital jack
- VCR
Input: left and right RCA audio jacks and a standard coaxial digital
jack
- TV
Input: left and right RCA audio jacks and a standard coaxial digital
jack
- Video Inputs: RCA
composite video jack and S-video jack
- Video Outputs: RCA
composite video jack and S-video jack (connects to supplied VS-2 cable)
Media Center Right Side:
- Phones: stereo minijack
headphone output
VS-2 Top Panel:
- Video Inputs:
- From AUX: composite,
S-Video, and component video jacks
- From CBL-SAT: HDMI,
composite, S-Video, and component video jacks
- From VCR:
HDMI, composite, S-Video, and
component video jacks
- Video Outputs:
- To TV:
HDMI, composite, S-Video, and
component video jacks
VS-2 Left Side:
- DC Power:
- In: DC jack for use
with system power supply (connects to VS-2 cable)
- Out:
DC jack for use with system power
supply (connects to VS-2 cable)
- Media Center: serial data
connector that connects to VS-2 cable
Acoustimass Module Rear Panel:
- Speaker Outputs: 5 RCA jacks (front left, front right, center, surround left, and surround
right)
- Audio Input: 9-pin
jack that connects to the Media Center using the supplied audio input cable
- AC Power: for use
with supplied AC power cord
Cube Array Speaker and Center
Channel Speaker Terminals: The
4 satellite cube array speakers have a spring loaded clamp connector for
use with the supplied speaker wire (tinned wire end), while the horizontal center channel speaker uses standard spring clip connections for the supplied speaker
wire (tinned wire end).