Panasonic SC-HC38DB User Manual

Operating Instructions

EBGNGS

Compact Stereo System

Model No. SC-HC38DB

SC-HC38

Thank you for purchasing this product.
Please read these instructions carefully before using this product, and save this manual for future
use.

Included Installation Instructions (l 2, 3 and 18, 19)

The installation work should be done by a qualified installation specialist.

Before commencing work, carefully read these installation instructions and the operating
instructions to ensure that installation is performed correctly.

(Please keep these instructions. You may need them when maintaining or moving this unit.)

Model number suffix “EB” denotes UK model.

RQT9743-B

Caution for AC Mains Lead

Figure A Figure B

Fuse cover

Figure A

Fuse
(5 ampere)

Figure B

Fuse
(5 ampere)

(For the AC mains plug of three pins)

For your safety, please read the following text
carefully.

This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin
mains plug for your safety and convenience.
A 5-ampere fuse is fitted in this plug.
Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure
that the replacement fuse has a rating of 5-ampere
and that it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.
Check for the ASTA mark Ï or the BSI mark Ì on
the body of the fuse.
If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must
ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced.
If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used
until a replacement cover is obtained.
A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from
your local dealer.

Before use

Remove the connector cover.

How to replace the fuse

The location of the fuse differ according to the type
of AC mains plug (figures A and B). Confirm the AC
mains plug fitted and follow the instructions below.
Illustrations may differ from actual AC mains plug.

1. Open the fuse cover with a screwdriver.

2. Replace the fuse and close or attach the fuse cover.

Safety precautions

WAR N ING

Unit

≥ To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,

– Do not expose this unit to rain, moisture, dripping or

splashing.

– Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on

this unit.
– Use only the recommended accessories.
– Do not remove covers.
– Do not repair this unit by yourself. Refer servicing to

qualified service personnel.
– Do not let metal objects fall inside this unit.
– Do not place heavy items on this unit.

AC mains lead

≥ To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,

– Ensure that the power supply voltage corresponds to the

voltage printed on this unit.
– Insert the mains plug fully into the socket outlet.
– Do not pull, bend, or place heavy items on the lead.
– Do not handle the plug with wet hands.
– Hold onto the mains plug body when disconnecting the

plug.
– Do not use a damaged mains plug or socket outlet.

≥ The mains plug is the disconnecting device.

Install this unit so that the mains plug can be unplugged from
the socket outlet immediately.

Button-type battery (Lithium battery)

≥ Risk of fire, explosion and burns. Do not recharge,

disassemble, heat above 60

≥ Keep the Button-Type battery out of the reach of children.

Never put Button-Type battery in mouth. If swallowed call
your doctor.

CAUTION

Unit

≥ This unit utilizes a laser. Use of controls or adjustments or

performance of procedures other than those specified herein
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

≥ Do not place sources of naked flames, such as lighted

candles, on this unit.

≥ This unit may receive radio interference caused by mobile

telephones during use. If such interference occurs, please
increase separation between this unit and the mobile
telephone.

(For the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New
Zealand)

≥ This unit is intended for use in moderate climates.

(For Asia and the Middle East)

≥ This unit is intended for use in tropical climates.

o

C or incinerate.

2

RQT9743

Placement

≥ Place this unit on an even surface.
≥ To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage,

– Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built-in

cabinet or in another confined space. Ensure this unit is
well ventilated.

– Do not obstruct this unit’s ventilation openings with

newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, and similar items.

– Do not expose this unit to direct sunlight, high

temperatures, high humidity, and excessive vibration.

Button-type battery (Lithium battery)

≥

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the type recommended by the manufacturer.

≥ Insert with poles aligned.
≥ Mishandling of batteries can cause electrolyte leakage and

may cause a fire.
– Remove the battery if you do not intend to use the remote

control for a long period of time. Store in a cool, dark place.
– Do not heat or expose to flame.
– Do not leave the battery(ies) in a car exposed to direct

sunlight for a long period of time with doors and windows

closed.

≥ When disposing the batteries, please contact your local

authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of
disposal.

Accessories

Check the supplied accessories before using this unit.

∏ 1 Remote control (with a battery)

(N2QAYC000081)

[For]the]United]Kingdom[and[Ireland]

∏ 1 AC mains lead (K2CT2YY00097)

[For[Australia[and[New[Zealand[

∏ 1 AC mains lead

[For]Asia[and[the]Middle]East]

∏ 3 AC mains leads

[SC-HC38DB]

∏ 1 DAB antenna

(RFA3425)

[SC-HC38]

∏ 1 FM indoor antenna

Product Identification Marking is located on the bottom of the
unit.

Table of contents

Caution for AC Mains Lead.............................. 2

Safety precautions............................................ 2

Accessories....................................................... 3

Control reference guide ...................................4

Connections...................................................... 5

Unit and media care.......................................... 5

Inserting media ................................................. 6

Bluetooth

Media playback operations.............................. 8

[SC-HC38DB] Listening to DAB/DAB+................ 9

Listening to FM/AM radio............................... 11

Sound adjustment .......................................... 12

Clock and Timer.............................................. 12

Others .............................................................. 13

Troubleshooting.............................................. 13

About Bluetooth

Playable media................................................ 16

Licenses .......................................................... 16

Specifications.................................................. 17

Attaching the unit to a wall (optional)........... 18

Limited Warranty (ONLY FOR AUSTRALIA)

About descriptions in these operating
instructions

≥ Pages to be referred to are indicated as “l ±±”.
≥ These operating instructions are applicable to models

[SC-HC38DB] : indicates features applicable to SC-HC38DB

[SC-HC38] :

®

operations ...................................... 7

®

............................................ 15

... 20

SC-HC38DB and SC-HC38. Unless otherwise indicated,
illustrations in these operating instructions are of
SC-HC38DB.

only.
indicates features applicable to SC-HC38 only.

[SC-HC38] ([Australia[and[New[Zealand[ only)

∏ 1 AM loop antenna

Wall mounting accessories

∏ 1 Safety holder

(RGQ0660-K)

∏ 2 Wall mount

brackets

(RMQX1082-S)

∏ 1 Screw

(XTB3+8JFJK-J)



≥ Do not use AC mains lead with other equipment.
≥ Product numbers provided in these operating instructions are

correct as of January 2013. These may be subject to change.

≥ [For]Asia[and[the]Middle]East] Please use the supplied AC

mains lead suitable for the household mains socket.
In Saudi Arabia, please use the moulded three pin mains plug.

(When using the moulded three pin mains plug)

BE SURE TO READ THE CAUTION
FOR THE AC MAINS LEAD ON PAGE
2 BEFORE CONNECTION.

RQT9743

3

Control reference guide

12

13673216

14

15 16

17

CD/

RADIO

iPod/

USB

Top view



Unless otherwise indicated, operations are described

using the remote control.

1 Standby/on switch (Í/I) (Í)

Press to switch the unit from on to standby mode or vice
versa.
In standby mode, the unit is still consuming a small
amount of power.

2 Select the audio source

On the remote control:

[iPod/USB]: “IPOD_DOCK” ,. “IPOD_PORT” / “USB”

[CD/RADIO]:
“CD” ----. “DAB/DAB+ ([SC-HC38DB])” ----. “FM”

:;

“AM ([SC-HC38] ([Australia[and[New[Zealand[ only))”

[ ]: “BLUETOOTH”

On this unit:

“CD” -----. “DAB/DAB+ ([SC-HC38DB])” -----. “FM”

“AM ([SC-HC38] ([Australia[and[New[Zealand[ only))”

“IPOD_PORT” / “USB”

^-------------------- “IPOD_DOCK” (-------------------b

3 Basic playback control buttons
4 Enter setup menu
5 Enter the iPod/iPhone menu

Change displayed information

6 Open or close the sliding door
7 Adjust the volume (0 (min) to 50 (max))
8 Mute the sound

Mutes the sound. Press again to cancel. “MUTE”
is also cancelled when the volume is adjusted or
the unit is turned off.

9 Enter playback menu
10 Enter sound menu
11 Selection/OK
12 “IPOD_PORT” for iPod/iPhone/iPad (l 6)

USB port (l 6)

13 Dynamic Bass sound effect selector
14 Power on indicator
15 Display
16 Sliding door
17 Remote control signal sensor

Distance: Within approx. 7 m directly in front.
≥ To avoid interference, please do not put any objects in

front of signal sensor.

;

;

“BLUETOOTH”

iPad

D.BASSSELECTOR

∫ Before using for the first time

Remove the insulation sheet A.

∫ To replace a button-type battery

Battery type: CR2025 (Lithium battery)



≥ Set the button-type battery with its (i) mark facing upward.

4

≥ Keep the button-type battery out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

RQT9743

Connections

ュモャチモワヵバ

ョヮチモワヵ

ヘブ

モヤチリワ」

[SC-HC38DB]

[SC-HC38]

[SC-HC38] ([Australia[and[New[Zealand[

only)

1

2

[SC-HC38DB]

[SC-HC38]

(

[Australia[and[New[Zealand[



only)

[SC-HC38]

(

[Asia[and[the]Middle]East]

only)

Connect the AC mains lead after all other connections are completed.

This unit consumes a small amount of AC power (l 17) even when turned off.

To household mains socket

AC mains lead
(supplied)

≥ In the interest of power conservation, if you will not be using this

unit for an extended period of time, unplug it from the household
mains socket.

DAB indoor antenna
(supplied)

Be sure to tighten fully the
nut.

Adhesive tape
(not supplied)

FM indoor antenna
(supplied)

Adhesive tape
(not supplied)

AM loop antenna (supplied)

Lens

ョヮチモワヵ

ュモャチモワヵバ

ョヮチモワヵ

ヘブ

モヤチリワ」



≥ These speakers do not have magnetic shielding. Do not place them near a television, personal computer or other devices easily

influenced by magnetism.

≥ Tape the DAB/FM antenna to a wall or column in a position with the least amount of interference. (Use a DAB/FM outdoor

antenna if radio reception is poor.)

Unit and media care

Pull out the AC mains lead from th e outlet before

ヘブ

モヮチモワヵ

ロヰヰヱ

モヤチリワ」

∫ Clean discs

DO DO NOT

ョヮチモワヵ

ヘブ

モヤチリワ」

maintenance.

∫ Clean this unit with a soft, dry cloth

≥ When dirt is heavy, wring a cloth moistened in water tightly to

wipe the dirt, and then wipe it with a dry cloth.

≥ Never use alcohol, paint thinner or benzine to clean this unit.
≥ Before using chemically treated cloth, carefully read the

instructions that came with the cloth.

∫ Maintenance of the lens

≥ Clean the lens regularly to prevent malfunctions. Use a

blower to remove dust and a cotton swab if it is extremely
dirty.

≥ You cannot use a CD type lens cleaner.
≥ Do not leave the sliding door open for prolonged periods of

time. This will cause the lens to get dirty.

≥ Be careful not to touch the lens with your fingers.

Wipe with a damp cloth and then wipe dry.

∫ Disc handling precautions

≥ Handle discs by the edges to avoid inadvertent scratches or

fingerprints on the disc.

≥ Do not attach labels or stickers to discs.
≥ Do not use record cleaning sprays, benzine, thinner, static

electricity prevention liquids or any other solvent.

≥ Do not use the following discs:

– Discs with exposed adhesive from removed stickers or

labels (rented discs etc.).
– Discs that are badly warped or cracked.
– Irregularly shaped discs, such as heart shapes.

∫ To dispose or transfer this unit

The unit may keep the user settings information in the
unit. If you discard this unit either by disposal or transfer,
then follow the procedure to return all the settings to the
factory presets to delete the user settings.

l

13, “To return all settings to the factory preset”)

(
≥ The operation history may be recorded in the

memory of this unit.

5

RQT9743

Inserting media

Select “IPOD_DOCK” as the source

Connect using the Lightning connector *1

Select “IPOD_PORT” as the source

“USB” is displayed when a compatible USB is
inserted.

Select “CD” as the source

*1, 2, 3

*4

*5

*6

iPad

D.BASS

*1: Refer to “Playable media” for compatible models. (l 16)
*2: When using the “IPOD_PORT” connection, do not connect

the following models to this unit:
– iPod classic, iPod [4th (colour display), and 5th (video)

generation], iPod nano (1st generation)

Unexpected behaviour may occur.
*3: Connect using the dedicated USB cable (not supplied).
*4: Insert the USB device directly. Do not use any USB

RQT9743

extension cable.

*5: When using the “IPOD_DOCK” connection:

≥ Be sure to remove the iPod/iPhone from its case.
≥ Do not push or pull the dock manually.
≥ Make sure that the iPod/iPhone is fully inserted and its

back is resting against the cushion pad.

≥ Make sure to hold the dock when removing the iPod/

iPhone.
*6: Make sure to tilt the disc so as not to touch the sliding door.

≥ Do not open the sliding door manually.
≥ Make sure that the unit does not fall when inserting or

removing media.

≥ When moving this unit, be sure to remove all media and turn

this unit to standby mode.

≥ Before removing the USB device, select a source other than

“USB”.

6

Charging an iPod/iPhone/iPad

Charging starts when an iPod*2/iPhone/iPad is
connected to this unit.

≥ During standby mode, charging will not start from the

“IPOD_PORT” connection, however it will start as usual from
the “IPOD_DOCK” connection.
– To charge from the “IPOD_PORT” connection, start the

charging before turning this unit to standby mode.



≥ Check the iPod/iPhone/iPad to see if the battery is fully

charged. (Once fully recharged, additional recharging will not
occur.)

≥ If this unit is switched to standby mode

“IPOD CHARGING” is shown on the unit’s display.

Bluetooth® operations

By using the Bluetooth® connection, you can listen to
the sound from the Bluetooth
unit wirelessly.

Pairing Bluetooth® devices

Preparation

≥ Turn on the Bluetooth

place the device near this unit.

≥ If this unit is already connected to a Bluetooth

device, disconnect it.

®

audio device from this

®

feature of the device and

®

1 Press [ ] to select “BLUETOOTH”.

≥ If “PAIRING” is indicated on the display, go to

step 3.

2 Press [PLAY MENU] to select “NEW DEV.” and

then press [OK].

{. “PAIRING” is indicated on the display.

3 Select “SC-HC38” from the Bluetooth

®

Bluetooth

4 Start play on the Bluetooth

menu.

®

device.

®

device’s



≥ Refer to the operating instructions of the Bluetooth® device

for details.
If prompted for the passkey, input “0000”.

≥ You can register up to 8 devices with this unit. If a 9th device

is paired, the device that has not been used for the longest
time will be replaced.

Connecting a paired Bluetooth®
device

Preparation

≥ Turn on the Bluetooth

place the device near this unit.

≥ If this unit is already connected to a Bluetooth

device, disconnect it.

®

feature of the device and

®

1 Press [ ] to select “BLUETOOTH”.

{. “READY” is indicated on the display.

2 Select “SC-HC38” from the Bluetooth

®

Bluetooth

{. The name of the connected device is indicated on the

3 Start play on the Bluetooth

menu.

display for 2 seconds.

®

device.

®

device’s

Bluetooth® transmission mode

You can change the transmission speed to prioritize
transmission quality or sound quality.

Preparation

≥ Press [ ] to select “BLUETOOTH”.
≥ If a Bluetooth

disconnect it.

®

device is already connected,

1 Press [PLAY MENU] repeatedly to select

“LINK MODE”.

2 Press [3, 4] to select the mode and then press

[OK].

MODE 1: Emphasis on connectivity
MODE 2: Emphasis on sound quality



≥ The default setting is “MODE 1”.

Bluetooth® input level

If the sound input level of the Bluetooth® transmission
is too low, change the input level setting.

Preparation

≥ Connect a Bluetooth

®

device.

1 Press [PLAY MENU] repeatedly to select “INPUT

LEVEL”.

2 Press [3, 4] to select the level and then press

[OK].
“LEVEL 0”

^---------------------------------------------------------J

,. “LEVEL i1” ,. “LEVEL i2”



≥ Select “LEVEL 0” if the sound is distorted.
≥ The default setting is “LEVEL 0”.

Disconnecting a Bluetooth® device

1 While a Bluetooth

Press [PLAY MENU] to select “DISCONNECT?”.

®

device is connected:

2 Press [3, 4] to select “OK? YES” and then press

[OK].



≥ This unit can only be connected to one device at a time.
≥ When “BLUETOOTH” is selected as the source, this unit will

automatically try and connect to the last connected

®

Bluetooth
disconnected if a different audio source (e.g., [CD]) is
selected.

device. The Bluetooth® device will be

7

RQT9743

Media playback operations

The following marks indicate the availability of the
feature.

[CD]: CD audio in CD-DA format and a CD that

[iPod]: Compatible iPod/iPhone/iPad (l 16)
[USB]: USB devices containing MP3 files (l 16)
[Bluetooth]: Connected Bluetooth

Preparation

≥ Turn the unit on.
≥ Insert the media (l 6) or connect the Bluetooth

device (l 7).

≥ Press [CD], [iPod/USB] or [ ] to select the audio

source.



≥ When using iPod/iPhone/iPad, the operation may vary

among those models.

Play Press [1/;].
Stop Press [∫].

Pause Press [1/;].

Skip Press [:/6] or [5/9]

Search During play or pause

∫ [CD], [USB], [Bluetooth] To display

Press [DISPLAY] repeatedly.



≥ To use this unit’s remote control with a Bluetooth® device, the

Bluetooth
Remote Control Profile).
Depending on the device or the status of the device, some
operations may not work.

≥ Maximum number of displayable characters: approx. 30
≥

This unit supports ver. 1.0, 1.1 and 2.3 ID3 tags. Text data that
is not supported will not be displayed or shown differently.

≥ Album and track indication for MP3 files.

contains MP3 files (l 16)

®

device (l 7)

Basic play ([CD], [iPod], [USB], [Bluetooth])

≥ [USB]: The position is memorised

and “RESUME” is displayed.

Press again to restart play.

to skip track.

[CD], [USB] Press [3] or [4] to

skip the MP3 album.

Press and hold [:/6] or
[5/9].

≥ [iPod]: Backwards search is only

within the current track.

information

®

device must support AVRCP (Audio Video

®

∫ [iPod] To navigate through the iPod/

iPhone menu

Open the Music App to use this feature with
iPod touch/iPhone.
–[3, 4]: To navigate menu items.
– [OK]: To go to the next menu.
– [iPod MENU]: To return to the previous menu.



≥ To view the operation, open the sliding door.
≥ Depending on the model (e.g., iPod nano 7th generation,

etc.), it may be necessary to select the album, artist, etc. on
the iPod/iPhone.

Playback modes ([CD], [USB])

Select the playback mode.

1 Press [PLAY MENU] to select “PLAYMODE” or

“REPEAT”.

2 Press [3, 4] to select the setting and then press

[OK].

PLAYMODE

OFF
PLAYMODE

1-TRACK Only plays the selected track.

1-ALBUM Only plays the selected MP3 album.

RANDOM Plays the contents randomly.

1-ALBUM
RANDOM

REPEAT

ON REPEAT Turn on repeat mode.

OFF
REPEAT



≥ When using an iPod/iPhone/iPad or Bluetooth® device, use

the setting on the device, if available.

≥ During random play, you cannot skip to the previous track.
≥ The mode is cancelled when you open the sliding door for

discs.

Select to cancel the play mode
setting.

≥ “1”, “ ” is displayed.

(Skip to the desired track.)

≥ “1”, “ ” is displayed.

≥ “RND” is displayed.

Plays the tracks in the selected
MP3 album randomly.

≥ Press [3] or [4] to select the MP3

album.

≥ “1”, “ ”, “RND” is displayed.

≥ “`” is displayed.

Turn off repeat mode.

“A _ _ _”: MP3 album number.
“T _ _ _”: MP3 track number.
≥ “ _ ” stands for the album or track number.
“”:
“”:

This indication is also used to refer to an album.
This indication is also used to refer to a track.

8

RQT9743