Sony XAV-AX8500 Reference guide

Help Guide
In-Car Receiver
XAV-AX8500
Use this manual if you encounter any problems, or have any questions.
Note: The unit sold in some countries/regions may differ from the picture above.
Getting Started
Guide to Parts and Controls
Main Unit and Remote Commander
Screen Displays
Performing Initial Settings
Using Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Using Apple CarPlay Wirelessly
Using Android Auto™ Wirelessly
Using Android Auto with a USB Cable
Preparing a BLUETOOTH Device
Pairing and Connecting with a Bluetooth® Device
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Connecting with a Paired BLUETOOTH Device
Using Cameras
Smartphone Connection
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Radio
Listening to the Radio
Listening to the Radio
Tuning
Using Radio Option Functions
Listening to the SiriusXM Radio (XAV-AX8500(UC))
Listening to the SiriusXM Radio
Tuning Channels for SiriusXM
Tuning the Channel by Inputting its Channel Number
Tuning the Channel by TuneScan™
Tuning the Channel from the Channel List or Category List
Setting a Parental Control
Using SXM Option Functions
Playback
Playing a USB Device
Playing a USB Device
Repeat Play and Shuffle Play
Searching for a File from the List Screen
Other Settings during Playback
Playing an HDMI Device
Playing an HDMI™ Device
Other Settings during Playback
Playing a BLUETOOTH Device
Playing a BLUETOOTH Device
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Repeat Play and Shuffle Play
Handsfree Calling
Preparing a Mobile Phone
Receiving a Call
Making a Call
Available Operations during a Call
iDataLink Maestro (XAV-AX8500(UC))
Getting iDataLink Maestro Ready
Using iDataLink Maestro
Settings
Basic Setting Operation
Device Connection
Sound
Customize
Application
System
Additional Information
Canceling the Demonstration Mode
Sorting Apps on the Apps Area (Favorite)
Updating the Software
Precautions
Supported Formats for USB Playback
About iPhone
Notice on License
Maintenance
Specifications
Copyrights
Troubleshooting
3

Troubleshooting
General
There is no beep sound.
The fuse has blown. / The unit makes noise when the position of the ignition is switched.
The display disappears from the monitor. / The display does not appear on the monitor.
Menu items cannot be selected.
The unit cannot be operated.
Display
The display does not turn on.
Touch Screen
The touch screen does not react to your touch correctly.
Multi-touch is not recognized.
Device Connection
A suffix such as “-2”, “-3”, ... appears after the name of the device on [Device Connection].
Radio
The radio reception is poor. / Static noise occurs.
The stations cannot be received. (XAV-AX8500(E)/XAV-AX8500(E17)/XAV-AX8500(IN))
Picture
There is no picture or picture noise occurs.
Sound
There is no sound, sound skips, or sound cracks.
Sound is noisy.
USB playback
Items cannot be played.
The USB device takes longer to play.
The smartphone connected to the USB port cannot be played.
HDMI playback
The connected HDMI device cannot be played.
HDMI playback stops.
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BLUETOOTH
The other BLUETOOTH device cannot detect this unit.
Connection is not possible.
The name of the detected device does not appear.
There is no ringtone.
The talker’s voice volume is low.
The other party says that the volume is too low or high.
Echo or noise occurs during call conversations.
The phone sound quality is poor.
The volume of the connected BLUETOOTH device or apps is low or high.
The sound skips during audio streaming or the BLUETOOTH connection fails.
The connected BLUETOOTH device cannot be controlled during audio streaming.
Some functions do not work.
A call is answered unintentionally.
Pairing failed due to time out.
Cannot pair.
The BLUETOOTH function cannot be operated.
No sound is output from the car speakers during a handsfree call.
SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (XAV-AX8500(UC))
A mature channel is not blocked although parental control setting has been made.
Apple CarPlay
The Apple CarPlay icon does not appear on the HOME screen.
The position accuracy is not good when using maps with Apple CarPlay.
Android Auto
The Android Auto icon does not appear on the HOME screen.
The position accuracy is not good when using maps with Android Auto.
iDataLink Maestro (XAV-AX8500(UC))
iDataLink Maestro
Messages
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5-050-133-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
General
SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (XAV-AX8500(UC))
Support Websites
Customer Support Websites
About the “Support by Sony” App
6

Help Guide
In-Car Receiver
XAV-AX8500
Main Unit and Remote Commander
Main unit
The VOL (volume) + button has a tactile dot.
RM-X400 remote commander (XAV-AX8500(E)/XAV-AX8500(E17)/XAV-AX8500(IN))
The remote commander can be used to operate the audio controls. For menu operations, use the touch screen.
The VOL (volume) +/ (play/pause) buttons have a tactile dot.
Note
7

The / (up/down) buttons in the illustration above are not supported.
Remove the insulation film before use.
Hint
For XAV-AX8500(UC), the RM-X400 remote commander is available online at
https://encompass.com.
HOME
Displays the HOME screen.
STANDBY
Press and hold to turn off the unit.
Press and hold for more than 10 seconds to reset the unit.
1.
VOL (volume) +/–2.
Custom
Registers functions (Mute, Disp. Off (display off), Source Change).
To register, select [Settings] [Customize] [Custom Button].
3.
Receptor for the remote commander4.
/ (previous/next)
Functions differently depending on the selected source:
[Radio]: select a preset station.
[SiriusXM]: select a preset channel. (XAV-AX8500(UC))
[USB]: move to the previous/next content.
[Bluetooth Audio]: move to the previous/next content.
[Apple CarPlay]/[Android Auto]: move to the previous/next content.
Press and hold to:
[Radio]: tune into a station automatically (SEEK+/SEEK–).
[USB]: fast-reverse/fast-forward.
[Bluetooth Audio]: fast-reverse/fast-forward.
5.
VOICE
Activates the voice command function for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
6.
Display/touch screen7.
DISP OFF (display off)
Turns off the display.
To turn back on, press again.
8.
(mute)
Mutes the sound. To cancel, press again.
9.
(play/pause)
/ (previous/next)
Functions differently depending on the selected source:
[Radio]: select a preset station.
[SiriusXM]: select a preset channel. (XAV-AX8500(UC))
[USB]: move to the previous/next content.
[Bluetooth Audio]: move to the previous/next content.
[Apple CarPlay]/[Android Auto]: move to the previous/next content.
Press and hold to:
[Radio]: tune into a station automatically (SEEK+/SEEK–).
10.
8

Related Topic
Screen Displays
5-050-133-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
[USB]: fast-reverse/fast-forward.
[Bluetooth Audio]: fast-reverse/fast-forward. Functions differ depending on the BLUETOOTH device.
9

Help Guide
In-Car Receiver
XAV-AX8500
Screen Displays
Playback screen:
HOME1 screen:
HOME2 screen:
1. Status indication (left side)
2. Status indication (right side)
Icon in the display Detail
(back) Returns to the previous display.
(list) Opens the list. The available lists differ depending on the source.
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3. Application specific area
Displays playback controls/indications or shows the unit’s status. Displayed items differ depending on the source.
4. (Apple CarPlay)/ (Android Auto)
Displays when connecting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
5. Clock
Displays the date and time which were set on the Date/Time setting.
6. Apps area (Favorite)
Up to 5 Apps can be set. Apps can be changed. You can set your Favorite Apps.
7. All Apps
Opens the HOME2 screen.
8. Close
Returns to the HOME1 screen.
9. Apps area
Displays all Apps except for Favorite Apps.
Apps icon list
XAV-AX8500(UC):
Icon in the display Detail
Clock Displays the time which was set on the Date/Time setting.
(mute) Lights up when the sound is muted.
(option) Opens the source option menu. The available items differ depending on the source.
(device) Displays the device’s name to connect to the unit.
(antenna) Indicates the signal strength status of the connected mobile phone.
(battery) Indicates the remaining battery status of the connected mobile phone.
Icon in the display Name
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Radio
SiriusXM
Bluetooth
RearCam
Settings
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XAV-AX8500(E)/XAV-AX8500(E17)/XAV-AX8500(IN):
Icon in the display Name
USB
HDMI
Camera 1
Camera 2
Phone
Devices
Gauges *1*2
Park Assist *1*2
Vehicle Info *1*2
Climate *1*2
Satellite Radio*1*2*3
Bluetooth Audio*1*2*3
Media Player*1*2*3
When connecting the iDataLink Maestro module (not supplied), the icon is displayed.
*1
Available functions differ according to your car type.
*2
The display names differ according to your car type.
*3
Icon in the display Name
Android Auto*
Apple CarPlay*
Radio
Bluetooth
USB
Phone
Settings
HDMI
RearCam
Camera 1
Camera 2
Devices
It may not be available in your country or region.
*
12

Related Topic
System
Sorting Apps on the Apps Area (Favorite)
5-050-133-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
13

Help Guide
In-Car Receiver
XAV-AX8500
Performing Initial Settings
You need to perform initial settings before operating the unit for the first time, after replacing the car battery, or changing
connections.
If the initial settings screen does not appear when you turn on the unit, perform the factory reset to initialize the unit.
This setting can be further configured in the setting menu.
Related Topic
Device Connection
Sound
Customize
Application
System
5-050-133-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
Touch [Language], then set the display language.
To return to the previous display, touch (back).
1
Touch [Demo Mode] repeatedly to select [Off] to disable the demonstration mode.
2
Touch [Set Date/Time], then set the date and time.
To return to the previous display, touch (back).
3
Touch [Radio Tuning Steps], then set the radio frequency depending on the receiving area. (XAV-
AX8500(E)/XAV-AX8500(E17)/XAV-AX8500(IN))
4
Touch [OK].
The startup caution appears.
5
Read through the startup caution, then if you accept all conditions, touch [Close].
The setting is complete.
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14

Help Guide
In-Car Receiver
XAV-AX8500
Using Apple CarPlay Wirelessly
When using Apple CarPlay for the first time, device registration (called “pairing”) is required. Pairing enables this unit and
your iPhone to recognize each other.
Note
Make sure the GPS antenna (aerial) (supplied) is connected.
Note
When pairing the unit with your iPhone via BLUETOOTH, the unit will not prompt you to enter a 6-digit passkey.
If you are prompted to enter a passkey on your iPhone during pairing, it may be a passkey fraud by a malicious third party who
intercepts the communication between your iPhone and the unit.
We recommend that you pay close attention around the vicinity of your car and make sure that there are no untrustworthy third
parties around you before starting pairing again.
Place your iPhone within 1 m (3 ft) of this unit.
1
Press HOME, then touch [Settings].
If [Settings] is not set in the Favorite area, touch [All Apps] to display the HOME2 screen, then select [Settings].
Hint
You can touch [Devices] to open the [Device Connection] screen alternatively.
2
Touch [Device Connection].
3
Touch [+Add New Device].
4
Operate your iPhone according to its message on the [Add New Device] screen.
When setting the BLUETOOTH setting, Wi-Fi setting, and Apple CarPlay of your iPhone to [ON], select “XAV-
AX8500” on the setting screen of your iPhone and then proceed to the pairing steps.
5
[Pairing Request] appears on the unit.
Confirm the [Passkey:].
The same 6-digit passkey appears on your iPhone and the unit.
6
Touch [Pair], then touch [Apple CarPlay].
7
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The unit can only be connected with one iPhone device at a time.
To disconnect the BLUETOOTH connection, turn the connection off from either the unit or your iPhone.
While using Apple CarPlay, BLUETOOTH connection is not possible. BLUETOOTH pairing is possible.
When using Apple CarPlay, remove the HDMI cable from your iPhone. The HDMI connection is not possible while Apple CarPlay
is running.
Apple CarPlay may not be available in your country or region.
Related Topic
Apple CarPlay
Device Connection
5-050-133-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
16

Help Guide
In-Car Receiver
XAV-AX8500
Using Android Auto™ Wirelessly
When using Android Auto for the first time, device registration (called “pairing”) is required. Pairing enables this unit and
an Android Auto compatible Android™ phone to recognize each other.
Note
When pairing the unit with your Android phone via BLUETOOTH, the unit will not prompt you to enter a 6-digit passkey.
If you are prompted to enter a passkey on your Android phone during pairing, it may be a passkey fraud by a malicious third party
who intercepts the communication between your Android phone and the unit.
We recommend that you pay close attention around the vicinity of your car and make sure that there are no untrustworthy third
parties around you before starting a pairing again.
The unit can only be connected with one Android phone at a time.
To disconnect the BLUETOOTH connection, turn the connection off from either the unit or your Android phone.
Place your Android phone within 1 m (3 ft) of this unit.
1
Press HOME, then touch [Settings].
If [Settings] is not set in the Favorite area, touch [All Apps] to display the HOME2 screen, then select [Settings].
Hint
You can touch [Devices] to open the [Device Connection] screen alternatively.
2
Touch [Device Connection].
3
Touch [+Add New Device].
4
Operate your Android phone according to its message on the [Add New Device] screen.
When setting the BLUETOOTH setting, Wi-Fi setting, and Android Auto of your Android phone to [ON], select “XAV-
AX8500” on the setting screen of your Android phone and then proceed to the pairing steps.
5
[Pairing Request] appears on the unit.
Confirm the [Passkey:].
The same 6-digit passkey appears on your Android phone and the unit.
6
Touch [Pair], then touch [Start].
7
17

While using Android Auto, BLUETOOTH connection is not possible. BLUETOOTH pairing is possible.
When using Android Auto, remove the HDMI cable from your Android phone. The HDMI connection is not possible while Android
Auto is running.
Android Auto may not be available in your country or region.
Related Topic
Android Auto
Device Connection
5-050-133-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
18

Help Guide
In-Car Receiver
XAV-AX8500
Using Android Auto with a USB Cable
When using Android Auto with a USB cable, connect an Android Auto compatible Android phone to the unit with the USB
cable.
Note
While using Android Auto, BLUETOOTH connection is not possible. BLUETOOTH pairing is possible.
Android Auto may not be available in your country or region.
Related Topic
Android Auto
5-050-133-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
Connect your Android phone to the USB port.
1
19

Help Guide
In-Car Receiver
XAV-AX8500
Pairing and Connecting with a Bluetooth® Device
You can enjoy music or perform handsfree calling depending on the BLUETOOTH compatible device such as
smartphones, mobile phones, and audio devices (hereafter “BLUETOOTH device” if not otherwise specified). For details
on connecting, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the BLUETOOTH device. Before connecting the
BLUETOOTH device, turn down the volume of this unit; otherwise, a loud sound may result.
When connecting a BLUETOOTH device for the first time, mutual registration (called “pairing”) is required. Pairing
enables this unit and other BLUETOOTH devices to recognize each other.
Note
When pairing the unit with your BLUETOOTH device via BLUETOOTH, the unit will not prompt you to enter a 6-digit passkey.
If you are prompted to enter a passkey on your BLUETOOTH device during pairing, it may be a passkey fraud by a malicious
third party who intercepts the communication between your BLUETOOTH device and the unit.
Place the BLUETOOTH device within 1 m (3 ft) of this unit.
1
Press HOME, then touch [Settings].
If [Settings] is not set in the Favorite area, touch [All Apps] to display the HOME2 screen, then select [Settings].
Hint
You can touch [Devices] to open [Device Connection] alternatively.
2
Touch [Device Connection].
3
Touch [+Add New Device].
4
Operate the BLUETOOTH device according to its message on the [Add New Device] screen.
When setting the BLUETOOTH setting of the BLUETOOTH device to [ON], select “XAV-AX8500” on the setting
screen of your BLUETOOTH device and then proceed to the pairing steps.
5
[Pairing Request] appears on the unit.
Confirm the [Passkey:].
The same 6-digit passkey appears on your BLUETOOTH device and the unit.
6
Touch [Pair].
7
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