polk DBRX1 38-Inch Cinema Sound Bar Manual

DBRX1
SOUND BAR
Quick Start Guide

Thank you for your Polk sound bar purchase! If you have a question or comment, please feel free to call or email us.

Technical Assistance
www.polkaudio.com
Visit our support page and FAQs at https://polk.custhelp.com/ for assistance.
Call Polk Customer Service at 800-377-POLK(7655)

Polk Audio is a DEI Holdings, Inc. company. Polk Audio and Polk are registered trademarks of Polk Audio, LLC. All other trademarks, product names, logos, and brands referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

What’s in the Box

Position your sound bar
Place the soundbar centered under the TV and flush with the front edge of the cabinet.
It is best if you do not install the sound bar inside of a cabinet.

Connect the TV

HDMI ARC (Recommended)

Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI ARC port on the soundbar.
Insert the other end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port labeled “HDMI ARC” on the TV.

Optical

Insert one end of the optical cable into the OPTICAL port on the soundbar.
Insert the other end of the cable into the optical port on the TV.

Note: HDMI is the preferred input; however, if the TV does not have an HDMI or Optical output, use the included analog cable to connect the sound bar to the TV.

Connect the power

Connect the power cord to the POWER port on the back of the soundbar.
Connect the other end of the power cord to an AC power outlet.

Set up the remote

Turn the remote to view the back.
Open the back cover of the remote by sliding the bottom half downward.
Insert the two AAA batteries into the remote and replace the cover.

Verify the connections

Turn on the TV.
Turn on the satellite receiver or other video source.
Make sure the soundbar is powered on (green status light on front).
Select the satellite receiver input on the TV.
Verify that you hear sound from the sound bar by adjusting the volume using the sound bar remote. If you do not hear the sound, refer to the Tips and Troubleshooting section.
Toggle the mute button on the remote to verify that the mute command is operational.

Note: To hear the built-in demo sound, press and hold the TV and VOL+ buttons for 4 seconds. Press TV again to stop.

Remote control features

Sound modes
The Polk DBRX1 has been designed to automatically optimize sound for TV, movies, and music.
Polk engineers have also created Voice Adjust® and Night Mode to further enhance your listening experience and provide a way to further customize your television sound.

Voice Adjust
Turn on Voice Adjust to make it easier to hear the dialogue, whether you’re watching sports, news, movies, or television shows, without having to blast the volume.

Night Mode
Turn on Night Mode to optimize the sound for quieter nighttime listening.
Note: Refer to Status Lights on page 13 to learn how to identify if Night Mode or Voice Adjust is currently activated on your sound bar.

Top panel controls

Power: Turns the sound bar on/off.
TV input: Selects the TV input connection (HDMI or optical)
Analog input: Selects the analog input connection.
Bluetooth input: Selects the Bluetooth input.
Voice Adjust: Activates the Voice Adjust feature for clear dialogue.
Volume up and down buttons: Control the volume of the soundbar.

Back panel ports

Wireless adapter port: Accepts the wireless adapter for the optional wireless subwoofer and surround speakers.
Connect button: Used to pair the optional wireless subwoofer and surround speakers to the sound bar.
Analog audio in: Connects to your TV’s analog output when HDMI and optical are not available.
HDMI (ARC): Connects to your TV’s HDMI (ARC) output.
Optical audio in: Connects to your TV’s optical output.
USB: Used for software updates.
Power: Connects to an AC power source.

Status lights
The status of the sound bar is provided by an array of seven multicolored LEDs located on the top front of the soundbar.

Function	Light Pattern
Power On
Power Off
Volume Min
Volume Max
TV Input (Dolby Digital)
TV Input (PCM)
Analog Input
Bluetooth
Night Mode On
Night Mode Off
Voice Adjust On
Voice Adjust Off
Bass/Surround Level 0 (min)
Bass/Surround Level 6 (max)

Listening to music using Bluetooth
To pair your mobile device using Bluetooth, press the Bluetooth button on the sound bar or remote control.
The blue status light located in front of the Bluetooth button will slowly pulse as the sound bar enters pairing mode and waits to connect to your Bluetooth device.

Go to the Bluetooth settings on your mobile device and select “Polk Sound Bar”. The status light will turn solid blue when your mobile device is connected to the soundbar.

Open your favorite music app on your mobile device, and when you tap the Play button sound will play from the soundbar.

Controlling the sound bar using your dish remote

HDMI connection
If you are connected to the TV using the HDMI cable, make sure HDMI CEC is enabled in the TV menus.
Here is a list of the common names for HDMI- CEC by TV manufacturers:

TV Brand	CEC Trade Name
Sony	BRAVIA Link or BRAVIA Sync
Samsung	Anynet+
LG	Simulink
Panasonic	VIERA Link or EZ-Sync
Toshiba	CE-Link or Regza Link
Hisense	HDMI-CEC
Sharp	Aquos Link
Philips	EasyLink
TCL	T-Link
Insignia	link

Optical connection
If you are connected to the TV using the optical cable, simply program your Dish remote to control your TV, and the Dish remote will automatically control volume and mute the sound bar if your TV is from one of these brands:

TV Brand

Sony

Samsung

Vizio

Panasonic

Toshiba

Hisense

Sharp

Philips

TCL

Insignia

Using the remote control learning function
If your TV is connected to the sound bar using the optical cable and you are not able to control the volume of the soundbar with your TV or Dish remote, you can use the Remote Control Learning function to control the volume and mute your sound bar.

IMPORTANT: Hold both remotes about 12” (30 cm) directly in front of the soundbar when pressing their respective buttons, and make sure your remotes have fresh batteries.

Entering remote control learning Mode
Make sure your sound bar is powered on, then press and hold the ANALOG button on the sound bar for about 5 seconds. When you hear a two-note tone, release the button. You should now see white lights on the front of the sound bar bouncing left and right.

Select a button on your Polk sound bar remote.
Press and release the button on the Polk remote that you want to learn (ex: Volume Up).
You will hear a single tone and see white lights pulsing.
Select a button on your Dish remote.
Press and release the button on your Dish remote that you want to assign to the button you selected in Step 1.
Verify the results.
• If you hear a single tone and see green lights, the command was successfully learned.
• If you hear a two-note tone and see red lights, the command was not learned.
Learn another code.
When you see the white lights on the front of the sound bar bouncing left and right again, you are ready to select your next function to learn by repeating steps 1–3.

Exiting remote control learning Mode
Press and hold the ANALOG button on the sound bar again for about 5 seconds. When you hear a two-note tone, release the button.
Note: The soundbar will automatically exit IR learn mode if it has not received any IR commands for 60 seconds. All learned IR commands will automatically be saved.
Clearing learned remote control Codes
Press and hold the ANALOG button on the sound bar for about 10 seconds. You will hear a two-note tone. Continue holding the button and release the button after you hear a three-note tune.

Tips and troubleshooting

I don’t have an HDMI port labeled “ARC” on my TV.

Connect an optical audio cable between the TV and the soundbar.
Refer to your TV’s manual for instructions on how to turn off the TV’s internal speakers.

I don’t hear any sound.

Use only one audio cable connected to the TV (HDMI, optical, or analog).
Make sure your cables are properly connected to the correct ports.
If using HDMI, make sure you are connected to the HDMI port marked “ARC”, and refer to your

TV’s manual to make sure the HDMI ARC function is enabled.

Select the corresponding input on the soundbar.

My sound bar is not turning on when I turn on my TV.

Make sure your sound bar is connected to your TV using an HDMI cable.
Refer to your TV’s manual to make sure that HDMI CEC and ARC are both enabled.

I hear an echo or I hear sound coming from both the TV and the soundbar.

Refer to your TV’s manual to disable the internal TV speakers.

How do I perform a factory reset?

Press and hold the TV and Voice buttons at the same time until all status lights turn orange (about 7 seconds), then release the buttons.
All status lights will turn off indicating the reset sequence has started.

Safety Precautions

FCC Statement
COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
a. This device may not cause harmful interference and
b. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement

This transmitter must not be collocated or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator & your body.
FCC RF Warning.
This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
End-users and installers must be provided with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada’s Notices
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause interference.
This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

For Canadian customers: CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Information
The radiated output power of the Wireless Device is below the Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada’s radio frequency exposure limits.
The Wireless Device should be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.
This device has also been evaluated and shown compliant with the IC RF exposure limits under mobile exposure conditions (antennas are greater than 20cm from a person’s body).

Important Safety Instructions

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
The equipment could be used at a maximum of 45 degrees C ambient temperature.
Do not open the equipment to reduce the risk of electrical shock. For safety reasons, it is only allowed to the opened by qualified service personnel.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. And the apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

	The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
	The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

The Power Adapter/AC inlet is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable.
Do not install this equipment in a confined or building-in space such as a bookcase or similar unit, and keep well ventilation conditions at the open site.
The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, tablecloths, curtains etc.No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
The battery (battery or battery or battery pack) shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire, or the like.
WARNING: Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
WARNING: Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold.

This equipment is a Class II or double insulated electrical appliance.
It has been designed in such a way that it does not require a safety connection to the electrical earth for the sound bar and subwoofer.
WARNING: Please refer to the information on the rear of the subwoofer enclosure for electrical and Safety information before installing or operating the apparatus.

Disposal of Old Equipment and Batteries
Only for European Union and countries with recycling systems.
These symbols on the products, packaging, and/or accompanying documents mean that used electrical and electronic products and batteries must not be mixed with general household waste. For proper treatment, recovery, and recycling of old products and used batteries, please take them to applicable collection points in accordance with your national legislation. By disposing of them correctly, you will help to save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment. For more information about collection and recycling, please contact your local municipality. Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with national legislation.
Note for the battery symbol (right symbol): This symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. In this case, it complies with the requirement set by the Directive for the chemical involved.

Compliance Information

Eligible to bear the CE mark; Conforms to European Union Low Voltage
Directive 2014/35/EU; European Union EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; European
Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances Recast (RoHS) Directive
2011/65/EU; European Union WEEE Directive
2012/19/EU; European Union Eco-Design Directive
2009/125/EC; European Union Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Directive 2006/121/EC; European Union Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Hereby, Polk Audio, declares that this equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU Customers can download a copy of the original DoC for our radio equipment from our website: http://www.polkaudio.com Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wideband transmission systems; Data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using wide band modulation techniques; Harmonized EN covering the essential requirements of article 3.2 of the RED Directive.

301 489-1
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 1: Common technical requirements; Harmonised Standard covering the essential requirements of article 3.1(b) of Directive 2014/53/EU and the essential requirements of article 6 of Directive 2014/30/EU.
301 489-3
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 3: Specific conditions for Short-Range Devices (SRD) operating on frequencies between 9 kHz and 246 GHz; Harmonised Standard covering the essential requirements of article 3.1(b) of Directive 2014/53/EU.
301 489-17
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 17: Specific conditions for Broadband Data Transmission Systems; Harmonised Standard covering the essential requirements of article 3.1(b) of Directive 2014/53/EU.
300 328
Wideband transmission systems; Data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using wide band modulation techniques; Harmonised Standard covering the essential requirements of article 3.2 of Directive 2014/53/EU.
300 440
Short Range Devices (SRD); Radio equipment to be used in the 1 GHz to 40 GHz frequency range; Harmonised Standard covering the essential requirements of article 3.2 of Directive 2014/53/EU
62479
Assessment of the compliance of low-power electronic and electrical equipment with the basic restrictions related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (10 MHz to 300 GHz).
62311
Assessment of electronic and electrical equipment related to human exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz).

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth. SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Polk Audio, is under license.
HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Dolby Audio, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Type of Wireless	Operating Frequency	Maximum RF Power
Bluetooth	2402–2480 MHz	14.5 dBm (EIRP)
5.8 GHz Wireless System	5735–5840 MHz	13.98 dBm (EIRP)

External Power Supply Information (for Surrounds)
Manufacturer	Dongguan Dongsong Electronic Co., Ltd.
Address	Baizhoubian Village, East District, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
Commercial registration number	914419006730843000
Model identifier	DYS824-150133W-K
Input voltage	100-240V
Input AC frequency	50/60 Hz
Output voltage	15.0 VDC
Output current	1.33A
Output power	19.95W
Average active efficiency	88.%
Efficiency at low load (10%)	84.%
No-load power consumption	015W

1-Year Limited Warranty
Polk Audio, LLC (“Polk”) warrants to the original retail purchaser that Polk Audio branded wireless speakers, will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of (1) one year, under normal use and conditions. Should this product prove to be defective in material or workmanship, Polk will, at its option, (a) repair the product, or (b) replace the product. If the product model is no longer available and cannot be repaired effectively, or replaced with an identical model, Polk may, at its sole and absolute option, replace the unit with a current model of equal or greater value.
To obtain warranty service, please visit the Polk Audio website at www.polkaudio.com. You may also contact Polk Audio Customer Service at 1-800-377-7655 for instructions on where to send the product. You will be required to provide an original receipt or bill of sale, identifying you as the original purchaser and identifying the purchase made through an authorized Polk retailer. The risk of loss or damage in transit shall be borne by the purchaser. Freight collect shipments will be refused.
This warranty is non-transferable and does not apply to any product that has been modified or used in a manner contrary to its intended purpose. This limited warranty is void if the product has an altered or missing serial number, or if the product was purchased from someone other than an authorized dealer. This limited warranty is void if the product has been damaged by an accident or unreasonable use, neglect, improper service, or other causes not arising out of defects in material or construction. Product(s) that are found to be damaged by abuse resulting in thermally damaged voice coils are not covered by this warranty but may be replaced at the sole and absolute discretion of Polk. This warranty terminates if you sell or otherwise transfer the product to another party. This limited warranty does not cover cosmetic damage, paint damage, damage to other components, parts, or premises, or any consequential damages which may result for any reason.
Polk does not warrant that the product will operate without interruption or that the product will operate error-free. Certain external conditions which are out of Polk’s control may affect the overall performance of the product, including, but not limited to, wireless network configuration, the performance of the wireless network, distances between the product and the wireless network connection, and/or content sources, third party devices, radio and/or environmental interference with the product.
Polk may offer access to third-party content or third-party content providers via the Product. Polk reserves the right to alter, change, discontinue or modify access to any third-party content or any third-party content provider at any time, for any reason.
Polk disclaims all warranties and representations offered by any third-party content or third-party content provider.
Polk shall have no obligation to provide any updates or upgrades to the product, but in the event that it does, such updates and upgrades shall be deemed the “product” and shall be subject to the terms and conditions stated herein.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. ALL ARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPRESS WARRANTY, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND THE IMPLIED CONDITION OF SATISFACTORY QUALITY ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, AND POLK NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF THE PRODUCT. POLK HAS ABSOLUTELY NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ACTS OF THIRD PARTIES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN IMPLIED WARRANTIES, OR CONDITIONS ON AN IMPLIED WARRANTY, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. POLK DOES NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM IMPROPER USE, OR THE INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT. THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY FOR WHICH POLK MAY BE RESPONSIBLE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

POLK.EXPECT GREAT SOUND®.
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Important Product Information
5541 Fermi Court
Carlsbad, CA 92008
The U.S.A.
www.polkaudio.com
800-377-7655(POLK)