Sony HT-9950M Manual

The Sony HT-9950M is a high-performance home theater system featuring a 5.1 channel surround sound setup, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, HDMI connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB playback, FM radio tuner, and a powerful subwoofer. Designed for immersive audio experiences with movies, music, and gaming. 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. Using Bluetooth & USB 8. Sound Modes & Customization 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: AV Receiver, 5 Satellite Speakers, Powered Subwoofer, Remote Control, HDMI ports, Optical/Coaxial inputs, USB port, Bluetooth antenna.

Feature	Description
HDMI Inputs (3 ports)	For connecting Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, set-top boxes
HDMI Output (ARC)	Audio Return Channel for TV audio playback
Optical/Coaxial Inputs	For digital audio from TV or other sources
USB Port	Playback of MP3, WMA, AAC audio files
Bluetooth	Wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, computers
FM Tuner	Preset memory for up to 30 stations
Power On/Standby	Turns system on or to standby mode
Input Select	Cycles through HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, USB, FM
Sound Mode	Selects Cinema, Music, Game, Night, Standard modes
Volume Control	Adjusts master volume level

Installation

Unpack all components carefully. Place speakers and subwoofer in desired locations.

Connect speakers: Use color-coded speaker wires to match terminals on receiver and speakers (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R).
Connect subwoofer: Plug power cord into outlet; connect audio cable to SUBWOOFER OUT on receiver.
Connect TV: Use HDMI cable from HDMI OUT (ARC) on receiver to HDMI ARC port on TV.
Connect sources: Connect Blu-ray player, game console, etc., to HDMI IN ports.
Plug receiver power cord into AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around receiver; do not block vents. Use included speaker stands or wall mounts securely.

First-Time Setup

Power on system; follow on-screen prompts if connected via HDMI to TV.

Initial setup: Use remote to select language, set speaker distances, and run auto-calibration (if supported).
Speaker configuration: Confirm all speakers are working via test tone.
Input assignment: Assign HDMI or optical inputs to specific sources (e.g., BD, GAME, TV).
Network/Bluetooth setup: Pair Bluetooth devices; connect to home network if applicable.

CAUTION! Do not connect speaker wires while power is on to avoid short circuits.

Specifications

Audio Channels: 5.1 channels (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Subwoofer).
Total Power Output: 1000W (RMS).
Decoding Formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS.
Connectivity: HDMI (3 in, 1 out with ARC), Optical/Coaxial inputs, USB, Bluetooth 4.2.
Supported Audio: MP3, WMA, AAC via USB; streaming via Bluetooth.
FM Tuner: 87.5–108 MHz with 30 presets.
Power Supply: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Dimensions (Receiver): 17.1" W × 5.6" H × 12.9" D.

Controls and Settings

Access menu via remote or front panel buttons. Front Panel: POWER, INPUT SELECT, SOUND MODE, VOLUME, MENU.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, INPUT SELECT, VOLUME, MUTE, SOUND MODE, MENU, SETUP, PLAY/PAUSE (Bluetooth/USB).

Audio Settings: Speaker levels, distance, crossover frequency, EQ presets (Bass/Treble). Input Settings: Rename inputs, assign digital audio. System Settings: Language (ENGLISH default), Bluetooth pairing, firmware update. Sound Modes: Cinema, Music, Game, Night, Standard.

Connecting Devices

HDMI: For best audio/video quality. Optical/Coaxial: For TVs without HDMI ARC. Bluetooth: For wireless streaming.

Turn off receiver and devices before connecting.
Use high-speed HDMI cables for 4K/HDR passthrough.
Select input via INPUT SELECT (HDMI1, HDMI2, HDMI3, OPT, COAX, BT, USB, FM).

Tip: Enable HDMI CEC on TV and receiver for single remote control.

Using Bluetooth & USB

Supports Bluetooth audio streaming and USB playback.

Bluetooth pairing: Press BT button on remote; search for "Sony HT-9950M" on your device and connect.
USB playback: Insert USB drive; system auto-detects and plays supported files.
Playback control: Use remote for play/pause, skip, repeat, shuffle.
FM radio: Auto-scan stations; save presets using numeric buttons.

WARNING! Do not remove USB drive during playback to avoid data corruption.

Sound Modes & Customization

Sound Modes: Optimize audio for content type. Night Mode: Reduces dynamic range for late-night viewing. Custom EQ: Adjust bass/treble to preference.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe surfaces with dry, soft cloth. Clean speaker grilles with soft brush.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners. Keep away from moisture and heat sources.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Sony Corporation. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. For support, visit www.sony.com/audio or contact 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound from speakers	Incorrect input/volume	Select correct input; increase volume; check speaker connections.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode/distance	Enter pairing mode on receiver; ensure device within 33 ft.
HDMI no signal	Cables/input selection	Check HDMI cable connections; select correct HDMI input.
Subwoofer not working	Power/audio cable	Ensure subwoofer is powered on; check audio cable to receiver.
Remote not responding	Batteries/obstructions	Replace batteries; point remote at receiver sensor; remove obstacles.

Reset: Hold POWER and INPUT SELECT for 5 seconds to factory reset.

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