Sony STR-DH Series Installation guide

FAQ
Can I connect an external FM antenna to my
AV receiver?
It's not possible to connect an external FM antenna to the STR-DHx90 series.
When experiencing poor reception sensitivity, try the following options:
Relocate the receiver to the vicinity of a window.
Experiment by extending the antenna wire in a direction that offers better reception.
My STR-DHx90 AV receiver has no sound or
low sound level
Each of the following steps represents a possible solution to this issue, so check the device status
after completing each step:
1. Make sure that your unit and every connected device is powered on.
2. Check that all cables are connected firmly to the input/output terminals of the receiver, speaker,
and any other devices.
3. Check whether the MASTER VOLUME dial on the front of the receiver is at VOL MIN.
4. Check whether audio is correctly playing and confirm that the volume level on your playback
device is set sufficiently high
5. Select the input you want to hear by pressing the input button on your remote control or
turning the INPUT SELECTOR dial on the front of the receiver.
6. Confirm that there are no headphones connected to the receiver.
7. Press the SPEAKERS button on the front of the receiver and select any setting other than OFF
SPEAKERS.

8. Press the (muting) button on the supplied remote control and deactivate the mute
function. Doing this will clear MUTING from the display window.
Can I connect a karaoke microphone to my
STR-DH series receiver?
The STR-DHx90 series AV receiver does not have a microphone terminal, so you can't connect a
microphone.
What kind of speaker can I connect to my
STR-DH receiver?
You can connect speakers with compatible resistance from 6 to 16 Ω to the STR-DH*90 series.
For STR models other than the STR-DH*90 series it is not possible to connect an active speaker
or soundbar because they do not have an audio analogue output terminal.
Is it normal that the rear speakers from my
7.1 surround sound system are outputting
sound even though the audio content played
is coming from a 5.1 source, even when Auto
Format Decode is selected?
Yes, the system is designed to enhance your sound experience when a channel for the 7.1
surround sound rear speakers (Surround Back Channel) is available.
If a 7.1 surround sound system is connected to your Sony AV Receiver, and it is playing 5.1
audio content, your Sony AV Receiver will copy the audio to the rear speakers of the 7.1 system
in order for you to enjoy the full performance of your 7.1 surround sound.

IMPORTANT: This will also happen even when the Auto Format Decode (AFD) feature is
selected.
The sound level of the rear speakers will be automatically adjusted according to your
configuration, maintaining an adequate sound balance between all of your speakers.
NOTE: This feature will not apply when audio in Direct-Stream-Digital (DSD) format is being
played, for example if you are listening to a Super Audio CD (SACD).
Sound of Bluetooth headphones/speakers
cuts or noise occurs
Various reasons can cause noise interference to the sound of Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Please check the following solutions for each cause:
Alternatively, you can visit our Sony Headphones Troubleshooting Guide for other options.
Reasons
Workarounds
C
as
e
1
When using the Bluetooth device close to Wi-Fi
routers, personal computers, microwave ovens,
refrigerators, etc.
Wi-Fi routers, personal computers, microwave ovens,
refrigerators, etc. are devices that emit radio waves.
Bluetooth devices may be affected by these radio
waves when using them in a location with a mixture of
multiple radio waves.
Please use the Bluetooth device
away from Wi-Fi routers, personal
computers, microwave ovens,
refrigerators, etc. in order to avoid
radio wave interference.
If you use a headphone set with a
noise canceling function, turn the
noise canceling function off.

C
as
e
2
When using the Bluetooth device in the pocket of the
chest or pants, or a bag while listening to the audio.
This is because the human body blocks the Bluetooth
antenna of the Bluetooth device and creates an obstacle
for Bluetooth transmission.
Move the Bluetooth device to a
position where there is no
obstacle, such as a human body, to
Bluetooth communication when
using the Bluetooth device in a
pocket or a bag.
C
as
e
3
When using the Bluetooth device closes to the other
Bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth devices may be affected by these radio
waves when using them in a location with a mixture of
multiple radio waves.
Turn off the Bluetooth function of
the other Bluetooth devices.

C
as
e
4
When using the device away from the player, such
as in a different room.
Bluetooth communication gradually becomes weaker
the further away Bluetooth headphones/speakers are
placed from a Bluetooth player.When using Bluetooth
headphones/speakers and a Bluetooth player in
different rooms with the doors closed, Bluetooth
communication may be weak.
Keep the Bluetooth
headphones/speakers as close to
the Bluetooth player as possible.
Ca
se
5
When playing music (audio data) via the Bluetooth
device placed in a case.
If a protective case uses metal objects or thick
materials, Bluetooth communication is interfered by
those objects/materials and the signal may be weak.
Remove the case of the Bluetooth
player.
Ca
se
6
When playing music (audio data) streamed via the
Internet.
Sound is affected by the communication condition of
the Internet since music (audio data) that is streamed to
a Bluetooth player is transferred to Bluetooth
headphones/speakers. Furthermore, playing music
(audio data) that has a large volume has more impact
on sound.
Play downloaded audio contents,
not stream via the Internet.

Ca
se
7
When playing music with a large file size or High-
Resolution audio format.
The file size becomes large when music files are
compatible with the High-Resolution audio format.
Music files with a large size may affect Bluetooth
communication.
Change the settings Bluetooth
audio streaming playback quality
of your Bluetooth headphones or
speaker to Priority on stable
connection.

C
as
e
8
When a lot of applications are running at the same
time when use the Bluetooth function.
Quit apps which you are not using
on the device to reduce the load.
If the problem persists, try the solution bellow:
1. Restart your devices.
2. Reconnect the Bluetooth connection.
3. If you have the Near Field Communication(NFC) function, use it to reconnect.
NOTE:
For details on operation method, refer to the manual supplied with the product.
If the remaining battery level of your device is low, charge the battery first and then try the
procedure above
Which Bluetooth profiles are supported?
This model supports the following Bluetooth profiles.
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP)
Hands-free Profile (HFP)
Headset Profile (HSP)
Why is it important to use the correct
(supplied) USB-cable with my product?
Most Sony products that are supplied with a USB cable are catered to function with your specific
product.
Using a different cable might be the reason why your product isn’t functioning optimally. For
example, your audio system or smartphone might freeze, charge less efficiently, or have issues
when transferring data.

Data versus charging
In general, a fully equipped USB cable consists of 4 copper wires:
Two wires are used for charging purposes
Two wires are used for data transferring.
Although all USB cables have the same external appearance, some cables are “charge-only”, and
the two data transfer copper wires (named D+ and D- data lines) will not be included in the cable
or will be disconnected. We recommend using USB-cables that have all four wires connected, as
the absence of these data transfer wires can potentially cause errors.
How do I know my USB cable has four wires?
Finding out can be a challenge, as there are inconsistencies between USB cables across
manufacturers. If you are using a Sony product without a supplied USB cable, please ask your
local retailer specifically for a data-transfer capable USB-cable. You can also check yourself, as
it should be listed on the packaging.
The first item to check is the USB-cable supplied with your smartphone. It should be data-
transfer compatible
NOTE: If model-specific information is needed to complete any of these steps, refer to the
instruction manual with the product.
If the words PROTECT / PROTECTOR and PUSH POWER appear in alternating sequence
on the display of your home audio device, or if the words PROTECT or PROTECTOR appear,
there may be an external speaker issue or connection issue that is triggering the protection
circuit. Try following these steps to resolve this issue:
NOTE: Because each of these steps represents a possible solution to this issue, check the A/V
receiver status after completing each step.
1. If there has been an electrical surge or power outage, then the internal surge protection
inside the home audio device may have been triggered to protect the device from the
surge. This is normal. To reset the internal surge protection circuit unplug the AC power
cord from the wall for at least 30 minutes.
2. Ensure the top of the home audio device has proper ventilation to keep it from
overheating. Running the home audio device in a poorly ventilated cabinet can trigger the
protection circuit.
3. Reduce the volume level. If the impedance of any of the speakers is below the rated
impedance range indicated on the rear of the home audio device next to the speaker
connections, the home audio device may enter the PROTECT mode. Raising the volume
with a low impedance speaker will trigger the protection circuit.

NOTES:
oReplace low impedance (outside of specifications) speakers with the correct
impedance to prevent this from occurring.
oIf you continue to use the low impedance (outside of specifications) speakers and
you ran the Auto Calibration, check your SPEAKER SETUP and individual
speaker LEVEL to reduce any speaker LEVEL with a positive gain to 0.0dB or
less.
4. To isolate the problem, do the following:
1. Turn off the home audio device, and remove all speaker wires from the back.
Then turn the device back on and check if the issue is resolved. If it is still having
the same issue, turn off the device again and let it rest for at least 30 minutes
before turning it on again.
2. Inspect the speaker cords. If a cord is frayed or in contact with another terminal,
an error will occur. Fix the connection to prevent a short circuit.
3. Make sure the speaker impedance is within the recommended range. If the
impedance is not correct, sound will not come out properly and the speaker may
be damaged. If speakers that are within the recommended impedance range, check
the connections. If the speakers being used is within the suitable range and is still
not working, there may be a malfunction or some other flaw within the speakers.
Test by using a different set of speakers if available.