Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air - Speaker Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing Bowers & Wilkins. When John Bowers first established our company he did so in the belief that imaginative design, innovative engineering and advanced technology were keys that could unlock the enjoyment of audio in the home. His belief is one that we continue to share and it inspires every product we design.

Zeppelin Air is more than just an iPod dock and speaker system. As well as listening to audio stored on your iPod or iPhone you can use it to:

• Play audio directly from iTunes via either a cable or wireless network connection.
• Play audio stored on or streamed to your computer via USB.
• Connect and listen to an external audio source such as a TV or a non-USB portable music player.
• Sync your iPod or iPhone to iTunes via USB.
• Output video from your iPod or iPhone to a TV screen or monitor.

This manual will tell you everything you need to know to get the most from your Zeppelin Air. It begins by describing the contents of the Zeppelin Air carton.

www.bowers-wilkins.com

Product Carton Contents

1. Zeppelin Air
2. Power cable
3. 1m Ethernet cable
4. Remote control handset
5. Document pack containing a Quick Start Guide, warranty information and statutory safety warnings.

Zeppelin Air AirPlay works with iPad 2, iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (4th, 3rd and 2nd generations) with iOS 4.2 and iTunes 10.1 (Mac and PC) or later.
Zeppelin Air dock connector works with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod touch (4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st generations), iPod classic and iPod nano (6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd generations).
See Diagram 1 below.

Diagram 1
iPod and iPhone compatibility

Connecting to your unit

You can connect to your Zeppelin Air three different ways:

• Using AirPlay to stream wirelessly from iTunes.
• Using the front mounted iPod dock.
• Using the rear panel mounted connection sockets.

Diagram 2 illustrates the Zeppelin Air rear panel connection sockets.

Diagram 2
Zeppelin Air back panel

AirPlay Connection

Zeppelin Air is able to play audio from iTunes either wirelessly or via a wired (Ethernet) connection using AirPlay streaming technology. When connected to the same network as a computer running iTunes, Zeppelin Air can appear as an output option in the pop-up menu at the bottom of the iTunes window. See "Joining Wireless Networks and configuring iTunes" section for information on configuring Zeppelin Air to join your home network and on configuring iTunes to play through Zeppelin Air.

Note: Please ensure you have installed the latest version of iTunes.

Note: A standard Ethernet cable is required if you wish to connect your Zeppelin Air to an Ethernet network.

As well as streaming audio from iTunes, AirPlay also makes it possible to stream audio directly to Zeppelin Air from an iPod, iPhone or iPad. Any iPod, iPhone or iPad application that incorporates a volume control will have an additional icon that enables selection of available remote speakers for playback. Any Zeppelin Air within wireless range will be included in the selection list.

Note: Full iPod, iPhone and iPad AirPlay functionality is only available with the iPad 2, iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and second generation iPod touch and above using iOS 4.2 or later.

iPod Dock

The Zeppelin Air dock connector is compatible with the iPod and iPhone models illustrated in Diagram 1. Other iPod or iPhone models, or alternative music players, may be used by connecting their headphone sockets to the Zeppelin Air rear panel AUX input. iPhone and iPod models are charged at all times when docked if the Zeppelin Air is connected to mains power.

USB Input

If you wish to listen to audio either stored or streamed on your Mac/PC using the Zeppelin Air USB input, connect it using a USB cable from a spare Mac/PC USB socket. The Zeppelin Air USB input also enables synchronisation of your iPod or iPhone to iTunes. See "Data Synchronisation via USB" section for more information.

Note: A USB A-B cable (a USB printer cable) is required if you wish to connect your Zeppelin Air to a Mac/PC for any use other than wireless AirPlay streaming. For reliable operation the cable should not exceed 3m (10 ft) in length. The Zeppelin Air should be connected directly to the Mac/PC USB port and not via any intermediate USB hardware.

Auxiliary Input

If you wish to listen to an external analogue or digital audio source, connect it to the Zeppelin Air AUX input socket using either an analogue cable terminated with a mini-jack plug or a digital cable terminated with a mini-TosLink optical plug. Zeppelin Air will automatically identify the type of cable used and configure the AUX input socket appropriately.

Note: Zeppelin Air is able to play stereo digital audio at up to 24 bit/96kHz resolution. It is not compatible with surround-sound encoded 5.1 channel digital audio.

Video Output

Zeppelin Air incorporates a composite video output phono socket that enables video on a docked iPod or iPhone to be sent to a TV or computer monitor with a suitable input. Video programme can be played with audio reproduced by the Zeppelin Air and the video displayed by the TV or monitor.

Note: Zeppelin Air is not able to display iTunes album cover artwork via its video output.

Mains Input

Connect the Zeppelin Air to a mains outlet socket using the supplied mains cable. When first connected to mains power the Zeppelin Air will automatically enter Standby mode with its indicator illuminating dim red.

Note: The table in "The Unit Indicator" section describes all the Zeppelin Air indicator colours and their meanings.

Using the device

Zeppelin Air can be operated either from the controls on its body, illustrated in Diagram 3, or from the remote handset. If the remote handset is to be used, the battery insulating tab must first be removed. This is illustrated in Diagram 4. Diagram 5 illustrates the handset key functions.

Diagram 3
Zeppelin Air controls explained

Diagram 4
Zeppelin Air insulating tab removal

Diagram 5
Zeppelin Air remote control explained

Switching On and Off

In addition to normal operating mode, Zeppelin Air has both Standby and Sleep modes. In Standby mode, all Zeppelin Air functions are switched off and the power consumption minimised. In Sleep mode, the Zeppelin Air wireless function remains connected to the network. The Zeppelin Air indicator illuminates bright red in Sleep mode and dim red in Standby mode.

Zeppelin Air can be switched on from Standby or Sleep modes by the following actions:

• Pressing the Zeppelin Air Standby button .
• Pressing handset Standby key .
• Docking an iPod or iPhone.

When Zeppelin Air is switched on from Standby or Sleep, the last input used will be selected if it is still connected. If the last input used is no longer connected, Zeppelin Air will automatically scan its inputs (Dock, AirPlay, USB, (AUX)iliary) and select the first connected one it finds. The Zeppelin Air indicator will change to the colour that designates the selected input. If no connected input is found, Zeppelin Air will select the AirPlay input by default.

Note: If the AirPlay input has not been set up the indicator will flash purple.

Note: The table in "The Unit Indicator" section describes all the Zeppelin Air indicator colours and their meanings.

To switch Zeppelin Air into Sleep mode, either press the remote handset Standby key or press and hold the Zeppelin Air Standby button for 2 seconds. The Zeppelin Air indicator will illuminate bright red.

To switch Zeppelin Air into Standby mode, press and hold the Zeppelin Air Standby button for 4 seconds. The Zeppelin Air indicator will illuminate dim red.

Note: It is not possible to switch Zeppelin Air into Standby mode from the handset. Zeppelin Air cannot enter Standby mode directly from Sleep mode.

Note: The Zeppelin Air will automatically enter Sleep mode if left inactive for more than 30 minutes.

Unit Functions

Diagram 6 illustrates Zeppelin Air with all its possible audio sources connected.

Diagram 6
Zeppelin Air connectivity

With the Zeppelin Air switched on from Standby or Sleep:

• You can listen to your iPod or iPhone audio.
• You can output iPod or iPhone video to a TV or monitor, with audio on the Zeppelin Air.
• You can connect to a wired or wireless network and listen to your iTunes audio via AirPlay.
• You can listen to other digital or analogue audio sources via the Zeppelin Air (AUX)iliary input.
• You can listen to audio stored or streamed on your computer via USB.
  Note: See "Using the Device USB Input" section for more on using the Zeppelin Air USB input.
• You can use the handset Volume keys or the Zeppelin Air Volume buttons to control volume.
• If an iPod or iPhone is docked, or Zeppelin Air is connected to iTunes via AirPlay, you can use the handset Play/Pause key to play or pause audio, or the Next and Previous keys to select the next or previous track.
• You can use the handset Input key or the Zeppelin Air Standby button sequentially to select connected inputs.
  Note: There is a short delay when Zeppelin Air inputs are switched. This is a consequence of the need to re-establish USB, Network or iPod communication.

Adjusting the unit sound

A Zeppelin Air used close to a wall or near a room corner may overemphasise the bass elements of music played on it. You can reduce the bass by following the steps below.

• With the Zeppelin Air switched on from Standby, dock an iPod or iPhone and play some music. While the music is playing, select the iPod or iPhone Settings icon.
• Scroll to the bottom of the Settings page and select Speakers.
• The default Zeppelin Air setting is Bass 0. This is appropriate for a Zeppelin Air used away from walls and corners. Bass -1 reduces the bass output appropriately for a Zeppelin Air used with its back close to a wall. Bass -2 reduces the bass output appropriately for a Zeppelin Air used near a room corner. Bass +1 and Bass -3 options are also provided to enable personal preferences also to be accommodated. You should select whichever option you feel sounds best on a range of music. The bass adjustment happens as soon as you highlight the option.
• The selected bass adjustment is retained by the Zeppelin Air once the docked iPod or iPhone is removed and is applied to all the Zeppelin Air inputs.

Note: When you use Zeppelin Air with AirPlay or a docked iPod or iPhone it is best to switch-off any equalisation. Select the "flat" equalisation option.

Automatic Input Switching

In some circumstances the Zeppelin Air will automatically switch to its AirPlay input or switch on from Sleep mode:

• If iTunes streamed audio is present on the AirPlay input when the dock input is selected and a docked iPod or iPhone stops playing, the AirPlay input will automatically be selected.
• If iTunes streamed audio is present on the AirPlay input when the USB or (AUX)iliary input is selected but no audio playing, the AirPlay input will automatically be selected.
• If iTunes streamed audio is present on the AirPlay input when the Zeppelin Air is in Sleep mode, it will automatically switch on and play the streamed audio.

The Unit Indicator

The Zeppelin Air indicator illuminates in a range of colours to indicate different operational conditions. The table below describes the colours and their meanings.

Joining Wireless Networks and configuring iTunes

In order to play your iTunes music on your Zeppelin Air using AirPlay, your Zeppelin Air must join the same network as the computer on which iTunes is installed and running. Zeppelin Air network addressing is set to DHCP which means that once it has joined the wireless network it will not require any further configuration. You will need to know your home wireless network name and password before you start.

Setting up the unit using a wired connection

To set up Zeppelin Air to join your wireless network you should first connect it physically to the Mac/PC using the supplied Ethernet cable. Once connected you can browse to the Zeppelin Air setup page. Follow the steps described below.

Note: Zeppelin Air can also use a wired network for AirPlay streaming.

• Unplug every cable from the Zeppelin Air and undock any docked iPod or iPhone.
• Using the Ethernet cable supplied connect the Zeppelin Air rear panel ETHERNET socket to an Ethernet socket on the computer.
• Connect the power cable. Zeppelin Air will switch on in Standby mode with the indicator illuminated dim red.
• Switch on the Zeppelin Air from Standby mode by pressing its Standby button.
• Zeppelin Air will automatically select its AirPlay input and establish a connection to the network. This may take up to 90 seconds during which time the Zeppelin Air indicator will flash purple. The indicator will show continuous purple when the wired network connection is fully established.
• Using an internet browser application running on the computer connected to the Zeppelin Air type the Zeppelin Air default network address (http://169.254.1.1) in the browser address field and press "return". This will open the Zeppelin Air setup page (see Diagram 7).
  
• Before you connect to the home wireless network, the setup page provides the option to change the Zeppelin Air name. Changing the name is useful if more than one Zeppelin Air is to be connected to the network. Enter a new name (Zeppelin Air Kitchen for example) in the Zeppelin Air Name box and click on Apply, press "OK" at the "New setting were successfully applied" page to return to the setup page.
• Select your home network Name from the drop down list and enter the Password in the appropriate box. Take care to type the password correctly.
• When you are finished, click on the Join button and on the OK button in the following dialogue box, then close the Zeppelin Air setup page. Disconnect the Ethernet cable.
• The Zeppelin Air indicator will change to steady purple when the wireless network connection is established. This will take around 60 seconds.

Note: If Zeppelin Air fails to connect to your home wireless network, the most likely fault is an incorrectly entered network password. Follow the reset instructions in "Factory Reset" section and begin the network setup procedure again.

Setting up the unit using the Temporary Wireless Network

You can also set up your Zeppelin Air to join your wireless network by first temporarily connecting a computer to the Zeppelin Air's own temporary wireless network. Follow the steps described below.
Make sure you have a record of your home network name and password before you start.

• Unplug every cable from the Zeppelin Air and undock any docked iPod or iPhone.
• Connect the power cable. Zeppelin Air will switch on in Standby mode with the indicator illuminated dim red.
• Press the Standby button once. The indicator will flash purple. Wait until the indicator starts to flash yellow (could be up to 60 seconds). This indicates that the Zeppelin Air device is in temporary wireless network mode and can be identified within your wireless connections.
• If the computer to be used to connect to the Zeppelin Air temporary wireless network is already connected to your home wireless network it will be disconnected at the next stage. Make sure you have a record of your home network name and password before disconnecting.
  Note: Your computer is unlikely to be able to access your home network and the internet while it is connected to the Zeppelin Air temporary wireless network.
• Use the computer's wireless network control panel to join the Zeppelin Air default network called Zeppelin_Air_Setup. The Zeppelin Air default network requires no password. Joining the network may take up to 45 seconds.
  Note: The Zeppelin Air default wireless network should not be used for anything more than temporary setup access.
• Using an internet browser application running on the computer connected to the Zeppelin Air wireless network, type the Zeppelin Air default network address (https://169.254.1.1) in the browser address field and press "return". After requesting acceptance of a digital security certificate this will open the Zeppelin Air setup page (see Diagram 7).
  Note: An alternative network address for the Zeppelin Air setup page is http://169.254.1.1. Use of this address however carries a small security risk.
• Before you connect to the home wireless network, the setup page provides the option to change the Zeppelin Air name. Changing the name is useful if more than one Zeppelin Air is to be connected to the network. Enter a new name (Zeppelin Air Kitchen for example) in the Zeppelin Air Name box and click on Apply, press "OK" at the "New settings were successfully applied" page to return to the setup page.
• Select your home network Name from the drop down list and enter the Password in the appropriate box. Take care to type the password correctly.
  Note: If your home network name is not initially visible in the setup page drop down list, reload the page.
• When you are finished, click on the Join button and on the OK button in the following dialogue box, then close the Zeppelin Air setup page.

• The computer can now be disconnected from the Zeppelin Air temporary network and reconnected to your home wireless network if desired. It may have reconnected automatically.
• The Zeppelin Air Indicator illuminates continuous purple when the wireless network connection is established. This may take up to 15 seconds.

Note: If Zeppelin Air fails to connect to your home network, the most likely fault is an incorrectly entered network password. Follow the reset instructions in "Factory Reset" section and begin the network setup procedure again.

Setting up the unit using an iPod touch/iPhone or iPad

It is possible to set up Zeppelin Air using the Safari browser on your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad. Make sure you have a record of your home network name and password before you start. Additionally, it is recommended that you disable the 3G network (on your iPhone or iPad) and have Java script on (iPod touch, iPhone or iPad).

• Connect only your power cable. Zeppelin Air will switch on in Standby mode with its indicator showing dim red.
• Press the Standby button once. The indicator will flash purple. Wait until the indicator starts to flash yellow (could be up to 60 seconds). This indicates that the Zeppelin Air device is in temporary wireless network mode and can be identified within your wireless connections.
• Access your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad Wi-Fi connection within the Settings menu.
• Select the Zeppelin_Air_Setup network. This will disconnect your device from the existing network and then connect to the Zeppelin Air.
• Open the Safari browser on your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad. In the address bar of Safari type 169.254.1.1 and press 'Go'. The Zeppelin Air setup page will open. You may need to zoom on the page to see clearly.
• Before you connect to the home wireless network, the setup page provides the option to change the Zeppelin Air name. Changing the name is useful if more than one Zeppelin Air is to be connected to the network. Enter a new name (Zeppelin Air Kitchen for example) in the Zeppelin Air Name box and press 'Apply Now'. Press OK to confirm the new setting and return to the setup page.
• Select your home network Name from the drop down list and enter the Password in the appropriate box. Take care to type the password correctly.
• Click on the Join button and on the OK button in the following dialogue box, then close the Zeppelin Air setup page.
• Return to the Wi-Fi connection within your device's setup menu and reselect your home network.

Configuring iTunes

With Zeppelin Air connected to your home network (wired or wireless) you can configure iTunes to use it as an output device. Configure iTunes by selecting Zeppelin Air in the devices menu at the bottom right hand corner of the iTunes display. (see Diagram 8)
iTunes will now play through the Zeppelin Air.

Multiple Zeppelin Air units can be connected to the wireless network and used to provide audio in separate rooms. Each will be available in the iTunes devices menu, identified by either the names specified in the setup page, or by default the last three digits of their serial numbers.

Using the Device USB Input

The USB input enables you to connect your Zeppelin Air to a Mac/PC in order to play stored or streamed audio, or to synchronise data held on your Mac/PC with your iPod or iPhone.

Playing Audio via USB

When Zeppelin Air is connected to a Mac/PC via USB and its USB input is selected, the computer will identify Zeppelin Air as an output only audio device. Specifying Zeppelin Air in the Mac/PC audio control panel will allow it to play audio data either stored locally on the computer or streamed via a network or the internet. The Zeppelin Air indicator will illuminate green when the USB input is selected.

Note: The table in "The Unit Indicator" section describes all the Zeppelin Air indicator colours and their meanings.

Depending on the Mac/PC audio application in use, the handset may be used to control playback, skip tracks and adjust volume.

Data Synchronisation via USB

When Zeppelin Air is connected to a Mac/PC via USB it can be used as an iTunes synchronisation dock to synchronise data stored on the computer with data stored on the iPod or iPhone.

To function as a synchronisation dock, the Zeppelin Air must first be switched into Sleep mode by pressing the handset Standby key, or pressing and holding the Standby button for 2 seconds. Once in Sleep mode, pressing and holding the Standby button again for two seconds switches the Zeppelin Air into Synchronisation mode (entry into synchronisation mode is not possible from the remote handset). In synchronisation mode, a docked iPod or iPhone will be linked directly to the Mac/ PC via USB so that iTunes can be used to manage data synchronisation. The Zeppelin Air indicator will illuminate yellow in synchronisation mode.

Note: If no iPhone or iPod is docked or no Mac/ PC is connected, Zeppelin Air will not enter synchronisation mode.

When synchronisation is complete, synchronisation mode can be cancelled either by un-docking the iPod or iPhone or pressing and holding the Zeppelin Air Standby button for two seconds. It is good practice always to "eject" iPod and iPhone models from iTunes before physically disconnecting the USB connection. The Zeppelin Air will return to Sleep mode when synchronisation mode is cancelled.

Note: Cancelling synchronisation mode while synchronisation is underway may result in data loss.

Product Firmware Update

Updated Zeppelin Air firmware may from time to time be made available for download from the Zeppelin Air support section of the Bowers & Wilkins web site. With the firmware file downloaded to your Mac/PC, update your Zeppelin Air by following the steps below:

• Un-dock any docked iPod or iPhone and disconnect Zeppelin Air from its power supply.
• If it is not already connected, connect the Zeppelin Air to the Mac/PC via USB.
• While holding down the Zeppelin Air Standby button, connect the Zeppelin Air power cable. The indicator will illuminate white to confirm that the Zeppelin Air is in firmware update mode and connected to a Mac/PC.
• Launch the firmware updater on the Mac/PC and follow the dialogue box instructions.

Note: On computers running Mac OS X, launching the Zeppelin Air firmware updater will install a Zeppelin Air Programmer application in the OS X Applications folder. Launching the application by double-clicking on its icon in the Applications folder will begin the firmware update process.

Note: On computers running Microsoft Windows (XP or later), launching the Zeppelin Air firmware updater will install a Zeppelin Air desktop icon. Double-click on the icon to begin the update process. If the process has not been run before, a dialogue box will request that the location of the USB Driver also installed by the updater is specified (the default location is:
C:\Program Files\Bowers & Wilkins\Zeppelin AirProgrammer\). Once the location of the USB driver has been specified, the firmware update process will continue.

Once the firmware update is complete, the Zeppelin Air indicator will illuminate dim red and the unit will return to normal operation.

Note: Updated Zeppelin Air firmware may incorporate new features. Download the most recent owners manual for the latest information.

Factory Reset

Zeppelin Air has a pin-hole reset button located on its rear connection panel. The reset button is illustrated in Diagram 9. To return the Zeppelin Air network settings (AirPlay input) to the factory defaults, ensure the power cable is connected, and power the Zeppelin Air on. Wait 60 seconds before pressing and holding the reset button for 2 seconds. The indicator will flash red five times.

Cleaning the Device

Use a clothes brush or vacuum cleaner with nozzle attachment to clean the grille cloth. Wipe other surfaces with a clean lint-free cloth. If you wish to use a cleaning agent, apply it onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto the Zeppelin Air. Test a small area first, as some cleaning products may damage some of the surfaces. Avoid products that are abrasive, or contain acid, alkali or anti-bacterial agents.

Troubleshooting

If you need help troubleshooting a specific problem, or have a question you'd like answered, please consult our Troubleshooting guide, or Frequently Asked Questions section on the Zeppelin Air Product Support page of our website.
www.bowers-wilkins.com

Documents / Resources

References

• Bowers & Wilkins - Speakers, Headphones & Sound Systems

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air - Speaker Manual