Sony STR-DB940 User Manual

FM Stereo FM-AM Receiver

Operating Instructions

4-229-127-12(2)

05 00

(f)

STR-DB940

STR-DB840

WARNING

Precautions

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

For customers in the United States

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" witiiin the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance

INFORMATION

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

CAUTION

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

Note to CATV system Installer;

This reminder is provided to call CATV system installer's attention to Article 82040 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable groimd shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical

Owner's Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the rear of the unit Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product

Model No STR-DB940/DB840 Serial No

______________

Energy star® is a U S registered mark As an ENERGY STAR® partner, Sony Corporation has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency.

For customers in Canada CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE

For customers in Europe

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

On safety

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

On power sources

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

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

• If you are not going to use the receiver

for a long time, be sure to disconnect the receiver from the wall outlet To disconnect the AC power cord, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cord

• One blade of the plug is wider than the

other for the purpose of safety and will fit into the wall outlet only one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact your dealer

• AC power cord must be changed only at the qualified service shop

On placement

• Place the receiver in a location with

adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup and prolong the life of the receiver

• Do not place the receiver 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

On operation

Before connecting other components, be sure to turn off and unplug the receiver

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 receiver, please consult your nearest Sony dealer

About This Manual

The instrucHons in this manual are for models STR-DB940 and STR-DB840 Check your model number by looking at the upper right corner of the front panel In this manual, the STR-DB940 is used for illustration purposes unless stated otherwise Any difference in operation is clearly indicated in the text, for example, "STR-DB940 only"

Type of differences

^\Model

Feature^^^

5 audio inputs • 4 audio inputs •

About area codes

The area code of the player you purchased is shown on the lower portion of the rear panel (see the illustration below)

DB940 DB840

Table of contents

Hooking Up the Components 4

Unpacking 4 Antenna Hookups 5 Audio Component Hookups 6 Video Component Hookups 8 Digital Component Hookups 9 5 ICH Input Hookups 11 Other Hookups 12

Hooking Up and Setting Up the

Speaker System 15

Speaker System Hookup 16 Performing Initial Setup Operations 18 Multi Channel Surround Setup 19 Before You Use Your Receiver 23

ÉÉ

Any differences in operation, according to the area code, are clearly indicated in the text, for example, "Models of area code AA only"

Conventions

• The instructions in this manual describe the controls on the receiver You can also use the controls on the supplied remote if they have the same or similar names as those on the receiver For details on the use of your remote, refer to the separate operating instructions supplied with the remote

• The following icon is used in this manual:

This receiver incorporates Dolby* Digital and Pro Logic

Surround and the DTS** Digital Surround System

• Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories

^^Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc US

Pat No 5,451,942 and other worldwide patents issued and pending

d IS

4-XXX-XXX-XX AA

1 r

V Indicates hints and tips for making the task easier

Area code

Location of Parts and Basic Operations 26

Front Panel Parts Description 26

Enjoying Surround Sound 31

Selecting a Soxmd Field 32 Understanding the Multi-Channel Surround

Displays 36

Customizing Sound Fields 38

Receiving Broadcasts 43

Storing FM Stations Automatically

(AUTOBETICAL)**» 44 Direct Tuning 45 Automatic Tuning 45 Preset Tuning 46 Using the Radio Data System (RDS)**

'"Models of area code CED only

Other Operations 50

Naming Preset Stations and Program Sources 51 Recording 51 Using the Sleep Timer 52 Adjustments Using the SET UP Button 53 CONTROL Alll Control System 54

Additional Information 56

Troubleshooting 56 Specifications 58 Glossary 61 Tables of Settings Using SUR, LEVEL, EQ, and SET

UP buttons 62 Index (Back cover) ^

Hooking Up

Unpacking

the

Components

This chapter describes how to connect various audio and video components to the receiver. Be sure to read the

sections for the components you luvi before you actually connect them to the receiver.

Check that you received the following items with the remote:

• FM wire anterma (1)

• AM loop antenna (1)

Models of area code U, CA only

• Audio/video/control S coimecting cord (1)

• Control S connecting cord (1)

STR-DB940 only

• Remote commander RM-LJ304 (remote) (1)

• LR6 (size-AA) alkaline batteries (3)

STR-DB840 only

• Models of area code CED only

- Remote commander RM-PP404 (remote) (1)

- R6 (size-AA) batteries (2)

• Models of other area codes

- Remote commander RM-LP204 (remote) (1)

- LR6 (size-AA) alkaline batteries (3)

Ifis^^rtlng batteries litto Hie remote

Insert batteries with the + and - properly oriented in the battery compartment When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor M on the receiver For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your remote

9 When to replace batteries

Under normal conditions, the batteries should last for about 3 months When the remote no longer operates the receiver, 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

• This remote is designed for use with alkaline batteries only. Do

not use a combination of different battery types

Before you get st«rle<i

• Turn off the power to all components before making

any connections

• Do not cormect the AC power cord until all of the

cormections are completed

• Be sure to make connections firmly to avoid hum and

noise

• When coimecting an audio/ video cord, be sure to

match the color-coded pins to the appropriate jacks on

the components: yellow (video) to yellow; white (left,

audio) to white; and red (right, audio) to red

Antenna Hookups

AM loop antenna

iBmilnals for connecting ttie antennas

Connect the

AM loop antenna FM wire antenna

To the

AM terminals FM 75Q COAXIAL terminal

Notes on antenna hooku|>s

• To prevent noise pickup, keep the AM loop anterma away from the receiver and other components

• Be sure to fully extend the FM wire antenna

• After connecting the FM wire antenna, keep it as horizontal as possible

X O

(fi

#U»emi}ling tite swpplieci FM antenna (Models of area code U,CA only)

The supplied FM wire antenna must be cormected to the supplie(J FM antenna adaptor

^ If you have poor FM reception

Use a 75-ohm coaxial cable (not supplied) to connect the receiver to an outdoor FM antenna as shown below

Outdoor FM antenna

Receiver

If you cormect the receiver to an outdoor anterma, ground it against lightning To prevent a gas explosion, do not cormect the ground wire to a gas pipe

Note

Do not use the rh SIGNAL GND terminal for grounding the receiver

Audio Component Hookups

STR-DB940

Required cords

Audio cords (not supplied)

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

Red (R) Red (R)

Jacks for connecting audio components

Connect a To the

Turntable CD player Tape deck MD deck or DAT deck

Note on audio component hookups

If your turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the

SIGNAL GND terminal on the receiver

PHONO jacks CD jacks TAPE jacks MD/DAT jacks

STR-DB840

Required

Audio cords (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)

0 0

Jeclcs for c<mnecting audio com^ionents

Connect a

Turntable QD player MD deck or tape deck

Note on audio eom}K>nent hoc^URS

If your turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the

SIGNAL GND terminal on the receiver

To the

PHONO jacks CD jacks MD/TAPE jacks

Video Component Hookups

Required cords

3 o

Audio/video cords (not supplied)

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

Yellow (video) White (L/audio) White (L/audio) Red (R/audio) Red (R/audio)

iadks for connectitig video €Oiti|»oiient5

Connect a

TV or satellite tuner VCR Additional VCR DVD or LD player TV monitor^* Camcorder or video game

For STR-DB940, you can display the SURROUND, LEVEL, EQUALIZER parameters by pressing the ON SCREEN button on the remote

To the

TV/SAT jacks VIDEO 1 jacks VIDEO 2 jacks DVD/LD jacks MONITOR VIDEO OUT jack VIDEO 3 INPUT jacks on the

front panel

Note OR video comfmnent hookutm

You can connect your TV's audio output jacks to the TV / SAT AUDIO IN jacks on the receiver and apply sound effects to the audio from the TV In this case, do not connect the TV's video output jack to the TV/ SAT VIDEO IN jack on the receiver If you are cormecting a separate TV tuner (or satellite tuner), connect both the audio and video output jacks to the receiver as shown above

9 When using the S-video jacks instead of the video jacks

Your monitor must also be cormected via an S-video jack S-video signals are on a separate bus from the video signals and will not be output through the video jacks

Digital Component Hookups

Connect the digital output jacks of your DVD player and satellite tuner (etc ) to the receiver'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 You can also connect an LD player with an RF OUT jack via an RF demodulator, like the Sony MOD-RFl (not supplied)

Required cmtb

Optical digital cords (not supplied)

Black ■diirigiBl"" - --- - --- --- - --- --- - --

Coaxial digital cord (not supplied)

Yellow =11 1111111=

Audio/video cords (not supplied)

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

Yellow (video) Yellow (video) White (L/audio) white (L/audio)

Red (R/audio) Red (R/audio)

ariiib- Black

=011111 Yellow

o o

€

№

* Make either coaxial or optical connections We recommend making coaxial connections instead of optical connections

Example of LO player cmmected via an RjF demcNlulator

Please note that you cannot connect an LD player's AC-3 RF OUT jack directly to this unit's digital input jacks You must first convert the RF signal to either an optical or coaxial digital signal Cormect the LD player to the RF demodulator, then connect the RF demodulator's optical or coaxial digital output to this unit's OPTICAL or COAXIAL DVD/LD IN jack Refer to the instruction manual supplied with your RF Demodulator for details on AC-3 RF hookups

Note

When making connections as shown above, be sure to set INPUT MODE ([^ on page 27) manually This unit may not operate correctly if INPUT MODE is set to "AUTO "

Digital Component Hookups

Ifi

•u

Connect the digital output jacks of your MD or DAT deck to the receiver's digital input jack and connect the digital

input jacks of your MD or DAT deck to the receiver's

digital output jack These connections allow you to make

digital recordings of a CDs played back through your DVD (or LD player) and satellite broadcasts

3 0

Recfuired tmdbi

Optical digital cords (not supplied)

Black dirisaa- =

Audio cords (not supplied)

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

sTlfe Black

White (L)

Red (R)

Notes

• Please note that you cannot make a digital recording of a digital multi channel surround signal

• To make a digital recording from your CD player, connect the CD player's digital output directly to the digital input on your MD or DAT deck Refer to the instructions supplied with your CD player and MD or DAT deck for details

• The DVD / LD IN OPTICAL and COAXIAL jacks are compatible with 96 kHz, 48 kHz, 441 kHz and 32 kHz sampling frequencies The other OPTICAL jacks are compatible with 48 kHz, 44 1 kHz and 32 kHz sampling frequencies

• It is not possible to record analog signals to TAPE and VIDEO with only digital connections To record analog signals, make analog connections To record digital signals, make digital connections

• Input signals with 96 kHz sampling frequencies to the DVD/LD IN OPTICAL or COAXIAL jacks Using other jacks may result in intermittent sound

5.1 CH Input Hookups

Although this receiver incorporates a multi chatmel decoder, it is also equipped with 5 ICH INPUT jacks These connections allow you to enjoy multicharmel software encoded in formats other than Dolby Digital (AC-3) and DTS If your DVD player is equipped with 5 ICH OUTPUT jacks, you can coimect them directly to this unit to enjoy the sound of the DVD player's multi channel decoder Alternatively, the 5 ICH INPUT jacks can be used to coimect 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 sub woofer Refer to the instruction manual supplied with your DVD player, multi channel decoder, etc, for details on the 5 1 channel input hookups

R«<|uir«d cords

Audio cords (not supplied)

Two for the 5 ICH INPUT FRONT and REAR jacks

White (L)

Red (R)

Monaural audio cords (not supplied)

Two for the 5 ICH INPUT CENTER and SUB WOOFER jacks

Black

Video cord (not supplied)

One for the DVD/LD VIDEO IN jacks (etc )

Yellow Yellow

=1=010= Black

White (L) Red (R)

5‘

I 9

Example of a DVD player hookup using the S.ICH INPUT jacks

See page 16 for details on speaker system hookup

-f I

Front Speaker (L)

~T ~| Front Speaker (R)

Rear Speaker (L)

~r ~| Rear Speaker (R)

~T ~| Center Speaker

Active Woofer

other Hookups

€

Required cords

Audio cords (not supplied)

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

White (L) White (L)

Red (R)

Audio/video/control S connecting cord (1)*

Yellow (video)

White (L/audio) O

Black (control S)

Control S connecting cord (1)**

Red (R/audio) O

Black

0 ocaaBiiii=

mDEE» Black

Red (R)

Yellow (video) White (L/audio) O Red (R/audio) O Black (control S) O

* The configuration, shape, and number of AC outlets on the rear panel varies according to the model and country to which the receiver is shipped ** Models of area code U. CA only.

Example of a sub RK»n hookup using the 2ND AUDIO OUT Jades (S^-DB940 only)

You can use the 2ND AUDIO OUT jacks to output the audio signal of the selected component to a stereo amplifier located

in another room Use MODE and FUNCTION

Main room

•

Note

This function is not available when 5 ICH INPUT is selected

-----

—! ,,

(S]

on pages 26 and 27) to switch the audio signal output to the sub room

Sub room

AUDIO

Stereo amplifier

SPEAKERS

•T r*

AUDIO OUT

■f~^ Speaker (L)

■{ L~| Speaker (R)

S-ilNK COWmOL S hmOmp (WlcMci«ls of ama code ll,CA only)

If you have a S-LINK CONTROL S-compatible Sony TV, satellite tuner, monitor, DVD player or VCR, use an audio/video/control S coimecting cord (supplied) or a control S connecting cord (supplied) to connect the CTRL S (STATUS) IN (for TV, satellite tuner, or monitor) or OUT (for VCR, etc ) jack on the receiver to the appropriate SLINK jack on the respective component Refer to the operating instructions supplied with your TV, satellite tuner, monitor, VCR, etc, for details

The following illustration is an example of S-LINK CONTROL S hookups between the receiver, a TV, a VCR, and a DVD player When your TV is connected to the receiver as shown below, the TV input mode will change

to video input whenever you turn on the receiver When you cormect the receiver as shown below, input mode of the receiver changes to VIDEO 1 or DVD / LD whenever you play your VCR or DVD The following connections also change the input mode of the receiver to TV whenever you operate your TV

* Audio/video/control S connecting cord (Pull the video cord away

from the supplied audio/video/control S cable for connection O /

Control S connecting cord

Note

Refer to the instmctions supplied with your TV for details regarding the operations you can control from your TV

CONfftOL A1 u hookup

• If you have a CONTROL A1

compatible Sony

CD player, tape deck, or MD deck

Use a CONTROL A1 cord (not supplied) to connect the CONTROL A1 II jack on the CD player, tape deck, or MD deck to the CONTROL A1 II jack on the receiver Refer to "CONTROL AlII Control System" on page 54 and the operating instructions supplied with your CD player, tape deck, or MD deck for defails

Note

If you make CONTROL A1 II connections from the receiver to an MD deck that is also connected to a computer, do not operate the receiver while using the "Sony MD Editor"

software This may cause a malfunction

• If you have a Sony CD changer with a

COMMAND MODE selector

If your CD changer's COMMAND MODE selector can be set to CD 1, CD 2, or CD 3, be sure to set the command mode to "CD I" and cormect the changer to the CD jacks on the receiver If, however, you have a Sony CD changer with VIDEO OUT jacks, set the command mode to "CD 2" and cormect the changer to the VIDEO 2 jacks on the receiver

O O

ifi

№

n 0

■ a

other Hookups

Connecting the AC power cord

Before connecting the AC power cord of this receiver to a

wall outlet:

• Connect the speaker system to the receiver (see page

r ?

3 «

16)

• Turn the MASTER VOLUME control to the leftmost position (0)

Coimect the AC power cord(s) of your audio/video components to a wall outlet

If you coimect other audio/video components to the AC OUTLET(s) on the receiver, the receiver will supply power to the connected component(s), allowing you to turn the whole system on or off when you turn the receiver on or off

Caution

Make sure that the total power consumption of the component(s) connected to the receiver's AC OUTLET(s) does not exceed the wattage stated on the rear panel Do not connect high-wattage electrical home appliances such as electric irons, fans, or TVs to this outlet

Note

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

Hooking Up

SET UP Cursor buttons

and Setting Up

the Speaker

System

litis chapter describes how to hook up your speaker system to the receiver, how to position each speaker,

and how to enjoy multi channel surround sound.

set up your speakers to

1 1

(Q)

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

Cursor buttons

«/»: Use to select parameters after

pressing the SET UP button

Jog dial:

Use to adjust the setting of each parameter

O O O 0

jog dial

o °o:

■o

Speaker System Hookup

ccNmds

Speaker cords (not supplied)

One for each front, rear, and center speaker

Monaural audio cord (not supplied)

One for an active sub woofer

in €

■o

»<

m ftp

w s

Black Oct

Temiinals for o»nn«<ting the speakei«

Connect the

Front speakers (8 or 4* ohm) Additional pair of front

speakers (8 or 4* ohm) Rear speakers (8 or 4* ohm) Center speaker (8 or 4* ohm) Active sub woofer SUB WOOFER PRE OUT**

* See "Speaker impedance" on the next page

** You can connect an active sub woofer to either of the two jacks The

remaining jack can be used to connect a second active sub woofer.

To the

SPEAKERS FRONT A terminals SPEAKERS FRONT B terminals

SPEAKERS REAR terminals SPEAKERS CENTER terminals

9 To connect certain speakers to another amplifier

Use the PRE OUT jacks The same signal is output from both the SPEAKERS jacks and the PRE OUT jacks For example, if you want to connect just the front speakers to another amplifier, connect that amplifier to the PRE OUT FRONT L and R jacks

Holes on s|»eaker system hookup

• Twist the stripped ends of the speaker cords about 2/3 inch (10 mm) Be sure to match the speaker cord to the appropriate terminal on the components: + to + and

- to - If the cords are reversed, the sound will be distorted and will lack bass

• If you use front speakers with low maximum input rating, adjust the volume carefully to avoid excessive output on the speakers

To avoid idiort>€fmiititi9 til« s[^)«af(«i«

short-circuiting of the speakers may damage the receiver To prevent this, make sure to take the following precauhons when connecting the speakers

Make sure the stripped ends of each speaker cord do 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

To enjoy multi charmel surround, connect front, center, and rear speakers with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or higher, and set the speaker IMPEDANCE SELECTOR to "8£2 " Check the instruction manual supplied with your speakers if you're not sure of their impedance (This information is usually printed on a label on the back of the speaker)

You may connect a pair of speakers with a nominal impedance between 4 and 8 ohms to all of the speaker terminals However, even if one speaker within this range is connected, set the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR to "4i2"

Note

Be sure to coimect front speakers with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or higher if you want to select both sets (A+B) of front speakers (see page 30) In this case, set the IMPEDANCE SELECTOR to "4n"

i/i »

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 22.

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 receiver, the speaker may be short-circuited If this happens, check the speaker cormection again

Performing Initial Setup Operations

Once you have hooked up the speakers and turned on the power, clear the receiver's memory. Then specify the speaker parameters (size, position, etc ) and perform any other initial setup operations necessary for your system

Before turning on the receiver

Make sure that you have:

• Turned MASTER VOLUME to the leftmost position (0)

Ifi

• Selected the appropriate front speakers (see SPEAKERS selector" on page 30)

a V)

Before using your receiver for the first time, or when you want to clear the receiver's memory, do the following This procedure is not necessary if the demonstration activates when you turn the power on

"l27l

Performing initial setup operations

Before using your receiver for the first time, use the SET UP button to adjust the setup parameters so that they correspond to your system You can adjust the following items For details on how to make adjustments, see the page in parenthesis

• Speaker size and placement (pages 19-22)

• Speaker distance (page 19)

• Whether other components will turn on or off automatically via the CONTROL A1 II control system (page 53)

• Whether the display turns off or not when you press DIMMER (page 54)

• STR-DB940 only;

- 2 way remote control system operation (page 53)

- Selecting the color of the on-screen display (page 54)

- Select the TV color system of the monitor (except for models of area U, CA) (page 54)

settings

• All index names (of preset stations and program sources) are cleared

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

• The sound field memorized for each program source and preset stations are cleared

Multi Channel Surround Setup

For the best possible surround sound all speakers should be the same distance from the listening position (©) However, this unit lets you to place the center speaker up to 5 feet (1 5 meters) closer (©) and the rear speakers up to 15 feet (4 5 meters) closer (©) to the listening position The front speakers can be placed from 3 to 40 feet (1 0 to 12 0 meters) from the listening position (©)

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

When placing rear speakers to your side

® i.i!

When placing rear speakers behind you

Specifying ttie sft«ali«Mr

1 Press l/c!) to turn on the receiver.

2 Press SET UP.

3 Press the cursor buttons « or »to select the

parameter you want to adjust

4 Turn the jog dial to select the setting you desire

The setting is entered automatically.

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

parameters that follow

■ Front speaker size (FRONT)

Initial setting: LARGE

• If you coimect 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 chaimel 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")

fii

ÌA

fil

Note

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

Multi Channel Surround Setup

fÙ

■o

■ Center speaker size (CENTER)

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 to "SMALL", you cannot set the center speaker to "LARGE"

• If the sound is distorted, or you feel a lack of surround

7T S

fi)

Ifi V)

fi)

jr A

effects when using multi channel surround sound, select "SMALL" to activate the bass redirection circuitry and output the center chaimel bass frequencies from the front speakers (if set to "LARGE") or sub woofer.

• If you do not connect a center speaker, select "NO" The sound of the center channel will be output from the front speakers

■ Rear speaker size (REAR)

Initial setting: LARGE

• If you coimect 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 coimect rear speakers, select "NO"

Q' *1-*3 correspond to the following Dolby Pro Logic modes

NORMAL PHANTOM 3 STEREO

0 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" speakers 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" If there is not enough bass, you can use the equalizer to boost the bass levels To adjust the equalizer, see page 40

■ Rear speaker position (REAR PLACE)*

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 O

• Select "MIDDLE" if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section

• Select "BEHIND" if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section O

This setting only effects the surround modes in the

"VIRTUAL" sound fields

A El

° 0

""20°

--fl © I

e 1

■ Rear speaker height (REAR HEIGHT)*

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 O

• Select "HIGH" if the location of your rear speakers corresponds to section ©

This setting only effects the surround modes in the "VIRTUAL" sound fields

iio.

* These parameters are not available when "Rear speaker

size (REAR)" is set to "NO"

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, like wall reflections, and you may obtain better results using

"BEHIND" or "MIDDLE" 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 playback 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 of 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

About the rear speaker position (SIDE, MIDDLE, and BEHIND)

■ 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 LEE signals from other speakers

• In order to take full advantage of the Dolby Digital (AC-3) bass redirecHon circuitry, we recommend setting the sub woofer's cut off frequency as high as possible

■ Front speaker distance (FRONT)

Initial setting : 16 feet* (5 0 meter) Set the distance from your listening position to the front (left or right) speaker (O on page 19)

• Front speaker distance can be set in 1 foot* (0 1 meter) steps from 3 to 40 feet* (1 0 to 12 0 meters)

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

• Models of area code U, CA only

■ Center speaker distance (CENTER)

Initial setting : 16 feet* (5 0 meter) Set the distance from your listening position to the center speaker

• Center speaker distance can be set in 1 foot* (0 1 meter) steps from a distance equal to the front speaker distance (O on page 19) to a distance 5 feet* (1 5 meters) closer to your listening position (© on page 19)

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

• Models of area code U, CA only

■ Rear speaker distance (REAR)

Initial setting : 11 feet* (3 5 meter) Set the distance from your listening position to the rear (left or right) speaker

• Rear speaker distance can be set in 1 foot* (0 1 meter)

steps from a distance equal to the front speaker distance (© on page 19) to a distance 15 feet* (4 5 meters) closer to your listening position (© on page 19)

• 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

• Models of area code U, CA only

•o

•a

O ST

VI IS

M fli

<D l/t

Multi Channel Surround Setup

About speaker distances

This unit allows you to input the speaker position in terms of distance However, it is not possible to set the center speaker further tftan the front speakers Also, the center speaker cannot be

set more that 5 feet* (15 meters) closer than the front speakers Likewise, the rear speakers can not be set farther away from die listening position than the front speakers And they can be no more than 15 feet* (4 5 meters) closer This is because incorrect speaker placement is not conducive to

(fi

the enjoyment of 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

fi)

the sotmd from that speaker In other words, the speaker will

sound like it is farther away. For example, setting the center speaker distance 3~6 feet* (1~2 m)

closer than die 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

(/)

Adjusting these parameter while listening to the sound often

results in much better surround sound Give it a try!

fi)

* Models of area code U, CA only.

■ Distance unit (DIST. UNIT)

Initial setting : feet* (meter) Lets you select either feet or meters as the unit of measure for setting distances 1 foot corresponds to a 1 ms difference * Models of area code U, CA only

■ Front speaker crossover frequency (FRONT SP >)

Initial setting : 120 Hz

Lets you adjust the front speaker bass crossover frequency

when the front speakers are set to "SMALL" The frequency can be adjusted in 30 Hz steps from 60 Hz to 180 Hz

■ Center speaker crossover frequency (CENTER SP >)

Initial setting; 120 Hz Lets you to adjust the center speaker bass crossover frequency when the center speaker is set to "SMALL" The frequency can be adjusted in 30 Hz steps from 60 Hz to 180 Hz

liiSMfcSfljgl TDw SfPSiaiiwwjr vOitiilSw

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

Note

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

1 Press l/C!) to turn on the receiver.

2 Press TEST TONE on the front panel (except for

models of area code CED) or 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, use the front balance parameter in the LEVEL menu (see page 39)

• To adjust the balance of the rear right and rear left speakers, use the rear balance parameter in the LEVEL menu (see page 39)

• To adjust the volume level of the center speaker, press the LEVEL CENTER +/ - buttons on the remote

• To adjust the volume level of the rear speakers, press the LEVEL REAR + /- buttons on the remote

4 Press TEST TONE again to turn off the test tone Note

The test tone cannot be output when the receiver is set to 5 ICH INPUT

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

time

Rotate MASTER VOLUME on the main unit or press MASTER VOLUME +/- on the remote

■ Rear speaker crossover frequency (REAR SP >)

Initial setting : 120 Hz Lets you adjust the rear speaker bass crossover frequency when the rear speakers are set to "SMALL" The frequency can be adjusted in 30 Hz steps from 60 Hz to 180 Hz

Notes

• The front balance, rear balance, center level, and rear level are shovm 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

receiver 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

Before You Use Your Receiver

Before turning on the receiver

Make sure that you have:

• Turned MASTER VOLUME to the leftmost position (0)

• Selected the appropriate front speakers (see "1^ SPEAKERS selector" on page 30)

Checking the connections

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

correctly

FUNCTION

1 Press l/(!) to turn on the receiver.

2 Rotate FUNCTION to select a component (program

source) that you connected (e g , CD player or tape deck)

7T Z

fii

a Vk

(fi

A VI

III

■I

•< Hi

3 Turn on the component and start playing it

4 Rotate MASTER VOLUME to turn up the voiume

If you do not obtain normal sound output after

performing this procedure, look for the' reason in the

checklist on the following page and take the appropriate

measures to correct the problem

Before You Use Your Receiver

There is no sound no matter which component is

seiected.

Check that both the receiver and all components are turned on

^ Check that the MASTER VOLUME control is not

set at 0

o 0

•o e

a in

i/i

^ Check that the SPEAKERS selector is not set to

OFF or to a position for front speakers that are not coimected to the receiver (see "i?] SPEAKERS selector" on page 30)

^ Check that all speaker cords are connected

correctly

^ Press the MUTING button to turn off the indicator

on the button

There's no sound from a specific component.

Check that the component is connected correctly to the audio input jacks for that component

^ Check that the cord(s) used for the cotmection is

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

No sound is heard from one of the front

speakers.

^ Coimect a pair of headphones to the PHONES jack

and set the SPEAKERS selector to OFF to verify that sound is output from the headphones (see "|27| SPEAKERS selector" and "PHONES jack" on page

30) If only one chaimel is output from the headphones, the component may not be cormected to the receiver correctly Check that all the cords are fully

inserted into the jacks on both the receiver and the

component If both channels are output from the headphones,

the front speaker may not be coimected to the receiver correctly Check the connection of the front speaker which is not outputting any sound

If you encounter a problem that is not included above, see "Troubleshooting" on page 56

Hooking Up and Setting Up the Speaker System

in fsl

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

Description

[T] l/(!) switch

Press to turn the receiver on and off

• Before you turn on the receiver, make sure that you have turned the MASTER VOLUME control to the leftmost position to avoid damaging your speakers

d] MASTER VOLUME control

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

[3] MUTING button

Press to mute the sound The indicator on the button lights up when the sound is muted

g] FUNCTION control

Rotate to select the component you want to use

To select Rotate to light

VCR VIDEO 1 or VIDEO 2 Camcorder or video game VIDEO 3 DVD or LD player DVD/LD TV or satellite tuner TV/SAT Tape deck

MD or Tape deck MD or DAT deck MD/DAT (STR-DB940 only)

CD player CD Built in tuner TUNER Turntable PHONO

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

• After selecting VCR, camcorder, video game, DVD player, or LD player, turn on the TV and set the TV's video input to match the component you selected

TAPE (STR-DB940) MD/TAPE (STR-DB840)

•

a CB

MODE button

Press to select and play another video/audio source in combination with the selected component Each time you press the button, the display changes as follows:

Standard display (When 5 1CH INPUT is not selected)

---

► V:>

• selected component <

When 5 1CH INPUT is selected

> V:XXX

5 ICH INPUT ^

• STR-DB940 only

Press MODE to display And rotate FUNCTION to select

V:XXX

A:XXX Any audio source to enjoy with

2ND AUDIO [XXX] An audio source (except

(STR-DB940 only) PHONO) to enjoy in your sub

* Even if 2ND AUDIO [SOURCE] is selected, no sound is output

when the receiver is set to 5 ICH INPUT Only signals from

components connected to the analog inputs are output through the 2ND AUDIO jacks No signals are ouput from components connected to only the digital inputs

Any video source to enjoy with the audio from the selected component

the video from the selected component

room "SOURCE" selects the same program source as the main FUNCTION control*

V Function indicators

Normally, the indicator above the selected function lights orange However, when MODE is used to select a different video (V:XXX) or audio (A:XXX) source, the video function lights green and the audio function lights orange This also occurs when you select audio components (like CD)

m INPUT MODE button

Press to select the input mode for your digital

components (DVD/LD, TV/SAT, and MD/DAT

(STR-DB940) or MD/TAPE (STR-DB840)) Each press switches the input mode of the currently selected component

Select

AUTO Give priority to digital signals

DIGITAL (OPTICAL) Specify the digital audio signals

DIGITAL (COAXIAL)

ANALOG Specify the analog audio signals

when there are both digital and analog connections If there are no digital signals, analog is selected

input to the DIGITAL OPTICAL input jacks

Specify the digital audio signals input to the DIGITAL COAXIAL input jacks (DVD / LD only)

input to the AUDIO IN (L and R) jacks

■o

■g

> 3

Front Panel Parts Description

fi»

QB fii

S* >

m DIMMER button

Press repeatedly to adjust the brightness of the display When you want to turn off the display set in the "DIMM RANGE" parameter in the SET UP menu

(page 54)

¡7} DISPLAY button

Press repeatedly to change the information on the display wiijdow as follows:

Index name of the component

Sound field applied to the program source

-f-

Selected component

* Index name appears only when you have assigned one to the

component or preset station (see page 51) Index name does not appear when only blank spaces have been entered, or it is the same as the function button

** These indications appear only during RDS reception (Models of

area code CED only See page 47)

]

The following buttons operate the built-in tuner For

details, see "Receiving Broadcasts" starting from page

FM/AM button

Selects the FM or AM band

SHIFT button

Selects a memory page for preset stations

When the tuner is selected

or program station name**

Sound field applied to the band

f JieIndex name of the preset station*

♦

Frequency

Program type indication**

■f

Radio text**

'#■

Current time**

or the preset station

PRESET TUNING +/- buttons

Scans all preset stations

[E CINEMA STUDIO EX A-C buttons

Press to select CINEMA STUDIO EX A~C sound field For details, see "CINEMA STUDIO EX A~C" on page 33

m MULTI CHANNEL DECODING indicator

This indicator lights when the unit is decoding signals recorded in a multi channel format

+ 65 hidden pages

Sony STR-DB940 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Precautions

Unpacking

Antenna Hookups

Audio Component Hookups

Video Component Hookups

Digital Component Hookups

5.1 CH Input Hookups

other Hookups

Speaker System Hookup

Performing Initial Setup Operations

Multi Channel Surround Setup

Before You Use Your Receiver