DaleG
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Posts posted by DaleG
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I have to hold down the Power button for 3-5 seconds, then the BAR 48 turns on (this works on the remote and on the BAR 48).
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Update Dec 21, 2019, 1800PM PST. See my OP for updates.
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I just downloaded V23 again and binary compared it to the original v23 that I installed. They are identical. Size is 1.64MB.
12/20/2019, 1201PM PST.Notes
Version: v23 (S/N: 106655719280001 - 106655719470250)
Released: 12/13/2019
Region: GlobalBar 48 2.4GHz v23 - Change Log:
- Increased Surround Output when Rear Surrounds are present.
- When volume is set to minimum, sub volume now mutes.
- Content continues playing after Bluetooth connection is made from device to soundbar.
- BT switches input when coming from other audio input after BT connection is made from device to soundbar.
- Sub Volume Increase/Decrease LED indication improved on bar
- Can power off soundbar when HDMI content playing with button on soundbar or remote.
- Installer Mode Added
- External Player Mode Added
- Various Bug Fixes
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I installed the latest BAR 48 firmware v23 (dated 12/13/19) two days ago (12/18/2019) from klipsch.com/firmware and have had no problems.
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3 hours ago, KevinB said:
This YouTube video explains the process much better:
KevinB, thank you very much for the Klipsch firmware video link. I unzipped the bin file to my USB thumbdrive and the update went smoothly. Thanks again. I hope Klipsch gets their documentation updated or they're going to be losing good customers.
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FMnoise, thanks for the update. I hope the replacement BAR 48 works for you. And thanks for the advise to unzip the files onto the USB drive. Their PDF does not mention it: "Download the update file from
Klipsch.com/firmware to an empty USB
Flash Drive (FAT32 format) ."
I will wait until I receive the replacement Surround 3 speakers. If the volume is still too low, I'll unzip the files on the thumbdrive and see what happens. Since your BAR 48 failed on the firmware update, I'm hesitant to do anything but exactly what the instructions said. If the second set of Surround 3 speaker volume is too low, I may not have much choice, unless Klipsch support replies to my request (nothing in 5 days). -
KevinB, thank you for the info. Yesterday I updated the to the new firmware v23 on my BAR 48. Now, I need to wait for the replacement Surround 3 speakers to be shipped to me (I returned them the same day the firmware was released. Argh!).
Addendum:
Interesting to note the version is different for yours and mine. I'm in USA. It all looks the same, but in slightly different order.
Version: v23 (S/N: 106655719280001 - 106655719470250)
Released: 12/13/2019
Region: Global
Bar 48 2.4GHz v23 - Change Log:
- Increased Surround Output when Rear Surrounds are present.
- When volume is set to minimum, sub volume now mutes.
- Content continues playing after Bluetooth connection is made from device to soundbar.
- BT switches input when coming from other audio input after BT connection is made from device to soundbar.
- Sub Volume Increase/Decrease LED indication improved on bar
- Can power off soundbar when HDMI content playing with button on soundbar or remote.
- Installer Mode Added
- External Player Mode Added
- Various Bug Fixes
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Sorry your firmware did not load. I have a newer BAR 48 and installed the new v23 firmware (12/13/19), following the firmware installation pdf. I copied the zip file to a blank USB thumb drive, powered off the BAR 48, plugged in the thumb drive. Pressing down the power button while plugging in the power cord, only the first orange light came on for a few seconds (pdf said all the white lights would light up in sequence, then turn off). I held down the power button for two minutes, then released it. I unplugged the power. It started up fine after plugging power back in and is working fine. But we have no way of knowing if the new firmware installed.
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Klipsch has posted new firmware for BAR 48 that addresses the problem. See my update to the original post. If you try the new firmware, please comment about your experience with it and the Surround 3 volume problem.
Addendum:
Interesting to note the version is may be different globally. I'm in USA. It say v23. Others have mentioned v83. They look the same.
Version: v23 (S/N: 106655719280001 - 106655719470250)
Released: 12/13/2019
Region: Global
Bar 48 2.4GHz v23 - Change Log:
- Increased Surround Output when Rear Surrounds are present.
- When volume is set to minimum, sub volume now mutes.
- Content continues playing after Bluetooth connection is made from device to soundbar.
- BT switches input when coming from other audio input after BT connection is made from device to soundbar.
- Sub Volume Increase/Decrease LED indication improved on bar
- Can power off soundbar when HDMI content playing with button on soundbar or remote.
- Installer Mode Added
- External Player Mode Added
- Various Bug Fixes
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I bought the BAR 48 (3.1 channels) a few weeks ago. It has several input types. The inputs I've used are the Optical In and the HDMI In. Both worked fine connecting to my LG TV (I had to futz around to get the optical cable fully seated at both ends and set the LG TV to the "internal speakers plus optical out". The HDMI is easy, no problems setting it up). FYI, I bought the Surround 3 speakers to make it 5.1 channels, but the volume on these speakers is a whisper - I'm still waiting to hear back from Klipsch support. If that doesn't work, I'm going to exchange them for a new pair (I bought them on Amazon).
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Did you get it to work? If not, consider exchanging it at the place you bought it from. Be sure to get a new one to replace it. If they won't exchange it, return it for a refund. No point in wasting time or effort on a brand new product that is an out-of-box failure.
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FWIW, I have the BAR 48. This is what I went through to get TV sound to work. I connected to my LG TV using the optical cable. At first I didn't get sound, but then I made sure to push the optical connector into the port of the TV very firmly - and I confirmed it is connected by seeing the other end of the optical cable is a bright red light. I then connected the optical cable to the BAR 48. Later, when I was adjusting the sound settings on the LG TV, I found that I *must* set it to "internal speakers plus optical output" to get sound (setting the LG TV sound to "Optical output" did not work, for whatever stupid reason, so I switched it back to "internal speakers plus optical output" and simply turn the TV sound down to zero, then adjust the sound volume on the BAR 48). As for firmware, my BAR 48 out-of-box had the most current firmware already. Finally, rather than using optical cable, I happily switched to using an HDMI cable from the LG TV to the BAR 48, which is quite easy to setup and use.
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Update Monday 20 January 2020. I received the JBL Bar 5.1 soundbar and subwoofer yesterday. It works right out-of-the-box just like I expected a 5.1 sound system to work and sound in full-time, room-filling 5.1 sound from all sources, both stereo and 5.1 source. Let me repeat that: 5.1 surround sound full-time from all sources, whether stereo music sources or 5.1 video sources. Full-time 5.1 surround sound, loud enough to be heard ALL the time during two 2+ hour movies (Star Wars, The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens). The Klipsch Bar 48 5.1, in comparison, played surround sound barely loud enough for only a few seconds at a time and only during a few loud scenes during the same two 2+ hour movies. Also, Bluetooth paired with no problems to my computer and smartphone (Klipsch Bluetooth failed to connect on 2 of 3 units I tried). After trying three BAR 48s with 5.1 in the last six weeks, the result is obvious to me now: Klipsch fails to deliver 5.1 surround sound on the BAR 5.1, nor do they acknowledge the problems (including Bluetooth failure to pair), nor do they promise a date when it will fully work as well as the competition does right out-of-the-box. Competition 1, Klipsch 0. Game over for me. I'm happy with the JBL Bar 5.1 and will be returning the Klipsch BAR 48 5.1 today.
*****
Update 15 January 2020. Where to start? Klipsch has really dropped the ball with the BAR 48, in lack of features and poor quality control.
1) Out of 3 BAR 48s I’ve had in two months, two fail to pair with Bluetooth, including the latest unit. This is a show-stopper for me. I haven’t decided whether to seek a 4th replacement or get a refund and go with a competitor which I know works well and sounds nearly as good.
2) Out of 3 sets of Surround 3 speakers I’ve had, one pair produced static, none are loud enough while playing 5.1 surround videos (such as Star Wars Last Jedi), and none play stereo sources on the S3 speakers louder than a whisper, which I fully expected to enjoy (given that simple car audio and home theater receives plays stereo sources on all speakers using ‘Balance’ for left-right and ‘Fade’ for front-back balance). I may just return them for a refund, since 5.1 is an option for me, as I’m fine with 3.1.
3) I’ve an online support request. The tech said he has forwarded a bug report to engineering. I replied I hope he forwards these concerns to marketing, engineering and manufacturing so they can decide on a competitive feature set and improving product quality.
4) Kudos to Amazon for their extended return/exchange dates during the annual holiday period starting at Thanksgiving (extending normal 30-day returns to January 31).*****
Update Mon Dec 30, 2019, 1200PM PST. In short, I received the replacement BAR 48 (from Amazon), updated the firmware (to v23 of 12/13/2019) and was disappointed (again) the Surround 3 (2nd set) speakers remain whisper quiet even with Dolby Digital and Surround lights on. To add insult to injury, Bluetooth does not connect (Bluetooth on the 1st BAR 48 worked fine to connect to both my Windows 10 computer and Android smartphone). Bottom line, if this were any other brand and I absolutely had to have 5.1 rather than 3.1, I'd shytecan it and never look back, but I'm a long-time fanatic for the Klipsch sound and Klipsch delivers for me again in amazing 3.1 sound from the affordable BAR 48. Having 5.1 with the Surround 3 speakers is an option that doesn't work for me and I'll simply return them for a refund. I can easily exchange the BAR 48 on Amazon again to get Bluetooth back online (Kudos to Amazon. Each year, from Thanksgiving onward, Amazon offers deep discounts and allows returns/exchanges through Jan 31 for almost everything).
*****
Update Sun Dec 22, 2019, 1640PM PST. In short, I'm waiting to received a replacement BAR 48, then will test the Surround 3 volume output. I chatted with Amazon tech support, explained everything I have done (firmware update, exchange of Surround 3 speakers). After we tried an HDTV audio out adjustment, they will exchange the BAR 48 for a new one. I should receive the new replacement BAR 48 in a few days. Note: Klipsch tech support has not responded to my online service request in 12 days.*****
Update Dec 21, 2019, 1800PM PST. Bad news for the replacement S3 speakers I received today. I received the replacement Surround 3 speakers, plugged them in and connected them. The low-volume sound problem still exists with this new set of speakers. I have the BAR 48 Surround volume turned up all the way for both channels. I have to put my ear up to the speakers to hear them, which makes them useless. I am confident I properly installed the BAR 48 firmware v23 (dated 12/13/2019) several days ago (all the lights lit up in sequence as the PDF said they would). Update 1830PM. I updated the BAR 48 to firmware v23 again. No change in the low-volume problem. Sigh.
*****
Update 12/16/2019: Klipsch just posted a firmware update for the BAR 48, firmware v23, which includes this fix: "Increased Surround Output when Rear Surrounds are present." Ironically, two days ago I returned the Surround 3 speakers and am waiting for a replacement set to be shipped to me for this exact problem. I went ahead and installed the firmware update and will be ready when the Surround 3 speakers arrive. Fellow owners, if you want to try this on your BAR 48 to see if it improves sound volume for the Surround 3 speakers, please post here and let us know your findings.*****
Original Post 12/09/2019: I have a BAR 48 sound bar, which I love. I just added the Surround 3 speaker pair and adjusted the surround volume to maximum, but I can still barely hear the sound. The surround speakers are on my desk. By comparison the BAR 48 across the room drowns out the surround speakers.
My BAR 48 firmware was up-to-date out of the box (I just checked in klipsch.com, which said it has the current firmware, v14, released 7/17/2019, region Global).
I've adjusted the Surround 3 speaker volume to maximum (using the Surround button on the remote as per the Klipsch PDF).
Is there another way to turn up the surround speakers louder? Am I missing something else? Or should I request support from Klipsch?
BAR 48 Surround volume at max but can barely hear them
in Home Theater
Posted
Thank you KevinB. When I receive the replacement new BAR 48, I'll be testing the Surround 3 speakers. I was able to turn the surround volume up/down with the remote following the procedure in the doc you posted above and did notice a very slight increase in volume, but it was still a whisper compared to the volume coming out of the BAR 48. I've updated the BAR 48 firmware, then replaced the S3 speakers to no avail, so I hope the replacement BAR 48 will do the job.