BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Remote control

Lifestyle RC-38S - Remote control BOSE - Free user manual and instructions

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Product Type Remote Control
Brand Bose
Model Lifestyle RC-38S
Compatible Systems Bose Lifestyle Home Theater Systems
Communication Technology Infrared (IR)
Dimensions (approx.) 6.7 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches (170 x 48 x 22 mm)
Weight (approx.) 5.6 oz (158 g) including batteries
Power Source 2 x AAA batteries (not included)
Battery Life Approximately 6 months with typical use
Key Functions Power, Volume, Mute, Source Selection, System Control, Navigation
Additional Buttons Menu, Guide, Info, Settings, Numeric Keypad
Backlight Yes, illuminated buttons for ease of use in dark
Learning Capability Can learn commands from other remotes
Programming Method Auto-search or manual code entry
Material High-impact plastic with soft-touch coating
Cleaning Wipe with a soft, dry cloth
Safety Precautions Do not expose to moisture or extreme temperatures
Replacement Parts Batteries, original remote available from Bose
Repairability Intended for professional service; user-replaceable batteries
Warranty 1 year limited warranty (check local regulations)
Country of Origin China (typical for Bose components)

Frequently Asked Questions - Lifestyle RC-38S BOSE

How do I pair the Bose Lifestyle RC-38S remote with my system?
The RC-38S usually works out of the box with compatible Bose Lifestyle systems. If not, try pressing and holding the System button until the LED flashes, then follow on-screen prompts or refer to the manual for specific pairing codes.
What batteries does the RC-38S remote use?
The remote uses two AAA batteries (not included). Replace them when the remote becomes unresponsive or the LED is dim.
How do I program the remote to control other devices like my TV?
Use the Learn function: Place the original remote head-to-head with the RC-38S, press and hold the desired button on the RC-38S until it blinks, then press the corresponding button on the original remote. Repeat for each button.
Why is my remote not working?
First, check batteries and ensure they are inserted correctly. Clean the IR emitter lens and try again. If still not working, reset the remote by removing batteries for 30 seconds. If issues persist, the remote may need repair or replacement.
Can I use the RC-38S with non-Bose devices?
Yes, the RC-38S is a learning remote that can be programmed to control most IR-controlled devices like TVs, DVD players, and cable boxes, provided the original remote is available.
How do I reset the remote to factory settings?
Press and hold the Mute and Volume Up buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly. This clears all learned commands and returns to default settings.
Is the remote backlit?
Yes, the RC-38S features illuminated buttons that light up when you press any key, making it easy to use in dimly lit rooms.
What is the range of the remote?
The infrared (IR) range is typically up to 30 feet (9 meters) in a direct line of sight, but may vary depending on obstacles and ambient light.
Can I replace the remote if lost or damaged?
Yes, replacement remotes are available from Bose Customer Support or authorized dealers. You may also find used remotes online. Ensure the replacement is the exact model RC-38S for compatibility.
How do I clean the remote?
Turn off the remote and remove batteries. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use water, cleaners, or abrasives as they may damage the surface.

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USER MANUAL Lifestyle RC-38S BOSE

Owner's Guide and Bose® Link

Expansion Overview

Thank you for choosing the RC-38S remote

As the owner of a Bose ^® LIFESTYLE ^® RC-38S remote control, you can enjoy a wide variety of new options with your LIFESTYLE ^® DVD home entertainment system.

This remote is one of many Bose ^® link compatible products designed to work with the LIFESTYLE ^® 38 or 48 systems. Built-in compatibility makes this additional remote useful in any area of your home...wherever you want to hear Bose quality sound from your system!

Where to use this expansion remote

Using the RC-38S remote in another room, you can turn your LIFESTYLE ^® system on and tune in audio from the the media center located in the main room. You can even select a different sound source, changing from CD to FM radio, or access the uMusic ^™ intelligent playback system.

The remote works with:

  • B o s® link compatible powered speakers
  • B o s® link amplifiers with passive speakers
  • Certain other stereo amplifiers.

By using one of the expansion room solutions above, you can enjoy LIFESTYLE® system sound in another area of your house. Depending on which expansion product you choose, you may be able to connect a local sound source in that expansion room to further extend your choice of audio. You may then use the RC-38S remote to access all connected sources, regardless of where they're located.

Engineered to emit radio frequency signals that work through walls and floors, the RC-38S can command sound from different floors of your residence, too.

How it differs from your primary remote

The RC-38S remote works as a complement to the primary remote that came with your LIFESTYLE® system. This additional remote provides the control you need to listen to your system in other areas of your house.

Note: Unauthorized modification of the receiver or radio remote control could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

Where to find ...

Introduction 2

Thank you for choosing the RC-38S remote 2

Where to use this expansion remote 2

How it differs from your primary remote 2

Deciding Where and How 4

Setting up your expansion products 4

To get an additional room of sound 4

With a Bose SA-2 or SA-3 amplifier and speakers: ..... 4

With a 3•2•1 or 3•2•1 GS Series II system ..... 5

With older Bose ^® products for expansion ..... 6

To add more rooms of sound 6

Preparing the Remote 7

Getting the remote ready to use 7

To install batteries 7

What each button does 8

System ON, OFF, silenced 8

Select the source 8

Select an audio program 9

Select a play mode 9

Confirm and return 10

uMusic™ intelligent playback system 10

Audio Possibilities 11

Using the remote to control other audio 11

Two streams, two choices for you 11

Main room requirements 11

Other room and stream scenarios 11

How to make it happen 13

Code Switch Setting 14

Some simple rules to keep it all straight 14

Additional legacy product rules 15

Make sure the house code settings match 16

How to change the settings, as needed 17

First check the house code setting (switches 1-4) ..... 17

To receive the same audio stream as the main room ..... 17

To set your RC-38S remote for other room use (switches 6-9) 17

Keep the room codes consistent 18

Now for the rewards 18

Reference 19

Technical information 19

Troubleshooting 20

Log for remote switch settings and products 21

Setting up your expansion products

If you have purchased other Bose ^® link compatible products, you can pair them to work seamlessly with your new remote. This allows you to command sound from your LIFESTYLE ^® system in an entirely different part of your home.

To get an additional room of sound

It takes only a few steps to set up one additional room of sound with Bose products. With batteries installed in the RC-38S remote, you can use it to control these additional products.

With a Bose SA-2 or SA-3 amplifier and speakers:

  1. Arrange and connect the speakers and amplifier as instructed in the amplifier owner's guide. (A Bose® link 'A' cable is supplied with the amplifier only.)
  2. Check the room setting on the amplifier, as instructed in the owner's guide that came with it. This setting must be different from the main room remote.
  3. Check the switch settings inside the battery compartment of the RC-38S remote. These include:

  4. House code (switches 1-4): Must match the main room remote control house code setting.

  5. Audio stream (switch 5): May be set like that of the main room remote or be set to receive a different audio stream instead. Set switch 5 in the RC-38S accordingly.
  6. Room setting (switches 6-9): These must be different from the main room remote and identical to the room settings in the amplifier.

Note: Your RC-38S remote and the SA-2 or SA-3 amplifier switches are set at the factory with identical house codes, with switch 5 set to command audio stream 2, and with room switches set for use in Room B.

  1. If your amplifier and remote switches do not match, refer to "How to change the settings, as needed" on page 17.

With a 3·2·1 or 3·2·1 GS Series II system

The 3•2•1 Series II and 3•2•1 GS Series II DVD home entertainment systems are also Bose® link compatible products designed to work with your LIFESTYLE® system.

This gives you the choice of listening to any of the 3•2•1 system sound sources or to audio stream 1 or 2 of the LIFESTYLE® system. All it requires is that the two systems be connected.

This connection requires use of a Bose® link ‘B’ cable. If you do not yet own one, you can purchase this cable by requesting Part Number 273619 from your authorized Bose dealer. Or, to contact Bose directly, refer to the address list included in the carton with your system.

This cable connects to the rear panel of both the 3•2•1 and LIFESTYLE® system media centers as shown (Figure 1). Use the Bose® link jack for this connection.

Figure 1

Connecting 3•2•1 (or 3•2•1 GS) Series II and LIFESTYLE® media centers

LIFESTYLE® 38 or 48 media center Bose® link jack Bose® link B cable Bose® link jack 3•2•1 (or 3•2•1 GS) Series II media center

When the connections are completed, you can operate either system using the RC-38S remote.

By pressing the Local button, you tell the remote to control your 3•2•1 system. For access to the more advanced features of the 3•2•1 system, however, be sure to use the remote that came with it.

With older Bose ^® products for expansion

Some other Bose ^® products, which you may already own, can also connect to your LIFESTYLE ^® system. However, if the product you add is not Bose ^® link compatible, you are limited to expanding your system to one additional room.

How you make this connection will depend on the type of product you have. It could be:

  • powered speakers, such as an Acoustimass® 5 powered speaker system
  • an earlier system, such as a 3•2•1 Series I system, a Wave® radio or Wave® radio/CD
  • indoor or outdoor speakers connected to a Bose SA-1 amplifier

For details, refer to “Some simple rules to keep it all straight” on page 14.

For more information on compatibility and cables, please contact Bose. Refer to the address list provided with your LIFESTYLE® system.

To add more rooms of sound

To set up Bose ^® link products in multiple rooms, you can connect Bose SA-2 and SA-3 amplifiers in a daisy-chain arrangement. To include more than one non-amplifier solution, such as a 3•2•1 or Wave ^® product, you need the 50-foot Extension/Expansion cable from Bose. This cable connects to the Bose ^® link jack on your system media center, or to the pass-through jack on the last connected amplifier. Then, at the other end, its 4-jack connector allows you to connect more products.

To purchase the Extension/Expansion cable from your authorized Bose dealer, ask for Part Number 275475-050. Or, to contact Bose directly, refer to the address list provided with your LIFESTYLE® system.

Getting the remote ready to use

You can use your RC-38S remote control as soon as the batteries are installed. It is pre-set at the factory for use outside the main room where your LIFESTYLE® system is located, in an area where another Bose® system or speaker pair is set up.

Or, you can use it as a secondary remote in the same room with the LIFESTYLE® system instead. To learn how to set switches inside the battery compartment for that purpose, refer to “How to change the settings, as needed” on page 17.

To install batteries

  1. Slide the battery cover off the back of the remote.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - To install batteries - 1

Note: You may notice the small switches just above the batteries inside the compartment. These are the house code, stream selection, and room code switches, explained on page 12.

  1. As you install the four supplied batteries, match the polarity markings (+ and -) on each one to markings inside the battery compartment (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Polarity marked on the batteries

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - To install batteries - 2

natural_image 3D rendering of a mechanical component with cylindrical pins and mounting bracket (no text or symbols)
  1. Slide the battery cover back into place until it snaps closed.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - To install batteries - 3

Note: If you notice a decrease in the range or response of the RC-38S remote control, the batteries may need to be changed.

What each button does

Styled after the primary remote, which is packed with the media center, the RC-38S remote has similar buttons.

System ON, OFF, silenced

BOSE Cr Off Multi AI Multi Stored CD-CVD FM-AM AUX Local TV CBL-SAT VCR Track Chapter Reset Channel + - Volume ■ ■ ■ Seek ► Shuffle Repeat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Enter 0 Last uMusic - + Rating Encore CD # Playlist Whole CD

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - System ON, OFF, silenced - 2

Turns the system on and off. Selects the source last used.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - System ON, OFF, silenced - 3

Mutes the volume for all connected speakers (main and in other rooms).

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - System ON, OFF, silenced - 4

Mutes or unmutes the volume in the current room.

Select the source

Local

Selects the audio source located in the room where the remote is designated for use. Also switches between the local source inputs.

TV

Turns the system on and selects the source connected to the TV input on the media center.

CBL·SAT

Turns the system on and selects the source connected to the CBL/SAT input on the media center.

VCR

Turns the system on and selects the source connected to the VCR input on the media center.

Stored

Turns the system on and selects the uMusic™ intelligent playback system mode of stored CD play. Overrides other stored CD modes.

CD·DVD

Turns the system on and selects the built-in disc player as source.

FM·AM

Turns the system on and selects the built-in FM/AM radio tuner set to the station last selected. Switches between FM and AM when the radio is on.

AUX

Turns the system on and selects an AUX source connected to the media center.

Select an audio program

BOSE On GH Multi All Multi Stored CD-DVD FM-AM AUX Local TV CBL-SAT VCR Track Chapter Preset Channel + - Volume ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Enter 0 Last 0 SuRide uMusic - + Rating Encore CD # Play Int Whole CD

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Select an audio program - 2

Seek backward or forward to the next strong radio station.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Select an audio program - 3

Skip backward or forward to the next CD track, DVD chapter, radio preset, or TV channel.

① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑨ ①

Select a CD track, DVD chapter, radio station, or TV channel that corresponds to the numbers pressed.

Select a play mode

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Select a play mode - 1

Starts the disc player.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Select a play mode - 2

Pauses the disc player.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Select a play mode - 3

Stops the disc player.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Select a play mode - 4

Plays CD tracks out of order. Press Shuffle again to cancel this mode.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Select a play mode - 5

Repeats a whole CD or track, DVD chapter, or DVD title. Press Repeat again to cancel the repeat mode.

Confirm and return

BOSE On Off Made At Made Stored CD-OVD FM-AM AUX Local TV CSL-BAT VCR Track Chapter Preset Channel + - Volume ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ uMusic - + Rating Encore CD # Playlist Whole CD

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Confirm and return - 2

Confirms the channel selection on certain TVs.

Returns to the previous TV channel (if the TV supports this feature).

uMusic™ intelligent playback system

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - uMusic™ intelligent playback system - 1

Selects the uMusic intelligent playback system mode of stored CD play.

Overrides other stored CD modes. Available with LIFESTYLE® 38 and 48 systems only.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - uMusic™ intelligent playback system - 2

Applies a negative (-) or positive (+) rating to the stored music playing.

Immediately moves to a new track if a negative rating is applied. To make sure that your voting is affecting the appropriate preset, press the Stored button, then the number of the desired preset, whenever you listen to the uMusic intelligent playback system.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - uMusic™ intelligent playback system - 3

Queues up and plays stored music that most closely matches the style of the current track.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - uMusic™ intelligent playback system - 4

Plays the tracks from a specific CD when it is pressed just before pressing the number keys for that stored CD.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - uMusic™ intelligent playback system - 5

Plays all the tracks, if any, assigned to a playlist. Can be used with additional play modes, like Encore. To add a Stored track to a playlist, press and hold the Playlist button.

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - uMusic™ intelligent playback system - 6

Skips from the track currently playing to the first track on the CD of origin and plays that CD from beginning to end.

Using the remote to control other audio

Your RC-38S remote is capable of working with other audio components connected to your LIFESTYLE® system media center. While it cannot turn these components on or off, it can change the volume, start or stop play, and control other basic operation. Try it and see.

Note: With a CD changer connected to your LIFESTYLE® system, commands from the RC-38S remote can affect the current CD, but cannot change to another CD.

Two streams, two choices for you

When you set up speakers in another room, you have some choices for what those speakers will play.

Your LIFESTYLE® system provides an exciting set of options for you by offering two independent audio streams. So, even when you are in the other room, you can choose to listen to whatever is playing in the main room, or to another audio source that's part of the system.

Two streams are simply the means to these added choices. They can carry audio from the same source or from two sources, like the CD player and FM tuner, or even two uMusic system presets, at the same time, to a multitude of rooms — up to 15 in all!

So before you use an RC-38S remote control in another room, you can plan how you want the audio assigned.

Main room requirements

To simplify your choices, some LIFESTYLE ^® system assignments are fixed, and do not vary. These include:

  • Stream 1 audio is the only stream available in the main room (Room A) where your LIFESTYLE® system is installed.
  • Room switches in the primary remote control must always be set for use in Room A.

Other room and stream scenarios

It is possible for a total of 15 rooms (A - O) to have Bose ^® link products installed.

Here are some other rooms where the Stream 1 audio might be appreciated, if Room A is your living room:

Audio Stream 1 Listening Area

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Audio Stream 1 Listening Area - 1

flowchart
graph TD
    subgraph_ROOM_A["ROOM A - home theater system"]
        A1["LIVING ROOM"] --> A2["LIFESTYLE® system speakers"]
        A2 --> A3["Media Center"]
        A3 --> A4["Primary remote control"]
        A4 --> A5["Mobile phone"]
        A5 --> A6["Mobile phone"]
        A6 --> A7["Mobile phone"]
        A7 --> A8["Mobile phone"]
        A8 --> A9["Mobile phone"]
        A9 --> A10["Mobile phone"]
        A10 --> A11["Mobile phone"]
        A11 --> A12["Mobile phone"]
        A12 --> A13["Mobile phone"]
        A13 --> A14["Mobile phone"]
        A14 --> A15["Mobile phone"]
        A15 --> A16["Mobile phone"]
        A16 --> A17["Mobile phone"]
        A17 --> A18["Mobile phone"]
        A18 --> A19["Mobile phone"]
        A19 --> A20["Mobile phone"]
        A20 --> A21["Mobile phone"]
        A21 --> A22["Mobile phone"]
        A22 --> A23["Mobile phone"]
        A23 --> A24["Mobile phone"]
        A24 --> A25["Mobile phone"]
        A25 --> A26["Mobile phone"]
        A26 --> A27["Mobile phone"]
        A27 --> A28["Mobile phone"]
        A28 --> A29["Mobile phone"]
        A29 --> A30["Mobile phone"]
        A30 --> A31["Mobile phone"]
        A31 --> A32["Mobile phone"]
        A32 --> A33["Mobile phone"]
        A33 --> A34["Mobile phone"]
        A34 --> A35["Mobile phone"]
        A35 --> A36["Mobile phone"]
        A36 --> A37["Mobile phone"]
        A37 --> A38["Mobile phone"]
        A38 --> A39["Mobile phone"]
        A39 --> A40["Mobile phone"]
        A40 --> A41["Mobile phone"]
        A41 --> A42["Mobile phone"]
        A42 --> A43["Mobile phone"]
        A43 --> A44["Mobile phone"]
        A44 --> A45["Mobile phone"]
        A45 --> A46["Mobile phone"]
        A46 --> A47["Mobile phone"]
        A47 --> A48["Mobile phone"]
        A48 --> A49["Mobile phone"]
        A49 --> A50["Mobile phone"]
        A50 --> A51["Mobile phone"]
        A51 --> A52["Mobile phone"]
        A52 --> A53["Mobile phone"]
        A53 --> A54["Mobile phone"]
        A54 --> A55["Mobile phone"]
        A55 --> A56["Mobile phone"]
        A56 --> A57["Mobile phone"]
        A57 --> A58["Mobile phone"]
        A58 --> A59["Mobile phone"]
        A59 --> A60["Mobile phone"]
        A60 --> A61["Mobile phone"]
        A61 --> A62["Mobile phone"]
        A62 --> A63["Mobile phone"]
        A63 --> A64["Mobile phone"]
        A64 --> A65["Mobile phone"]
        A65 --> A66["Mobile phone"]
        A66 --> A67["Mobile phone"]
        A67 --> A68["Mobile phone"]
        A68 --> A69["Mobile phone"]
        A69 --> A70["Mobile phone"]
        A70 --> A71["Mobile phone"]
        A71 --> A72["Mobile phone"]
        A72 --> A73["Mobile phone"]
        A73 --> A74["Mobile phone"]
        A74 --> A75["Mobile phone"]
        A75 --> A76["Mobile phone"]
        A76 --> A77["Mobile phone"]
        A77 --> A78["Mobile phone"]
        A78 --> A79["Mobile phone"]
        A79 --> A80["Mobile phone"]
        A80 --> A81["Mobile phone"]
        A81 --> A82["Mobile phone"]
        A82 --> A83["Mobile phone"]
        A83 --> A84["Mobile phone"]
        A84 --> A85["Mobile phone"]
        A85 --> A86["Mobile phone"]
        A86 --> A87["Mobile phone"]
        A87 --> A88["Mobile phone"]
        A88 --> A89["Mobile phone"]
        A89 --> A90["Mobile phone"]
    end

    subgraph_ROOM_B["ROOM B - Bose® link amplifier and speakers"]
        B1["DINING ROOM"] --> B2["Installed SA-2 amplifier"]
        B2 --> B3["Bose® linkA cable"]
    end

    subgraph_ROOM_C["ROOM C - installed speakers & amplifier"]
        C1["GUEST BATHROOM"] --> C2["Bose 191 installed speakers"]
    end

    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> MELINDIA
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"]
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> INSTALLEDSA-2amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifiers
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifier
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifier
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifier
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifier
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifier
    LIFESTYLE® system["system speakers"] -- INSTALLED SA-2 amplifier
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> EENTHARY
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> HALWAWAY
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> HALLWAY
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> HALLWAY
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> HALLWAY
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> HALLWAY
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> HALLWAY
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> HALLWAY
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> NICKER
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> NICKER
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> NICKER
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> NICKER
    LIFASTYLE® system["system speakers"] -.-> NICKER

• Dining area, assigned as Room B
• Guest Bathroom, assigned as Room C
• Hallway to the front door, assigned as Room D
In this case, here are some rooms you might want to have receive Stream 2, instead (see “Other room and stream scenarios - 2” on page 19)
- Kitchen, assigned as Room E
- Den next to kitchen, assigned as Room F
• 3-season porch off the kitchen, assigned as Room G
• Area around an outside pool, assigned as Room H

You can assign a Bose ^® link compatible device to rooms B through N. Room O is reserved for non-Bose amplifiers and legacy (older) Bose powered speakers.

For connecting an SA-1 amplifier, see the instructions on page 15.

How to make it happen

First decide which rooms you want to group to receive the same audio stream. Then adjust the room and stream settings, using the small switches inside the RC-38S remote control battery compartment.

For details, refer to “How to change the settings, as needed” on page 17.

Some simple rules to keep it all straight

Whether you use just one or many RC-38S remotes, keep these guidelines in mind.

- Remote controls for other-room use must be set with:

- the same house code as the primary remote.

- a different room code from the primary remote.

- a different room code from every other RC-38S remote, with one exception. If you want to use the RC-38S as an extra main-room remote, it must be set for use in Room A, the same as the primary remote.

- If the RC-38S remote will be used with Bose® link compatible products, such as:

  • with a LIFESTYLE® SA-2 or SA-3 amplifier and passive speakers, the amplifier and remote must be set to the same room code.
  • with a 3•2•1 Series II or 3•2•1 GS Series II system, the remote and system must be set to the same room code.

- If the remote will be used with older Bose® products:

  • with Bose legacy speakers or systems (purchased before 2004), only the remote needs a room code setting. Set it as Room O.
  • with a LIFESTYLE® stereo amplifier (SA-1) the RC-38S must be set to Room B so it matches the amplifier room setting.

Additional legacy product rules

With a few special settings, and operational limitations, legacy Bose (and other brand) products can work with your LIFESTYLE® 38 or 48 DVD home entertainment system. They may pre-date the Bose® link system of multi-room expansion, but older speakers and systems can still benefit from its flexibility for renewed performance.

Please note the special rules that apply below.

- To use a LIFESTYLE® stereo amplifier (SA-1), which is set to receive audio stream 2:

- keep the RC-38S remote set to receive audio stream 2.

- set the Protocol option under the Media Center feature in the System menu to Legacy. Refer to your system Operation Guide for details on making System menu changes.

- T o u s e a Radio, a Wave® radio/CD, Acoustimass® 5 powered speakers, or LIFESTYLE® powered speakers:

- set the RC-38S remote in that expansion room for Room O and to receive audio stream 2.

- if your expansion product includes a remote control (the Wave® radio, for example) set that remote to the maximum volume you want. Then use the RC-38S remote to adjust the volume as needed.

- To use a LIFESTYLE® stereo amplifier (SA-1) or Acoustimass® 5 powered speakers you need a legacy variable speaker adapter (Part Number 278894-103).

Make sure the house code settings match

For all of your secondary remote controls to work, the house code in each must match the one in your primary remote.

The first four switches define the house code and establish which media center the remote can control.

Figure 3

Nine switches inside the battery compartment

House code switches 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

At the factory, RC-38S remotes are set with the same house code as your LIFESTYLE® system. Unless you've changed house codes, you do not need to change these first four switches.

However, in the case of a house code conflict with another nearby LIFESTYLE® system, you can change the house code in the primary remote to resolve the conflict. If you ever use this option, the changed house code must be applied to any expansion remote controls used with this system, too.

At the factory, each RC-38S remote has its remaining switches set:

• To receive audio stream 2 (switch 5)
• To be used in Room B (switches 6-9)

To check the settings in your new remote, remove the battery cover to see the small switches just above the batteries.

How to change the settings, as needed

Use a fine-pointed pen or other small tool to move each switch to its new position.

First check the house code setting (switches 1-4)

Make sure that the first four switches on the left, as you face them, match the house code settings in your primary remote. For more details on these switches, refer to the Operation Guide provided with your system.

To receive the same audio stream as the main room

Switch 5, the middle switch in the row, is set currently to receive audio stream 2, which is different from the stream heard in the main room (A).

To receive audio stream 1 instead, set switch 5 down.

To set your RC-38S remote for other room use (switches 6-9)

Before you change them, the RC-38S room switches are set for its use in Room B (as shown in the table on page 18).

If you use more than one RC-38S remote, each one must have unique room switch settings, to operate independently of the others. It must also match the room settings of any Bose® link amplifiers you will control using the RC-38S in that room.

Keep the room codes consistent

Use one of the codes shown in the chart below for each room where a remote will be used.

You may also use the log on the inside back cover of this guide to note the room and audio stream assignments for multiple rooms and remotes.

Room ON B ON I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ON C ON J 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ON D ON K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ON E ON L 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ON F ON M 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ON G ON N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ON H ON O

Now for the rewards

By following these instructions, you can be sure your new RC-38S remote is set to work with your LIFESTYLE® system. And you can get ready for wide-area Bose® quality audio performance.

Enjoy!

Technical information

Remote control range: 65 ft (20 m)

Size: 9.1"H x 2.2"W x 0.9"D (23 cm x 5.7 cm x 2.4 cm)

Weight: 5.6 oz (160 G)

Battery type: AAA or IEC-LR3 1.5V batteries (4)

Frequency: U.S./Canada: 27.145 MHz

EU/other: 40.685 MHz

RF Field Strength: <80dBμV/m@ 3 meters (average)

Other room and stream scenarios - 2

Audio Stream 2 Listening Area

Bose® 3•2•1 Series II system Room E Bose® link B cable Installed SA-2 amplifier Bose® link A cable Bose 191 installed speakers Room F Bose® link A cable Bose® link Extension- Expansion cable Media center LIFESTYLE® system SA-2 amplifier SA-3 amplifier Room G Room H

BOSE Lifestyle RC-38S - Audio Stream 2 Listening Area - 2

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Troubleshooting

Problem What to do

No sound • Make sure the house code setting of the RC-38S

remote control matches the house code setting of the primary remote.

  • Make sure the remote room code setting is correct.
  • If used in a room where a Bose ^ amplifier is located make sure:

- the remote and amplifier room codes match.

- the indicator on the amplifier is lit to show it is working.

Intermittent response from the LIFESTYLE® system to RC-38S remote commands

  • Check the batteries to see if they need changing.
  • Move the remote to see if the problem is simply caused by “dead spots” in the building.
  • If the above actions do not solve the problem, you may need to obtain a remote control antenna extender cable.
  • To request one from Bose, refer to the address list provided with your system.

Your system turns on or off unexpectedly, or other tuning changes occur when no buttons on the RC-38S remote have been pressed

- Check to see if someone in the main room is using the primary remote control.

- If not, you may be experiencing a control conflict with another LIFESTYLE® system near your home. Changing the house codes in the primary and in the RC-38S remotes should solve this problem.

- Refer to your system Operation Guide for details on when and how to change the house code and get your system to respond to the new code.

Log for remote switch settings and products

Use the table below to list the Bose ^® link products you add, and note which:

• area of your house where you will use the remote
• room code you assign to it
• audio stream you choose to receive in that area.

Floor & LocationRoom CodeAudio StreamRemote TypeProduct in the Room
A1Pr i® systemm
BRC
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O

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Product information

Brand : BOSE

Model : Lifestyle RC-38S

Category : Remote control