Sony DAV-S300 - Dvd Dream System Manual

The Sony DAV-S300 is a 5.1-channel DVD Dream System featuring a built-in DVD player, AM/FM tuner, 5 satellite speakers, a center channel speaker, and a powered subwoofer. It supports DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3 playback, with Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, virtual surround sound, digital cinema sound, and multiple audio enhancement modes. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing DVD Media 8. Accessibility Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with integrated DVD player and amplifier, Remote Control, 5 satellite speakers, center speaker, powered subwoofer, AM/FM antenna, and connection cables.

FeatureDescription
DVD PlayerPlays DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3 CDs
Audio DecodingDolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II
Sound ModesVirtual Surround Sound, Digital Cinema Sound, Music, Sports
AM/FM Tuner30 station presets (15 AM, 15 FM)
Speaker System5 satellite speakers, 1 center speaker, 1 powered subwoofer
Audio InputsAnalog audio inputs for external sources
Video OutputsComposite video, S-Video, Component video
Digital OutputOptical digital audio output
Remote ControlUnified remote for system control
DisplayFL fluorescent display for status information

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place main unit on stable, ventilated surface.

  1. Connect speakers: Match speaker wires to correct terminals (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Subwoofer).
  2. Connect TV: Use composite, S-Video, or component video cable from MAIN UNIT VIDEO OUT to TV input.
  3. Connect antennas: Attach AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna to respective terminals.
  4. Connect power cord to AC outlet.
  5. Position speakers: Front speakers beside TV, center speaker above/below TV, surround speakers behind listening area.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around main unit. Do not block vents to prevent overheating.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow initial setup procedure.

  1. Speaker setup: Use test tone to balance speaker levels (MASTER VOLUME to -30dB, press TEST TONE).
  2. TV connection: Select correct video output format in menu (composite, S-Video, component).
  3. Tuner setup: Auto-tune AM/FM stations and store presets.
  4. Sound calibration: Run auto calibration with included microphone (if supported) or manually adjust levels.
  5. Set clock: Set date and time for timer functions.

CAUTION! Ensure all speaker connections are secure and polarity is correct (+ to +, - to -).

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, OPEN/CLOSE, PLAY, STOP, INPUT SELECT, MASTER VOLUME. Display: Shows current mode, track/time, audio format.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, OPEN/CLOSE, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, MENU, DISPLAY, AUDIO, SUBTITLE, ANGLE, Sound Mode buttons (CINEMA, MUSIC, SPORTS).

Audio Settings: Speaker levels, distance, crossover frequency, dynamic range compression. Video Settings: TV type (4:3, 16:9), output format, progressive scan (if enabled). Tuner: Auto/manual tuning, preset memory. System: Clock, timer, language, parental lock (default password 0000).

Connecting Devices

External audio sources: Connect to AUDIO IN jacks. TV: Connect video output to TV input. Digital audio: Connect optical cable to DIGITAL OUT for external decoder.

  1. Turn off all devices before connecting.
  2. Use appropriate cables for each connection type.
  3. Select input source using INPUT SELECT on front panel or remote.
  4. For best video quality, use component video connection when available.

Tip: Label cables for easy identification during setup.

Playing DVD Media

Supports DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW (Video mode), CD, CD-R/RW, MP3 CDs.

  1. Insert disc: Press OPEN/CLOSE, place disc label-side up in tray.
  2. Play: Press PLAY; system automatically detects disc type and begins playback.
  3. Navigation: Use arrow buttons, numeric keys, or SKIP/SEARCH for chapter/track access.
  4. Special features: Access DVD menu with MENU button; change audio/subtitle/angle during playback.
  5. Repeat: Press REPEAT for chapter/track/all repeat modes.
  6. Sound modes: Select CINEMA, MUSIC, or SPORTS for optimized sound.
  7. Resume: System remembers stop point on most discs when STOP is pressed once.

WARNING! Do not move system during disc playback. Keep discs clean and free of scratches.

Accessibility Features

Closed Captions: Enable in DVD setup menu (if disc supports). Parental Control: Set rating limits in setup menu (default password 0000). Audio Description: Available on some DVDs when enabled in setup.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug system before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior. For disc lens cleaning, use approved CD/DVD lens cleaner only.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Keep liquids away from electronic components.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "DTS" and "DTS Digital Surround" are trademarks of DTS, Inc. Copyright © Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/audio or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No powerPower cord, outletCheck power connection; ensure outlet is working; check fuse.
No sound from speakersConnections, settingsVerify speaker wires; check MASTER VOLUME; ensure not muted.
Disc won't playDisc type, conditionEnsure disc is compatible; check for scratches; clean disc.
Poor FM receptionAntenna placementExtend FM antenna fully; reposition for better reception.
Remote not workingBatteries, obstaclesReplace batteries; ensure line of sight to sensor; remove obstacles.
No video on TVConnections, input selectCheck video cable connections; ensure TV is on correct input.
Distorted soundSpeaker wires, settingsCheck for loose/bare wires; reduce volume; check sound mode.

Reset: Unplug system for 2 minutes, then reconnect to reset microprocessor.

Service: 1-800-222-7669; www.sony.com/audio

Sony DAV-S300 - Dvd Dream System Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025