Seizing (taking over) sound bar’s Bluetooth functionality

Pairing Bluetooth and Gaining Control of Another's Sound Bar

Unintended takeover of your sound bar functionality via Bluetooth pairing by neighboring stranger

While enjoying surround sound, whether viewing a movie or from a portable audio device hard wired to your sound bar, there is a possibility that anyone around with a Smartphone, in the vicinity, could technically seize control of the sound bar and content played simply by pairing to it via Bluetooth .

Bluetooth connection lock

You can limit Bluetooth connection access to only previously connected BT ( Bluetooth ) peripherals and/or LG TV function to prevent any other unintended Bluetooth connection from neighboring strangers.

To turn this function “ON”, press and hold Remote controller play_arrowpause on the remote controller for about 3 seconds in BT ( Bluetooth ) function mode then press it once again while “OFF - BT LOCK” is scrolling in the display window panel of the sound bar. This way you can limit Bluetooth connection only to trusted and known devices.

To turn this function “OFF”, press and hold Remote controller play_arrowpause button on the remote controller for about 3 seconds in BT ( Bluetooth ) function mode then press it once again while “ON - BT LOCK” is scrolling in the display window panel of the sound bar.

Bluetooth Profile

In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, devices must be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with following profile: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)

Listening to Music on your LG sound bar from a Bluetooth Device

Before you start the pairing procedure, make sure that the Bluetooth feature on your smart device is turned on. Refer to your Bluetooth device’s user guide. Once a pairing operation is performed, it does not need to be performed again.

1. Select the Bluetooth function by pressing F repeatedly. Appears “BT” and then “READY” in display window.
2. Operate the Bluetooth device and perform the pairing operation. When searching for this unit on your Bluetooth device, a list of the devices found may appear in the Bluetooth device display depending on the type of Bluetooth device.

For EXAMPLE, in the case of model number SN7Y, your unit appears as “LG SN7Y(XX)”

1. Select the “LG SN7Y(XX)”. XX means last two digits of MAC address. For example, if your unit has a MAC address such as 9C:02:98:4A:F7: 08 , you will see “LG SN7Y(08)” appearing in your Bluetooth device. Depending on Bluetooth device type, some devices may have a different pairing way. For details about Bluetooth pairing, refer to your Bluetooth device manual.
2. When this unit has successfully connected with your Bluetooth device, “PAIRED” → your device’s name → “BT” appears in the sound bar’s display window. If impossible to display device name on the unit, “-” will be shown instead. To check the connected device’s name, press J on the remote control. Connected Bluetooth device’s name will get displayed.
3. Listen to music. To play music from your Bluetooth device, refer to your Bluetooth device’s user guide. When using Bluetooth technology, you have to make a connection between the unit and the Bluetooth device as close as possible and maintain that distance.

Installing “LG Sound Bar” App through “Google Android Market (Google Play Store) ”

1. Tap the “Google Android Market (Google Play Store)” icon.
2. In the search bar, type in the “LG Sound Bar” and search it.
3. In the search result list, find and tap “LG Sound Bar” to start downloading Bluetooth app. Make sure that your Bluetooth device is connected to the Internet. Make sure that your Bluetooth device is equipped with “Google Android Market (Google Play Store)”.

Activate BLUETOOTH with “LG Sound Bar” App

“LG Sound Bar” app helps to connect your Bluetooth device to this unit.

1. Tap “LG Sound Bar” app icon on the home screen to open “LG Sound Bar” app, and go to the main menu.
2. If you want to get more information to operate, tap [Setting] and tap [Help] menu.

Vintage Models

When the sound bar is operating whereas function set to either Optical or Portable Audio input, any Bluetooth device in the area searching to pair can and will connect very easily without any difficulty.

There is no mechanism within the sound bar to prevent this from happening, whether done accidentally or intentionally.

Troubleshooting

To prevent any such unfortunate incident from producing itself, sound bar owner will need to update the device’s software version.

Preparation

Following is what will be needed to complete the task at hand:

• Sound bar
• Remote controller
• USB memory stick
• Software update file
• Philips no.1 screwdriver

Software Update File Download

To prevent any such unfortunate incident from producing itself, sound bar owner will need to update the device’s software version.

1. Access LG website: http://www.lg.com/ca_en
2. Click on Support then Click on Software & Firmware
3. Software page will come up. Enter model number in appropriate box. Search.
4. Scroll down to downloadable Firmware update file. Click on file.
5. When prompted to either Open or Save, choose saving to your hard drive
6. Locate file on your computer. Extract file.

Updating

1. Locate file on your computer. Extract file from downloaded *.zip file. Should the filename differ from below respective sound bar filename, rename to reflect exactly as shown below:
   
   
2. Copy Firmware Update file over to USB memory stick.
   
   
3. Remove the sound bar back cover with the use of screwdriver as shown below.
   
   
4. Power “on” the sound bar. Simultaneously press & hold “Vol Up” (+) button on remote control and “Vol Down” (-) button on the sound bar for little over 5 seconds until all three (3) LED icons light up.
   
   
5. Insert USB memory key at the back of the sound bar.
   
   
6. Firmware update will start automatically. Icons will light up one after the next.
   
   
   

   

   
7. Firmware update will start automatically. Icons will light up one after the next.
8. The sound bar will turn itself “off” automatically once firmware update completed.
9. Unplug the sound bar from wall AC outlet. Remove USB key. Reinstall back cover.
10. Confirm Update Successful
11. Verify to confirm Bluetooth Lock is now operational. Power "on" Sound Bar. Set Sound Bar function to Bluetooth. Enable BT LOCK by pressing and holding “Auto Power On” button on the remote control for little over 2 seconds until the Red LED on sound bar display window blinks.
    

Ensure BT LOCK operates properly. Set sound bar function to either Optical or Portable. Try to pair your Smartphone to the sound bar. You will not be successful meaning BT LOCK works perfectly fine.

The downside to all this will be remembering to disable BT LOCK whenever wishing to stream music from your Smartphone or that of a friend.

Disable BT LOCK by pressing and holding “Auto Power On” button on the remote control for little over 2 seconds until the Red LED on sound bar display window blinks. Attempting to pair your Smartphone to the sound bar will prove successful until comes the time to reactivate the feature.

Customers seeking further assistance please contact the LG Customer Service Centre