Sony MDR-DS8000 User Manual

3-238-629-13(1)

Digital Surround Headphone System

Operating Instructions Mode d’emploi Manual de instrucciones

MDR-DS8000

WARNING

NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE U.S.A.

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

For the customers in the USA

Owner’s Record

The model number is located on the back of the processor and the right inner side of the headband. The serial number is located at the bottom of the processor and the inner side of the battery compartment. Record these numbers in the spaces provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

NOTE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/

TV technician for help.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Model No. MDR-DS8000

Processor DP-IF8000 Headphones MDR-IF8000

Serial No.

Processor Headphones

For the customers in the USA and Canada

RECYCLING NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE BATTERIES

Main features............................... 4

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.

Checking the Components and

Accessories ................................ 5

Location and Function of Parts ... 6

Front Panel of the Processor .............. 6

Rear Panel of the Processor ............... 7

Headphone Parts Descriptions .......... 8

Charging the rechargeable

Batteries .................................... 9

Inserting the rechargeable batteries

into the battery charger ..................

Charging............................................. 10

Connecting the Headphone

System ..................................... 12

Setup ................................................... 12

Connecting the processor to

digital components .......................

Connecting the processor to

analogue components...................

Plugging into the wall outlet ........... 15

Inserting the batteries in the

headphones ....................................

Listening to the Sound of a

Connected Component .......... 17

Additional Headphones .................. 24

Troubleshooting......................... 25

Precautions................................. 28

Specifications ............................. 29

Main features

The MDR-DS8000 is a digital surround headphone system using digital infrared transmission. You can enjoy multichannel surround sound with headphones by simply connecting the digital surround processor to a DVD player or a Digital TV, a Digital Broadcasting Satellite Receiver, etc., with the supplied optical digital connecting cable.

• Compatible with Dolby Digital*, Dolby Pro Logic II*, DTS-ES*, DTS*, and MPEG-2 AAC* (Even the “Dolby Digital Surround EX” software can be fully reproduced by a unique algorithm).

• Dolby Digital/Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Virtual certified.

• Signal processing by the Logic 3D processor creates surround sound for the headphones that simulates a movie theatre.

• Cordless headphones using a digital infrared transmission system which provides the same sound quality as compact discs, resistant to external noise and interference. (uncompressed transmission)

• Equipped with the head tracking system in the headphones to create more realistic sound.

• Wide infrared reception range of up to 10 m.

• Self-adjusting mechanism eliminating the need for headband adjustment.

• Auto Power On/Off Function to automatically turn on the headphones when they are put on and to turn them off when they are taken off.

• VOL control for adjusting both the right and left volume of the headphones.

• Additional MDR-IF8000 headphones (sold separately) can be used at the same time so that more than one person can enjoy the surround sound experience.

• Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries (supplied and sold separately) or R6 (size AA) alkaline batteries (sold separately) can be used to power the headphones.

* The digital surround processor for this system incorporates the Dolby Digital decoder,

the Dolby Pro Logic II decoder, the DTS-ES decoder, the DTS decoder, and the MPEG-2 AAC decoder.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories and Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

“Dolby”, “AC-3”, “Pro Logic”, the “AAC” logo and the double-D symbol ; are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

“DTS” and “DTS VIRTUAL ” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

AAC patent marking

Pat. 5,848,391; 5,291,557; 5,451,954; 5 400 433; 5,222,189; 5,357,594; 5 752 225; 5,394,473; 5,583,962; 5,274,740; 5,633,981; 5 297 236; 4,914,701; 5,235,671; 07/640,550; 5,579,430; 08/678,666; 98/03037; 97/02875; 97/02874; 98/03036; 5,227,788; 5,285,498; 5,481,614; 5,592,584; 5,781,888; 08/039,478; 08/211,547; 5,703,999; 08/557,046; 08/894,844

CE mark

The CE mark is valid for products marketed in the European Union only.

1 Preparation

Checking the Components and Accessories

Before setting up the system, check that all of the components are included.

Cordless stereo headphones (1)Processor (1)

Battery charger (1) Charging plug (for battery

Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries NH-AA (2)

charger) (1) (UK and Hong Kong model only)

Optical digital connecting cable (rectangular type y rectangular type) (1)

Stand (for the processor) (1)

Charging plug (for battery charger) (1) (European model only)

AC power adaptor (1)

Preparation

Location and Function of Parts

1 DIGITAL 1,2 input indicator

Front Panel of the Processor

123

POWER

DIGITAL 1 DIGITAL 2

ANALOG

INPUT

CINEMA 1 CINEMA 2

MUSIC

EFFECT

DECODE MODE

DOLBY DIGITAL DOLBY PRO LOGIC II DTS MPEG-2 AAC

VIRTUAL

OUTPUT

MIN MAX

LS RS

PHONES LEVEL

ANALOG input indicator INPUT button

Press to select the input source (DIGITAL 1/DIGITAL 2/ANALOG).

2 POWER indicator

This indicator lights green when you turn on the processor.

POWER switch

Press to turn on and off the processor.

3 CINEMA 1,2 indicator

MUSIC indicator EFFECT button (see page 20

details)

Press to select the sound field (CINEMA 1/CINEMA 2/MUSIC).

4 Decode mode indicator (see page

19 for details)

5 PHONES jack (see page 20, 24 for

details)

Connect your headphones to this jack. Connect the MDR-F1 headphone (sold separately) for optimum surround effect.

6 PHONES — LEVEL control

Turn to adjust the volume of the headphones (sold separately) connected to the PHONES jack.

7 OUTPUT button

Press to select the output mode (OFF/ VIRTUAL FRONT/VIRTUAL SURROUND).

8 Infrared emitter

Set the emitter in a position so that there is a straight, unobstructed path to the sensor.

for

Preparation

Rear Panel of the Processor

1 DIGITAL IN 1,2 jack (see page 13 for

details)

Connect a DVD player, Digital TV, Digital Broadcasting Satellite Receiver, LD player, or other digital component (sold separately) to this jack.

2 ATT (attenuator) switch

Set this switch to 0dB when the volume is too low at analogue input. Normally, this switch should be set to –8dB.

3 LINE IN jack (see page 14 for details)

Connect the audio output jack on audio/ video equipment (sold separately), such as a video cassette player or TV, to this jack.

4 DC IN jack

Connect the supplied AC power adaptor to this jack. (Be sure to use the supplied AC power adaptor. Using products with different plug polarity or other characteristics can cause a malfunction.)

Preparation

Headphone Parts Descriptions

5 4

1 Infrared sensor

There are infrared sensors in two locations on both sides.

2 Battery case

Press and lift up the lid to open it. This battery case is for the supplied rechargeable batteries and R6 (size AA) alkaline batteries only.

3 Self-adjusting band

The headphones automatically turn on when you put on the headphones.

4 POWER indicator

By pulling up the self-adjusting band, the indicator lights red when battery power is sufficient.

6 7

5 RESET button (See page 21 for

details)

Use to reset the location information of the head tracking function.

6 HEAD TRACKING switch (See page

21 for details)

To activate the head tracking function, switch it to ON when the output mode of the processor is set to VIRTUAL (other than OFF).

7 VOL (Volume) control

Use to adjust the volume.

8 Ear pad (right) 9 Ear pad (left)

Preparation

Charging the Rechargeable Batteries

The supplied rechargeable batteries should be recharged before using them for the first time. Be sure to use the supplied battery charger. Up to four batteries can be charged at once.

Inserting the rechargeable batteries into the battery charger

Insert the two supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries with the 3 and # ends in the correct direction.

Insert the # end first.

Notes

• Press the rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries into the charger until they fit into place.

• When charging two batteries, the charge mode becomes high-speed and completes charging in

approximately 90 minutes.

Preparation

Charging

(US and Canadian model only)

1 Pull out the charging plug. 2 Insert into the wall outlet.

Charge indicator lights up.

(UK, Hong Kong and European model)

1 Attach the charging plug to the battery charger. 2 Insert into the wall outlet.

, to the wall

outlet

Charge indicator lights up.

Charging is completed in about 90 minutes*.

The charge indicator goes off when charging is completed. Unplug the charger from the outlet, and take out the rechargeable batteries.

* In high-speed charging mode.

Usage time

Approx. 7 hours*

* The usage time stated above is attainable only when the fully charged batteries are used. The

time may alter according to the temperature or conditions of use.

Preparation

Notes

• Up to four batteries can be charged at once with the supplied battery charger. The charging

time for the batteries varies according to the number of batteries at the same time.

- When charging one or two rechargeable batteries in the battery charger : Approx 90 minutes (high-speed charging mode)

- Other than above : Approx 180 minutes

• During charging, the charger and the batteries become slightly warm. This is not a malfunction.

• Be sure to unplug the charger when it is not being used.

• Do not use or leave the charger near heating components, hot areas exposed to direct sunlight, or damp areas.

• The charging indicator may turn off sooner than usual when charging batteries that have not been completely discharged.

• The rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries should be replaced with new ones when they last only half the expected time when fully charged. Purchase Sony R6 (size AA) rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries (NH-AA). You can order the batteries from the store where you purchased this unit, or at your nearest Sony dealer.

• This power unit is intended to be correctly orientated in a vertical or floor mount position.

WARNING

The supplied battery charger can charge Sony R6 (size AA), R03 (size AAA) rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries (NH-AA, NH-AAA). Never attempt to charge other types of rechargeable batteries or dry-cell batteries. Using them in combination with other batteries may cause leakage, overheating and explosion.

Preparation

1 Connection

Connecting the Headphone System

Setup

You can place the processor in an upright position or on its side.

To use in an upright position:

Use a coin to attach the supplied stand to the bottom of the processor.

To use on its side:

Place the processor so that the four rubber supports are at the bottom.

Rubber supports

Notes

• Install the processor in a location where there are no obstructions between the processor and headphones when used.

• Do not install the processor in unstable locations, such as on top of the TV. If the processor falls down, it could cause an injury or be damaged.

• If the processor is placed in an upright position, always attach the stand for added safety.

• If the processor is placed on its side, the full infrared transmission range may not be obtained depending on installation conditions.

• If the processor is placed on its side, do not place the processor on the side not having the rubber supports.

Connection

Connecting the processor to digital components

Use the supplied optical digital connecting cable to connect the optical digital output jack on a DVD player (or LD player), Digital TV, or other digital component to the DIGITAL IN 1 or 2 jack of the processor.

Processor

To DIGITAL IN jack

Notes

• The optical digital connecting cable is an extremely high-precision device and is sensitive to jolts and external pressure. Therefore, be careful when inserting and removing the cable plug.

• This system is not provided with AC-3 RF jacks, and so AC-3 RF signals from LD players cannot be directly input.

• The digital input for the processor does not support sampling frequencies of 96 kHz. Set the digital output setting for the DVD player to 48 kHz when using this system. Noise may be heard when a 96 kHz digital signal is input.

DTS

•A DTS-compatible DVD player is required for the playback of DVDs recorded in DTS audio. (For more details, see the instruction manual of the DVD player.)

• When playing LDs and CDs recorded in DTS format, noise may occur when fast forwarding or rewinding. This is not a malfunction.

• If the DTS digital output is set to “OFF” on the DVD player, no sound may be heard even if the DTS output is selected in the DVD menu.

• No sound may be heard when a DVD player and this unit is analogue connected. In this case, use a digital connection.

Optical digital connecting cable (supplied)

Match the orientation of the plug with the jack, and then insert until the plug fits into place.

(sold separately)

To optical digital output jack

DVD player, LD player, BS digital tuner, or other digital component having an optical digital output jack

(Continued)

Connection

Connecting cables (sold separately)

• Use an optical cable (POC-5A, etc., sold separately) to connect more than two external components.

• Use the POC-5AB (mini-plug y rectangular plug, sold separately) when connecting the digital output mini-jack on portable DVD players, portable CD players, or other digital components to the DIGITAL IN jack.

Optical digital selector (sold separately)

Use of the SB-RX100P (Optical digital selector (4-line input, 3-line output), sold separately) is recommended when connecting more than one digital component.

Notes on optical digital connecting cable

• Do not drop objects on the optical digital connecting cable or expose the cable to shocks.

• Grasp the plug to connect or disconnect the cable.

• Be sure that the ends of the optical digital connecting cable are kept clean. Dust at the ends of the cable can degrade performance.

• When storing the system, attach the cap to the end of the plug and be careful not to fold or bend the optical digital connecting cable with a bend radius less than 25 mm.

The bend radius of the optical digital connecting cable should be no less than 25 mm.

25 mm

Connecting the processor to analogue components

Use an audio cord (sold separately) to connect to the audio output jacks on the VCR, TV, or other component to the LINE IN (L/R) jacks on the processor.

Processor

VCR, TV, or other

To LINE IN jacks

Audio left (L, white) Audio left (white)

Audio cord (sold separately)

Audio right (R, red)

Connecting cables (sold separately)

Use the RK-G129 cable (stereo mini-plug y pin plug x 2) when connecting a stereo mini-jack (line out jack or headphones jack) to the LINE IN jacks. In this case, set the volume on the player at a medium level. Noise can occur if the volume on the player is set too low.

See page 29 for details about other connecting cables (sold separately).

Connection

To audio output jacks

Audio right (red)

component

Setting the input level

If the volume is low using analogue input, set the ATT (attenuator) switch to “0dB”.

ATT

0dB

–8dB

Setting Connected components

0dB TV, portable components, and other components with a low output level

–8dB Other components (initial settings)

Notes

• Be sure to lower the volume before setting the ATT switch.

• If audio input to the LINE INPUT jacks is distorted (sometimes, noise can be heard at the same time.), set the ATT switch to “–8dB”.

Plugging into the wall outlet

Processor

AC power adaptor

To the wall outlet

To DC IN jack

Notes

• Be sure to use the supplied AC power adaptor. Using AC adaptors with different plug polarity or other characteristics can cause product failure.

Unified polarity plug

• Be sure to always use the supplied AC power adaptor. Even AC power adaptors having the same voltage and plug polarity can damage this product due to the current capacity or other factors.

Connection

Inserting the batteries in the headphones

As shown in the illustration below, insert two fully-charged (page 9) rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries with the 3 and # ends in the correct direction, and insert the # side first.

When using optional batteries

You can also use R6 (size AA) alkaline batteries. Insert the batteries as shown above.

Usage times for dry-cell batteries

Battery type Usage time

Sony alkaline battery LR6 (SG) Approx. 7 hours*

* Usage time stated above may vary according to the temperature or conditions of use.

Note

Manganese batteries cannot be used with this unit.

How to reattach the battery cover should it come off

As shown in the illustration, align A with A, and B with B, reattach, and then slide the cover in place.

Connection

1 Operation

Listening to the Sound of a Connected Component

Before starting operation, be sure to read “Connecting the Headphone System” (pages 12 to 16) and make the proper connections.

1 Turn on the component connected to the processor.

DVD player or other audio and video component

POWER

2 Press POWER to turn on the processor.

The POWER indicator lights green.

POWER

3 Put on the headphones.

The POWER indicator lights red, and the headphones automatically turn on.

POWER indicator

(Continued)

Operation

4 Press INPUT to select the component you want to listen to.

DIGITAL 1 DIGITAL 2

ANALOG

INPUT

Indicator light Selected sound source

DIGITAL 1 Sound of the component connected to DIGITAL IN 1 jack

DIGITAL 2 Sound of the component connected to DIGITAL IN 2 jack

ANALOG Sound of the component connected to LINE IN jacks

Note

To listen to dual audio (MAIN/SUB) sound sources, connect to the LINE IN jacks, and then select the sound source you want to listen to on the player, TV, or other component.

5 Start playback of the component selected in step 4. 6 Press OUTPUT repeatedly to select the output mode (surround effect) (see

page 19).

Operation

DECODE MODE

DOLBY DIGITAL DOLBY PRO LOGIC II DTS MPEG-2 AAC

LS RS

VIRTUAL

OUTPUT

Indicator light Output mode (surround effect)

DECODE MODE

DOLBY DIGITAL DOLBY PRO LOGIC II DTS

MPEG-2 AAC

LS RS

VIRTUAL

DECODE MODE

DOLBY DIGITAL DOLBY PRO LOGIC II DTS MPEG-2 AAC

LS RS

VIRTUAL

DECODE MODE

DOLBY DIGITAL DOLBY PRO LOGIC II DTS

MPEG-2 AAC

LS RS

VIRTUAL

DECODE MODE

DOLBY DIGITAL DOLBY PRO LOGIC II DTS MPEG-2 AAC

OFF

Regular headphone playback.

VIRTUAL FRONT

Virtual effect where the sound seems to be coming from two speakers (right and left) located in front of you.

VIRTUAL SURROUND 5.1

Virtual surround effect where the sound seems to be coming from not only two front speakers (right and left), but also from one centre speaker, two rear speakers (right and left), and a subwoofer.

VIRTUAL SURROUND 6.1

This mode can be selected only when the input signal is multi channel source of DOLBY DIGITAL or DTS.

Virtual surround effect where the sound seems to be coming from three front speakers (right, left and centre), and three rear speakers (right, left and centre), and a subwoofer.

LS RS

VIRTUAL

Note

Select this mode in playback mode of the multichannel source of

DOLBY DIGITAL or DTS (Make sure that the DECODE MODE

indicator lights up). This mode cannot be selected in the other modes (stop mode, menu display, etc.).

DECODE MODE indication

When the output mode is set to VIRTUAL SURROUND 5.1 or VIRTUAL SURROUND 6.1, the processor automatically identifies the format of the input audio signal and the corresponding indicator lights up. Switch the audio between Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG-2 AAC, etc., on the connected equipment (DVD player, Digital Broadcasting Satellite Receiver, etc.).

• DOLBY DIGITAL: Input signal recorded in the DOLBY DIGITAL format.

• DOLBY PRO LOGIC II: Input 2-channel signal (digital or analogue) processed by DOLBY PRO

LOGIC II.

• DTS: Input signal recorded in the DTS format.

• MPEG-2 AAC: Input signal recorded in the MPEG-2 AAC format.

(Continued)

Operation

7 Press EFFECT to select the desired sound field. (Only when an item other

than “OFF” is selected in step 6 on page 18.)

CINEMA 1

CINEMA 2

MUSIC

EFFECT

Indicator light Sound field and suitable sound source

CINEMA 1 Mode which reproduces the sound field of a wide room like a movie

CINEMA 2 Mode which produces more realistic sound than CINEMA 1, as if

MUSIC Mode which reproduces the sound field of a listening room with a

Note

If the output mode (sound effect) is set to “OFF” in step 6 on page 18, you cannot select a sound field, even if you press EFFECT.

theatre or a concert hall. This mode is suitable for movie sound sources.

you are in the movie. This mode is suitable for movie sound sources.

good acoustic environment. This mode is suitable for music sources.

8 Adjust the volume.

Raise the volume

Lower the volume

To adjust the volume of headphones (sold separately) connected to the PHONES jack

Turn PHONES—LEVEL to adjust the volume.

MIN

LEVEL

MAX

Raise the volume

PHONES

Lower the volume

Note

When watching movies, be careful not to raise the volume too high in quiet scenes. You can hurt your ears when a loud scene is played.

Operation

9 Set the head tracking function to ON. (Only when an item other than “OFF”

is selected in step 6 on page 19.)

Face the source (for example, your TV) and switch the HEAD TRACKING switch to ON. Wait for 2 seconds without moving. Do not move your head until the head tracking system is stabilized. No sound is output for this period.

After the head tracking system stabilizes, playback sound can be heard. After this, even if you turn your head in any directions, the sound will be heard as if from the front.

Notes

• Always wear the headphones vertically (as shown on page 17) so that the head tracking system will be stable.

• Whenever the HEAD TRACKING switch is set to ON, and whenever you put on the headphones with its power on, always wait for 2 seconds without moving your head as the head tracking system newly stabilizes each time.

• If the sound from the headphones (while facing your TV) seems to be different from the actual direction of your TV, face forwards and press the RESET button on the headphones.

The headphones automatically turn off when they are taken off — Auto Power On/Off Function

When not in use, be careful not to hang the headphones in such a way as to activate the Auto Power On function, as this will consume battery power.

Self-adjusting band

To check the remaining battery power

Pull up the self-adjusting band and check the POWER indicator. The batteries are still serviceable when the POWER indicator lights red. Charge the rechargeable batteries or use

POWER indicator

new alkaline batteries if the POWER indicator flashes and an intermittent beep sound is heard from the headphones.

Transition time between modes

When pressing buttons on the processor to change to new modes, the transition time between modes may vary. This is due to differences in system control between modes.

(Continued)

Operation

If no sound is heard from the headphones

A short beep sound is heard repeatedly and the Muting Function is automatically activated if the sound output from the headphones is cut off when the headphones are outside the infrared transmission area, or when the infrared signals are interrupted. The Muting Function is automatically cancelled when you get closer to the processor or there is no longer anything in the way of the infrared signals.

Infrared transmission area

The approximate infrared transmission area from the processor is shown in the illustration below.

Infrared signal

Approx.

Digital surround processor

Notes

• Because this system uses infrared signals, sound may be interrupted if these signals are obstructed. This is due to the infrared signal characteristics, and is not a malfunction.

• Do not cover the infrared signal sensor with your hand or hair.

• As long as the headphones are in the transmission area shown in the illustration above, the headphones can have any orientation with respect to the processor (facing, turned 90°, or turned 180°).

• The sound may differ depending on the processor position and conditions in the room. It is recommended that you place the processor in the location which produces the clearest sound.

• Mixed signals may result if the processor is used with other processors or transmitters.

4 m

Approx. 4 m

45°

Approx. 10 m

Operation

If an audio signal is not input for 10 minutes

Infrared signal emission from the processor automatically stops when an audio signal is not input for 10 minutes. The infrared signals are automatically emitted when an audio signal is input again. The emission of the infrared signals may stop when an extremely low sound is emitted for about 10 minutes during analogue input. If this happens, raise the volume of the connected audio and video component and lower the volume of the headphones.

Notes

• There may be differences in brightness of the infrared emitter on the digital surround processor. However, this does not affect the transmission area.

• The headphones should be used within the infrared transmission area (see “Infrared transmission area” on page 22).

• Do not use this system in areas exposed to direct sunlight or strong light. The sound may be interrupted.

• These open-air headphones are so designed that sound may also leak outside the headphones. Be careful not to turn up the volume too high that it bothers people around you.

• The surround sound effect may not be obtained from sound sources which do not incorporate video, such as music CDs.

• This system simulates the average HRTF* common to most people. However, the effect can differ from person to person since the HRTF can vary between individuals.

* Head Related Transfer Function

Operation

Additional Headphones

Headphones can be added to this system in one of two ways.

To enjoy surround sound using cordless headphones with more than one person

t By using additional MDR-IF8000 cordless infrared headphones (sold separately),

more than one person can enjoy the surround sound experience at the same time.

* There is no limit to the number of headphones that can be used within the

infrared transmission area.

Processor

Note

Because this unit employs a digital infrared transmission system, cordless infrared analogue headphones (MDR-IF5000, etc.) cannot be used.

MDR-IF8000 (sold separately)

To connect normally wired headphones

t The PHONES jack is adjusted for the MDR-F1 corded full-open air type

headphone (sold separately), so connecting the MDR-F1 allows you to enjoy high quality surround sound. You can also use any corded open-air headphones with this system. To obtain sufficient surround sound effect, use of MDR-IF8000 cordless stereo headphones or MDR-F1 corded full-open type headphones is recommended.

Processor

MDR-F1 corded full-open air type headphones (sold separately) or other corded open-air headphones

To PHONES jack

Notes

• When removing the headphones from the PHONES jack, always grip the plug. Never pull on the cord.

• The surround effect may not be obtained when using closed-type and in-ear headphones.

Operation

1 Additional Information

Troubleshooting

If you run into any problems using this headphone system, use the following checklist. Should any problem persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Symptom Cause and remedy

No sound

Distorted sound (sometimes with noise)

Low sound

, Check the connection between the processor and the AV component. , Turn on the AV component connected to the processor, and start the

programme (playback).

, Check that you have selected the component you want to listen to. , If you connect the processor to an AV component using the headphone jacks,

raise the volume level on the connected AV component.

, Raise the headphone volume. , The batteries of the headphones are completely exhausted.

Pull up the self-adjusting band and if the POWER indicator is turned off, charge the rechargeable batteries or replace the alkaline batteries. If the POWER indicator is still turned off, take the unit to your nearest Sony dealer.

, You are trying to play a DTS audio track on a DVD player that does not

support DTS. Either use a DVD player that supports DTS, or select a Dolby Digital or PCM audio track.

, You are playing back a DVD disc recorded in DTS when DTS digital output

setting for the DVD player (including game machines) is “OFF”. Refer to the operating instructions of the DVD player, and change the DTS digital output setting to “ON”.

, You are playing back a DVD disc (including game machines) recorded in DTS

when the DVD player and the processor are analogue connected. Connect them in digital. (Analogue sound may not be output from the DVD player.)

, The head tracking function does not work correctly.

When the HEAD TRACKING switch is set to ON after putting the headphones on your head, or when you put them on with the HEAD TRACKING switch ON, wait for 2 seconds without moving your head. If you hear no sound even after tying this, take off the headphones, and then put them on again.

, Set the ATT switch on the processor to “–8dB”. , If you connect the processor to an AV component using the headphone jacks,

lower the volume level on the connected AV component.

, When using DTS audio sources, set the processor output mode to VIRTUAL

SURROUND (page 19).

, Set the ATT switch on the processor to “0dB”. , If you connect the processor to an AV component using the headphone jacks,

raise the volume level on the connected AV component.

, Raise the headphone volume.

(Continued)

Additional Information

Symptom Cause and remedy

Short beep sound is heard.

Long beep sound is heard

The surround sound effect is not obtained

The sound from the headphones seems to be different from the actual direction of your TV.

The DOLBY DIGITAL indicator does not turn on

DTS indicator light does not turn on

MPEG-2 AAC indicator does not light up.

, The headphones cannot receive infrared rays from the processor.

• Turn on the processor.

• Check the connection between the processor and the AC power adaptor, between the AC power adaptor and the AC power socket.

• Check if there is an obstacle between the processor and the headphones.

• Use the headphones nearer to the processor.

• Change the position or angle of the processor.

• Check if your hand or hair covers the infrared signal sensor of the headphones.

• If you use the headphones near a window exposed to direct sunlight, draw a curtain or a blind to block the sunlight. Or use the headphones where you are not exposed to the direct sunlight.

• If you use this system near a plasma display panel, move away from it.

, The batteries of the headphones are exhausted. Pull up the self-adjusting

band and if the POWER indicator is flashing, charge the rechargeable batteries or replace the alkaline batteries. If the POWER indicator is still flashing and beep sound is still heard, take the unit to your nearest Sony dealer.

, Press the OUTPUT button to select VIRTUAL SURROUND mode (page 18,19). , The audio being played is not a multichannel signal.

The surround effect does not work for monaural sound sources.

, Face forward (e.g. to your TV) and press the RESET button on the

headphones.

, The digital audio output setting for the DVD player (including game

machines) may be set to “PCM”. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the DVD player, and change the setting (such as “Dolby Digital/PCM” or “Dolby Digital”) for usage with components having built-in Dolby Digital decoders.

, Playback signals are not recorded in Dolby digital format. , The audio for the chapter being played is not a Dolby Digital signal.

, The DTS digital output setting on the DVD player (including game machines)

is set to OFF. Refer to the operating instructions supplied with the DVD player, and set the DTS digital output setting to ON.

, Playback signals are not recorded in DTS format. , The audio for the chapter being played is not a DTS signal. , The DVD player does not support DTS format.

Use a DVD player that supports DTS.

, Playback signals are not recorded in MPEG-2 AAC format.

Additional Information

Symptom Cause and remedy

CS (back surround) indicator does not light up.

, The format of input signal is other than Dolby digital (multi channel) or DTS

(multi channel).

• Play a DVD software of Dolby digital (multi channel) or DTS (multi channel) format.

• Change the setting on the output component so that the correct format is input.

, Dolby digital (multi channel) or DTS (multi channel) sound is not played back.

First start playback on the connected component, and make sure that the DECODE MODE indicator lights up, then change the output mode.

The batteries cannot be charged

, Dry-cell batteries are being used.

Insert the supplied or optional rechargeable batteries.

, Rechargeable batteries other than supplied or specified batteries are being

used. Insert the supplied or specified rechargeable batteries.

Additional Information

+ 61 hidden pages

Sony MDR-DS8000 User Manual

Table Of Contents

Main features

Checking the Components and Accessories

Location and Function of Parts

Front Panel of the Processor

Rear Panel of the Processor

Headphone Parts Descriptions

Charging the Rechargeable Batteries

Inserting the rechargeable batteries into the battery charger

Charging

Connecting the Headphone System

Setup

Connecting the processor to digital components

Connecting the processor to analogue components

Plugging into the wall outlet

Inserting the batteries in the headphones

Listening to the Sound of a Connected Component

Additional Headphones

Troubleshooting