Harman JBL CINEMA SB190

The JBL CINEMA SB190 is a soundbar and subwoofer system designed to deliver an immersive audio experience for home entertainment. This owner's manual provides comprehensive instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance.

Function Description:

The JBL CINEMA SB190 system consists of a soundbar and a wireless subwoofer, working together to enhance the audio of your TV and other digital devices. It supports various audio sources including HDMI ARC/eARC, HDMI IN, Optical, and Bluetooth, allowing for flexible connectivity. A key feature is its Virtual Dolby Atmos® capability, which provides height sound effects for a more immersive 3D audio experience, especially when playing movies from HDMI IN or HDMI ARC sources. The system also offers pre-defined EQ settings (Movie, Music, News) to optimize audio for different content types, a Voice mode to enhance vocal clarity, and a Bass Boost function to adjust the bass sound effect. The included remote control provides convenient access to all functions, including power, volume, source selection, sound effects, and playback controls. The system supports auto standby and auto wakeup features for energy efficiency and ease of use.

Important Technical Specifications:

Power Supply: 100 - 240V AC, ~50/60Hz
Total Speaker Power Output (Max. @THD 1%): 380 W
Soundbar Power Output (Max. @THD 1%): 2 x 90 W
Subwoofer Power Output (Max. @THD 1%): 200 W
Soundbar Transducer: 2x (48 x 90) mm racetrack driver + 2x 1.25" tweeter
Subwoofer Transducer: 6.5", wireless sub
Standby Consumption: < 0.5 W
Operating Temperature: 0 °C - 45 °C
Frequency Response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz
Max SPL: 96 dB
Audio Inputs: 1 Optical, Bluetooth, USB (USB playback available in US version; for other versions, USB is for Service only.)
HDMI Video Input: 1
HDMI Video Output: 1 (With Enhanced Audio Return Channel, eARC)
HDMI HDCP Version: 2.3
USB Port: Type A
USB Rating: 5 V DC, 0.5 A
Supporting USB File Format: mp3
MP3 Codec: MPEG 1 Layer 1/2/3, MPEG 2/2.5 Layer 1/2/3
MP3 Sampling Rate: 8 kHz - 48 kHz
MP3 Bitrate:
- MPEG 1 Layer 1: 32 kbps - 448 kbps
- MPEG 1 Layer 2: 32 kbps - 384 kbps
- MPEG 1 Layer 3: 32 kbps - 320 kbps
- MPEG 2/2.5 Layer 1: 32 kbps - 256 kbps
- MPEG 2/2.5 Layer 2/3: 8 kbps - 160 kbps
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Bluetooth Profile: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5
Bluetooth Frequency Range: 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz
Bluetooth Max. Transmitting Power: < 0 dBm (EIRP)
Bluetooth Modulation: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK
2.4G Wireless Frequency Range: 2400 MHz - 2483 MHz
2.4G Max. Transmitting Power: 3 dBm
2.4G Wireless Modulation: GFSK
Soundbar Dimensions (W x H x D): 900 x 62 x 67 mm / 35.4" x 2.44" x 2.6"
Subwoofer Dimensions (W x H x D): 200 x 409 x 280 mm / 7.87" x 16.1" x 11"
Soundbar Weight: 1.9 kg
Subwoofer Weight: 5.6 kg
Packaging Dimensions (W x H x D): 990 x 230 x 400 mm / 38.98" x 9.06" x 15.75"
Packaging Weight (Gross weight): 9.7 kg

Usage Features:

Placement: The soundbar and subwoofer can be placed on a desktop or wall-mounted. For desktop placement, ensure the subwoofer is at least 3 ft (1 m) from the soundbar and 4" (10 cm) from a wall. For wall-mounting, a supplied template and kit facilitate installation, with considerations for wall support and cable connections.
Connectivity:
- TV (HDMI ARC/eARC): Connect the soundbar to your TV's HDMI ARC/eARC input using the supplied HDMI cable for optimal audio playback, especially for Dolby Atmos. Ensure HDMI-CEC and HDMI ARC/eARC are enabled on your TV.
- HDMI IN: Connect digital devices (set-top box, DVD/Blu-ray player, game console) to the soundbar's HDMI IN port. Select "Bitstream" or "Raw data" in the digital device's audio output settings for the best Dolby Atmos experience.
- Optical: For TVs or digital devices without HDMI ARC/eARC, an optical cable (sold separately) can be used.
- Bluetooth: Easily pair and stream audio from Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The soundbar automatically reconnects to the last paired device. To connect a new device, press and hold the Bluetooth button on the soundbar or remote to enter pairing mode.
Power Management: The system features auto standby after 10 minutes of inactivity and auto wakeup when connected to a TV via HDMI ARC/optical and the TV is switched on or audio signals are detected.
Sound Settings:
- Dolby Atmos® (Virtual): Enable or disable height sound effects using the remote control for an immersive 3D audio experience.
- Pre-defined EQ Settings: Choose between Movie, Music, and News modes to optimize audio for different content.
- Voice Mode: Enhance vocal clarity for speech by enabling this mode.
- Bass Boost: Adjust the bass level to your preference.
TV Remote Control Learning: If your TV does not support HDMI-CEC, the soundbar can learn commands from your IR TV remote control for volume, source, and power functions.

Maintenance Features:

Software Update: For optimal performance, the product software can be updated via a USB storage device (FAT32 format, max 64 GB). Instructions are provided for entering software update mode.
Troubleshooting: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section covering common issues such as the unit not turning on, no sound, distorted sound, no Dolby Atmos effects, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and remote control malfunctions.
Safety Instructions: Emphasizes verifying line voltage, avoiding extension cords, handling the AC power cord gently, and not opening the cabinet to prevent safety hazards and voiding the warranty.
Factory Reset: The soundbar can be restored to its default factory settings, removing all personalized settings.