Sony Model HT-K215 User Manual

Home Theater System

4-230-773-12(1)

Operating Instructions Mode d’emploi Gebruiksaanwijzing Bruksanvisning

GB FR NL SE

HT-K215

 2000 Sony Corporation

WARNING

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

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

Precautions

On safety

• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, unplug the amplifier and have it checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.

On power sources

• Before operating the amplifier, check that the operating voltage is identical with your local power supply. The operating voltage is indicated on the nameplate at the bottom of the amplifier.

• The amplifier is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the amplifier itself has been turned off.

• If you are not going to use the amplifier for a long time, be sure to disconnect the amplifier from the wall outlet. To disconnect the mains lead, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cord.

• The AC power cord (mains lead) must be changed, at a qualified service shop only.

• The mains switch is located on the front exterior.

On placement

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

• Place the amplifier in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup and prolong the life of the amplifier.

• Do not place the amplifier near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical shock.

• Do not place anything on top of the cabinet that might block the ventilation holes and cause malfunctions.

• Do not set the speakers in an inclined position.

• Do not place the speakers in locations that are: – Extremely hot or cold – Dusty or dirty – Very humid – Subject to vibrations – Subject to direct sunlight

On operation

• Before connecting other components, be sure to turn off and unplug the amplifier.

• Do not drive the speaker system with a continuous wattage exceeding the maximum input power of the system.

• If the polarity of the speaker connections are not correct, the bass tones will be weak and the position of the various instruments obscure.

• Contact between bare speaker wires at the speaker terminals may result in a short-circuit.

• The speaker grille cannot be removed. Do not attempt to remove the grille on the speaker system. If you try to remove it, you may damage the speaker.

If you encounter color irregularity on a nearby TV screen

This speaker system is magnetically shielded to allow it to be installed near a TV set. However, color irregularities may still be observed on certain types of TV sets.

If color irregularity is observed…

p Turn off the TV set once, then turn it

on again after 15 to 30 minutes.

If color irregularity is observed again…

p Place the speakers further away from

the TV set.

If howling occurs

Reposition the speakers or turn down the volume on the amplifier.

On cleaning

• Clean the cabinet, panel and controls with a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent such as alcohol or benzine.

If you have any question or problem concerning your amplifier, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

About This Manual

Conventions

• The instructions in this manual describe the controls on the amplifier and speakers. You can also use the controls on the supplied remote if they have the same or

similar names as those on the amplifier.

• The following icon is used in this manual: z Indicates hints and tips for making the task easier.

This amplifier incorporates Dolby* Digital and Pro Logic Surround and the DTS** Digital Surround System.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

“Dolby”, “AC-3”, “Pro Logic” and the double-D symbol a are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished Works. © 1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved. Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. US

Pat. No. 5,451,942 and other worldwide patents issued and pending. “DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. © 1996 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Demonstration Mode

The demonstration will activate the first time you turn on the power. When the demonstration starts, the following message appears in the display :

“NOW DEMONSTRATION MODE IF YOU FINISH DEMONSTRATION PLEASE PRESS POWER KEY WHILE THIS MESSAGE APPEARS IN THE DISPLAY THANK YOU”

To cancel the demonstration

Press ?/1 to turn the amplifier off while the above message is being displayed. The next time you turn the amplifier on, the demonstration will not appear.

To view the demonstration

Hold down SET UP and press ?/1 to turn on the power.

Notes

• Running the demonstration will clear the amplifier’s memory. For details on what will be cleared, see “Clearing the amplifier's memory” on page 14.

• There will be no sound when the demonstration mode is activated.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Hooking Up the Components 4

Unpacking 4 Setting Up the Amplifier 5 Video Component Hookups 6 Digital Component Hookups 7

5.1CH/SAT Hookups 8 Other Hookups 9

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System 10

Speaker System Hookup 11 Performing Initial Setup Operations 14 Multi Channel Surround Setup 15 Before You Use Your Amplifier 20

Location of Parts and Basic Operations 21

Front Panel Parts Descriptions 21

Enjoying Surround Sound 23

Selecting a Sound Field 24 Understanding the Multi-Channel Surround

Displays 27

Customizing Sound Fields 29

Other Operations 32

Using the Sleep Timer 33

Additional Information 34

Troubleshooting 34 Specifications 36 Glossary 38 Settings Using SURR, LEVEL, and SET UP

buttons 39 Remote Button Description 40 Index 42

Hooking Up

Unpacking

the Components

This chapter describes how to connect various audio and video components to the amplifier. Be sure to read the sections for the components you have before you actually connect them to the amplifier.

Check that you received the following items with the amplifier:

• Remote commander (remote) (1)

• Size AA (R6) batteries (2)

• Speakers

• Front speakers (2)

• Rear speakers (2)

• Center speaker (1)

• Subwoofer (1)

• Speaker connecting cord, long (2)

• Speaker connecting cord, short (3)

• Monaural connecting cord (1 phono to 1 phono) (1)

• Foot pads (20)

• Screw (1)

• Amplifier stand (1)

Inserting batteries into the remote

Insert R6 (size-AA) batteries with the + and – properly oriented in the battery compartment. When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor g on the amplifier.

]

}

]

When to replace batteries

Under normal conditions, the batteries should last for about 6 months. When the remote no longer operates the amplifier, replace all batteries with new ones.

Notes

• Do not leave the remote in an extremely hot or humid place.

• Do not use a new battery with an old one.

• Do not expose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or lighting apparatuses. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

• If you don’t use the remote for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage and corrosion.

Before you get started

• Turn off the power to all components before making

any connections.

• Do not connect the AC power cords until all of the

connections are completed.

• Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum and

noise.

• When connecting an audio cord, be sure to match the

color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components: white (left, audio) to white; and red (right, audio) to red.

Setting Up the Amplifier

You can place the amplifier flat on a surface or on the amplifier stand. Make sure that you do not place anything on top of the amplifier.

1 Turn the amplifier to its side.

Be sure to place the amplifier with the ?/1 (power) button at the bottom.

SOUND FIELD MODE

MASTER VOLUME

–+

VIDEO TV DVD AUX 5.1CH/SAT

+–

SURR LEVEL SET UP

?/1

2 Place the amplifier stand on top of the amplifier.

Be sure to align the hole on the stand to the hole on the amplifier.

5 Place the amplifier stand on a flat surface.

Hooking Up the Components

Note

You can dress the power cord and other wires at the amplifier stand as shown below.

3 Press to insert the stand to the amplifier. 4 Insert the screw and tighten it.

Video Component Hookups

Hooking Up the Components

OUTPUT

AUDIO OUT

DVD

Required cords

Audio cord (not supplied)

When connecting a cord, be sure to match the color -coded pins to the appropriate jacks on the components.

White (L)

Red (R)

OUTPUT

AUDIO OUT

CENTER

WOOFER

CENTER

5.1CH/SAT

IMPEDANCE USE 8-16 Ω

SPEAKERS

White (L) Red (R)

AUX

TV VIDEO FRONT

REAR

Jacks for connecting video components

Connect a To the

TV TV jacks VCR VIDEO jacks

ç

OUTPUT

AUDIO

OUT

VCR

WOOFER

OUT

FRONT REAR

ç

IN OUT

INPUT OUTPUT

AUDIO

OUT

Digital Component Hookups

Connect the digital output jacks of your DVD player and audio components (CD player, MD deck, etc.) to the amplifier’s digital input jacks to bring the multi channel surround sound of a movie theater into your home. To enjoy full effect of multi channel surround sound, five speakers (two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a center speaker) and a sub woofer are required.

OUTPUT

DIGITAL OPTICAL

CD player, MD deck, etc.

WOOFER

5.1CH/SAT

DVD player

DVD

(etc.)

OUTPUT

DIGITAL OPTICAL

CENTER

Required cords

Optical digital cords (not supplied)

Black Black

Note

The optical digital input jacks on the amplifier are compatible with sampling frequencies of 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz.

IMPEDANCE USE 8-16 Ω

SPEAKERS

Hooking Up the Components

AUX

TV VIDEO FRONT

WOOFER

REAR

Note

Connect the video jack of your DVD player to the VIDEO IN jack of your TV.

OUT

FRONT REAR

5.1CH/SAT Hookups

Hooking Up the Components

Although this amplifier incorporates a multi channel decoder, it is also equipped with 5.1CH/SAT jacks. These connections allow you to enjoy multichannel software encoded in formats other than Dolby Digital (AC-3) and DTS. If your DVD player is equipped with 5.1CH OUTPUT jacks, you can connect them directly to the amplifier to enjoy the sound of the DVD player’s multi channel decoder. Alternatively, the 5.1CH/SAT jacks can be used to connect an external multi channel decoder. To fully enjoy multi channel surround sound, you will need five speakers (two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a center speaker) and a subwoofer. Refer to the instruction manual supplied with your DVD player, multi channel decoder, etc., for details on the 5.1 channel input hookups.

CENTER

DVD player,

Multichannel decoder, etc.

5.1CH OUTPUT

REAR

FRONT

Required cords

Audio cords (not supplied)

Two for the 5.1CH/SAT FRONT and REAR jacks

White (L) White (L)

Red (R) Red (R)

Monaural audio cords (not supplied)

Two for the 5.1CH/SAT CENTER and WOOFER jacks

Black Black

Note

When using the connections described below, adjust the level of your surround speakers, center speaker and subwoofer from the DVD player or multichannel decoder.

WOOFER

REAR

WOOFER

CENTER

5.1CH/SAT

WOOFER

OUT

FRONT REAR

DVD

AUX

TV VIDEO FRONT

CENTER

Example of a DVD player hookup using the 5.1 CH/SAT jacks

5.1 CH/SAT

VIDEO TV DVD AUX 5.1CH/SAT

?/1

DVD player

Note

See page 11 for details on speaker system hookup.

SURR LEVEL SET UP

+–

IMPEDANCE USE 8-16 Ω

SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS FRONT

MASTER VOLUME

SPEAKERS REAR/CENTER

–+

SUB WOOFER

SOUND FIELD MODE

Front Speaker (L) Front Speaker (R)

Rear Speaker (L) Rear Speaker (R)

Center Speaker

Active Woofer

Other Hookups

REAR

WOOFER

CENTER

5.1CH/SAT

WOOFER

DVD

AUX

TV VIDEO FRONT

CENTER

Connecting the AC power cord

Before connecting the AC power cord of this amplifier to a wall outlet:

• Connect the speaker system to the amplifier (see page

11).

OUT

FRONT REAR

IMPEDANCE USE 8-16 Ω

SPEAKERS

AC power cord

To a wall outlet

Hooking Up the Components

Connect the AC power cord(s) of your video components to a wall outlet.

Note

If the AC power cord is disconnected for about two weeks, the amplifier’s entire memory will be cleared and the demonstration will start.

Hooking Up

SET UP

?/1

VIDEO TV DVD AUX 5.1CH/SAT

SURR LEVEL SET UP

+–

SOUND FIELD MODE

MASTER VOLUME

–+

and Setting Up the Speaker System

This chapter describes how to hook up your speaker system to the amplifier, how to position each speaker, and how to set up your speakers to enjoy multi channel surround sound.

+/– buttons

Brief descriptions of buttons and control used to set up the speaker system

SET UP button: Press to enter the setup mode when specifying speaker types and distances.

+/– buttons: Use to select parameters after pressing the SET UP button.

Speaker System Hookup

Required cords

Speaker connecting cords (supplied)

One white for SPEAKERS FRONT LEFT One red for SPEAKERS FRONT RIGHT One green for SPEAKERS CENTER One blue for SPEAKERS REAR LEFT One yellow for SPEAKERS REAR RIGHT

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

(–)

(+)

Monaural connecting cord (supplied)

One for an active sub woofer

Black Black

Speaker plug

Notes

• Make sure that you insert the speaker connecting cords according to the colour as labelled on the top of the amplifier of the speaker plug ends.

• The polarity of the speaker plugs is fixed on the amplifier.

Speaker System Hookup

Front speaker (L)

}

]

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

CENTER

DVD

AUX

TV VIDEO FRONT

Front speaker (R)

}

WOOFER

CENTER

5.1CH/SAT

WOOFER

REAR

OUT

}

Rear speaker (L)

]

FRONT REAR

}

]

IMPEDANCE USE 8-16 Ω

SPEAKERS

]

INPUT

Rear speaker (R)

}

]

Center speaker

Terminals for connecting the speakers

Connect the To the

Front speakers (8 ohm) SPEAKERS FRONT terminals Rear speakers (8 ohm) SPEAKERS REAR terminals Center speaker (8 ohm) SPEAKERS CENTER terminals Active sub woofer WOOFER OUT jack

Active sub woofer

Notes on speaker system hookup

• Make sure the plus (+) and the minus (–) terminals on the speakers are matched to the corresponding plus (+) and minus (–) terminals on the speaker plugs.

• Make sure all connections are firm. Contact between bare speaker wires at the speaker terminals may cause a short-circuit.

Tip

All striped wires are plus (+) in polarity, and should be connected to the plus (+) speaker terminals.

To avoid short-circuiting the speakers

Short-circuiting of the speakers may damage the amplifier. To prevent this, make sure to take the following precautions when connecting the speakers.

To avoid damaging your speakers

Make sure that you turn down the volume before you turn off the amplifier. When you turn on the amplifier, the volume remains at the level you turn off the amplifier.

Make sure the stripped ends of each speaker cord does not touch another speaker terminal or the stripped end of another speaker cord.

Examples of poor conditions of the speaker cord

Stripped speaker cord is touching another speaker terminal.

Stripped cords are touching each other due to excessive removal of insulation.

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

After connecting all the components, speakers, and AC power cord, output a test tone to check that all the speakers are connected correctly. For details on outputting a test tone, see page 18.

If no sound is heard from a speaker while outputting a test tone or a test tone is output from a speaker other than the one whose name is currently displayed on the amplifier, the speaker may be short-circuited. If this happens, check the speaker connection again.

Performing Initial Setup Operations

Once you have made speaker connections and have turned on the power for the first time, clear the amplifier’s memory. After you have done this, set the speaker sizes, speaker locations and other initial system settings that are necessary.

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Clearing the amplifier’s memory

Before you use your amplifier for the first time or when you want to clear the amplifier’s memory, do the following. If the Demonstration appears when the power is turned on, this procedure is not necessary.

?/1

VIDEO TV DVD AUX 5.1CH/SAT

?/1

SURR LEVEL SET UP

+–

1 Turn off the amplifier.

MASTER VOLUME

–+

SOUND FIELD MODE

Setting up the amplifier

Before you use your amplifier for the first time, use the SET UP button to adjust settings to correspond to your system. You can set the following items. For details on how to adjust each setting, see the page in parentheses.

• Set the speaker size (page 15).

• Set the speaker distance (page 17).

2 Hold down ?/1 for four seconds.

The currently selected function, then the demonstration message appears in the display and the items including the following are reset or cleared:

• All sound field parameters are reset to their factory settings.

• All adjustments made with the SET UP button are reset to their factory settings.

• The sound field memorized for each program source is cleared.

Multi Channel Surround Setup

For the best possible surround sound all speakers should be the same distance from the listening position (A). (However, this unit lets you to place the center speaker up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) closer (B) and the rear speakers up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) closer (C) to the listening position. The front speakers can be placed from 1.0 to 12.0 meters (3 to 40 feet) from the listening position (A).)

You can place the rear speakers either behind you or to the side, depending on the shape of your room (etc.).

When the rear speakers are placed to the side

A A

45°

90°

20°

When the rear speakers are placed behind you

Specifying the speaker parameters

For HT-K215, the speaker size and sub woofer selection has been preset to MICRO SP. (Micro Satellite Speaker) according to the supplied speaker system. If you change the speaker system, choose NORM. SP. (Normal Speaker) to adjust the speaker size and sub woofer selection. When you choose MICRO SP., the speaker size and the sub woofer selection has been configurated as follows:

Speakers

Front Center Rear Woofer You cannot change the configuration if you choose MICRO SP.

Settings

SMALL SMALL SMALL YES

1 Press ?/1 to turn on the amplifier. 2 Press SET UP repeatedly to select the parameter

you want to adjust.

3 Press +/– to select the setting you want.

The setting is stored automatically.

4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have set all of the

parameters that follow.

The following speaker size setup is applicable for NORM. SP.

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

A A

45°

90°

20°

Note

Do not place the center speaker farther away from the listening position than the front speakers.

p Front speaker size (

L R

)

Initial setting : LARGE

• If you connect large speakers that will effectively reproduce bass frequencies, select “LARGE”. Normally, select “LARGE”.

• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround effects when using multi channel surround sound, select “SMALL” to activate the bass redirection circuitry and output the front channel bass frequencies from the sub woofer.

• When the front speaker is set to “SMALL”, the center and rear speakers are also automatically set to “SMALL” (unless previously set to “NO”).

Multi Channel Surround Setup

p Center speaker size (

)

Initial setting : LARGE

• If you connect a large speaker that will effectively reproduce bass frequencies, select “LARGE”. Normally, select “LARGE”. However, if the front speakers are set

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

to “SMALL”, you cannot set the center speaker to “LARGE”.

• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround effects when using multi channel surround sound, select “SMALL” to activate the bass redirection circuitry and output the center channel bass frequencies from the front speakers (if set to “LARGE”) or sub woofer. *

• If you do not connect the center speaker, select “NO”. The sound of the center channel will be output from the front speakers.*

p Rear speaker size (LS RS)

Initial setting : LARGE

• If you connect large speakers that will effectively reproduce bass frequencies, select “LARGE”. Normally, select “LARGE”. However, if the front speakers are set to “SMALL”, you cannot set the rear speakers to “LARGE”.

• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround effects when using multi channel surround sound, select “SMALL” to activate the bass redirection circuitry and output the rear channel bass frequencies from the sub woofer or other “LARGE” speakers.

• If you do not connect rear speakers, select “NO”.*

About speaker sizes (LARGE and SMALL)

Internally, the LARGE and SMALL settings for each speaker determine whether or not the internal sound processor will cut the bass signal from that channel. When the bass is cut from a channel the bass redirection circuitry sends the corresponding bass frequencies to the sub woofer or other “LARGE” speaker. However, since bass sounds have a certain amount of directionality it best not to cut them, if possible. Therefore, even when using small speakers, you can set them to “LARGE” if you want to output the bass frequencies from that speaker. On the other hand, if you are using a large speaker, but prefer not to

have bass frequencies output from that speaker, set it to “SMALL”. If the overall sound level is lower than you prefer, set all speakers to “LARGE”.

p Rear speaker position (REAR PL.)*

Initial setting : BEHIND This parameter lets you specify the location of your rear speakers for proper implementation of the Digital Cinema Sound surround modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields. Refer to the illustration below.

• Select “SIDE” if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section A.

• Select “BEHIND” if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section B.

This setting only effects the surround modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields.

*1~*3 correspond to the following Dolby Pro Logic modes

*1 NORMAL *2 PHANTOM *3 3 STEREO

90°

45°

20°

* These parameters are not available when “Rear speaker

size (REAR)” is set to “NO”.

p Rear speaker height (REAR HGT.)*

Initial setting : LOW This parameter lets you specify the height of your rear speakers for proper implementation of the Digital Cinema Sound surround modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields. Refer to the illustration below.

• Select “LOW” if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section A.

• Select “HIGH” if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section B.

This setting only affects the surround modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields.

* These parameters are not available when “Rear speaker

size (REAR)“ is set to “NO”.

About the rear speaker position (SIDE, and BEHIND)

This setting is designed specifically for implementation of the Digital Cinema Sound modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields. With the Digital Cinema Sound modes, speaker position is not as critical as other modes. All of the modes in the “VIRTUAL” sound fields were designed under the premise that the rear speaker would be located behind the listening position, but presentation remains fairly consistent even with the rear speakers positioned at a rather wide angle. However, if the speakers are pointing toward the listener from the immediate left and right of the listening position, the “VIRTUAL” sound fields will not be effective unless the rear speaker position parameter is set to “SIDE”. Nevertheless, each listening environment has many variables, such as wall reflections, and you may obtain better results using “BEHIND” if your speakers are located high above the listening position, even if they are to the immediate left and right. Therefore, although it may result in a setting contrary to the “Rear speaker position” explanation, we recommend that you play back multi channel surround encoded software and listen to the effect each setting has on your listening environment. Choose the setting that provides a good sense of spaciousness and that best succeeds in forming a cohesive space between the surround sound from the rear speakers and the sound from the front speakers. If you are not sure which sounds best, select “BEHIND” and then use the speaker distance parameter and speaker level adjustments to obtain proper balance.

p Sub woofer selection (SUB WOOFER)

Initial setting : YES

• If you connect a sub woofer, select “YES”.

• If you do not connect a sub woofer, select “NO”. This activates the bass redirection circuitry and outputs the LFE signals from other speakers.

• In order to take full advantage of the Dolby Digital (AC-3) bass redirection circuitry, we recommend that you set your sub woofer’s cut off frequency as high as possible.

p Front speaker distance (FRONT)

Initial setting : 5.0 meter Set the distance from your listening position to the front (left or right) speaker (A on page 15).

• Front speaker distance can be set in 0.1 meter (1 foot) steps from 1.0 to 12.0 meters (3 to 40 feet).

• If both speakers are not placed an equal distance from your listening position, set the distance to the closest speaker.

p Center speaker distance (CENTER)

Initial setting : 5.0 meter Set the distance from your listening position to the center speaker.

• Center speaker distance can be set in 0.1 meter (1 foot) steps from a distance equal to the front speaker distance (A on page 15) to a distance 1.5 meters (5 feet) closer to your listening position (B on page 15).

• Do not place the center speaker farther away from your listening position than the front speakers.

p Rear speaker distance (REAR)

Initial setting : 3.5 meter Set the distance from your listening position to the rear (left or right) speaker.

• Rear speaker distance can be set in 0.1 meter (1 foot) steps from a distance equal to the front speaker distance (A on page 15) to a distance 4.5 meters (15 feet) closer to your listening position (C on page 15).

• Do not place the rear speakers farther away from your listening position than the front speakers.

• If both speakers are not placed an equal distance from your listening position, set the distance to the closest speaker.

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Multi Channel Surround Setup

About speaker distances

This amplifier allows you to input the speaker position in terms of distance. However, it is not possible to set the center speaker farther away than the front speakers. Also, the center speaker can not be set more that 1.5 meters (5 feet) closer than the front

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

speakers. Likewise, the rear speakers cannot be set farther away from the listening position than the front speakers. And they can be no more than 4.5 meters (15 feet) closer. This is because incorrect speaker placement is not conducive to enjoy the surround sound. Please note that, setting the speaker distance closer than the actual location of the speakers will cause a delay in the output of the sound from that speaker. In other words, the speaker will sound like it is farther away. For example, setting the center speaker distance 1~2 m (3~6 feet) closer than the actual speaker position will create a fairly realistic sensation of being “inside” the screen. If you cannot obtain a satisfactory surround effect because the rear speakers are too close, setting the rear speaker distance closer (shorter) than the actual distance will create a larger soundstage. (1 foot corresponds to a 1 ms difference.) Adjusting these parameters while listening to the sound often results in much better surround sound. Give it a try!

Note

If you are using a Sony DVD player together with this home theater system, set your DVD player to the following configuration:

Speakers

Front Center Rear Subwoofer

If you are using a non Sony DVD player, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the DVD player for speaker setup.

Settings

SMALL SMALL SMALL YES

Adjusting the speaker volume

Use the remote while seated in your listening position to adjust the volume of each speaker.

Note

This amplifier incorporates a new test tone with a frequency centered at 800 Hz for easier speaker volume adjustment.

1 Press ?/1 to turn on the amplifier. 2 Press TEST TONE on the supplied remote.

You will hear the test tone from each speaker in sequence.

3 Adjust the volume level so that the volume of the

test tone from each speaker sounds the same when you are in your main listening position.

• To adjust the balance of the front right and front left speakers, press MENU </> to select the front balance parameter. Use +/– on the remote to adjust the level. (or see page 27).

• To adjust the balance of the rear right and rear left speakers, press MENU </> to select the rear balance parameter. Use +/– on the remote to adjust the level. (or see page 27).

• To adjust the volume level of the center speaker, press MENU </> to select the center parameter. Use +/– on the remote to adjust the level.

• To adjust the volume level of the rear speaker, press MENU </> to select the rear parameter. Use +/– on the remote to adjust the level.

4 Press TEST TONE on the remote again to turn off

the test tone.

Note

The test tone cannot be output when the amplifier is set to

5.1CH/SAT.

You can adjust the volume level of all speakers at the same

time

Rotate MASTER VOLUME on the amplifier or press MASTER VOL +/– on the remote.

Notes

• The front balance, rear balance, center level, and rear level are shown in the display during adjustment.

• Although these adjustments can also be made via the front panel using the LEVEL menu (when the test tone is output, the amplifier switches to the LEVEL menu automatically), we recommend you follow the procedure described above and adjust the speaker levels from your listening position using the remote control.

When setting the volume levels for each speaker

Let’s assume that you have matched the sound levels of all the speakers using the test tone. Although this lays the foundation for high quality surround sound, it may be necessary to make further adjustments while listening to playback of actual software. This is because most software contains center and rear channels recorded at slightly lower levels than the two front channels. When you actually play back software recorded in multi channel surround, you will notice that increasing the center and rear speaker levels produces a better blend between the front and center speakers and greater cohesion between the front and rear speakers. Increasing the level of the center speaker about 1 dB, and the rear speakers about 1~2 dB is likely to produce better results. In other words, in order to create a more cohesive soundstage with balanced dialog, we recommend that you make some adjustments while playing your software. Changes of only 1 dB can make a huge difference in the character of the soundstage.

Adjusting the sound

Slight adjustments to the system can enhance your sound enjoyment.

Adjusting the subwoofer

LEVEL

POWER

MIN MAX

LEVEL

1 Rotate LEVEL to adjust the volume.

Set the volume level to best suit your preference according to the programme source.

Note

To enjoy high-quality sound, do not turn the subwoofer volume too high.

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

Listening to the sound

LEVEL

POWER

MIN MAX

POWER

POWER indicator

First, turn down the volume on the amplifier. The volume should be set to minimum before you begin playing the programme source.

1 Turn on the amplifier and select the programme

source.

2 Press POWER on the subwoofer.

The POWER indicator on the subwoofer lights up in green.

3 Play the programme source.

Before You Use Your Amplifier

Checking the connections

After connecting all of your components to the amplifier, do the following to verify that the connections were made correctly.

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

?/1 MASTER VOLUME

?/1

SURR LEVEL SET UP

Function buttons

VIDEO TV DVD AUX 5.1CH/SAT

+–

1 Press ?/1 to turn on the amplifier. 2 Press a function button to select a component

(program source) that you connected (e.g., VIDEO, TV).

3 Turn on the component and start playing it. 4 Rotate MASTER VOLUME to turn up the volume.

MASTER VOLUME

–+

SOUND FIELD MODE

There is no sound no matter which component is selected.

, Check that both the amplifier and all components

are turned on.

, Check that the volume level on the display is not

set to VOL MIN by turning the MASTER VOLUME.

, Check that all speaker cords are connected

correctly.

, Press MUTING on the remote to turn off the

MUTING function.

There’s no sound from a specific component.

, Check that the component is connected correctly to

audio input jacks for that component.

, Check that the cord(s) used for the connection is

(are) fully inserted into the jacks on both the amplifier and the component.

If you encounter a problem that is not included above, see “Troubleshooting” on page 34.

If you do not obtain normal sound output after performing this procedure, look for the reason in the checklist on this page and take the appropriate measures to correct the problem.

Location of Parts and Basic Operations

This chapter provides information about the locations and functions of the buttons and controls on the front panel. It also explains basic operations.

Front Panel Parts Descriptions

Location of Parts and Basic Amplifier Operations

1 ?/1 switch

Press to turn the amplifier on and off.

2 Function buttons

Press one of the buttons to select the component you want to use.

To select Press

VCR VIDEO TV TV DVD player DVD An audio component AUX DVD through AC-3 5.1 CH/SAT

decoder

After selecting the component, turn on the component you selected and play the program source.

• After selecting VCR or DVD player, turn on the TV and set the TV’s video input to match the component you selected.

Front Panel Parts Descriptions

VIDEO TV DVD AUX 5.1CH/SAT

?/1

SURR LEVEL SET UP

+–

Location of Parts and Basic Amplifier Operations

45 67

3 MASTER VOLUME control

After turning on the component you selected, rotate to adjust the volume.

MASTER VOLUME

SOUND FIELD MODE

7 +/– buttons

Press to adjust the selected speaker level and surround parameters (etc.).

4 SURR button

Press repeatedly to activate the surround parameters (page 29) and to adjust the various surround parameters (effect level, wall type, etc.). You can then make various settings using the +/– buttons (7).

5 LEVEL button

Press repeatedly to activate the speaker level parameters (page 30) and to adjust the various speaker level parameters (front balance, rear balance, etc.). You can then make various settings using the +/– buttons (7).

6 SET UP button

Press repeatedly to activate the setup mode and to select any of the following indications. You can then make various settings using the +/– buttons (7).

When you select You can

Speaker type Specify the type of speakers.

(page 15)

Speaker setup Specify the front, center, rear

speaker sizes, the rear speaker position, and whether or not you are using a sub woofer. (page 15)

Speaker Distance Specify the front, center, and rear

speaker distances. (page 17)

8 SOUND FIELD MODE

Press repeatedly to activate the sound field selection mode and to select the sound field you want (page 24).

Enjoying Surround Sound

This chapter describes how to set up the amplifier to enjoy surround sound. You can enjoy multi channel surround when playing back software encoded with Dolby Digital or DTS.

You can take advantage of surround sound simply by selecting one of the amplifier’s pre-programed sound modes. They bring the exciting and powerful sound of movie theaters and concert halls into your home. You can also customize the sound modes to obtain the sound you desire by changing the various surround parameters. The amplifier contains a variety of different sound modes. The cinema sound modes are designed for use when playing back movie software (DVD, LD, etc.) encoded with multi channel surround sound or Dolby Pro Logic. In addition to decoding the surround sound, some of these modes also provide sound effects commonly found in movie theaters. The virtual sound modes contain compelling applications of the Sony Digital Cinema Sound digital signal processing technology. They shift the sound away from the actual speaker locations to simulate the presence of several “virtual” speakers. The music (etc.) sound modes are designed for use with standard audio sources and TV broadcasts. They add reverberation to the source signal to make you feel as if you were in a concert hall or stadium (etc.). Use these sound modes with two-channel sources like CD and stereo broadcasts of sports programs or musical concerts. For more information about the sound modes, see pages 25 - 26.

Enjoying Surround Sound

A.F.D.

The “Auto Format Decoding” sound mode presents the sound exactly as it was encoded, without adding any reverberation (etc.).

To fully enjoy surround sound, you must register the number and location of your speakers. See “MultiChannel Surround setup” starting on page 15 to set the speaker parameters before enjoying surround sound.

SURR

LEVEL

Selecting a Sound Field

Brief descriptions of buttons used to enjoy surround sound

LEVEL button: Press to customize the level parameters.

SURR button: Press to customize the surround

Enjoying Surround Sound

parameters in the current sound field.

+/– buttons: Use to adjust parameters and select sound fields (etc.).

SOUND FIELD MODE button: Press to activate the sound field selection mode.

?/1

SURR LEVEL SET UP

+/– buttons

VIDEO TV DVD AUX 5.1CH/SAT

+–

MASTER VOLUME

–+

SOUND FIELD MODE

You can enjoy surround sound simply by selecting one of the pre-programed sound fields according to the program you want to listen to.

1 Press SOUND FIELD MODE.

The current sound field is indicated in the display.

2 Press SOUND FIELD MODE repeatedly to select the

sound field you want.

See the table starting on page 25 for information on each sound field.

To turn the sound field off

Press SOUND FIELD MODE repeatedly to select A.F.D or 2 CH.

The amplifier memorizes the last sound field selected for

each program source (Sound Field Link)

Whenever you select a program source, the sound field that was last applied is automatically applied again. For example, if you listen to CD with HALL as the sound field, change to a different program source, then return to CD, HALL will be applied again.

You can identify Dolby Surround-encoded software by

looking at the packaging

Dolby Digital discs are labeled with the logo, and Dolby Surround encoded programs are labeled with the A logo.

Sound field information

Sound field Effect Notes

NORM.SURR. (NORMAL SURROUND)

Software with multi channel surround audio signals is played according to the way it was recorded. Software with two channel audio signals, is decoded with Dolby Pro Logic to create surround effects.

CINEMA A (CINEMA STUDIO A)

CINEMA B (CINEMA STUDIO B)

CINEMA C (CINEMA STUDIO C)

V.M.DIMENS.* (VIRTUAL MULTI DIMENSION)

V.SEMI M.D.* (VIRTUAL SEMI-MULTI DIMENSION)

Reproduces the sound characteristics of the Sony Pictures Entertainment “Cary Grant Theater” cinema production studio.

Reproduces the sound characteristics of the Sony Pictures Entertainment “Kim Novak Theater” cinema production studio.

Reproduces the sound characteristics of the Sony Pictures Entertainment scoring stage.

Uses 3D sound imaging to create an array of virtual rear speakers positioned higher than the listener from a single pair of actual rear speakers. This mode creates four sets of virtual speakers surrounding the listener at approximately a 30° angle of elevation.

Uses 3D sound imaging to create virtual rear speakers from the sound of the front speakers without using actual rear speakers. This mode creates five sets of virtual speakers surrounding the listener at a 30° angle of elevation.

This is a standard mode, great for watching most type of movie.

This mode is ideal for watching sciencefiction or action movies with lots of sound effects.

This mode is ideal for watching musicals or classic films where music is featured in the soundtrack.

LCR

SIDE**

LCR

BEHIND**

LCR

RSLS

** See

RSLS

page 16

RSLS

Enjoying Surround Sound

* “VIRTUAL” sound field: Sound field with virtual speakers.

Selecting a Sound Field

Sound field information

Sound field Effect Notes

HALL

Reproduces the acoustics of a rectangular concert hall.

Ideal for soft acoustic sounds.

JAZZ (JAZZ CLUB)

LIVE (LIVE HOUSE)

GAME

Notes

• The effects provided by the virtual speakers may cause increased noise in the playback signal.

Enjoying Surround Sound

• When listening to sound fields that employ the virtual speakers, you will not be able to hear any sound coming directly from the rear speakers.

Use the buttons on the remote to operate the following modes

AUTO FORMAT DECODING (Press the A.F.D. button)

2 CHANNEL (Press the 2CH/OFF button)

Reproduces the acoustics of a jazz club.

Reproduces the acoustics of a 300-seat live house.

Obtains maximum audio impact from video game software.

Automatically detects the type of audio signal being input (Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, or standard two channel stereo) and performs the proper decoding if necessary. This mode presents the sound as it was recorded/encoded, without adding any effects.

Outputs the sound from the front left and right speakers only. Standard two channel (stereo) sources completely bypass the sound field processing. Multi channel surround formats are downmixed to two channels.

Great for rock or pop music.

Be sure to set the game machine to stereo mode when using game software with stereo sound capabilities.

The ”Auto Format Decoding” sound mode presents the sound exactly as it was encoded, without adding any reverberation (etc.).

This allows you to play any source using only the front left and right speakers.

Note

To listen to two channel (stereo) sources using the front left and right speakers and a sub woofer, use the AUTO FORMAT DECODING mode.

Understanding the Multi-Channel Surround Displays

1 4 5

DIGITAL PRO LOGIC OPT

LFE

LS S RS

1 ; DIGITAL

This indicator lights up when a sound field other than 2 CHANNEL is selected and the unit is decoding signals recorded in the Dolby Digital (AC-3) format.*

* However, this indicator does not light when the recording format

is 2/0 or 2/0 Pro logic.

2 PRO LOGIC

Lights up when the amplifier applies Pro Logic processing to two channel signals in order to output the center and surround channel signals.**

** However, this indicator does not light if the center and rear

speakers are set to “NO”, and the A.F.D. or NORMAL SURROUND sound fields are selected.

3 OPT

Lights up when the source signal is a digital signal being input through the OPT terminal.

2 3

contains the LFE (Low Frequency Effect) channel and when the sound of the LFE channel signal is actually being reproduced.

dts

L F E

will light up when the disc being played

Enjoying Surround Sound

4 ;

Lights up when Dolby Digital (AC-3) signals are input through the OPT terminal.

5 dts

Lights up when DTS signals are input through the OPT terminal.

6 Playback channel indicators

The letters light up to indicate the channels being played back. L: Front Left R: Front Right C: Center (monaural) LS: Left Surround RS: Right Surround S: Surround (monaural or the rear components obtained by Pro Logic processing) The boxes around the letters light up to indicate the speakers used to playback the channels. See the next page for details regarding the playback channel indicators.

Understanding the Multi-Channel Surround Displays

Source sound displays

The letters (L, C, R, etc.) indicate the source sound. The box around the letters varies to show how the amplifier downmixes the source sound (based on the speakers settings). When using music sound modes such as HALL or JAZZ CLUB, the amplifier adds reverberation based on the source sound. The following table shows how the indicators light up when using AUTO FORMAT DECODING mode. Although the table below shows almost all of the configurations available from multi channel surround signals, the ones marked “

” are the most common.

Recording

(Front/Rear)

Enjoying Surround Sound

Format

1/0

2/0*

3/0

2/1

3/1

2/2

3/2

2/0**

Input Channel Display

DOLBY DIGITAL [1/0]

DTS [1/0]

DOLBY DIGITAL [2/0]

DTS [2/0]

DOLBY DIGITAL [3/0]

DTS [3/0]

DOLBY DIGITAL [2/1]

DTS [2/1]

DOLBY DIGITAL [3/1]

DTS [3/1]

DOLBY DIGITAL [2/2]

DTS [2/2]

DOLBY DIGITAL [3/2]

DTS [3/2]

DOLBY DIGITAL [2/0]

All speakers

present

DIGITALaC

dts

DIGITALaL C R

dts

DIGITALaLSR

dts

DIGITALaL CSR

dts

DIGITALaLLSR

dts

DIGITALaLLSC R

dts

PRO LOGIC

Source sound and Output Channel Display

Rear speakers

absent

DIGITALaC

dts

L R L R L R L R

L R L R L R

L C R

LSR

L CSR

LLSR

LLSC R

L CSR

dts

PRO LOGIC

DIGITALaL C R

L C R

DIGITALaL

DIGITALaL CSR

L CSR

DIGITALaLLSR

LLSR

DIGITALaLLSC R

LLSC R

L CSR

Center speaker

absent

DIGITALaC

dts

DIGITALaL CR

dts

DIGITALaLSR

dts

DIGITALaL CSR

dts

DIGITALaLLSR

dts

DIGITALaLLSCR

dts

PRO LOGIC

L CR

LSR

L CSR

LLSR

LLSCR

L CSR

Rear/center

speakers absent

DIGITALaC

dts

DIGITALaL CR

dts

DIGITALaL

dts

DIGITALaL CSR

dts

DIGITALaLLSR

dts

DIGITALaLLSCR

dts

PRO LOGIC

L R

L CR

L CSR

LLSR

LLSCR

L CSR

DOLBY PROLOGIC

PCM XX kHz***

PRO LOGIC

L CSR

L R L R L R L R

PRO LOGIC

L CSR

PRO LOGIC

L CSR

PRO LOGIC

* Signals with Dolby surround encoded flag OFF **Signals with Dolby surround encoded flag ON *** The sampling rate is displayed.

Notes

• The amplifier performs Pro Logic decoding and the display conforms to 2/0** when using the following movie sound modes with 2/0* or STEREO PCM format signals. (CINEMA A, B, C, V.M.DIMENS., and V.SEMI M.D.)

• When using music sound modes such as HALL or JAZZ CLUB with standard audio formats e.g., PCM, the amplifier creates rear signals from the front L and R signals. In this case, sound is output from the rear speakers, but output channel indicators for the rear speakers do not light.

L CSR

Customizing Sound Fields

By adjusting the surround parameters, you can customize the sound fields to suit your particular listening situation.

Once you customize a sound field, the changes are stored in memory indefinitely (unless the amplifier is unplugged for about two weeks). You can change a customized sound field any time by making new adjustments to the parameters.

See the table on page 31 for the parameters available in each sound field.

To get the most from multi channel surround sound

Position your speakers and do the procedures described in “Multi Channel Surround Setup” starting on page 15 before you customize a sound field.

Adjusting the surround parameters

The SURR menu contains parameters that let you customize various aspects of the current sound field. The settings available in this menu are stored individually for each sound field.

Wall type (WALL)

Initial setting : midpoint When sound is reflected off soft material, such as a curtain, the high frequency elements are reduced. A hard wall is highly reflective and does not significantly affect the frequency response of the reflected sound. This parameter lets you control the level of the high frequencies to alter the sonic character of your listening environment by simulating a softer (S) or harder (H) wall. The midpoint designates a neutral wall (made of wood).

Reverberation (REVB.)

Initial setting : midpoint Before sound reaches our ears, it is reflected (reverberated) many times between the left and right walls, ceiling, and floor. In a large room, sound takes more time to bounce from one surface to another than in a smaller room. This parameter lets you control the spacing of the early reflections to simulate a sonically larger (L) or smaller (S) room.

• The reverberation can be adjusted from REVB. S. 1 ~ REVB. S. 8 (short) to REVB. L. 1 ~ REVB. L. 8 (long) in 17 steps.

• The midpoint (REVB. MID) designates a standard room with no adjustment.

Enjoying Surround Sound

1 Start playing a program source encoded with multi

channel surround sound.

2 Press SURR repeatedly to select the parameter you

want to adjust.

3 Press the +/– buttons to select the setting you

want.

The setting is stored automatically.

Effect level (EFFECT)

Initial setting : (depends on sound mode) This parameter lets you adjust the “presence” of the current surround effect.

Customizing Sound Fields

Adjusting the level parameters

The LEVEL menu contains parameters that let you adjust the balance and speaker volumes of each speaker. The settings available in this menu are applied to all sound fields.

1 Start playing a program source encoded with multi

2 Press LEVEL repeatedly to select the parameter you

3 Press the +/– buttons to select the setting you

Enjoying Surround Sound

*Front balance (

Initial setting : balance Lets you adjust the balance between the front left and right speakers.

• The balance can be adjusted ±8 steps.

• These settings can also be adjusted using the supplied remote. See “Adjusting the speaker volume” (page 18).

channel surround sound.

want to adjust.

want.

The setting is stored automatically.

L R

)

*Sub woofer level (S.W. xx)

Initial setting : 0 dB Lets you adjust the level of the sub woofer.

• The level can be adjusted in 1 dB steps from –10 dB to +6 dB.

* The parameters can be adjusted separately for 5.1 CH/SAT.

*Rear balance (

Initial setting : balance Lets you adjust the balance between the rear left and right speakers.

• The balance can be adjusted ±8 steps.

• These settings can also be adjusted using the supplied remote. See “Adjusting the speaker volume” (page 18).

*Rear level (REAR)

Initial setting : 0 dB Lets you adjust level of the rear (left and right) speakers.

• The level can be adjusted in 1 dB steps from –10 dB to +6 dB.

• These settings can also be adjusted directly using the supplied remote. See “Adjusting the speaker volume” (page 18).

*Center level (CTR)

Initial setting : 0 dB Lets you adjust the level of the center speaker.

• The level can be adjusted in 1 dB steps from –10 dB to +6 dB.

LS RS

)

+ 136 hidden pages