Sony NW-A55 Reference guide

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Use this manual when you have trouble or when you need to know how to use your player.
The color of the player sold in some countries/regions may differ from those shown above.
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
Getting Started
Customer registration websites
Before first use
Manuals and general information
Checking the contents of the package
Using the supplied accessories
Switching the earbuds
Attaching the clip
Configuring the initial setup
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Installing Music Center for PC (Windows)
Installing Content Transfer (Mac)
Power and Charging
Turning the power on or off
Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD)
Charging the battery
Reducing the battery consumption
Notes on charging the battery
microSD Cards
Using a microSD card
Notes on microSD cards
Basic Operations
Parts and controls
Screen operations
How to use the various screens
Library screen
Playback screen
Play Queue screen
Bookmark List screen
Sound quality setting screens
FM Radio screen
Language Study screen
USB-DAC screen
Bluetooth Receiver screen
List of icons displayed in the information area
Adjusting the volume
Volume operation in compliance with European and Korean Directives
Browsing the operating guide
Transferring Music
2

Preparing music content
Purchasing High-Resolution Audio content
Using a Windows computer
Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC
Transferring content using Windows Explorer
Importing content from the player to Music Center for PC
Transferring language study content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC
Transferring language study content using Windows Explorer
Using a Mac computer
Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer
Transferring content using Mac Finder
Transferring language study content using Mac Finder
Adding lyric information using a computer
Notes on transferring content from a computer
Playing, Organizing, or Deleting Music
Playing music
Playback methods
Using [SensMe™ Channels]
Displaying lyrics
Obtaining lyric information
Displaying lyrics
Managing playlists on the player
Managing bookmarks on the player
Deleting tracks from the player
Enjoying Music Through a Wireless Connection
Enjoying music with a Bluetooth audio device (Bluetooth transmitting mode)
Connecting the player to an unpaired Bluetooth device for the first time
Connecting the player to a paired Bluetooth device
One-touch connections with a Bluetooth device (NFC)
Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth transmitting mode)
3

Enjoying music from a smartphone (Bluetooth receiving mode)
Connecting the player to an unpaired smartphone for the first time
Connecting the player to a paired smartphone
One-touch connections with a smartphone (NFC)
Configuring the Bluetooth function (Bluetooth receiving mode)
Notes on the Bluetooth function
Various Functions
Enjoying music content on a computer using the sound quality of the player (USB-DAC function)
Adjusting the sound quality settings
Using the Noise Canceling function
Monitoring ambient sound while playing music (Ambient Sound Mode)
What is Ambient Sound Mode?
Using Ambient Sound Mode
Using the [Clear Phase™ ] function
Using useful functions for language learning
Preparing language study content
Using the language study function
FM Radio
Listening to FM radio broadcasts
Presetting FM radio stations
Using USB Mass Storage mode
Restarting, formatting, or initializing the player
Restarting the player
Restarting, formatting, or initializing the player
Formatting a microSD card
Various information and system updates
Checking information on the player
Updating the system software
Using shortcut buttons from the quick setting panel
Settings menu
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4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
Announcement
Notes on handling the player
Notes on the headphones
Notes on the built-in battery
Notes on the sample data
General Information
Maintenance
Customer support website
Specifications
Specifications
Battery life
Maximum recordable number of songs
Supported formats
System requirements
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Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Customer registration websites
We recommend that you register the player to get better customer support.
For customers in the US:
https://productregistration.sony.com/
For customers in Canada:
https://productregistration.sony.ca/
For customers in Latin America:
http://www.sony-latin.com/registration
For customers in Europe:
http://www.sony.eu/mysony/
For customers in China:
https://www.sonystyle.com.cn/b2c_sony/b2c/productRegister.do
For customers in other countries/regions:
https://extra.sony-asia.com/dmpwalkman/register/
4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
6

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Before first use
Thank you for purchasing a player.
For information on laws, regulations, and trademark rights, refer to “Important Information” in the internal memory of
your unit. To read it, open the following folders in the system storage after you connect the unit to your computer.
[WALKMAN] - [Information_HelpGuide] - [Important_Information]
After you double-click the [index.html] file, select a language.
Before you start using the player, read the topics under [Related Topic].
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
In this manual, TM and ® marks are not specified.
Before you start using the player, check the following information.
Model names
Several model names appear in this [Help Guide]. Some models are not available depending on the country or region
where you purchased the player.
Computer system requirements
When you connect the player to a computer, check the computer system requirements.
Battery charging
The battery might be low when you use the player for the first time. Charge the battery before use.
microSD cards
The following memory cards are referred to as [microSD cards] in this [Help Guide].
microSD cards
microSDHC cards
microSDXC cards
Images and illustrations
The screen images and illustrations shown in this [Help Guide] are for reference only. They may differ from the actual
product or onscreen display.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Related Topic
Manuals and general information
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
7

System requirements
Charging the battery
Notes on handling the player
Notes on the headphones
Notes on the built-in battery
Notes on the sample data
General Information
Maintenance
Customer support website
4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
8

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Manuals and general information
Sony provides the following manuals and information regarding the player.
The provided manuals explain the following operations and functions.
Basic operations.
Unique functions that require explanations.
Complicated operations that require instructions.
Help Guide
This Help Guide provides the standard operating procedures only.
How to transfer content to the player.
How to use various functions.
Notes on using the player.
The Help Guide refers to the product as “player.”
Startup Guide (printed)
Basic steps to start listening to music after you purchase the player.
Instruction Manual (printed)
Notes on using the player
Compliance information
How to access [Important Information]
Important Information
Information on copyrights, laws, and regulations
See [Before first use] for details on viewing the information.
Customer support website (online)
See [Customer support website] in this [Help Guide].
The latest information on the player
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topic
Before first use
Customer support website
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
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4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
10

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Checking the contents of the package
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57 (Common)
Walkman (1)
USB cable (1)
Startup Guide
Instruction Manual
NW-A55HN/A56HN
Headphones (1)
IER-NW500N or IER-NW500NE (only for Europe and Korea)
Earbuds (1 set)
Clip (for Headphones) (1)
Note
A microSD card is not supplied with the Walkman.
4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
11

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Switching the earbuds
(Only for models supplied with earbuds)
To enjoy better sound quality, select earbuds with the appropriate size for each ear.
Hint
When the earbuds become worn, contact the nearest Sony dealer or Sony Service Center.
If the earbuds get dirty, remove them from the headphones. Then, hand-wash the earbuds with a neutral detergent. After
washing, drain off the water and reattach the earbuds.
Related Topic
Checking the contents of the package
Detach the earbuds from the headphones.
Hold the headphones, and then twist and pull the earbuds.
If the earbuds are slippery, wrap them in a soft dry cloth.
1
Attach new earbuds to the headphones.
Push the earbuds firmly onto the headphones. Align the ends of the earbuds ( ) with on the headphones.
To prevent the earbuds from detaching or getting stuck in your ears, be sure to attach the earbuds correctly.
2
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
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4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
13

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Attaching the clip
(Only for models supplied with a clip)
Attach the clip to the headphones as shown in the following illustration. You can secure the clip to your clothes or bag.
Using the clip may reduce noise from the cord rubbing against your clothes.
Related Topic
Checking the contents of the package
4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
14

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Configuring the initial setup
When you turn on the player for the first time, the initial setup wizard will launch.
You can set the following items during the initial setup.
Language
Date and time
Note
The player does not display a clock. The clock setting is used for data management.
4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
Hold down the button ( ) for 4 seconds until the player turns on.
The initial setup wizard will launch. Confirm the message and tap .
1
Select the language and tap .
2
Set date and time, and then tap .
Follow the onscreen instructions.
3
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
15

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Installing Music Center for PC (Windows)
Music Center for PC is an application for Windows computers. Use the latest version of Music Center for PC.
You can use Music Center for PC to perform the following operations.
Importing content (such as music) from CDs to a computer.
Organizing and managing the content.
For example, you can create playlists.
Transferring content on a computer to the player.
Confirm the system requirements before you install Music Center for PC.
Related Topic
Preparing music content
Transferring content from a Windows computer using Music Center for PC
System requirements
4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
Access the Music Center for PC download website.
https://www.sony.net/smc4pc/
1
Install Music Center for PC.
For details on installation, see [Download] – [Installation procedure] on the Music Center for PC support website.
(https://www.sony.net/smc4pc/)
2
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
16

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Installing Content Transfer (Mac)
Content Transfer is an application for Mac computers. Use the latest version of Content Transfer. You can transfer
content that you manage with iTunes or Finder. You can simply drag-and-drop the tracks or albums to transfer them to
the player.
Confirm the system requirements before you install Content Transfer.
Note
Restart the computer if you are prompted. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Related Topic
Preparing music content
Transferring content from a Mac computer using Content Transfer
System requirements
4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
Access the installer for Content Transfer.
https://www.sony.net/ct-mac/
1
Open the downloaded file.
[ContentTransfer.dmg] will be saved automatically to the download folder. The folder may open automatically.
2
Install Content Transfer.
Run [ContentTransfer.pkg]. Follow the onscreen instructions. When you finish the installation, will be displayed.
3
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
17

Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Turning the power on or off
To turn off the player
Hold down the button ( ) for 2 seconds while the screen is turned on.
Follow the onscreen instructions to turn off the player.
Release the HOLD function if it is turned on.
Hint
The screen will turn off automatically if you do not operate the player for a certain period of time. To turn on the screen, press the
button ( ).
To conserve the battery power, select [Auto Power Off]. The player will turn off automatically if you do not operate the player for a
certain period of time after you pause playback. Tap the menu items in the following order.
– [Settings] – [Device Settings] ([Basic Settings]) – [Auto Power Off].
Note
The player does not display a clock. The clock setting is used for data management.
Related Topic
Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD)
Configuring the initial setup
4-740-523-12(1) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
Hold down the button ( ) for 4 seconds until the player turns on.
When you turn on the player for the first time, the initial setup wizard will launch. Follow the onscreen instructions.
You can set the following items during the initial setup.
Language
Date and time
1
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
18

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Help Guide
Digital Music Player
NW-A55/A55HN/A56/A56HN/A57
Preventing unintentional operations (HOLD)
You can lock the player to prevent accidental button operation.
To enable the screen operation
You can enable the touch-screen operation while the HOLD function is active.
Hint
Slide the switch ( ) in the opposite direction of the arrow to release the HOLD function.
While the HOLD function is enabled, will flash when you operate a button.
When the HOLD function is enabled, you cannot turn off the player. Release the HOLD function.
Related Topic
Parts and controls
Slide the switch ( ).
The HOLD function is enabled. You cannot operate the buttons on the player or the touch screen. Only the button (
) is active and you can use it to perform the following operations.
Turning the screen on or off.
Turning on the player (4 seconds).
Restarting the player (8 seconds).
1
Tap the menu items in the following order.
– [Settings] – [Device Settings] ([Basic Settings]).
1.
Tap [Disable touch panel when the HOLD switch is on] to remove a check mark.
If you want to prevent accidental touch-screen operations, add a check mark again.
2.
The contents of the Help Guide may be subject to change without notice due to updates to the product's specifications.
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