Sony MHC-NX300AV User manual

1
©1999 Sony Corporation
Mini Hi-Fi
Component
System
Operating Instructions
4-226-710-12(1)
MHC-NX300AV

2
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
Do not install the appliance in a confined space,
such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.
This appliance is classified
as a CLASS 1 LASER
product. The CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
MARKING is located on
the rear exterior.
This system is equipped with the Dolby
B-type noise reduction system*.
* Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
DOLBY, the double-D symbol ;and PRO
LOGIC are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
This system can play
the following discs
SUPER VIDEO CDs Audio CDs
VIDEO CDs
Disc
logo
Contents Audio Audio Audio
+ Video + Video
Disc 12 cm/8 cm 12 cm/8 cm 12 cm/8 cm
size
Note on SUPER VIDEO CDs/VIDEO
CDs
This system conforms to SUPER VIDEO CDs/
VIDEO CDs without PBC functions and SUPER
VIDEO CDs/VIDEO CDs with PBC functions of
SUPER VIDEO CD/VIDEO CD standards. You can
enjoy two kinds of playback according to the disc
type.
Disc type You can
SUPER VIDEO CDs/ Enjoy video playback
VIDEO CDs without (moving pictures) as
PBC functions well as audio CDs.
SUPER VIDEO CDs/ Play interactive
VIDEO CDs with software using menu
PBC functions screens displayed on
the TV screen (menu
playback), in addition
to the video playback
function of SUPER
VIDEO CDs/VIDEO
CDs without PBC
functions.
Moreover, you can
play high or standard
quality still pictures.
* PBC = Play Back Control
The MHC-NX300AV consist of the following
components:
– A/V control amplifier STR-NX300
– CD player/Stereo cassette deck
HTC-NX300
– Speaker system
• Front speaker SS-NX300
• Centre speaker SS-RC100
• Rear speaker SS-RC100

3
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Step 1: Hooking up the system............ 4
Step 2: Setting up your speakers ......... 8
Step 3: Setting the time ....................... 10
Step 4: Presetting radio stations ........ 11
Basic Operations
Playing a SUPER VIDEO CD/VIDEO
CD .................................................... 13
Playing a CD ......................................... 16
Recording a CD/SUPER VIDEO CD/
VIDEO CD ...................................... 17
Listening to the radio........................... 18
Recording from the radio .................... 20
Playing a tape........................................ 21
Recording from a tape ......................... 23
Singing along: Karaoke ...................... 24
The SUPER VIDEO CD/VIDEO CD/
CD Player
Playing a SUPER VIDEO CD/VIDEO
CD with PBC functions ................. 26
Checking the remaining time ............. 27
Using the on-screen display ............... 28
Locating a specific part of a disc ........ 31
Resuming playback from the point you
stopped a SUPER VIDEO CD/
VIDEO CD ...................................... 35
Playing the CD tracks repeatedly ...... 36
Playing the CD tracks in random order
.......................................................... 36
Programming the CD tracks ............... 37
The Tape Deck
Recording on a tape manually ........... 39
Recording a CD by specifying track
order ................................................ 40
Sound Adjustment
Adjusting the sound ............................ 42
Selecting the audio emphasis ............. 43
Changing the brightness of the display
.......................................................... 44
Selecting the surround effects ............ 44
Enjoying the Dolby Pro Logic Surround
sound ............................................... 45
Adjusting the graphic equalizer......... 46
Making a personal audio emphasis file
.......................................................... 47
Other Features
Mixing and recording sounds ............ 48
Falling asleep to music ........................ 49
Waking up to music ............................. 49
Timer-recording radio programmes.. 51
Optional components
Connecting audio components .......... 52
Connecting a VCR ................................ 53
Connecting a DVD player ................... 54
Connecting external aerials................. 55
Additional Information
Precautions ............................................ 56
Troubleshooting ................................... 57
Specifications ........................................ 60
Glossary ................................................. 63
Index........................................ back cover

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22
2 34
4
3
8
5
1
9
3
6
7
Getting Started
Step 1: Hooking up the system
Follow steps 1through 9of the following procedure to hook up your system using the
supplied cords and accessories.
If you set up the system vertically
Be sure to place the A/V control amplifier on top of the CD player/stereo cassette deck.
Centre speaker
Front speaker (Left)
Front speaker (Right)
Rear speaker (Left)
Rear speaker (Right)
FM aerial
AM loop aerial
Note on installing
Be sure to place the A/V control amplifier on top as shown in the illustration. When the A/V control amplifier
is placed under the CD player/stereo cassette deck, noise may be produced when playing tapes.

5
FM 75Ω
AM
AM
FM 75 Ω
COAXIAL
R
L
++
–
R
L
++
–
1Connect the flat cord to the SYSTEM
CONTROL connectors until it clicks.
To disconnect the system cable, push the
tab and pull it out.
2Connect the front speakers.
Connect the speaker cords to the FRONT
SPEAKER jacks as below.
Note
Keep the speaker cords away from the
aerials to prevent noise.
3Connect the rear speakers.
Connect the speaker cords to the REAR
SPEAKER jacks.
Notes
• Keep the speaker cords away from the
aerials to prevent noise.
• Be sure to connect both left and right
rear surround speakers. Otherwise,
the sound will not be heard.
+
–
R
L
+
Insert only the stripped portion.
Black/
Stripe (#)
Red/
Solid (3)
Insert only the stripped portion.
Black/
Stripe (#)
Gray/
Solid (3)
Insert only the stripped portion.
continued
4Connect the centre speaker.
Connect the speaker cords to the
CENTER SPEAKER jacks.
Note
Keep the speaker cords away from the
aerials to prevent noise.
5Connect the FM/AM aerials.
Set up the AM loop aerial, then
connect it.
Jack type A
AM loop aerial Extend the FM lead
aerial horizontally.
Jack type B
AM loop aerial Extend the FM lead
aerial horizontally.
Note
Set up the AM loop aerial as far as possible from the
main unit.
Black/
Stripe (#)
Gray/
Solid (3)

6
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
220V
120V
230
240V
-
VIDEO OUT
AUTO PAL
NTSC
SYSTEM SELECT
7Set SYSTEM SELECT (colour
system) to the appropriate position
(PAL or NTSC), according to your
TV.
If your TV automatically switches the
colour system according to the input
signal:
Set SYSTEM SELECT to AUTO. “AUTO”
automatically switches the colour system of
the video output according to the colour
system of the current SUPER VIDEO CD/
VIDEO CD.
If the colour system of your TV is
NTSC:
Set SYSTEM SELECT to NTSC.
If the colour system of your TV is PAL:
Set SYSTEM SELECT to PAL.
Notes
• Be sure to turn off the system before changing the
SYSTEM SELECT setting.
• When you set SYSTEM SELECT to NTSC and play
back a SUPER VIDEO CD/VIDEO CD recorded in
the PAL colour system, the picture image may be
distorted depending on the disc. Similarly, when
you set SYSTEM SELECT to PAL and play back a
SUPER VIDEO CD/VIDEO CD recorded in the
NTSC colour system, the picture image may be
distorted depending on the disc.
8For models with a voltage selector,
set VOLTAGE SELECTOR to the
local power line voltage.
Step 1: Hooking up the system
(continued)
6Connect the video input jack of your
TV to the VIDEO OUT jack with the
supplied video connecting cable.
When using a TV
Turn on the TV and select the video input so you
can view the pictures from this system.
Tip
For even higher quality video images, you can use
an optional S-video cord to connect the S VIDEO
input jack on your TV to the S-video OUT jack.
S VIDEO OUT

7
Using the remote
You can use the shaded buttons shown below
to operate a Sony TV.
Tip
With normal use, the batteries should last for about
six months. When the remote no longer operates
the system, replace both batteries with new ones.
Note
If you do not use the remote for a long period of
time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage
from battery leakage.
When carrying this system
Do the following to protect the CD
mechanism.
Make sure that all discs are removed from the
unit.
1Press CD (or FUNCTION on the remote
repeatedly) until “CD” appears in the
display.
2Hold down ENTER and press ?/1 so that
“LOCK” appears in the display.
3Disconnect the mains lead.
TV
TV VOL +/
TV CH +/
TV/VIDEO
9Connect the mains lead to a wall
outlet.
The demonstration appears in the
display. When you press ?/1, the
system turns on and the demonstration
automatically ends.
If the supplied adapter on the plug does
not fit your wall outlet, detach it from
the plug (only for models equipped with
an adapter).
To connect optional components
See page 52.
To deactivate the demonstration
When you set the time (“Step 3: Setting the
time” on page 10), the demonstration is
deactivated.
To activate/deactivate the demonstration
again, press DEMO (STANDBY) while the
system is off.
Tip
You can reinforce the bass sound by connecting an
optional super woofer to the super woofer connector.
To attach the speaker pads
Attach the supplied speaker pads to the
bottom of the speakers to stabilize the
speakers and prevent them from slipping.
Use the large speaker pads for the front
speakers, and the small speaker pads for the
centre and rear speakers.
Inserting two size AA (R6)
batteries into the remote
To Press
Turn the TV on or TV ?/1.
off
Switch the TV's TV/VIDEO.
video input
Change the TV TV CH +/–.
channels
Adjusts the volume TV VOL +/–.
of the TV speaker(s)

8
2Place the centre speaker so it is
placed at about the same height as
the front speakers (A). Align the
centre speaker with the front
speakers or place it slightly back
from the position of the front
speakers (B).
A
B
3Place the rear speakers facing each
other at about 60 to 90 cm above
your listening position.
Step 2: Setting up
your speakers
Connecting the supplied rear and centre
speakers enables you to fully enjoy Dolby Pro
Logic Surround sound. Dolby Pro Logic
Surround is a decoding system standardized
in TV programmes and movies. Dolby Pro
Logic Surround improves the sound image by
using four separate channels. These channels
manipulate the sound to be heard and
enhance the action as it happens on the
screen.
Positioning the speakers
Before you connect the speakers, determine
the best location for them.
1Place the front speakers at an angle
of 45 degrees from your listening
position.
Centre speaker
45°
Front
speaker
(L)
Rear
speaker
(L)
Front
speaker
(R)
Rear
speaker
(R)
Rear speaker
60 to 90cm
Centre speaker

9
V
v
bB
+
–
m M
l>
–
+
PRO LOGIC
1Press PRO LOGIC.
“PRO LOGIC ON” appears.
2Press T. TONE on the remote.
The test tone is heard from the speakers
in the following order. Adjust the
volume of the test tone.
LEFT (front) tCENTER tRIGHT (front)
REAR
3From your listening position, press
CENTER LEVEL (+/–) and REAR
LEVEL (+/–) on the remote to
adjust the volume.
The volume level of the test tone from
each speaker should be adjusted to
sound the same from the listening
position.
4Press T. TONE when you are done
adjusting.
The test tone turns off.
Tips
• If you turn VOLUME (or press VOL +/– on the
remote) all the speaker volumes change.
• If the test tone turns off automatically, press
T. TONE on the remote to continue.
Note
The test tone feature functions only for Dolby Pro
Logic Surround sound.
Adjusting the speaker
volume
To enjoy Dolby Pro Logic Surround sound,
adjust the volume of each speaker.
1
2,4 3
t

10
1Press CLOCK/TIMER.
The hour indication flashes.
2Press Vor vrepeatedly to set the
hour.
3Press ENTER.
The minute indication flashes.
4Press Vor vrepeatedly to set the
minute.
5Press ENTER.
The clock starts working.
Tips
• If you make a mistake, start over from step 1.
• Setting the time deactivates the demo mode.
If you want to display the demo mode, press
DEMO (STANDBY) when the power is off.
To change the time
The previous explanation shows how to set
the time while the power is off. To change the
time while the power is on, do the following:
1Press CLOCK/TIMER.
2Press Vor vrepeatedly to select the SET
CLOCK.
3Press ENTER.
4Perform steps 2 through 5 above.
Note
The clock settings are cancelled when you
disconnect the mains lead or if a power failure
occurs.
You must set the time before using the timer
functions.
Step 3: Setting the
time
2,4 3,5
1
V
v
bB