Sony HT-9950M - Home Theater In A Box Manual

The Sony HT-9950M is a comprehensive home theater system featuring a 5.1 channel surround sound receiver, DVD player, AM/FM tuner, and satellite speakers with subwoofer. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, multiple audio/video inputs (including HDMI and optical), USB playback, Bluetooth connectivity, and comes with a universal remote. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Placement 3. Initial Setup & Calibration 4. Technical Specifications 5. System Controls & Remote 6. Connecting Audio/Video Sources 7. Playing Media & Using Functions 8. Sound Modes & Customization 9. Maintenance & Care 10. Compliance & Support 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Features at a Glance

Key components: AV receiver with built-in DVD player, 5 satellite speakers, powered subwoofer, remote control, FM/AM antennas, and connection cables.

Feature	Description
Audio Decoding	Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II
Speaker System	5.1 channels (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Subwoofer)
Inputs	HDMI (2 in, 1 out), Optical (2), Coaxial, Composite AV, USB
Connectivity	Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming
Tuner	AM/FM with 30 station presets
Remote Control	Universal remote with learning function
Audio Formats	Supports MP3, WMA, AAC via USB/DVD
Video Up-scaling	Up to 1080p via HDMI
Sound Modes	Cinema, Music, Game, Night, Standard
Auto Calibration	Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)

Installation & Placement

Unpack all components carefully. Place receiver on stable, ventilated surface.

Speaker Placement: Front L/R beside TV, center speaker above/below TV, surround speakers behind listening area, subwoofer near front.
Connect speakers: Match colored wires to corresponding terminals on receiver (Front L/R: white/red, Center: green, Surround L/R: gray/blue, Subwoofer: purple).
Connect TV: Use HDMI cable from HDMI OUT on receiver to HDMI ARC port on TV.
Connect power: Plug receiver and subwoofer into AC outlets.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around receiver. Do not place speakers near heat sources.

Initial Setup & Calibration

Power on system; follow on-screen setup guide.

Auto Calibration: Connect supplied microphone to CAL MIC port, run DCAC from menu for optimal sound.
Input Assignment: Assign HDMI or optical inputs to specific sources (BD, TV, GAME).
Speaker Settings: Verify speaker size (Large/Small), distance, and level after calibration.
Network Setup: For Bluetooth, pair device via SETTINGS menu.

CAUTION! During calibration, ensure quiet environment for accurate results.

Technical Specifications

Total Power Output: 1000W (RMS).
Speaker Impedance: 6 ohms.
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz.
Video Support: 1080p up-scaling, HDMI pass-through.
Audio Decoding: Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (via HDMI).
USB Playback: MP3, WMA, AAC, JPEG, DivX.
Bluetooth: Version 4.1, A2DP profile.
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions (Receiver): 17.1" W x 5.6" H x 13.4" D.

System Controls & Remote

Front Panel: POWER, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, USB port, OPEN/CLOSE (disc tray).

Remote: POWER, INPUT, Numeric keys, VOLUME, MUTE, SOUND MODE, MENU, OPTIONS, NAVIGATION (up/down/left/right/enter).

On-Screen Menu: Settings for Audio, Video, Inputs, System. Sound Mode: Select Cinema, Music, Game, etc. Input Select: Choose BD, TV, SAT/CABLE, GAME, USB. Audio Adjustments: Bass, Treble, Balance, Night Mode. System Settings: Bluetooth, Speaker Config, Calibration, Reset.

Connecting Audio/Video Sources

HDMI Devices: Connect to HDMI IN 1/2. Optical Audio: Connect TV or game console to OPTICAL IN. USB: Insert USB drive for media playback.

Turn off receiver and source device before connecting.
Use high-speed HDMI cables for best performance.
Assign input in menu: MENU > Input Settings > Assign HDMI/Optical.
Select input via remote INPUT button or front panel.

Tip: For ARC (Audio Return Channel), enable HDMI Control in both receiver and TV settings.

Playing Media & Using Functions

Supports DVD, CD, USB media, Bluetooth streaming.

Insert disc: Press OPEN/CLOSE, load DVD/CD.
Play: Press PLAY; use navigation for title/chapter selection.
USB Playback: Insert USB drive, select USB input, browse files.
Bluetooth: Pair device in SETTINGS > Bluetooth > Pairing.
Radio: Extend FM antenna, tune via TUNER mode, preset stations.
Sound Mode: Press SOUND MODE to cycle through presets.
Mute/Volume: Use VOLUME buttons; MUTE for temporary silence.
Sleep Timer: Set in menu for automatic power off.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs. Eject properly before power off.

Sound Modes & Customization

Cinema: Enhances movie audio. Music: Optimizes for stereo content. Game: Expands dynamic range for games. Night: Compresses audio for low-volume listening. Custom: Save user EQ settings in memory.

Maintenance & Care

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for receiver and speakers. Clean disc lens with approved cleaner if needed.

CAUTION! Do not use liquid cleaners. Keep vents unobstructed.

Compliance & Support

FCC Part 15 Class B compliant. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. DTS and DTS Digital Surround are registered trademarks. For support, visit www.sony.com/audio or contact Sony Customer Service at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, outlet	Check power connections; try different outlet; ensure power switch on.
No sound from speakers	Speaker wires, input	Verify speaker connections; select correct input; check volume/mute.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode, distance	Enable pairing on receiver; move device closer; remove obstacles.
Disc not playing	Disc format, region	Ensure disc is compatible (DVD Region 1); check for scratches.
Remote not working	Batteries, IR sensor	Replace batteries; point remote at sensor; remove obstructions.

Reset: Menu > System Settings > Factory Reset (use caution).

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