Sony Kdl 55ex500 Operating Instructions

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Using the Menus
Using the Picture Settings
OptionDescription
Picture Mode
Customized picture 
viewingDisplays the options selected in the Scene Select settings (see page 21). When 
Scene Select is set to General, the options below can be selected.
VividSelect for enhanced picture contrast and sharpness.
Standard
Select for standard picture settings. Recommended for home 
entertainment.
CustomSelect to store your preferred settings.
ResetResets the current Picture settings to their defaults, except Picture Mode and 
Ambient Sensor.
BacklightAdjust to brighten or darken the backlight.
PictureAdjust to increase or decrease picture contrast.
BrightnessAdjust to brighten or darken the picture.
ColorAdjust to increase or decrease color intensity.
HueAdjust to increase or decrease the green tones.
Color 
Te m p e r a t u r e
White adjustmentCoolSelect to give the white colors a bluish tint.
NeutralSelect to give the white colors a neutral tint.
Wa rm  1/Warm 
2Select to give the white colors a reddish tint. Warm 2 gives a redder 
tint than Warm 1.
SharpnessAdjust to sharpen or soften the picture.
Noise ReductionSelect to reduce the picture noise level. Select from Auto, High, Medium, Low and 
Off.
MPEG Noise 
ReductionSelect to reduce the picture noise in MPEG-compressed videos. This is effective when 
viewing a DVD or digital broadcast. Select from High, Medium, Low and Off.
Motionflow
(KDL-
32/40/46/55/60EX500, 
KDL-40/46/55EX501 
models only)Provides smoother picture movement and reduces picture blur.
HighSelect for smoother picture movement such as for film-based 
contents.
StandardSelect for smooth picture movement. Use this setting for standard 
use.
OffSelect when the High or Standard settings result in noise.
CineMotionProvides improved picture movement and reduces picture blur and graininess for film-
based content. Select Auto 1 for standard use, or Auto 2 or Auto to represent original 
film-based content as is.
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							32
Advanced 
SettingsResetResets the advanced settings to the default values.
Adv. Contrast 
EnhancerAutomatically adjusts backlight and contrast to the most suitable 
settings judging from the brightness of the screen. This setting is 
especially effective for dark scenes, and will increase the contrast 
distinction of the darker picture scenes. Select from High, Medium, 
Low and Off.
Black 
CorrectorEnhances black areas of the picture for stronger contrast. Select from 
High, Medium, Low and Off.
GammaAdjusts the balance between bright and dark areas of the picture.
Clear WhiteEmphasizes white colors. Select from High, Low and Off.
Live ColorMakes colors more vivid. Select from High, Medium, Low and 
Off.
White Balance Adjusts the color temperature in detail.
Ambient SensorSelect On to optimize the picture by sensing the lighting environment surrounding the 
TV. Select Off to disable this function.
OptionDescription
 Even if you change the Motionflow setting, you may not see the effect visually depending on the 
content.
Picture options, including options in Advanced Settings depend on Scene Select 
and Picture Mode.
 
						

							33
Using the Menus
Using the Sound Settings
OptionDescription
Sound Mode
Customized 
sound listeningSets a sound mode. Sound Mode includes options best suited for video and 
photographs, respectively. The available options depend on the scene select settings.
DynamicEnhances treble and bass.
StandardStandard sound optimized for home use.
Clear VoiceSuitable for spoken dialog.
CustomSelect to store your preferred settings.
ResetResets the current Sound Mode settings to the default values.
Tr e b l eAdjust to increase or decrease higher-pitched sounds.
BassAdjust to increase or decrease lower-pitched sounds.
Equalizer Adjust allows you to select your frequency response curve. Select Reset to reset the 
Equalizer settings to the default values. (Available when Sound Mode is set to 
Custom.)
BalanceAdjust to emphasize left or right speaker balance.
Dolby Pro Logic 
II
(KDL-32FA600 
only)MovieSelect for a movie theater like sound.
MusicFor steady music signals; gives natural sound to music and a concert 
like environment.
MatrixSimulate multi-channel sound; great for mono programs.
VirtualCreates a virtual surround sound, using the Dolby Pro Logic II 
system. On this mode we recommend to place the Satellite Speakers 
next to the TV (see more details in Quick Setup Guide).
OffTurn off the Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound.
Surround
(Except KDL-
32FA600)Allows you to select the suitable surround effects depending on the genre of TV 
program (movie, sport, music, etc.) or video game. The available options depend on the 
scene select settings.
On/OffSelect On to optimize the sound quality to enjoy the effects of the 
Surround option and to create a virtual surround sound using the 2ch 
speaker.
Cinema/OffProvides surround effects just like the high-grade audio systems 
found in movie theaters.
Music/OffProvides surround effects that make you feel like you are surrounded 
by sound as in a music hall.
Sports/OffProvides surround effects that make you feel like you are watching a 
live sports contest.
Game/OffProvides surround effects that enhance game sound.
Te s t  To n e
(KDL-32FA600 
only)Used to confirm and adjust speaker position and level.
Volume OffsetAdjust the volume level of the current input relative to other inputs.
Steady Sound Select On to stabilize the volume across all programs and commercials. 
Select Off to disable this function.
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							34
MTS Audio
Enjoy stereo, 
bilingual and mono 
programsStereoSelect for stereo reception when viewing a program broadcast in 
stereo. 
Auto SAPSelect to automatically switch the TV to second audio programs 
when a signal is received. If no SAP signal is present, the TV 
remains in Stereo mode.
MonoSelect for mono reception. Use to reduce noise during weak stereo 
broadcasts.
Alternate Audio
Digital channels only
Select among the available options to switch among the alternate audio streams. The 
program you are tuned to may be broadcasted in a different language in the alternate 
audio streams.
Speakers TV SpeakersSelect to use the TV speakers.
Audio SystemSelect to use an external audio system for the TV sound. By 
selecting this option you are disabling the TV speakers.
OptionDescription
MTS Audio is only available for analog programs.
Alternate Audio is only available if the program is broadcast with alternate audio streams.
 You can also access Sound Mode, MTS Audio and Alternate Audio by using the TOOLS 
button on the remote control.
 
						

							35
Using the Menus
Using the Screen Settings
OptionDescription
Wide Mode Wide ZoomFills the screen with minimum distortion.
Normal
Select to display 4:3 picture in original size when the original source is 4:3.
FullSelect to enlarge the picture horizontally to fill the screen when the 
original source is 4:3 (Standard definition source). When the original 
source is 16:9 (High-definition source), select this mode to display the 
16:9 picture in its original size.
ZoomSelect to enlarge the original picture without distorting the aspect ratio.
Auto Wide OnSelect On to automatically change Wide Mode setting based on the 
content.
OffIf frequent screen changes are disturbing to you, select Off. Choose one 
of the Wide Mode options when this function is set to Off.
4:3 Default
Select the default 
Screen Mode to use 
for 4:3 sourcesWide ZoomEnlarges the 4:3 picture to fill the 16:9 screen, displaying as much of the 
original image as possible.
NormalSelect to display the 4:3 picture in its original size.
Full
Select to enlarge the 4:3 picture horizontally only, to fill the display area.
ZoomSelect to enlarge the picture horizontally and vertically to an equal aspect 
ratio that fills the wide screen.
OffSelect to continue using the current Wide Mode setting when the 
channel or input is changed.
Display Area Full Pixel
Displays pictures in their original size when parts of the picture are cut off 
(available depending on the TV model).
+1Displays pictures in their original size.
NormalDisplays pictures in their recommended size.
-1Enlarges the picture so that the edges are outside the visible display area.
Horizontal 
Center Allows you to move the position of the picture left and right. (Available in Wide Zoom 
and 
Zoom.)
Vertical CenterAllows you to move the position of the picture up and down. (Available in Wide 
Zoom and Zoom.)
Normal is not available when you are watching a 720p, 1080i or 1080p source.
 If 4:3 Default is set to anything but Off, the Wide Mode setting changes only for the current 
channel. When you change channels (or inputs), Wide Mode is automatically replaced with the 
4:3 Default setting for 4:3 sources. To retain the current Wide Mode setting as channels and 
inputs are changed, set 4:3 Default to Off.
4:3 Default is not available if Auto Wide is set to Off.
(Continued)
 
						

							36
OptionDescription
PC SettingsWhen a PC is connected to the TV and the PC input is selected, the PC settings screen 
appears instead of the Screen settings.
You can also select the PIP feature which allows you to view two pictures 
simultaneously from TO OL S button (see page 26).
Wide Mode NormalSelect to display in the original image size.
Full 1Select to enlarge the picture to fill the display area, 
keeping its original aspect ratio.
Full 2Select to enlarge the picture to fill the display area.
Auto 
AdjustmentSelect to automatically adjust the display position and phase of the 
picture when the TV receives an input signal from the connected PC. 
Note that Auto Adjustment may not work well with certain input 
signals. In such cases, manually adjust the options below.
PhaseAdjust after Pitch to fine tune overall sharpness.
PitchAdjust uneven sharpness on screen.
Horizontal 
CenterAllows you to move the position of the picture left and right.
Ve r t i c al  
CenterAllows you to move the position of the picture up and down. 
 For the PC Input Signal Reference Chart, see page 46.
Auto Adjustment, Phase and Pitch are not available with PC signal connected to HDMI input.
 
						

							37
Using the Menus
Using the Channel Settings
OptionDescription
FavoritesSelect favorite channels and external inputs (see page 27).
Signal Type CableSelect if you are receiving cable channels via Cable TV provider.
AntennaSelect if you are using an antenna.
Auto ProgramAutomatically sets up the channel list on the TV for all receivable channels.
1Select Auto Program.
2Select OK to start Auto Program.
Add Digital 
Channels
1Select Add Digital Channels.
2Select OK to add digital channels.
Show/Hide 
ChannelsAllows you to show or hide channels that appear when you use the CH +/– buttons.
1Press V/v to scroll through the channels until you find the channel you want to 
show or hide. Then press   to select it.
2Press V/v to determine if the channel will be shown or hidden. Then press   to 
select it.
Label ChannelsAllows you to assign labels (such as station call letters) to channel numbers.
1Press V/v to scroll through the channel numbers. Then press   to select the 
channel number that you want to assign a label.
2Press V/v to scroll through the label characters (A-Z, 0-9, etc.). Press b to move 
to the next character. Repeat the previous steps to add up to seven characters to the 
label. When finished, press  .
Analog Fine 
Tu n eAllows you to fine-tune the selected analog channel manually if you feel that a slight 
tuning adjustment may improve picture quality. Select Auto to adjust to the most 
appropriate analog channel.
 You should run Auto Program after changing the Signal Type setting.
 Running Auto Program will clear the Favorites list.
 Channels that you set to be hidden can be accessed by the 0-9 and   buttons.
 You can set channels to be hidden that are automatically set in Auto Program.
 
						

							38Using the Parental Lock Settings
OptionDescription
Enter PasswordThe Parental Lock settings allow you to set up the TV to block programs according to 
their content and rating levels. Use 0-9 on the remote control to enter a four-digit 
password. The first time you create a password, confirm the password by entering it again.
Change PasswordSelect to change your password.
Country U.S.A.Select to use U.S.A. ratings (see page 39).
CanadaSelect to use Canadian ratings (see page 40).
Rating OffTur n  Parental Lock off. No programs are blocked from viewing.
ChildMaximum ratings permitted are:
U.S.: TV-Y, TV-G, G
Canada: C, G, TV-Y
YouthMaximum ratings permitted are:
U.S.: TV-PG, PG
Canada: C8+, PG, 8 ans+, TV-PG
Young AdultMaximum ratings permitted are:
U.S.: TV-14, PG-13
Canada: 14+, 13 ans+, TV-14
CustomSelect to set ratings manually.
U.S.: See page 39 for details.
Canada: See page 40 for details.
Downloadable 
U.S. Rating
(Available only 
in U.S.A. 
where advanced 
ratings exist)OffTur n  Downloadable U.S. Rating off. No programs that contain 
downloadable ratings are blocked from viewing.
CustomSelect to block programs based on downloadable ratings.
Clear AllSelect to clear the entire downloadable rating system.
Unrated
(Available only 
when Country is 
set to U.S.A.)AllowAllows programs and movies that are broadcasted without a rating.
BlockBlocks all programs and movies that are broadcasted without a rating.
Channel BlockAllows you to block channels regardless of program ratings.
To View a Blocked Channel
Press ENT when tuned to the blocked channel then enter the password.
External Input 
BlockAllows you to block external inputs regardless of program ratings.
To View a Blocked External Input
Press ENT when tuned to the blocked input then enter the password.
 You need your password for any future access into the Parental Lock settings. If you lose your 
password, see “Lost password” on page 55.
 Selecting Clear All will delete the current Downloadable U.S. Rating menu and the menu will 
no longer be available until the TV is tuned to a channel that contains downloadable ratings.
 If you block unrated TV programs, be aware that the following types of programs may be blocked: 
programs broadcasted from another country, emergency broadcasts, political programs, sports, 
news, public service announcements, religious programs and weather.
 
						

							39
Using the Menus
US Models: Selecting Custom Parental Lock Rating Options
To select custom rating options for the U.S., select U.S.A. in the Country setting (see page 38). 
OptionDescription
Movie Rating GAll children and general audience.
PGParental guidance suggested.
PG-13Parental guidance for children under 13.
RRestricted viewing, parental guidance is suggested for children 
under 17.
NC-17 and XNo one 17 or under allowed.
TV Rating
Block programs by 
their rating, content 
or bothAge-Based Ratings
TV-YAll children.
TV-Y7Directed to children age 7 and older.
TV-GGeneral audience.
TV-PGParental guidance suggested.
TV-14Parents strongly cautioned.
TV-MAMature audience only.
Content-Based Ratings
FVFantasy violence.
DSuggestive dialogue.
LStrong language.
SSexual situations.
VVio l e nc e .
 To ensure maximum blocking capability, set the Age-Based Ratings.
(Continued)
 
						

							40
Canadian Models: Selecting Custom Parental Lock Rating Options
To select custom rating options for Canada, select Canada in the Country setting (see page 38). 
Viewing Blocked Programs
You can view blocked programs by entering your password. Press ENT when tuned to a blocked 
program, then enter the password. This temporarily deactivates the parental control feature. To 
reactivate the Parental Lock settings, turn off the TV. When the TV is turned on again, your 
Parental Lock settings are reactivated.
OptionDescription
English Rating CAll children.
C8+Children 8 years and older.
GGeneral programming.
PGParental guidance.
14+Viewers 14 and older.
18+Adult programming.
French Rating GGeneral programming.
8 ans+Not recommended for young children.
13 ans+Not recommended for ages under 13.
16 ans+Not recommended for ages under 16.
18 ans+Programming restricted to adults.
U.S.A. RatingSee “US Models” on page 39 for details.