Sony HT-AX7 Reference guide

Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
Model: YY2078C
Install the app to use the speaker system
To use all functions and improved performances, update the software of the speaker system and “Sony | Home
Entertainment Connect” app to the latest version.
How to Use/Parts and Controls
How to Use the Speaker System
Guide to Parts and Controls
Front Speaker
Rear Speaker
About the Indicators
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Remote Control Screen of the App
Initial Setup
Performing Initial Settings with the “Sony | Home Entertainment Connect” App
Charging the Speaker System
Turning the Power on
Turning the Power off
Making Connections
BLUETOOTH® Connection
Preparation: Setting the Speaker System to Pairing Mode
Pairing with BLUETOOTH Devices
Pairing with a Windows® Computer
Pairing with a Mac
Pairing with the Sony TV
Notes on Pairing
Multipoint Connection
Connecting the Speaker System Concurrently with 2 BLUETOOTH Devices (Multipoint Connection)
Enjoying the Contents
Playing Content from BLUETOOTH Connected Devices
Enjoy Sound Field effect on
Enjoy Sound Field effect off
Adjusting Sound Quality
Terminating the BLUETOOTH Connection (After Use)
Listening to Music on a USB Device (models with the PLAY ONLY (USB) port only)
Phone Call
Making a Video Call on a Computer
Receiving a Call
Making a Call
Using the Voice Assist Function
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Using the Voice Assist Function (Google™ App)
Using the Voice Assist Function (Siri)
Changing the Settings with the App
[Bluetooth Settings]
[System Settings]
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Restarting the Speaker System
Resetting the Speaker System
Additional Information
Specifications
Playable Types of Audio Files for the USB Device (models with the PLAY ONLY (USB) port only)
Trademarks
Licenses
Notes on Use
Customer support website
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
How to Use the Speaker System
System configurations
The speaker system is a portable theatre system for playing audio by connecting to BLUETOOTH devices such as
smartphones and Sony TV.
The speaker system consists of one front speaker and left and right rear speakers.
You can charge the rear speakers by placing them on the front speaker. You can play content while charging.
Front speaker
Rear left speaker
Rear right speaker
Two ways of use
There are two ways to use the speaker system by changing the placement of the front and rear speakers depending on
the viewing environment as well as content.
Enjoy sound field effect on
By turning on the sound field effect and placing the speakers around you, you can enjoy watching content such as
movies on your device with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
Enjoy sound field effect off
By turning off the sound field effect and placing the speakers throughout your room, you can enjoy ambient sound
while eating, working or gathering.
4

About the app required to use the speaker system
Use a smartphone with the “Sony | Home Entertainment Connect” app installed to operate and configure the settings on
the speaker system.
Install the “Sony | Home Entertainment Connect” app on your smartphone.
The app allows you to perform the following operations and settings.
Initial settings of the speaker system
Operations such as volume adjustment, sound quality adjustment, etc.
Changing the settings of the speaker system to the desired settings
Checking the remaining charge level of the front and rear speakers
Updating the software of the speaker system to the latest version
Checking the support information and latest update information
Key operation on the speaker system can only perform operations and settings that are frequently used when viewing
content.
Related Topic
Performing Initial Settings with the “Sony | Home Entertainment Connect” App
Enjoy Sound Field effect on
Enjoy Sound Field effect off
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
Front Speaker
Front
Charging terminal1.
Rear speaker charge indicator/Rear speaker status indicator
The outside is the rear speaker charge indicator and the inside is the rear speaker status indicator.
2.
(Power)/ (Power) indicator
Turns on/off the speaker system.
Press and hold for 10 seconds to restart the front speaker.
3.
(BLUETOOTH)/ (BLUETOOTH) indicator4.
(call)/ (play)
You can perform the following operations during music playback.
Press once to start/stop playback.
Press twice to move to the next track.
Press three times to move to the beginning of the current or previous track.
You can perform the following operations for incoming/outgoing smartphone calls.
Press during an incoming call to start a call with the speaker system. Press and hold to cancel an incoming call.
Press during a call to end the call.
Press and hold for 2 seconds during an outgoing call or call to switch sound to the smartphone.
Press and hold for 2 seconds to use the voice assist function.
5.
+/– (Volume)6.
SOUND FIELD (Sound field)/SOUND FIELD (Sound field) indicator
Turns on/off the sound field effects of the speaker system.
7.
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Rear
Related Topic
About the Indicators
Adjusting Sound Quality
Using the Voice Assist Function (Google™ App)
Using the Voice Assist Function (Siri)
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PLAY ONLY (USB) port (models with the PLAY ONLY (USB) port only)1.
DC IN terminal/Front Speaker charge indicator2.
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
Rear Speaker
Note
The rear speakers are connected to the front speaker. Rear speakers by themselves cannot be connected to smartphones or
other devices.
Related Topic
About the Indicators
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(Power)/ (Power) indicator
Turns on/off the rear speaker.
Press and hold for 10 seconds to restart the rear speaker.
1.
Charging terminal2.
You can check the location of the rear speakers (left/right) with the labels on the bottom of the rear speakers. There is a tactile dot on the outer
circumference of the bottom of the rear left speaker. Use it as a guide to distinguish left and right.
*
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
About the Indicators
Front speaker
Front Speaker charge indicator (orange)
(Power) indicator
Lights
up The front speaker is being charged.
Turns
off The front speaker has finished charging.
Flashes An AC adaptor that is not compatible with the speaker system is connected. (The speaker system cannot
be charged using an AC adaptor of less than 15 W.)
Turns off The front speaker is turned off.
Lights up
(green) The front speaker is turned on.
Lights up
(orange) The speaker system is in the BLUETOOTH standby mode.
Flashes
(green)
Each time you press +/– (Volume), the indicator flashes once.
When you operate +/– (Volume) and the volume is set at the lowest (0) or highest (50 for music
playback/15 for phone calling) level, the indicator flashes 3 times.
During mute, the indicator flashes twice each.
As the software update progresses, the indicator changes flashing patterns (5-time flashing, 4-time
flashing, 1-time flashing, unlit)(*).
After completion of software update, the indicator flashes 3 times along with the (BLUETOOTH)
indicator.
The indicator flashes while files are being read from the USB device (models with the PLAY ONLY
(USB) port only).
Flashes
(orange)
The indicator flashes slowly when the remaining battery charge of the front speaker’s built-in
rechargeable battery falls below 20%.
When the remaining battery charge of the front speaker’s built-in rechargeable battery falls below
1%, the speaker system is turned off after the indicator flashes three times.
If the front speaker is turned on when the remaining battery charge of the front speaker’s built-in
rechargeable battery falls below 1%, the speaker system is turned off after the indicator flashes
three times.
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(BLUETOOTH) indicator (blue)
SOUND FIELD (Sound field) indicator (white)
Rear speaker charge indicator/Rear speaker status indicator
The left indicators indicate the status of the rear left speaker and the right indicators indicate the status of the rear right
speaker.
Rear speaker charge indicator (orange)
Flashes
(red)
When an abnormal temperature of the built-in rechargeable battery of the front speaker is detected,
the indicator flashes twice each. (For details, refer to “About warnings during charging” below.)
When an amplifier error is detected in the front speaker, the indicator flashes three times each.
(Wait for a while and then turn the power back on. If the problem persists, contact your nearest
Sony dealer.)
Software update has been interrupted due to an error. (For details, refer to the app.)
When software update is canceled, the indicator flashes along with the (BLUETOOTH)
indicator.
The indicator flashes twice when a USB overcurrent error occurs (models with the PLAY ONLY
(USB) port only).(**)
Depending on the situation, not all flashing conditions may be confirmed.
*
When the speaker system is using the USB connection, remove the USB device and turn on the speaker system. If the speaker system operates
properly, the current of the connected USB device is over the maximum output current of the speaker system 500 mA, or the USB device may
have an abnormality.
**
Lights up The BLUETOOTH device is connected to the speaker system with the BLUETOOTH
connection.
Flashes twice
repeatedly The speaker system is in the BLUETOOTH pairing standby status.
Flashes slowly The speaker system is waiting for a BLUETOOTH connection to be established.
Flashes
After completion of software update, the indicator flashes 3 times along with the
(Power) indicator (green).
When software update is canceled, the indicator flashes along with the (power)
indicator (red).
Lights up The sound field effect is set to on.
Turns off The sound field effect is set to off.
Flashes three
times
Sound field effects cannot be switched. (If the rear speakers are placed on the front speaker, the
sound field effect is automatically turned off.)
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Rear speaker status indicator
Rear speaker
(Power) indicator
About warnings during charging
When the front and rear speakers detect an abnormality in the internal temperature, the built-in rechargeable battery, or
the connected USB device (models with the PLAY ONLY (USB) port only), the (Power) indicator (red) for the front
Lights
up The rear speaker is being charged.
Turns off The rear speaker has finished charging.
Flashes Rear speaker charge error is detected. (Perform “Restarting the Speaker System.” If the problem persists,
contact your nearest Sony dealer.)
Turns off The rear speaker is connected to the front speaker.
Flashes
(green)
The rear speaker is being prepared for connection to the front speaker.
The rear speaker is disconnected from the front speaker.
Flashes
(orange)
The indicator flashes slowly when the remaining battery charge of the rear speaker’s built-in
rechargeable battery falls below 20%.
When the remaining battery charge of the rear speaker’s built-in rechargeable battery falls below
1%, the rear speaker is turned off after the indicator flashes three times.
Flashes
(red)
When an abnormal temperature of the built-in rechargeable battery of the rear speaker is detected,
the indicator flashes twice each. (For details, refer to “About warnings during charging” below.)
When an amplifier error is detected in the rear speaker, the indicator flashes three times each. (Wait
for a while and then turn the power back on. If the problem persists, contact your nearest Sony
dealer.)
Turns off The rear speaker is turned off.
Lights up
(green) The rear speaker is turned on.
Lights up
(orange) The rear speaker is waiting for connection from the front speaker.
Flashes
(orange)
If the rear speaker is turned on when the remaining battery charge of the rear speaker’s built-in
rechargeable battery falls below 1%, the rear speaker is turned off after the indicator flashes three
times.
Flashes
(red)
When an abnormal temperature of the built-in rechargeable battery of the rear speaker is detected,
the indicator flashes twice each. (For details, refer to “About warnings during charging” below.)
When an amplifier error is detected in the rear speaker, the indicator flashes three times each.
(Wait for a while and then turn the power back on. If the problem persists, contact your nearest
Sony dealer.)
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speaker and (Power) indicators (red) and the rear speaker status indicators for the rear speakers will flash twice
each.
(Power) indicator on the front speaker
Rear speaker status indicator
(Power) indicator on the rear speaker
If an abnormality is detected, the speaker system automatically turns off. Unplug the USB cable or USB device (models
with the PLAY ONLY (USB) port only) and wait for a while before turning on the front and rear speakers. If the problem
persists, contact your nearest Sony dealer.
Note
Charging time varies depending on built-in battery usage conditions.
Charge the speaker system in an ambient temperature between 5 °C and 35 °C (41 °F and 95°F). Be aware that the room
temperature may fall to 5 °C (41 °F) or lower depending on the season, for example, especially in wintertime.
The speaker system becomes warm during charging. This is not a malfunction.
Avoid exposure to rapid temperature change, direct sunlight, mist, sand, dust, or mechanical shock. Also, never leave the
speaker system in a car parked in the sun.
The speaker system’s built-in battery is capable of charging itself even while the speaker system is turned on. However, it may
take a long time before charging completes depending on the usage of the speaker system. It is recommended that you turn off
the speaker system before battery charging.
In an extremely cold or hot environment, charging stops for safety. If charging takes a long time, it also makes charging of the
speaker system stop. To resolve these issues, disconnect the USB cable, and then connect it again within an operating
temperature between 5 °C and 35 °C (41 °F and 95°F).
At high temperature, the charging may stop or the volume may reduce to protect the battery.
Related Topic
Front Speaker
Rear Speaker
Charging the Speaker System
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
Remote Control Screen of the App
You can perform the following operations on the remote control screen of the “Sony | Home Entertainment Connect” app.
Playback information area
Playback information appears on the upper part of the screen. The following information and operations are
displayed by tapping this area.
Playback meta information: Name of the currently playing song, artist, album, song length, etc.
Name of the BLUETOOTH device connected to the speaker system
Playback operation of the BLUETOOTH device
Playback operation of the USB device (models with the PLAY ONLY (USB) port only)
[ (Power) ]
Turns on/off the speaker system.
[Night mode]
Turns the night mode function of the speaker system on and off.
[Sound field]
Turns the surround sound effect on the speaker system on and off.
[Voice mode]
Turns the voice mode function of the speaker system on and off.
[Volume]
Adjusts the volume of the speaker system.
[Rear level]
Adjusts the volume of the rear speakers.
[Bass level]
Adjusts the bass level of the speaker system.
[Settings]
You can perform the settings of the speaker system by displaying the setting screen.
Battery level
You can check the remaining charge level of the front and rear speakers.
Related Topic
Adjusting Sound Quality
Enjoy Sound Field effect on
Enjoy Sound Field effect off
Listening to Music on a USB Device (models with the PLAY ONLY (USB) port only)
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
Performing Initial Settings with the “Sony | Home Entertainment Connect” App
To setup the speaker system, use the “Sony | Home Entertainment Connect” app.
Related Topic
Charging the Speaker System
Turning the Power on
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Place the rear speakers on the front speaker and press (Power) on the front speaker.
The speaker system turns on.
1
Download and install the “Sony | Home Entertainment Connect” app on your smartphone.
2
Start the app and follow the screen to complete the setup.
3
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
Charging the Speaker System
The speaker system incorporates rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in the front and rear speakers.
When using the speaker system for the first time, be sure to charge the built-in battery for more than 1 hour before
turning on the speaker system.
The speaker system can be used while charging.
Connect the USB Type-C® cable and AC adaptor to the DC IN terminal on the front speaker, then connect to
the AC outlet (mains).
The front speaker charge indicator lights up and charging of the front speaker starts.
USB Type-C cable (supplied)
AC adaptor(*)
1
Use a USB PD (Power Delivery) compatible AC adaptor of 45 W or higher to charge the speaker system. If other AC adaptors are used,
the battery may not charge or may not perform as intended. Some countries/regions are supplied with an AC adaptor dedicated to the
speaker system. Refer to “Reference Guide” supplied with the speaker system for details on accessories.
*
Place the rear speakers on the front speaker.
The rear speaker charge indicators light up and charging of the rear speakers starts.
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Checking the charging completion
Front speaker
If the built-in battery is fully charged when you connect the front speaker to an AC outlet with the AC adaptor, the front
speaker charge indicator lights up in orange then turns off after about 1 minute.
Rear speaker
If the built-in battery is fully charged when you place the rear speaker on the front speaker, the rear speaker charge
indicator lights up in orange then turns off after a few seconds.
To check the battery level
You can check the battery level of the front and rear speakers on the remote control screen of the app.
When the battery is low
Front speaker
When you hear a voice guidance (Front speaker is Low Battery.) and the (Power) indicator on the front speaker
starts flashing in orange slowly after turning on, the battery of the front speaker is low. Charge the front speaker.
When the remaining battery decreases to such a level that the front speaker cannot be turned on, you hear a voice
guidance (Front speaker Battery is empty.), the (power) indicator on the front speaker flashes in orange three
times, and the speaker system automatically turns off. Charge the front speaker.
If the (Power) indicator on the front speaker flashes in orange three times after turning the power on and then the
speaker system turns off, the battery of the front speaker is empty. Charge the front speaker.
Rear speaker
The left and right rear speaker status indicators flash according to the battery level of the left and right rear speakers.
When you hear a voice guidance (Rear speaker is Low Battery.) and the rear speaker status indicator starts flashing
in orange slowly after turning on the speaker system, the battery of the rear speaker is low. Charge the rear speaker.
When the remaining battery decreases to such a level that the rear speaker cannot be turned on, you hear voice
guidance (Rear speaker Battery is empty.), the rear speaker status indicator flashes in orange three times, and the
rear speaker automatically turns off. Charge the rear speaker.
If the (Power) indicator on the rear speaker flashes in orange three times after turning on the rear speaker and
then the rear speaker turns off, the battery of the rear speaker is empty. Charge the rear speaker.
Note
Depending on the type or specifications of the USB AC adaptor, if you use the speaker system at a loud volume, the remaining
power of the rechargeable built-in battery may decrease or the speaker system may turn off even while the speaker system is
connected to an AC outlet by the USB AC adaptor. This, however, does not indicate a malfunction. If such a case occurs, turn off
the speaker system and let the battery fully charge itself before you use the speaker system.
In an extremely cold or hot environment, charging stops for safety. If charging takes a long time, it also makes charging of the
speaker system stop. To resolve these issues, disconnect the USB cable, and then connect it again within an operating
temperature between 5 °C – 35 °C (41 °F – 95 °F).
Hint
Place the rear speaker (L) on the left side and the rear speaker (R) on the right side. You can check the left and
right sides of the rear speakers with the labels on the bottom of the rear speakers.
The following time is stated as a reference.
Charging for the front speaker completes in about 4 hours(*) and the front speaker charge indicator turns off.
Charging for the rear speaker completes in about 4.5 hours(*) and the rear speaker charge indicator turns off.
Time that is required to charge the empty built-in battery to its full capacity by using a USB PD AC adaptor capable of supplying 15.0 V 3.0
A when the speaker system turns off.
*
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Even if the front speaker is not connected to an AC outlet, placing the rear speakers on the front speaker will start charging the
rear speakers.
The rear speakers can be charged even if they are placed on opposite sides.
Related Topic
Turning the Power on
Notes on Use
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
Turning the Power on
Note
Front speaker
When you hear a voice guidance (Front speaker is Low Battery.) and the (Power) indicator on the front speaker starts
flashing in orange slowly after turning on, the battery of the front speaker is low. Charge the front speaker.
When the remaining battery decreases to such a level that the front speaker cannot be turned on, you hear a voice guidance
(Front speaker Battery is empty.), the (power) indicator on the front speaker flashes in orange three times, and the speaker
system automatically turns off. Charge the front speaker.
If the (Power) indicator on the front speaker flashes in orange three times after turning the power on and then the speaker
system turns off, the battery of the front speaker is empty. Charge the front speaker.
Rear speaker
When you hear a voice guidance (Rear speaker is Low Battery.) and the rear speaker status indicator starts flashing in orange
slowly after turning on the speaker system, the battery of the rear speaker is low. Charge the rear speaker.
When the remaining battery decreases to such a level that the rear speaker cannot be turned on, you hear voice guidance (Rear
speaker Battery is empty.), the rear speaker status indicator flashes in orange three times, and the rear speaker automatically
turns off. Charge the rear speaker.
If the (Power) indicator on the rear speaker flashes in orange three times after turning on the rear speaker and then the rear
speaker turns off, the battery of the rear speaker is empty. Charge the rear speaker.
When the rear speaker is turned off by pressing (Power) on the rear speaker, the rear speaker will not turn on even if the
speaker system is turned on by pressing (Power) on the front speaker. In this case, turn on the rear speaker by pressing
(Power) on the rear speaker.
Hint
When [Bluetooth Standby] is set to on, you can turn on the speaker system by tapping (Power) on the remote control screen
of the app.
Related Topic
Press (Power) on the front speaker.
The (Power) indicator on the front speaker lights up in green, and the speaker system turns on.
If the rear speakers are placed on the front speaker, you can turn on the speaker system by simply moving the rear
speakers away from the front speaker.
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Charging the Speaker System
Turning the Power off
[System Settings]
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Help Guide
Portable Theatre System
HT-AX7
Turning the Power off
Hint
When [Bluetooth Standby] is set to on, the (Power) indicator lights up in orange when the power is turned off and the speaker
system enters the BLUETOOTH standby mode, allowing operation from a mobile device even when the speaker system is on
standby.
Related Topic
[System Settings]
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Tap (Power) on the remote control screen of the app or press (Power) on the front speaker.
The (Power) indicator on the front speaker turns off and the speaker system turns off.
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