JBL Bar 5.1

The JBL Bar series soundbars supports three CEC commands: - System Standby - One Touch Play - Audio Return Channel.

BAR 5.1
Software Update Release Notes
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Version:  V17.07
Release Date:  February 26, 2021
Release Media:  USB
Filename:  Unify.BIN

• Improves Soundbar Optical, HDMI, and ARC Compatibility with TV.
• Improved LED Display Messages

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Instructions for software upgrade
 

1. Download the latest software version from JBL.com and bin file: Unify.BIN
2. Prepare one empty USB Stick and create a new folder (named “UPG”) in the root directory, then copy the bin file to the new UPG folder.
3. Please mount the two detachable speakers onto the main Soundbar and subwoofer upgrade port to AUX input, then power on the Soundbar.
4. Please insert the USB Stick into the Soundbar USB port on its rear panel and long-press: [POWER] and [VOL- ] on the Soundbar for 10 seconds to start the software upgrade. Wait for the software upgrade to complete. The Soundbar will go back to standby mode.
5. To Check Software version: 

• Press and hold the DIM DISPLAY button on the remote control for 5 seconds in any source, followed by the short press of the SOUND MODE and then the short press of the NIGHT MODE button.
• To check the subwoofer software version, please connect the subwoofer to Soundbar via a 3.5mm AUX-in cable and follow the above procedure

Yes. Out-the-box the JBL Bar series soundbar recognizes volume and mute controls from the most common TV remote controls. The JBL Bar series has IR learning. You can use this feature to teach the soundbar to response to your TV's remote control as well.

The soundbar passes through content from a 4K video source but does not upscale video to 4K.

Press and hold the Source, Vol+ and Vol- buttons at the same time until you see the text "reset" on the soundbar's display.

Normal pairing is automatic, and happens when you first switch both devices on. If pairing does not take place automatically, or you have to force new pairing, here is what to do: Turn on the soundbar and the subwoofer. If the connection is lost, the LED indicator on the subwoofer blinks slowly. Second, press the CONNECT button on the subwoofer to enter pairing mode. The LED indicator on the subwoofer blinks quickly. Third, press and hold the DIM DISPLAY button on the remote control for 5 seconds, followed by short press on BASS+, and BASS- button in sequence. Panel display will show “PAIRING”. If pairing succeeds, the LED indicator on the subwoofer lights up, and the soundbar display will show "DONE”. If pairing fails, the indicator on the subwoofer blinks slowly. Lastly, if the pairing fails, repeat the steps above. If you have continued trouble performing the pairing, please try to switch off all wireless devices in the home, then try again. This means routers, TV sets with wireless functions, telephones, computers etc. Since overcrowding on the 2.4 GHz frequency now often causes problems, eliminating all this activity makes space for the Bar to establish its connection, and you should be able to pair without problems. Afterwards, you can switch your devices on again. Often, all will now work fine, and if not, you will know which devices are doing the interference.

The TV turns on with the soundbar. This is caused by CEC commands from your TV via the HDMI port. Please disable these functions on your TV, to use the soundbar while TV is off.

The speaker uses Bluetooth version 4.2 but does NOT support APT X.

Yes. All but the Bar Studio model have an LED display on the soundbar's front panel. The display tells which source input, volume level, and sound feature you are on. You are able to dim the display, using the remote, during low light usage.

This is most likely due to CEC function. Some our soundbars supports CEC commands from your TV, and if some CEC commands will make the speaker react in a way you do not like, we suggest you disable all CEC functions from your TV. Please note, that your Soundbar will not turn on when your TV is turned on, due to disabling the CEC function.