Sony HT-A9 Reference guide

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
Use this Help Guide when you have any questions on how to use the speaker system.
Getting Started
About Manuals of the Speaker System
What You Can Do with the Speaker System
Guide to Parts and Controls
Control Box
Speakers
Remote Control
Using the Home Menu
Setting Up
Installing the Speaker System
Installing the Control Box and Speakers
Mounting the Speakers on a Wall
1

Connecting to a TV
Connecting a TV Compatible with ARC/eARC
When Your TV Has the S-CENTER SPEAKER IN Jack
Connecting an AV Device
Connecting an AV Device Compatible with the 2K/4K Video Format
Connecting an AV Device Compatible with the 8K Video Format
Connecting to the AC Outlet (mains)
Performing Initial Settings
If the Speakers Are not Connected Correctly
Watching Images
Watching TV
Playing the Connected AV Device
Listening to Music/Sound
Listening to Sony TV Sound with the BLUETOOTH® Function
What You Can Do by Connecting a TV with the BLUETOOTH Function
Listening to TV Sound by Connecting the Speaker System and TV Wirelessly
Listening to Sound of the Paired TV
Listening to Music/Sound with the BLUETOOTH Function
Listening to Music by Pairing the Mobile Device That Is Connected for the First Time
Listening to Music from the Paired Device
Listening to Sound of the Connected TV or Device Using Headphones
Listening to Sound by Pairing with Headphones
Listening to Sound with Paired Headphones
About the Connection of the Headphones
Listening to Music by Connecting to a Network
What You Can Do by Connecting the Speaker System to a Network
Connecting to a Wireless Network
Setting up a Wireless Network Connection on the Home Menu
Setting up a Wireless Network Connection Using Sony | Music Center
2

Setting up a Wi-Fi Connection Using an iOS Device
Connecting to a Wired Network
Connecting to a PC or Router with a LAN Cable
Setting up a Wired Connection
Enjoying 360 Reality Audio
Using Spotify
Streaming Music with Chromecast built-in
Operating the Speaker System by Talking to an Alexa Built-in Device
Streaming Music with an iOS Device
Using Sony | Music Center
Listening to Music on your PC via a Home Network
Adjusting the Volume and Sound Quality
Adjusting the Volume
Enjoying Immersive Surround Experience (IMMERSIVE AE)
Setting the Sound Effect That Is Tailored to Sound Sources (Sound Mode)
Making Dialogs Clearer (VOICE)
Enjoying Clear Sound with Low Volume at Midnight (NIGHT)
Adjusting the Delay Between the Picture and Sound
When Watching the TV
When Watching Another Device
Enjoying Multiplex Broadcast Sound (AUDIO)
Adjusting the Dialog Volume While the DTS:X Content is Played Back
When Watching the TV
When Playing Content on an AV Device
Using the Speaker System by Interlocking with a TV
Operating the Speaker System by Interlocking with a TV (Control for HDMI Function)
Operating the Speaker System by Interlocking with a TV Compatible with the “BRAVIA” Sync Function
Changing the Settings
Changing the Brightness of the Front Panel Display and Indicators (DIMMER)
3

Saving Power in Standby Mode
Performing Easy Setup
Performing Advanced Settings
Using the [Advanced Settings] Menu
[Speaker Settings]
[Audio Settings]
[HDMI Settings]
[Bluetooth Settings]
[System Settings]
[Network Settings]
[Resetting]
[Software Update]
Updating the Software
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Power
The speaker system does not power up.
The speaker system does not turn on even when the TV is turned on.
The speaker system turns off when the TV is turned off.
The speaker system does not turn off even when the TV is turned off.
The speaker system cannot be turned off.
Picture
There is no picture or the picture is not output correctly.
The picture on the TV screen is distorted.
3D content from the HDMI IN jack does not appear on the TV screen.
High definition video signal (4K/60p 4:4:4, 4:2:2 and 4K/60p 4:2:0 10 bit, etc.) from the HDMI IN jack does not appear on the TV
screen.
An image is not displayed on the entire TV screen.
Picture and sound of the device that is connected to the speaker system are not output from the TV when the speaker system is
not turned on.
HDR contents cannot be shown in high-dynamic range.
4

Sound
No sound is output from the speaker system.
The speaker system cannot connect to a TV with the BLUETOOTH function.
No TV sound is output from the speaker system.
The sound skips or noise is generated.
Picture and sound of the device that is connected to the speaker system are not output from the TV when the speaker system is
not turned on.
The sound is output from both the speaker system and TV.
The sound is interrupted while watching a TV program or content on a Blu-ray Disc, etc.
The TV sound from this speaker system lags behind the image.
No sound or only a very low-level sound of the device connected to the speaker system is heard.
The surround effect cannot be obtained.
No sound is output from the optional subwoofer.
Sound is not output from some speakers.
Sound Field Optimization
Sound Field Optimization is failed.
Mobile Device Connection
Pairing cannot be achieved.
BLUETOOTH connection cannot be completed.
Sound of the connected BLUETOOTH mobile device is not output from the speaker system.
Headphones Connection with the BLUETOOTH Function
Pairing cannot be achieved.
BLUETOOTH connection cannot be completed.
No sound is output from the connected BLUETOOTH headphones.
The BLUETOOTH connection with the headphones becomes disconnected.
Wireless LAN Connection
The speaker system cannot connect to the network or the network connection is unstable.
The wireless LAN router you want is not shown in the wireless network list.
Internet Connection
You cannot connect the speaker system to the Internet.
5

5-025-234-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
Remote Control
The remote control of this speaker system does not function.
Others
The Control for HDMI function does not work properly.
[PRTCT], [PUSH], speaker name ([FL], [FR], [RL], [RR], or [SUB]), and [POWER] flash alternately in the front panel display.
[HIGH], [TEMP], and [ERROR] appear alternately for 2 seconds each in the front panel display, [STANDBY] appears in the front
panel display, then the speaker system is turned off.
[BT TX] appears in the front panel display.
Wireless functions (wireless LAN, the BLUETOOTH function, speakers, or optional subwoofer) are unstable.
Spotify cannot be played with the MUSIC SERVICE button, or cannot be played on the way of playback.
The speaker system restarts.
Resetting the Speaker System
Additional Information
Supported Input Audio Formats
Supported HDMI Video Formats
On BLUETOOTH Communication
Copyrights and Trademarks
6

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
About Manuals of the Speaker System
The information included in each manual is as shown below.
Startup Guide
Introduces the initial procedures concerning installation and connection for using the speaker system, and operations
until you play music.
Operating Instructions
Explains the basic operations.
Connection with a TV or other devices
Playback for music/sound of devices connected with an HDMI cable or the BLUETOOTH function
Sound adjustment, etc.
Help Guide (Web manual) (this document)
Provides all operations including advanced usage.
Playback for music/sound with the network function
Details on menu items, etc.
Hint
The instructions in these manuals describe operations using the controls on the remote control.
Characters in brackets [ ] appear on the TV screen or front panel display.
Details are omitted from the illustrations.
7

5-025-234-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
8

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
What You Can Do with the Speaker System
The speaker system supports object-based audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X as well as HDR video
formats such as HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision.
Wireless LAN router
Internet
TV
You can listen to sound of a TV with the speaker system by connecting the speaker system and TV with an HDMI cable
or BLUETOOTH function.
Watching TV
What You Can Do by Connecting a TV with the BLUETOOTH Function
Blu-ray Disc™ player, set-top box, gaming console, etc.
You can listen to sound of an AV device with the speaker system by connecting the speaker system and AV device with
an HDMI cable.
Playing the Connected AV Device
Headphones
You can listen to sound of the connected TV or AV device from headphones by connecting the speaker system and
headphones with the BLUETOOTH function.
Listening to Sound by Pairing with Headphones
Mobile device
You can listen to sound of a mobile device or portable audio device with the speaker system by connecting the speaker
system and mobile device with the BLUETOOTH function.
Listening to Music by Pairing the Mobile Device That Is Connected for the First Time
Supplied speakers
9

The supplied speakers are connected to the control box automatically when they are turned on.
Network
You can perform streaming playback of music content or play music files stored on your PC with the speaker system by
connecting the speaker system to the same network as that of the smartphone, tablet, or iOS device.
What You Can Do by Connecting the Speaker System to a Network
Optional subwoofer
For the operations of the optional subwoofer, refer to its operating instructions.
For the supported optional subwoofer, confirm on the Sony website.
5-025-234-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
10

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
Control Box
Front
Rear
Remote control sensor
Point the remote control at the remote control sensor to operate the speaker system.
1.
Front panel display2.
UPDATE port
Connect the USB memory when updating the speaker system.
1.
S-CENTER OUT jack2.
(power) button
Turns on the speaker system or sets it to standby mode.
3.
LAN(100) port4.
HDMI OUT (TV ARC/eARC) jack
Connect a TV that has an HDMI input jack with an HDMI cable. The speaker system is compatible with eARC and
ARC. ARC is the function that sends TV sound to an AV device such as the speaker system from the TV’s HDMI
jack. eARC is an extension of ARC and enables transmission of the object audio and multi-channel LPCM content
that cannot be transmitted with ARC.
5.
HDMI IN jack6.
DC IN terminal7.
11

Related Topic
When Your TV Has the S-CENTER SPEAKER IN Jack
Connecting an AV Device Compatible with the 2K/4K Video Format
Connecting an AV Device Compatible with the 8K Video Format
5-025-234-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
12

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
Speakers
Front
Rear
Power indicator
Displays the connecting status between the control box and speaker as well as the power condition of the speaker.
Red
Lights up: The speaker is in standby mode.
Green
Lights up: The speaker is connected to the control box.
Flashes slowly: The speaker is attempting to connect to the control box.
Flashes twice repeatedly: The speaker is in the pairing standby status via manual connection.
Turns off
The speaker is turned off.
1.
(power) button
Turns on/off the speaker.
2.
LINK button3.
AC inlet4.
13

Note
When using the wall mounting hole (1) or mounting hole for the general speaker stand (2), peel off the cover on them with a
safety-pin, etc.
5-025-234-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
Wall mounting hole1.
Mounting hole for the general speaker stand2.
14

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
Remote Control
(power)
Turns on the speaker system or sets it to standby mode.
(MUSIC SERVICE) button
If you have previously played music on Spotify on the speaker system, you can resume playback by pressing this
button.
This button may not be available in some countries/regions.
BLUETOOTH
TV
HDMI
1.
AUTO SOUND
VOICE
NIGHT
CINEMA
MUSIC
STANDARD
IMMERSIVE AE
2.
DIMMER
DISPLAY
3.
15

About the replacement of batteries for the remote control
When the speaker system does not respond by operating with the remote control, replace two batteries with new
batteries.
Use R03 (size AAA) manganese batteries for replacement.
Related Topic
Enjoying Immersive Surround Experience (IMMERSIVE AE)
Setting the Sound Effect That Is Tailored to Sound Sources (Sound Mode)
Making Dialogs Clearer (VOICE)
Enjoying Clear Sound with Low Volume at Midnight (NIGHT)
5-025-234-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
Displays playback information on the TV screen.
Playback information is displayed in the front panel display for TV input.
(up)/ (down)/ (left)/ (right)
(enter)
BACK
OPTIONS
Displays the options menu on the TV screen.
The options menu is displayed in the front panel display for TV input.
HOME
4.
REAR (rear speakers volume) +/–
Adjusts the volume of the rear speakers.
(volume) +(*)/–
Adjusts the volume.
BASS (bass sound volume) +/–
Adjusts the volume of the bass sound or optional subwoofer when connecting it.
(muting)
Turns off the sound temporarily.
5.
TV/AUDIO SYSTEM
Switches the output for the connected TV sound between the TV and speaker system.
Note
This button works in the following conditions.
The connected TV is compatible with the System Audio Control function.
The Control for HDMI function of the speaker system is set to on.
6.
Playback operation buttons
(previous)/ (next)
Selects the previous/next track or file.
Pressing and holding it searches backward or forward (rewind/fast forward) during playback.
(play/pause)(*)
Starts, pauses, or re-starts playback (resume play).
7.
AUDIO(*)8.
The AUDIO, (play/pause), and (volume) + buttons have a tactile dot. Use it as a guide during operation.
*
16

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
Using the Home Menu
You can display the home menu on the TV screen by connecting the speaker system and TV with an HDMI cable.
5-025-234-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
Press HOME.
The home menu appears on the TV screen.
1
Press (up)/ (left)/ (right) to select the category that you want, then press (down) or
(enter).
The items for the selected category appear under the category list on the TV screen.
[Watch]: Selects the input of the TV or AV device that is connected to the speaker system.
[Listen]: Selects the input of the audio device that is connected to the speaker system or music service for
playing back on the speaker system.
[Setup]: Performs the basic initial settings by using [Easy Setup] or various advanced settings of the
speaker system.
2
Press (up)/ (down)/ (left)/ (right) to select the item that you want, then press (enter).
The selected input or setting display appears on the TV screen.
To return to the previous screen, press BACK.
3
17

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
Installing the Control Box and Speakers
Choose an installation method for the control box and speakers.
They can be installed on a TV stand, shelves, etc., or mounted on the wall.
Example of installing on a TV stand and shelves:
Example of mounting on the wall:
Note
Do not place the speakers in a shelf or right below the ceiling so as not to block the sound output from the top of the
speakers.
Do not place metal objects near the speaker system. Wireless functions may become unstable.
1
Choose an installation position.
2
18

When the sound from the speakers skips
The sound skipping may be improved by changing the installation position or setting. For details, see “ The sound skips
or noise is generated. ”.
Related Topic
[Speaker Settings]
5-025-234-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
Control box
Bottom of the speaker
Front left speaker
Front right speaker
Rear left speaker
Rear right speaker
Note
Before connecting the speaker system, disconnect the AC power cords (mains leads) of the TV and other devices from the
AC outlets (mains). Reconnect them after connecting the speaker system to a TV and AV devices.
If you change the installation position of the speakers, optimize the sound field again by selecting [Setup] - [Advanced
Settings] - [Speaker Settings] - [Sound Field Optimization].
Install the control box on or in a shelf where the front panel display is not covered.1.
Choose the installation position of the speakers by checking the labels on the bottom of the speakers.
Surround sound can be experienced more effectively by installing the 4 speakers to surround your listening
position and installing the front speakers on both sides of the TV.
If you install speakers as following, perform [Sound Field Adjustment] under [Manual Speaker Settings].
The distances from the TV to the front left speaker and the front right speaker have a large difference.
The distances from your listening position to the 4 speakers are very unbalanced.
2.
19

Help Guide
Home Theatre System
HT-A9
Mounting the Speakers on a Wall
Speakers
Note
Prepare screws (not supplied) that are suitable for the wall material and stability. Depending on the wall material, the wall may be
damaged.
Fasten the screws securely in the wall beam.
Hang the speakers horizontally on the reinforced wall.
Have the installation done by a Sony dealer or licensed contractor and pay special attention to safety during the installation.
Sony shall not be held responsible for accidents or damage caused by improper installation, insufficient wall stability, improper
screw installation, natural disasters, etc.
Prepare screws (not supplied) that are suitable for the wall mounting hole on the rear of the speaker.
(a) 4 mm (5/32 in)
(b) More than 30 mm (1 3/16 in)
Hole on the rear of the speaker
(c) 4.2 mm (11/64 in)
(d) 9.6 mm (3/8 in)
1
Fasten the screw in the wall.
2
20