TV EARS Original Wireless Headsets System User Manual

TV Ears Original
User Manual
Voice Clarifying Circuitry®

Keep these instructions in a safe place for future reference.

****  Important Safety Information

TV Ears, Inc. asks that you read all instructions completely and heed all warnings to ensure proper handling and prevent any injuries.
Failure to act in accordance with TV Ears, Inc.’s instructions can lead to physical harm or injury.
For safety purposes, do not deface the prongs on the AC adapters. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, purchase the correct adapter or consult an electrician for further assistance.
Only use attachments and accessories specified by TV Ears, Inc. with your TV Ears system.
Warning: To prevent possible hearing loss, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods of time.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the TV Ears product to rain or moisture. The TV Ears product should not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids. Do not place objects filled with liquid such as vases on or near the TV Ears product.
Warning: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Discard the batteries appropriately and carefully. If swallowed, call The National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-202-625-3333.
Warning: The magnetic field emitted by the TV Ears speakers is minimal. When used as indicated, TV Ears headsets should not cause magnetic interference with pacemakers or internal defibrillators. The magnetic field strength of the speakers is less than 1 Gauss when within 1 inch (3 cm) of the pacemaker or internal defibrillator. It is recommended that the user keep the ear tips at least 1 inch away from any pacemaker or internal defibrillator. If you have concerns, we recommend you contact your physician.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing from TV Ears and welcome to the family! This User Manual is designed to give you the most information possible and answer all the questions you might have when installing and using your new product.
In this manual, we will demonstrate the ideal set up as well as show you how to successfully install your product with illustrated step-by-step instructions. You will learn what each piece is used for, how to use all of the features available to you, and how to troubleshoot the issues most commonly experienced by other users. We aim to cover any pitfalls you might experience, and give you tips for best practices.
Towards the back of the manual, you will find information on our warranty, technical specifications of your product, and support contact information just in case you have any questions.
Again, we welcome you to the TV Ears family and wish you happy TV listening!

Product Diagram

Product Diagram continued…

Package Contents

Ideal TV Ears Placement

Every wireless TV Ears system utilizes infrared technology to send audio signals from the transmitter to the headset.
Infrared technology requires a direct line-of-sight from the transmitter to the receiver (or headset) to successfully transmit audio signals. Therefore, when installing any wireless TV Ears system, you will have to be sure the transmitter has a direct line-of-sight with the headset when the headset is in use.
For the best results, the transmitter should be placed on a flat surface that is three to five feet from the ground and should be facing directly towards the seating area where the headset will be used. Make sure that nothing is blocking the signal between the transmitter and headset (ie. books, newspapers, etc.).

Installation

Step 1 – Place & Power the Transmitter
This step explains where to place the transmitter for the best performance as well as how to power the transmitter.
The infrared diodes on the transmitter must be in direct lineof-sight with the headset when using the system for best performance.
There cannot be anything blocking the direct signal, otherwise there will be no audio received and no sound heard.

1. Place the transmitter on a flat surface that is 3 to 5 feet above the ground. Be sure it is pointed to the seating area where the headset will be used.
2. Plug the AC adapter into a standard electrical outlet or surge protector (a surge protector is recommended to protect against power surges).
3. Plug the end of the AC adapter into the port labeled “12V” on the back of the transmitter. The correct port has a blue border around it.

Step 2 RCA Analog Installation
This step will explain how to connect the TV Ears transmitter to your television, satellite, or cable box using an RCA analog audio cord.

• If you cannot get to the back of your TV, you can also use these instructions to install the system to your cable or satellite box.
• Be aware that the “Audio” ports on the front of your television are typically “Audio In” ports and will not send audio to the headset.
• Audio ports labeled “L” & “R” will also not send audio to the headset.

1. Plug the dual end of the audio cord (red and black ends) into the analog “Audio Out” ports on the back of the television, satellite, or cable box.
2. Plug the single end of the audio cord into the port labeled “Analog Audio In” on the back of the transmitter. The correct port has a yellow border around it.• TV Ears systems are mono systems. This means that you will still hear sound through both the left and right earpieces even if you only have the left or right audio connected.
   • Your TV’s audio settings may be set to “variable” or “fixed”. If you want to be able to control your TV volume level separate from your TV Ears volume level, you will need to make sure your TV is set to “fixed”. Contact your TV manufacturer for assistance.

ALTERNATIVE INSTALLATION METHOD
3.5mm Cord Analog Installation
This step is an alternative to Step 2 on page 10.
This step will explain how to connect the TV Ears transmitter to your television, satellite, or cable box using a 3.5mm analog audio cord.

• If you connect the 3.5mm audio cord to the Headphone port on your TV, your TV Ears will still function properly, but the sound to your television speakers will be muted. The port is usually labeled with an icon that looks like the following: 1. Plug one end of the 3.5mm audio cord into the “Audio Out” port on the back of the television, satellite box, or 2. Plug the other end of the audio cord into the port labeled “Analog Audio In” on the back of the transmitter. The correct port has a yellow border around it.
• Your TV’s audio settings may be set to “variable” or “fixed”. We recommend that you set your audio settings to “fixed” for better audio quality when using this installation option. If you want to be able to control your TV volume level separate from your TV Ears volume level, you will need to make sure your TV is set to “fixed”.
  Contact your TV manufacturer for assistance.

Step 3 – Charge the Headset
This step will instruct you on how to appropriately charge the headset to make sure you’re getting the best use possible.

• Although every TV Ears headset comes with enough of a battery charge to perform an initial test of the system upon installation, a FULL CHARGE OF AT LEAST 14 HOURS BEFORE FIRST USE is recommended to help prolong the lifespan of the battery.
• The TV Ears headset will last around 6 hours on a full charge, but will last a lesser or greater amount of time depending on the average volume level of the headset.
  1. Turn the volume knob of the headset to the “off” position. You should hear and feel a ‘click’ when the knob has been turned all the way to the “off” position. 2. Place the headset into the transmitter’s charging cradle and be sure the front of the headset is facing towards the front of the transmitter. The TV Ears logo is visible on both the front of the headset and the front of the transmitter.3. Firmly press down on the headset when it is in the cradle until it is secure. The headset should slightly stick in the cradle when you try to remove it. The charging light will illuminate when the headset is in the correct position.

CUSTOM FIT YOUR HEADSET
All TV Ears headsets should be adjusted prior to first use to fit the user comfortably.
Follow these directions to adjust the width of the headset for your comfort.

1. Hold the ear tip of each side with your first two fingers and thumb and then “crisscross” the arms.
2. Gently pull the arms toward the body of the headset so that the ear tips are touching the volume and tone knobs.
3. Wrap one are under the other like an overhand knot.
   Allow headset to charge overnight in this position.
   Repeat this process as often as necessary to achieve the desired fit.

CUSTOM FIT YOUR EAR TIPS
For best audio quality, we recommend rotating the ear tips into different positions to align them with your ear canals.
Follow these directions to adjust the angle of the ear tips for your comfort.

1. Grasp the elbow (pictured above) with your thumb and forefinger.
2. Rotate each elbow individually.
3. Repeat with small rotations in either direction if receiving low or muffled sound.

Using the System & Features

The Headset
Putting the Headset On
Using both hands, gently separate the arms at the top by the ear tips and place the earpieces into each ear.
Removing the Headset
Make sure the headset is completely turned off. Using both hands, gently separate the arms at the top by the ear tips removing the earpieces from your ears.
On/Off and Volume Control
To turn the headset on, rotate the volume dial towards the “on” position and set the volume to your comfort level. To turn the headset off, rotate the volume dial towards the “off” position until you feel and hear a ‘click’. When you feel the ‘click’, this means the headset is completely turned off and is ready to be charged.
Tone Control
The tone dial allows you to control the amount of bass and treble that is output by the headset. To adjust the tone, simply turn the dial back and forth until you find the balance that suits your preference.
The Transmitter
Charging Lights
There are two charging lights on the transmitter. They are the two leftmost green lights on the front of the transmitter. When a headset is charging in the front cradle, the left of the two charging lights will illuminate. When charging a headset in the back cradle, the right of the two charging lights will illuminate.
Infrared Lights
There are six infrared lights located on the front of the transmitter to the right of the charging light. These lights provide the transmission of the audio signal from the transmitter to the headset. When the transmitter is connected to power, these six lights will illuminate a dim red color. If one or more of these lights is not illuminated, the bulbs may be burnt out and may cause decreased transmission power, which can affect the range and the quality of the audio signal. If one or more of these lights are not illuminated, call our support line for assistance.
Refer to page 4 for a diagram of the product.

Caring for your Product

Do not use or submerge TV Ears products near water, moisture, or other liquids.
Clean with a dry cloth.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the transmitter.
TV Ears recommends using a surge protector to protect your product from power surges.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the TV Ears product has been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord is damaged, liquid has been spilled on the product, objects have fallen into the product, the product has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, has been dropped, cracked, or has been broken.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

System Reset
If anything out of the ordinary is happening, we recommend that you first perform a system reset.

1. Unplug everything from the transmitter (Audio & Power).
2. Wait about 10 seconds then firmly reconnect all cords.
3. Place the transmitter 3 to 5 feet off the ground and away from any obstructions.
4. Confirm the transmitter is receiving power by placing a headset in the charging cradle and making sure the charging light illuminates.
5. If you do not receive clear sound after the reset, please contact our technical support department for further troubleshooting.

Why does my TV Ears mute when I mute the TV?

Fixed audio out will allow the television volume and TV Ears volume to work independently from one another. Some televisions have to be manually switched from the “Variable” audio setting to the “Fixed” audio setting by using your TV menu. Not all TVs have the ability to switch from a variable to a fixed audio out (consult your television manual or manufacturer). When the TV is set to a “Variable” audio out setting, the volume of the TV Ears headset will be the same volume as the TV.

How do I charge the headset?

Turn the headset off (rotate the volume dial towards the “off” position until you feel and hear a ‘click’) then firmly press it into the charging cradle of the transmitter. Be sure the charging light on the front of the transmitter illuminates. See Step 3 of Installation.

What is the lifetime of the batteries?

The rechargeable battery is designed to last between 1 - 2 years depending on usage.

How can I connect my TV Ears to both my cable/satellite box and DVD/VCR player at the same time?

You must install the system with the RCA analog audio cord and split the cord to connect to both devices. To split the RCA analog audio cord follow these steps: 1) Hold the red tip of the RCA Audio cord in one hand and the black tip in the other then pull them apart to split the cord down the middle like string cheese. 2) Connect the red end of the RCA Cord into the red audio out port on the back of the first device. 3) Connect the black end of the RCA cord into the white audio out port on the back of the second device. Be sure to turn off whichever device is not in use otherwise you will hear both at the same time.

How do I know the headset is charging?

The leftmost light on the front of the transmitter will illuminate green if there is a headset in the front cradle. The light right next to it (the second leftmost light) will illuminate green if a headset is in the rear charging cradle. If you own two headsets and both are charging at the same time, both charging lights should illuminate a green color.

Will the lights change colors once the headset is fully charged?

No, the charging light will remain a constant color as long as a headset is placed in the charging cradle. We recommend keeping the headset in the charging cradle when not in use. The headset cannot be overcharged, so leaving it in the charging cradle when you are not using it will not damage the headset.

What does 2.3MHz mean?

2.3MHz is the frequency of the infrared signal that is sent by the transmitter to the headset. Infrared signals are invisible light signals and are not disturbed by electrical storms.

Before You Call

Please prepare the following before calling TV Ears Technical Support to ensure the most expedient resolution.

1. Read through the Warranty information in this manual and on our website (www.tvears.com/warranty).
2. Have the make and model number of your TV or cable/ satellite box ready.
3. Know which TV Ears product you have (e.g. 2.3 or 5.0 Digital etc..)
4. Please be near your system. We cannot troubleshoot your system if you do not have access to it.

Call TV Ears Technical Support at 1-866-611-9934

Warranty and Return Information

6 Month Full Warranty
The TV Ears warranty covers product failures due to manufacturer’s defects. The Warranty is only valid if the product is purchased from TV Ears directly or one of TV Ears Authorized Sellers. If the product fails within the first 6 months of the original purchase it will be replaced at no charge with the same or newer model of equal value. The following items are NOT covered under this warranty: ear tips, batteries, bow arms, and shipping charges.
5 Year Limited Warranty
The TV Ears warranty covers product failures due to manufacturer’s defects. The Warranty is only valid if the product is purchased from TV Ears directly or one of TV Ears Authorized Sellers. If the product fails within a 5-year period of the original purchase it will be replaced for 50% off MSRP with the same or newer model of equal value. The following items are NOT covered under this warranty: ear tips, batteries, bow arms, and shipping charges.
Repairs or alterations performed by non-authorized TV Ears representatives will void the warranty and may damage the equipment. Also, if the TV Ears product is taken outside of the US the warranty becomes void.
This warranty is provided at the discretion of TV Ears, Inc. and does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of nature, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of or to any part of the product.
Returns
To receive warranty service or to return a product, simply call us at 1-888-883-3277, Monday through Friday 6am to 6pm PST, to speak with one of our friendly American based customer service representatives. If items need to be returned, you will receive an RMA number. No returns will be accepted without an RMA number clearly and legibly written on the outside of the package or shipping label.
Return shipping charges are not covered by TV Ears.

Manufacturer Declarations

TV Ears Declaration
All content, marks, and brand logos are property of TV Ears, Inc. TV Ears, Inc. reserves the right to change product content and product specifications without notice.
CE Declaration of Conformity
TV Ears is in compliance with the essential safety requirements and other relevant provisions of Standard IEC 60065:2001 + Ammd 1:2005 / EN 60065:2002 and Directive 2004/108/EC;
2006/95/EC, 89/336/EEC, 92/31/ EC, 93/68/ EEC. Before putting the device into operation, please observe the respective country specific regulations.
Rechargeable Batteries
The supplied rechargeable batteries can be recycled. In order to protect the environment, only dispose of exhausted rechargeable batteries at a proper recycling facility. Do not dispose of batteries in trash.
WEEE Declaration
TV Ears products are developed and manufactured with high quality materials and components that can be recycled and/or reused. This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of separately from normal waste at the end of its operational lifetime. Please dispose of this product by bringing it to your local collection point or recycling center for such equipment.
This will help protect the environment.

Technical Specifications

Headset Specifications
Operating Time – Up to 6 hours on a full charge
Power Supply – NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable
Max SPL – 120dB
Weight – 2 oz (57g)
Height – 8 in (20.32 cm)
Transmitter Specifications
Audio Microphone Connection – RCA Analog/Mini Headphone
Dimensions (H x W x D) – 1.4” x 4.12” x 3.625” (3.6cm x 10.5cm x 9.2cm)
Power Supply – DC Switching Power Supply 12v, 400mA
Weight – 3.25 oz (93g)
Overall System Specifications
Audio Frequency Response – 20-20,000 Hz
Carrier Frequencies – 2.3 MHz
Modulation – Infrared Mono
THD – <1%

TV EARS PRODUCTS

TV Ears Declaration
TV Ears Original
Item Number — 11641 | MSRP $129.95
This is our basic television listening system with analog connectivity. Includes one 5.0 Headset and one Analog transmitter. TV Ears Digital
Item Number — 11741 | MSRP $229.95
This is our mid-level television listening system with analog and digital connectivity. Includes one5.0 Headset, one Dual Digital transmitterr, and accessories. TV Ears Dual Digital
Item Number — 11841 | MSRP $299.95
This is our advanced television listening system with analog and digital connectivity. Includes two 5.0 Headsets, one Dual Digital Transmitter, and accessories. TV Ears Speaker
Item Number — 11290 | MSRP $249.95
This is our advanced wireless speaker system with analog and digital connectivity. Includes one Wireless TV Speaker, one Dual Digital Transmitter, and accessories.

ACCESSORIES

TV Ears Slide Tips
Item Number — 40725 | MSRP $24.95
Six month supply (3 pairs) of replacement foam ear tips for the TV Ears 5.0 Headset. Ear tips are only available through TV Ears. TV Ears Battery Replacement
Item Number — 40810 | MSRP $24.95
Replacement batteries for the TV Ears 5.0 Headsetlast 1-2 years and should only be replaced after speaking with a technician. Batteries are only available through TV Ears. TV Ears Headset
Item Number — 11621 | MSRP $99.95
This TV Ears Headset is an accessory for a full TV Ears system and should only be purchased if you already own a TV Ears headset system. TV Ears Analog Transmitter
Item Number — 11611 | MSRP $69.95
This replacement transmitter kit comes with the transmitter, power cord, RCA Analog Audio cord and the 3.5mm Analog Audio cord.
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888-883-3277

Contact Information

Register your product over the phone at:
1-866-611-9934
www.tvears.com/warranty
www.tvears.com
www.facebook.com/tvearsinc
twitter: @tvears
1-888-883-3277 – Sales Main Line
1-866-611-9934 – Support
1-888-958-7899 – Fax
info@tvears.com – Email
TV Ears, Inc.
2701 Via Orange Way, Suite 1
Spring Valley, CA 91978
v1.10.2017.6.O
TV Ears logos, pictures, design, and content © TV Ears, Inc. All rights reserved.

References

• TV Ears® Official Store - TV Headphones & Hearing Aids

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