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This document is a user manual for the Philips SB500 Portable Speaker, providing instructions on its operation, features, and maintenance.
The Philips SB500 is a portable speaker designed to deliver audio from Bluetooth-enabled devices or other external audio sources. It features a built-in rechargeable battery, allowing for wireless use, and offers flashing light effects that synchronize with music playback, enhancing the listening experience. The speaker is also designed to be waterproof, meeting the IPX7 standard when its USB/AUDIO IN socket cover is seamlessly closed, making it suitable for various environments.
To get started with the speaker, users must first check the battery level and, if necessary, charge the built-in battery. The battery level can be checked by pressing the power button, and the different behaviors of five LED indicators will show the current charge status. For charging, the speaker should be connected to an AC power source using an adaptor (not supplied, 5V 2.1A adaptor recommended) via the micro USB socket. A full charge takes approximately 3.5 hours. The speaker can be turned on or off by pressing and holding the power button for over two seconds. It also has an automatic shut-off feature, turning off after 15 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life.
The primary function of the SB500 is to play audio from Bluetooth devices. To connect a Bluetooth device, users need to ensure the speaker is in Bluetooth pairing mode, indicated by quickly flashing blue LEDs. If the LEDs are flashing blue slowly, the Bluetooth button should be pressed and held for two seconds to enter pairing mode. On the Bluetooth device, users should enable Bluetooth, search for available devices, and select "Philips SB500" for pairing. A password "0000" might be required. Once successfully connected, the speaker will beep twice, and the blue LED light will stop flashing. Audio streams from the Bluetooth device will then play through the speaker. During Bluetooth playback, users can pause or resume play by pressing the play/pause button once, or skip to the next track by pressing it twice. The speaker also supports controlling phone calls via Bluetooth. An incoming call can be answered by pressing the play/pause button, rejected by pressing and holding it for two seconds, or ended by pressing it once during a call. Users can also transfer a call to their mobile device by pressing and holding the play/pause button for two seconds during a call. Music playback will automatically pause during an incoming call and resume once the call ends.
Disconnecting a Bluetooth device can be done by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button for two seconds, turning off the speaker, disabling Bluetooth on the connected device, or moving the device beyond the communication range. The speaker attempts to reconnect to the last connected device automatically when turned on. If automatic reconnection fails, users can manually select "Philips SB500" from their device's Bluetooth menu. To clear all pairing information from the speaker, the Bluetooth button should be pressed and held for 10 seconds.
In addition to Bluetooth, the speaker can play audio from external devices via its AUDIO IN socket. To use this feature, the protective cover on the back of the speaker must be opened, and a 3.5 mm audio input cable (not supplied) should be connected from the external device's headphone socket to the speaker's AUDIO IN socket. It's important to ensure that music playback through Bluetooth is stopped when using the AUDIO IN mode.
The SB500 offers several other features to enhance the user experience. The "shoq mode" can be turned on or off by pressing and holding the shoq mode button for two seconds during music playback. When shoq mode is activated, the volume immediately increases to the maximum. When turned off, the volume returns to its last setting. The speaker also provides LED lighting effects that flash with the music. Users can select from two different light patterns or turn off the lighting effect by repeatedly pressing the shoq mode button. These lighting effects will only start if there is music playback. Volume adjustment is straightforward: users can press the -/+ buttons to increase or decrease the volume. Pressing and holding these buttons allows for continuous volume adjustment. The speaker will beep twice when the maximum volume is reached. During Bluetooth playback, the speaker's volume control is synchronized with the Bluetooth device, provided the device supports this function.
For maintenance and compliance, the speaker is designed with safety in mind. Users are advised never to remove the casing, place it on other electrical equipment, or expose it to direct sunlight, naked flames, or excessive heat. Only manufacturer-specified attachments and accessories should be used. The built-in battery should not be exposed to extreme heat. The speaker's type plate, containing important information, is located on its bottom. The product complies with essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC, and its Declaration of Conformity can be found on the Philips support website. Regarding environmental care, the product is designed with high-quality, recyclable materials. The symbol on the product indicates compliance with European Directive 2012/19/EU for waste electrical and electronic equipment. The built-in rechargeable battery is covered by European Directive 2013/56/EU and should not be disposed of with normal household waste; it should be taken to an official collection point or Philips service center for professional removal. Any unauthorized changes or modifications to the device may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Troubleshooting tips are provided for common issues. If there is no power, the speaker should be recharged. If there is no sound, users should adjust the volume on both the speaker and the connected device, ensure Bluetooth music playback is stopped in AUDIO IN mode, and check that the Bluetooth device is within operational range. If the speaker is unresponsive to key presses, it might be in demo mode; pressing and holding the Bluetooth button for 20 seconds will exit this mode. For poor audio quality with a Bluetooth device, moving the device closer to the speaker or removing obstacles can help. If the speaker cannot be found for pairing, pressing and holding the Bluetooth button for two seconds to enter pairing mode is recommended. If connection issues persist, users should ensure Bluetooth is enabled on their device and check if the speaker is already connected to another Bluetooth device. Constant disconnections might be due to poor Bluetooth reception or a power-saving feature on some devices, which is not indicative of a product malfunction.
| Brand | Philips |
|---|---|
| Model | SB500B |
| Category | Portable Speakers |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Frequency Response | 100 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Special Feature | Waterproof |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |