HTS56: How to Set Up 5.1 Channel Home Theater System w/ Bluetooth – Rockville Audio

Introduction

The Rockville HTS56 5.1 Channel Home Theater System is designed to provide an immersive surround sound experience for your home entertainment setup. This guide will walk you through the complete setup process, including connecting the speakers, integrating with your TV, Bluetooth pairing, and using the included remote.

By following these steps, you'll have your system fully configured and ready to deliver high-quality audio for movies, music, gaming, and more.

Step 1: Understanding the Components

The HTS56 system includes:

One subwoofer unit (main unit) – This is the .1 in the 5.1 system and houses the amplifier.
Five satellite speakers – These will be placed around the room for surround sound.
Speaker cables with RCA connectors – Used to connect the speakers to the subwoofer.
Remote control – Provides easy access to volume control, input selection, and other features.
Mounting brackets – For installing the speakers on the wall if desired.

Step 2: Connecting the Speakers to the Subwoofer

Each speaker must be connected to the main subwoofer unit using the provided RCA cables.

Identifying the Speakers

Center Speaker – Usually placed horizontally below or above your TV.
Front Left and Front Right Speakers – Positioned to the left and right of your TV.
Rear Left and Rear Right Speakers – Positioned behind the listening area for surround sound.

Connecting Each Speaker

Locate the RCA outputs on the back of the subwoofer.
Plug in both audio (black RCA) and LED power (green RCA) cables for each speaker.
- Center Speaker: Plug the black RCA into "Center" and the green RCA into the LED power output.
- Front Right Speaker (FR): Connect the black RCA to "FR" and the green RCA to the LED power output.
- Front Left Speaker (FL): Connect the black RCA to "FL" and the green RCA to the LED power output.
- Rear Right Speaker (RR): Connect the black RCA to "RR" and the green RCA to the LED power output.
- Rear Left Speaker (RL): Connect the black RCA to "RL" and the green RCA to the LED power output.

Note: The included cables provide ample length for flexible speaker placement, including running wires through walls or ceilings.

Step 3: Connecting the System to Your TV

Using Optical Input (Recommended for TVs with Optical Out)

Locate the Optical Output on your TV.
Plug one end of an optical cable into your TV’s Optical Output.
Plug the other end into the Optical Input on the back of the HTS56 subwoofer.
Select Optical Mode on the HTS56 by pressing the Mode button on the front panel or remote.

Using RCA Input (For Older TVs)

If your TV has RCA outputs, use an RCA cable to connect the TV’s Audio Out to the RCA Input on the subwoofer.
Use the Mode button to switch to RCA mode.

Using 5.1 RCA Inputs (For Blu-ray/DVD Players)

For true 5.1 surround sound, use the dedicated 5.1 RCA inputs for Blu-ray or DVD players. Each input is labeled for easy connection.

Step 4: Powering On the System

Flip the power switch on the back of the subwoofer.
The LED lights will briefly flicker, indicating power.
Press the Standby button on the subwoofer or the remote to activate the system.

Step 5: Connecting a Bluetooth Device

The HTS56 includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming.

Press the Mode button until you hear the Bluetooth chime.
Open your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
Select "Rockville HTS56" from the available devices.
When you hear the connected chime, the pairing is complete.
Play music to test the connection. Adjust the MP3 volume knob on the subwoofer for volume control.

Step 6: Adjusting Speaker and Subwoofer Settings

Using the Jog Wheel on the Subwoofer

Turn left or right to control the master volume.
Press the wheel in to cycle through input modes (USB, SD, Bluetooth, RCA, Optical).

Using the Included Remote

The remote control provides additional features:

Master Volume: Adjusts the overall volume.
Subwoofer Volume: Independently adjusts bass levels.
Individual Speaker Control: Allows volume adjustment for each speaker.
5.1 / 2.1 Mode:
- 5.1 Mode: Enables all five speakers for full surround sound.
- 2.1 Mode: Limits output to the front left, front right, and subwoofer for a stereo-like experience.

Step 7: Customizing LED Lighting

The speakers and subwoofer feature built-in LED lights that can be customized using the remote.

Press the LED button on the remote.
Cycle through different color options to match your room ambiance.

Step 8: Using the Microphone Inputs for Karaoke

The HTS56 includes two 1/4" microphone inputs for karaoke.

Plug a microphone into one of the 1/4" mic inputs on the front of the subwoofer.
Turn on the microphone and adjust the volume using the Mic Volume buttons on the remote.
Adjust the Echo effect using the Echo up/down buttons on the remote.

Using Karaoke with a Smart TV

Open YouTube or another streaming service on your smart TV.
Play a karaoke track.
Use the optical cable connection to route TV audio through the HTS56.
Sing along using the microphone for a karaoke experience with full surround sound.

Step 9: Mounting the Speakers

The HTS56 includes 10 mounting brackets for wall installation.

For Vertical Mounting

Attach one bracket to the back of each speaker.
Mount the speaker on the wall.

For Horizontal Mounting (Center Speaker)

Attach two brackets to the back of the center speaker.
Mount it securely to the wall.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why is sound only coming from two speakers?

Press the 5.1 / 2.1 button on the remote to enable full surround sound.

How do I reset Bluetooth?

Turn off the subwoofer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
Turn it back on and try pairing again.

Why is there no sound from my TV?

Ensure your TV’s audio output is set to Optical or RCA.
Double-check all cable connections.
Adjust the TV volume and HTS56 volume settings.

Conclusion

Setting up the Rockville HTS56 5.1 Home Theater System is a straightforward process that enhances your home entertainment experience. Whether you’re using it for movies, music, gaming, or karaoke, this system provides rich, immersive sound.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure optimal audio performance and enjoy full control over your surround sound experience.

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