User Manual Samsung HW-Q850T/ZC 5.1.2ch Soundbar with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X and Wireless Rear Speakers (2020)

• User Manual - (English, French)

• Specifications Sheet - (English)

Table of contents

• PRODUCT OVERVIEW
• USING THE SOUNDBAR REMOTE CONTROL
• CONNECTING THE SOUNDBAR
• USING A WIRED CONNECTION TO THE TV
• USING A WIRELESS CONNECTION TO THE TV
• CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL DEVICE
• CONNECTING A MOBILE DEVICE
• TROUBLESHOOTING

User manual Soundbar

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Front Panel / Top Panel of the Soundbar

• When you plug in the AC cord, the power button will begin working in 4 to 6 seconds.

• When you turn on this unit, there will be a 4 to 5 second delay before it produces sound.

• If you hear sounds from both the TV and Soundbar, go to the Settings menu for the TV audio and change the TV speaker to External Speaker.

Bottom Panel of the Soundbar

• When disconnecting the power cable of the AC/DC power adaptor from a wall outlet, pull the plug. Do not pull the cable.

• Do not connect this unit or other components to an AC outlet until all connections between components are complete.

USING THE SOUNDBAR REMOTE CONTROL

Inserting Batteries before using the Remote Control (AA batteries X 2)

Slide the back cover in the direction of the arrow until it is completely removed. Insert 2 AA batteries (1.5V) oriented so that their polarity is correct. Slide the back cover back into position.

How to Use the Remote Control

Adjusting the Soundbar volume with a TV remote control

Adjust the Soundbar volume using the TV’s remote control.

• This function can be used with IR remote controls only. Bluetooth remote controls (remote controls that require pairing) are not supported.

• Set the TV speaker to External Speaker to use this function.

• Manufacturers supporting this function: VIZIO, LG, Sony, Sharp, PHILIPS, PANASONIC, TOSHIBA, Hisense, RCA

1. Turn Off the Soundbar.

2. Push up and hold the WOOFER button for 5 seconds. Each time you push the WOOFER button up and hold it for 5 seconds, the mode switches in the following order: “SAMSUNG-TV REMOTE” (Default mode), “OFF-TV REMOTE”, “ALL-TV REMOTE”.

CONNECTING THE SOUNDBAR

Connecting the power and units

Use the power components to connect the Subwoofer and Soundbar to an electrical outlet in the following order:

• For more information about the required electrical power and power consumption, refer to the label attached to the product. (Label: Bottom of the Soundbar Main Unit)

1. Connect the Power cord to the Subwoofer.

2. First connect the power cable to the AC/DC adapter.

Connect the AC/DC adapter (with the power cable) to the Soundbar.

3. Connect power to the Soundbar and Subwoofer. The Subwoofer is automatically connected when the Soundbar is turned on.

NOTES

• Connect the Subwoofer power before connecting to the Soundbar. The Subwoofer will be automatically connected when turning on the Soundbar.

• If you unplug and reconnect the power cord when the product is turned on, the Soundbar turns on automatically.

• Make sure to rest the AC/DC Adapter flat on a table or the floor. If you place the AC/DC Adapter so that it is hanging with the AC cord input facing upwards, water or other foreign substances could enter the Adapter and cause the Adapter to malfunction.

Manually connecting the Subwoofer

Before performing the manual connection procedure below:

• Check whether the power cables for the Soundbar and subwoofer are connected properly.

• Make sure that the Soundbar is turned off.

1. Turn off the Soundbar main.

2. Press and hold ID SET on the rear of the subwoofer for at least 5 seconds.

• The red indicator on the rear of the subwoofer turns off and the blue indicator blinks.

3. Press the Up button on the remote control for 5 seconds.

• The ID SET message appears on the display of the Soundbar for a moment, and then it disappears.

• The Soundbar will automatically power on when ID SET is complete.

4. Check if the LINK LED is solid blue (connection complete).

The LINK LED indicator stops blinking and glows a solid blue when a connection is established between the Soundbar and the Wireless Subwoofer.

USING A WIRED CONNECTION TO THE TV

Method 1. Connecting with HDMI

Connecting the TV that supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

1. With the Soundbar and TV turned off, connect the HDMI cable as shown in the figure.

2. Turn on the Soundbar and TV.

3. “TV ARC” appears in the display window of the Soundbar main unit and the Soundbar plays TV sound.

• When the TV sound is not output, press the (Multi Function) button at the top of the Soundbar or the (Source) button on the remote control to select the “D.IN” mode. The screen displays “D.IN” and “TV ARC” in sequence, and TV sound is played.

• When connecting a Samsung TV that supports the eARC function, “eARC” appears on the display and the sound is heard.

• If “TV ARC” does not appear in the display window of the Soundbar main unit, confirm that the HDMI cable is connected to the correct port.

• Use the volume buttons on the TV’s remote control to change the volume on the Soundbar.

NOTES

• When you connect the TV that supports the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) to the Soundbar with an HDMI cable, you can transmit the digital video and audio data without connecting a separate optical cable.

• We recommend you use a coreless HDMI cable if possible. If you use a cored HDMI cable, use one whose diameter is less than 0.55 inches (14 mm).

• This function is not available if the HDMI cable does not support ARC.

• When the audio in a broadcast is encoded in Dolby Digital and the “Digital Output Audio Format” on your TV is set to PCM, we recommend that you change the setting to Dolby Digital. When the setting on the TV is changed, you will experience better sound quality. (The TV menu may use different words for Dolby Digital and PCM depending on the TV manufacturer.)

Method 2. Connecting using an Optical Cable

Pre-connection Checklist

• When both the HDMI cable and optical cable are connected, the HDMI signal is received first.

• When you use an optical cable and the terminals have covers, be sure to remove the covers.

1. With the TV and Soundbar turned off, connect the DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) port on the Soundbar and the OPTICAL output port on the TV with the optical cable (not supplied), as shown in the figure.

2. Turn on the Soundbar and TV.

3. Press the (Multi Function) button at the top of the Soundbar or the (Source) button on the remote control to select the “D.IN” mode.

4. The TV sound is output from the Soundbar.

Using the Q-Symphony Function

For Q-Symphony, the Soundbar syncs with a Samsung TV to output sound through two devices for optimum surround effect. When the Soundbar is connected, the menu, “TV+Soundbar” appears under the Sound Output menu of the TV. Select the corresponding menu.

• TV menu example: TV series name + [AV] Soundbar series name (HDMI)

NOTES

• It can operate according to the Codec supported by TV.

• This function is supported only when the HDMI Cable or Optical Cable (not supplied) is connected.

• This function is available in Samsung TVs released in 2020 and some Soundbar models.

USING A WIRELESS CONNECTION TO THE TV

Connecting via Bluetooth

When a Samsung TV is connected using Bluetooth, you can hear stereo sound without the hassle of cabling.

• Only one Samsung TV can be connected at a time.

• Samsung TV that supports Bluetooth can be connected. Check the specifications of your TV.

The initial connection

1. Press the PAIR button on the Soundbar remote control to enter the “BT PAIRING” mode.

(OR)

a. Press the (Multi Function) button on the top panel and then select “BT”. “BT” changes to “BT PAIRING” in a few seconds automatically or changes to “BT READY” if there is a connect record.

b. When “BT READY” appears, press and hold the (Mic On/Off) button on the top panel of the Soundbar for more than 5 seconds to display “BT PAIRING”.

2. Select Bluetooth mode on the Samsung TV. (e.g. Home () → Settings () → Sound → Sound Output → Bluetooth Speaker List → [AV] Samsung Soundbar Q850T (Bluetooth))

3. Select “[AV] Samsung Soundbar Q850T” from the list on TV’s screen. An available Soundbar is indicated with “Need Pairing” or “Paired” on the TV’s Bluetooth device list. To connect the Samsung TV to the Soundbar, select the message, and then establish a connection.

• When the Samsung TV is connected, [TV Name] → “BT” appears on the Soundbar’s front display.

4. You can now hear Samsung TV sound from the Soundbar.

• After you have connected the Soundbar to your Samsung TV the first time, use the “BT READY” mode to reconnect.

If the device fails to connect

• If you have an existing Soundbar (e.g., [AV] Samsung Soundbar Q850T) on the list of speakers on the Samsung TV, delete it.

• Then repeat steps 1 through 3.

Disconnecting the Soundbar from the Samsung TV

Press the (Multi Function) button at the top of the Soundbar or the (Source) button on the remote control to select the mode other than “BT”.

• Disconnecting takes time because the Samsung TV must receive a response from the Soundbar. (The time required may differ, depending on the Samsung TV model.)

What is the difference between BT READY and BT PAIRING?

• BT READY: In this mode, you can reconnect any Samsung TV or mobile device that was connected before.

• BT PAIRING: In this mode, you can connect a new device to the Soundbar. (Press the PAIR button on the Soundbar remote control or press and hold the (Mic On/Off) button on the top of the Soundbar for more than 5 seconds while the Soundbar is in “BT” mode.)

Notes on Bluetooth connection

• Locate a new device within 3.28 ft (1 m) to connect via Bluetooth communication.

• If asked for a PIN code when connecting a Bluetooth device, enter <0000>.

• The Soundbar automatically turns off after 18 minutes in the Ready state.

• The Soundbar may not perform Bluetooth search or connection correctly under the following circumstances:

– If there is a strong electrical field around the Soundbar.

– If several Bluetooth devices are simultaneously paired with the Soundbar.

– If the Bluetooth device is turned off, not in place, or malfunctions.

• Electronic devices may cause radio interference. Devices that generate electromagnetic waves must be kept away from the Soundbar main unit - e.g., microwaves, wireless LAN devices, etc.

CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL DEVICE

Method 1. Connecting using an HDMI Cable (Capable of Dolby Atmos decoding and playback)

Pre-connection Checklist

• Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X are supported in HDMI mode only.

• If the Audio Output options include Secondary Audio, make sure Secondary Audio is set to Off.

• Make sure that the content supports Dolby Atmos®.

1. Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI OUT port on the external device and the HDMI port on the bottom of the Soundbar.

2. Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI IN port of the TV and the HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC) port on the bottom of the Soundbar.

3. Turn on the Soundbar, TV, and the external device.

4. Press the (Multi Function) button on the top of the Soundbar or the (Source) button on the remote control to select “HDMI” mode. 5. The Soundbar display indicates that “HDMI” mode is currently selected and the Soundbar will start playing sounds.

NOTES

• When you use Dolby Atmos®: If the input source is Dolby Atmos®, 5.1.2 channels are outputted. When Dolby Atmos® is active, the Soundbar’s sound effect modes controlled by the SOUND MODE button are not available.

• When Dolby Atmos® is activated, “DOLBY ATMOS” appears in the front display.

• ConfiguringDolbyAtmos® on yourBDplayer or other device. Open the audio output options on the settings menu of your BD player or other device and make sure that “No Encoding” is selected for Bitstream. For example, on a Samsung BD Player, go to Home Menu → Sound → Digital Output and then select Bitstream (unprocessed).

Method 2. Connecting using an Optical Cable

1. Use an optical cable (not supplied) to connect the DIGITAL AUDIO IN (OPTICAL) on the Soundbar main and the OPTICAL OUT port on the external device.

2. Turn on the Soundbar and external device.

3. To select “D.IN” mode, press the (Multi Function) button on the top of the Soundbar or the (Source) button on the remote control.

4. Your Soundbar will play sounds from the external device.

CONNECTING A MOBILE DEVICE

Method 1. Connecting via Bluetooth

When a mobile device is connected using Bluetooth, you can hear stereo sound without the hassle of cabling.

• When you connect a paired Bluetooth device with the Soundbar off, the Soundbar automatically turns on.

The initial connection

• When connecting to a new Bluetooth device, make sure the device is within 3.28ft (1 m) distance.

1. Press the PAIR button on the Soundbar remote control to enter the “BT PAIRING” mode.

(OR)

a. Press the (Multi Function) button on the top panel and then select “BT”. “BT” changes to “BT PAIRING” in a few seconds automatically or changes to “BT READY” if there is a connect record.

b. When “BT READY” appears, press and hold the (Mic On/Off) button on the top panel of the Soundbar for more than 5 seconds to display “BT PAIRING”.

2. On your device, select “[AV] Samsung Soundbar Q850T” from the list that appears.

• When the Soundbar is connected to the Mobile device, [Mobile Device Name] → “BT” appears in the front display.

3. Play music files from the device connected via Bluetooth through the Soundbar.

• After you have connected the Soundbar to your mobile device the first time, use the “BT READY” mode to reconnect.

If the device fails to connect

• If you have an existing Soundbar (e.g., “[AV] Samsung Soundbar Q850T”) in the list of speakers on the Mobile device, delete it.

• Repeat steps 1 and 2.

What is the difference between BT READY and BT PAIRING?

• BT READY: In this mode, you can reconnect any Samsung TV or mobile device that was connected before.

• BT PAIRING: In this mode, you can connect a new device to the Soundbar. (Press the PAIR button on the Soundbar remote control or press and hold the (Mic On/Off) button on the top of the Soundbar for more than 5 seconds while the Soundbar is in “BT” mode.)

Notes on Bluetooth connection

• Locate a new device within 3.28 ft (1 m) to connect via Bluetooth communication.

• If asked for a PIN code when connecting a Bluetooth device, enter <0000>.

• The Soundbar automatically turns off after 18 minutes in the Ready state.

• The Soundbar may not perform Bluetooth search or connection correctly under the following circumstances:

– If there is a strong electrical field around the Soundbar.

– If several Bluetooth devices are simultaneously paired with the Soundbar.

– If the Bluetooth device is turned off, not in place, or malfunctions.

• Electronic devices may cause radio interference. Devices that generate electromagnetic waves must be kept away from the Soundbar main unit - e.g., microwaves, wireless LAN devices, etc.

• The Soundbar supports SBC data (44.1kHz, 48kHz).

• Connect only to a Bluetooth device that supports the A2DP (AV) function.

• You cannot connect the Soundbar to a Bluetooth device that supports only the HF (Hands Free) function.

• When connecting the Soundbar to a Bluetooth device, place them as close to each other as possible.

• The farther the Soundbar and Bluetooth device are from each other, the lower the sound quality will become. The Bluetooth connection may break when the devices are out of the effective range.

• The Bluetooth connection may not function as intended in areas with poor reception.

• A Bluetooth device may experience noise or malfunction under in the following conditions:

– When the body is in contact with the signal transceiver on the Bluetooth device or Soundbar

– In corners or when there is an obstacle in proximity, such as a wall or partition, where electrical changes may occur.

– When exposed to radio interferences by other products operating on the same frequency ranges, such as medical equipment, microwave ovens, and wireless LAN devices.

– Obstacles such as doors and walls may still impact the sound quality even when the devices are within the effective range.

• Note that your Soundbar cannot be paired with other Bluetooth devices while using the Bluetooth option.

• This wireless device may cause electrical interference during operation.

Disconnecting the Bluetooth device from a Soundbar

You can disconnect a Bluetooth device from the Soundbar. For instructions, see the Bluetooth device’s user manual.

• The Soundbar will be disconnected.

• When the Soundbar is disconnected from the Bluetooth device, the Soundbar will display “BT DISCONNECTED” on the front display.

Disconnecting the Soundbar from the Bluetooth device

Press the (Multi Function) button on the top of the Soundbar or the (Source) button on the remote control to switch the mode from “BT”.

• Disconnecting takes time because the Bluetooth device must receive a response from the Soundbar. (Disconnection time may differ, depending on the Bluetooth device)

• When the Soundbar is disconnected from the Bluetooth device, the Soundbar will display “BT DISCONNECTED” on the front display.

Method 2. Connecting via Wi-Fi (Wireless Network)

To connect a Soundbar to a mobile device via a wireless network (Wi-Fi), the SmartThings app is required.

The initial connection

1. Install and launch the SmartThings app from your mobile device (smartphone or tablet).

2. On the app, follow the screen instructions to add the Soundbar.

• The automatic pop-up (the second screenshot below) may not show on some devices. If the pop-up window does not appear, press “+” on the Home screen. The Soundbar is added to the app.

ConfiguringAmazonAlexa

• Amazon Alexa is a service provided by Amazon.

• This service is available only in some languages but not in other countries or regions.

Using Alexa, you can play music, listen to news, see weather forecasts, and control home appliances.

To use Amazon Alexa, an Amazon account is required to connect the Soundbar over the network.

1. Install the SmartThings app on your mobile device and then launch it.

2. Enter the Alexa account by following the instructions on the app and then log in the service.

3. Call Alexa or press the (Multi Function) button on the Soundbar for 3 seconds to use the Alexa service.

• Press the (Multi Function) button for 3 seconds to call Alexa. Say with the button pressed to enable voice recognition.

Using the Tap Sound

Tap the Soundbar with your mobile device to play the sound of content on the mobile device through the Soundbar.

• This function may not be supported, depending on the mobile device.

• This function is only compatible with Samsung mobile devices with Android 8.1 or later.

1. Turn on the Tap Sound function on your mobile device.

• For details on how to turn on the function, refer to “Setting the Tap Sound function” below.

2. Tap the Soundbar with the mobile device. Select “Start now” in the displayed message window. A connection is established between the mobile device and Soundbar via Bluetooth.

3. Play the sound of content on the mobile device through the Soundbar.

• This function connects a mobile device to the Soundbar via Bluetooth by detecting vibration that occurs when the device touches the Soundbar.

• Make sure the mobile device does not tap a sharp corner of the Soundbar. The Soundbar or mobile device may become scratched or damaged.

• It is recommended that the mobile device be covered with a case. Lightly tap the wide area in the upper portion of the Soundbar, without using excessive force.

• To use this function, update the SmartThings app to the latest version. The function may not be supported, depending on the app version.

Setting the Tap Sound function

Use the SmartThings app to turn on the Tap View, Tap Sound function.

1. On the mobile device, run the SmartThings app.

2. Select ( ) in the SmartThings app screen displayed on the mobile device.

3. Set “Tap View, Tap Sound” to On to allow the function to work when a mobile device moves close to the Soundbar. The function is turned on.

NOTES

• When the mobile device is in power-saving mode, the Tap Sound function does not work.

• The Tap Sound function may not work if there are devices near the Soundbar that cause radio interference such as electric devices. Make sure devices that may cause radio interference are placed at a sufficient distance away from the Soundbar.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Before seeking assistance, check the following.

In case the power is not turned on

Check whether the power cord of the Soundbar is correctly inserted into the outlet.

In case the functions do not work properly

After removing the power cord, insert it again.

Remote the power cord from the external device and try again.

If there is no signal, the Soundbar automatically turns off after a certain period of time. Turn on the power. (See page 11.)

In case the remote control does not work

Operate the remote control noting the Soundbar closely.

Replace the batteries with new ones.

In case the Soundbar sound is not output

The volume of the Soundbar is too low or muted. Adjust the volume.

When any external device (STB, Bluetooth device, mobile device, etc.) is connected, adjust the volume of the external device.

For sound output of the TV, select Soundbar. (Samsung TV: Home () → Settings () → Sound → Sound Output → Select Soundbar)

The cable connection to the Soundbar may not be loose. Remove the cable and connect again.

Remove the power cord completely, reconnect, and turn the power on.

Initialize the product and try again. (See page 42.)

In case the sound of the Subwoofer speaker is not output

Check whether the LED indicator on the rear of the Subwoofer is on in blue. Reconnect the Soundbar and Subwoofer if the indicator is blinking in blue or turned red. (See page 17.)

You may experience an issue if there is an obstacle between the Soundbar and Subwoofer. Move devices to an area away from obstacles.

Other devices sending radio frequency signals in proximity may interrupt the connection. Keep your speaker away from such devices.

Remove and reconnect the power plug.

The Subwoofer volume is too low

The original volume of the content you are playing may be low. Try adjusting the Subwoofer level. (See page 13.)

Bring the Subwoofer speaker closer to you.

In case the TV is not connected via HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC)

Check whether the HDMI cable is correctly connected to the ARC terminal. (See page 24.)

Connection may not be possible due to the connected external device (set-top box, game machine, etc.). Directly connect the Soundbar.

HDMI-CEC may not be activated on the TV. Turn on the CEC on the TV menu. (Samsung TV: Home () → Settings () → General → External Device Manager → Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) ON)

There is no sound in when connecting to the TV in HDMI TO TV (eARC/ARC) mode

Your device is unable to play the input signal. Change the TV’s audio output to PCM or Dolby Digital. (For a Samsung TV: Home () → Settings () → Sound → Expert Settings → Digital Output Audio Format)

In case Bluetooth connection is not possible

When connecting a new device, switch to “BT PAIRING” for connection. (Press the PAIR button on the remote control or press the (Mic On/Off) button on the body for at least 5 seconds.)

If the Soundbar is connected to another device, disconnect that device first to switch the device.

Reconnect it after removing the Bluetooth speaker list on the device to connect. (Samsung TV: Home () → Settings () → Sound → Sound Output → Bluetooth Speaker List)

The automatic TV connection may be disabled. While the Soundbar is in “BT READY”, press and hold the button on the Soundbar remote control for 5 seconds to select ON-TV CONNECT. If you see OFF-TV CONNECT, press and hold button again for 5 seconds to switch the selection.

Remove and reconnect the power plug, then try again.

Initialize the product and try again. (See page 42.)

In case Bluetooth sound breaking occurs

Sounds may be breaking due to interference by radio frequency or electronic devices nearby. Keep such devices away from the Soundbar to avoid radio interference. Example: microwave ovens.

Because the device to connect is far away from the Soundbar, sound breaking may occur. Move the device near the Soundbar.

If a part of your body is in contact with the Bluetooth transceiver or the product is installed on metal furniture, sound breaking may occur. Check the installation environment and conditions for use.

In case Wi-Fi connection is not possible

Check whether your wireless router is on.

Turn off the router, turn it back on, and then try again.

When the signal of the wireless router is too weak, connection may not be possible. Move the router near the Soundbar or adjust the installed position with no obstacles.

If your wireless router is new, you will need to reconfigure the speaker’s network settings.

In case Alexa does not respond

When the microphone is turned off or its reception is poor

Press the (Mic On/Off) button at the top of the Soundbar to enable the microphone.

Voice recognition may be unavailable due to ambient noise. Reduce the noise and try again.

When the network is disconnected

The network may be unavailable. Reconfigure the network. (See page 34)

WhenAlexa is not configured correctly

Using the SmartThings app, reconfigure Alexa. (See page 35)

Check the Alexa supported countries at the Amazon website. The service is unavailable in those countries.

In case the Soundbar is not turned on as soon as the TV is turned on

When you turn off the Soundbar while watching TV, power synchronization with the TV is disabled. First turn off the TV.