Bose 2.1 home theater systems began with the Lifestyle 10 CD-based system in the early 1990s. These systems included analogue inputs, CD players and AM/FM radios. The current range includes DVD-based systems and AV receivers which are designed for use with sources (i.e. DVD and Blu-ray players) and released on 28 September 2012.
Timeline of Bose 2.1 systems
CD-based 2.1 systems
CD-based systems (using the CD5, CD10, CD20 and C1 amplifier) were produced from 1990-2003. The CD10-based Lifestyle 10 was the first system released, and used a single-disk CD player, AM/FM radio and can output different sources to 2 rooms (termed "Zone 2 technology" by Bose). In 1992, systems based on the CD5 were released.
Models based on the CD20 amplifier, which included a 6 CD changer (using a magazine, so playback needs to be stopped when changing any CD), were released in 1996. In 1999, the C1-based models were released, which included a touchscreen remote. The Lifestyle 40 model could output different sources to 4 rooms (termed "Zone 4 technology" by Bose).
The speakers used over the course of the years included "directional" speakers, "direct/reflect" speakers, and "Jewel Cubes". A Lifestyle 901 system was released, using the 901 speakers. All systems include an active subwoofer.
DVD-based systems
3-2-1
Bose's first DVD-based 2.1 system was the 3-2-1, released in 2001. The 3-2-1 and 321 DVD-based systems remain in production as of 2012, in the form of the 321 Series III and 321 GS Series III. In 2003, the 3-2-1 won a Red Dot award for product design, note this design award does not include audio quality in the judging criteria. The first series had a CD-DVD player, AM-FM radio, two "Articulated Array" speakers, a subwoofer and virtual surround effect (termed "TrueSpace" by Bose).
3-2-1 GS
In 2003, the 3-2-1 GS was introduced with "Gemstones" speakers.
321 Series II
In 2004, Bose succeeded the 3-2-1 with the 321 Series II (the hyphens were dropped from the model name) with two versions: the 321 Series II with the original "Articulated Array" speakers and the 321 Series II GS with the "Gemstone" speakers, as used in the 3-2-1 GS. The amplifier was relocated to the subwoofer (termed "AcoustiMass" by Bose), hence the control unit was smaller and the satellites connected to the subwoofer. "BoseLink In" was added, which allows separate Bose systems to be controlled using the same remote and music from one system can be played across all connected devices. The system included a universal remote .
The 321 GS Series II was featured in 'Potentials Magazine' as one of the "Best Products of 2005". The 321 Series II was praised for its performance for movies, but was criticised for its performance with music and for lacking a HDMI connection. The 321 Series II GS had similar outcomes, however it was also criticised for value for money.
321 GSX
In 2005, Bose released the GSX, which includes an internal hard drive for the storage of mp3 and wma files (termed "uMusic" by Bose). The system remembers playlist history, so playlists based on this history can be created. The 321 GSX uses the "Gemstone" speakers.
321 Series III
On July 31, 2008 Bose released the 321 Series III version with an HDMI connection and 1080p output, making it an upscaling DVD player.
321 GSX Series III and 321 GSXL Series III
In 2008, Bose released the GSX Series III. This name was chosen to coincide with the timing of Series III for the other 321 models, therefore a GSX Series II was never released. The GSXL Series III is the same as the GSX Series III, but can hold 200 hours (the bitrate used is not known) of music. The 321GSX III was discontinued on September 2010. and the 321 GSXL III was discontinued in July 2009.
Lifestyle 235
Bose released the Lifestyle 235 on September 28, 2010. This system includes an AV receiver, iPod dock, subwoofer and satellite speakers. The "Gemstone ES" satellite speakers have three drivers each, two pointing forward and one pointing to the side, which are claimed to widen the soundstage and make it more "enveloping" .
The system has four HDMI 1.4a, two component and three composite inputs. There is one HDMI 1.4a video output that scales input video up to 1080p output resolution. There are 3 other audio inputs: optical, coax and RCA. The AV35 receiver decodes DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-MA (core) and uncompressed multi-channel PCM (aka LPCM). The receiver has two USB jacks for firmware updates and to view pictures & RCA connectors for "BoseLink In" and "BoseLink Out" connection to other Bose devices.
An on-screen setup wizard is included (termed "Unify" by Bose) and it can detect 3rd party remote controls to assist in programming Bose's universal remote. Surround sound emulation was included (termed "VideoStage 5" by Bose) to attempt to provide surround effects to mono and stereo sources. A microphone is included to help tune the system for the room acoustics (termed "AdaptiQ" by Bose), much like many other home theatre receivers.
Television-input based systems
The television is used as the primary input to these systems. A small "interface module" is connected to the television, then the audio signal goes to a 2.1 speaker system.
Freestyle
In 2002 the Freestyle system was introduced. The system uses the same "Articulated Array" speakers as the 3-2-1.
Cinemate (Series I)
In 2005 Bose released the CineMate system. Since the Cinemate is designed to be connected to the audio output of a television, the only input is a stereo RCA connection. The Cinemate uses the same "Articulated Array" speakers as the 321 Series II.
CineMate Series II
On October 27, 2009 Bose released the CineMate Series II. A fiber optic input was added, as well as a control to adjust subwoofer (termed "AcoustiMass" by Bose) volume.
CineMate Series II GS
This refers to a CineMate Series II system, but with "Gemstone" speakers and a universal remote.
Solo Series
The Solo Series of TV loudspeakers are single-unit systems that feature multiple speakers, or drivers. Designed to mount onto the wall or sit underneath of a high-definition (HD) television (HDTV), the Solo Series includes a universal remote control to control most multimedia devices. Most systems feature a Bluetooth connection for wireless audio streaming of a compatible smartphone, tablet, or other device (the systems include switchable inputs), as well as a single connection to the user's HDTV via an optical audio or A/V connection (optical audio is recommended for the best audio quality). The systems are powered by an AC connection to a wall outlet or surge protector.