Sony Str K885 Manual

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Amplifier Operations
Adjusting the level 
(LEVEL menu)
You can use the LEVEL menu to adjust the 
balance and level of each speaker. These 
settings are applied to all sound fields.
Select “1-LEVEL” in the amplifier menus. For 
details on adjusting the parameters, see 
“Navigating through menus” (page 38) and 
“Overview of the menus” (page 39).
LEVEL menu parameters
xT. TONE (Test tone)
Lets you adjust the speaker levels and balance 
while listening to the test tone from your 
listening position. For details, see 
“7: Adjusting the speaker levels and balance 
(TEST TONE)” (page 33).
xFRT BAL (Front speaker 
balance)
Lets you adjust the balance between front left 
and right speakers.
xCNT LVL (Center speaker level)
xSL LVL (Surround left speaker 
level)
xSR LVL (Surround right speaker 
level)
xSB LVL (Surround back speaker 
level)
xSW LVL (Sub woofer level)xD. RANGE (Dynamic range 
compressor)
Lets you compress the dynamic range of the 
sound track. This may be useful when you 
want to watch movies at low volumes late at 
night. Dynamic range compression is possible 
with Dolby Digital sources only.
 COMP. OFF
The dynamic range is not compressed.
COMP. STD
The dynamic range is compressed as 
intended by the recording engineer.
COMP. MAX
The dynamic range is compressed 
dramatically.
Tip
Dynamic range compressor lets you compress the 
dynamic range of the soundtrack based on the 
dynamic range information included in the Dolby 
Digital signal. 
“COMP. STD” is the standard setting, but it only 
enacts light compression. Therefore, we recommend 
using the “COMP. MAX” setting. This greatly 
compresses the dynamic range and lets you view 
movies late at night at low volumes. Unlike analog 
limiters, the levels are predetermined and provide a 
very natural compression. 
						

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Adjusting the tone 
(TONE menu)
You can use the TONE menu to adjust the 
tonal quality (bass/treble level) of the front 
speakers.
Select “2-TONE” in the amplifier menus. For 
details on adjusting the parameters, see 
“Navigating through menus” (page 38) and 
“Overview of the menus” (page 39).
TONE menu parameters
xBASS LVL (Front speakers bass 
level)
xTRE LVL (Front speakers treble 
level)
Settings for the surround 
sound 
(SUR menu)
You can use the SUR menu to select the sound 
field you want for your listening pleasure.
Select “3-SUR” in the amplifier menus. For 
details on adjusting the parameters, see 
“Navigating through menus” (page 38) and 
“Overview of the menus” (page 39).
SUR menu parameters
xS.F. SELCT (Sound field 
selection)
Lets you select the sound field you want. For 
details, see “Enjoying Surround Sound” (page 
49).
Note
The receiver lets you apply the last selected sound 
field to an input whenever it is selected (Sound Field 
Link). For example, if you select “HALL” for the 
SA-CD/CD input, then change to a different input 
and then return to SA-CD/CD, “HALL” will 
automatically be applied again.
xSB DEC (Surround back 
decoding mode)
Lets you select the surround back decoding 
mode. For details, see “Using the surround 
back decoding mode” (page 43).
xEFFECT (Effect level)
Lets you adjust the “presence” of the surround 
effect for sound fields selected with the 
MOVIE or MUSIC button and for “HP 
THEA” sound field. However, the surround 
effect is not available for “PORTABLE” 
sound field.
EFCT. MIN 
The surround effect is minimum.
 EFCT. STD 
The surround effect is standard.
EFCT. MAX 
The surround effect is maximum. 
						

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Amplifier Operations
(SUR BACK DECODING)
By decoding the surround back signal of DVD 
software (etc.) recorded in Dolby Digital 
Surround EX, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS-ES 
Discrete 6.1, etc., format, you can enjoy the 
surround sound intended by the filmmakers.
Select the surround back decoding mode using 
“SB DEC” in the SUR menu (page 39).
Types of the surround back 
decoding functions
xSB AUTO
When the input stream contains the 6.1 
channel decode flaga), the appropriate 
decoding is performed on the surround back 
signal.
xSB ON
To decode the surround back signal regardless 
of the 6.1 channel decode flaga), Dolby Digital 
EX is applied when the output channel is 6.1 
channel.
xSB OFF
Surround back decoding is not performed.
a)A 6.1 channel decode flag is information recorded 
in software such as DVDs.
b)A Dolby Digital DVD that includes a Surround EX 
flag. The Dolby Corporation web page can help 
you distinguish Surround EX films.
c)Software encoded with a flag to denote it has both 
DTS-ES Matrix and 5.1 channel signals.
d)Software encoded with both 5.1 channel signals 
and an extension stream designed for returning 
those signals to 6.1 discrete channels. Discrete 6.1 
channel signals are DVD specific signals not used 
in movie theaters.
Notes
 There may be no sound from the surround back 
speaker in Dolby Digital EX mode. Some discs 
have no Dolby Digital Surround EX flag even 
though the packages have Dolby Digital EX logos. 
In this case, select “SB ON”.
 You can select the surround back decoding mode 
only when A.F.D. mode is selected. However, this 
function is canceled when Dolby Pro Logic IIx is 
selected.
Using the surround back 
decoding mode
Input stream Output 
channelSurround back 
decoding
Dolby Digital 
5.15.1 —
Dolby Digital 
Surround EX
b)6.1 Matrix decoder that 
conforms to Dolby 
Digital EX
DTS 5.1  5.1 —
DTS-ES 
Matrix 6.1
c)6.1 DTS Matrix decoding
DTS-ES 
Discrete 6.1
d)6.1 DTS Discrete 
decoding
Input stream Output 
channelSurround back 
decoding
Dolby Digital 
5.16.1 Matrix decoder that 
conforms to Dolby 
Digital EX
Dolby Digital 
Surround EX
b)6.1 Matrix decoder that 
conforms to Dolby 
Digital EX
DTS 5.1  6.1 Matrix decoder that 
conforms to Dolby 
Digital EX
DTS-ES 
Matrix 6.1
c)6.1 Matrix decoder that 
conforms to Dolby 
Digital EX
DTS-ES 
Discrete 6.1
d)6.1 Matrix decoder that 
conforms to Dolby 
Digital EX 
						

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Settings for the tuner 
(TUNER menu)
You can use the TUNER menu to set the FM 
station receiving mode and to name preset 
stations.
Select “4-TUNER” in the amplifier menus. 
For details on adjusting the parameters, see 
“Navigating through menus” (page 38) and 
“Overview of the menus” (page 39).
TUNER menu parameters
xFM MODE (FM station receiving 
mode)
FM AUTO
This receiver will decode the signal as stereo 
signal when the radio station is broadcast in 
stereo.
 FM MONO
This receiver will decode the signal as mono 
signal regardless of the broadcast signal.
xNAME IN (Naming preset 
stations)
Lets you set the name of preset stations. For 
details, see “Naming preset stations” (page 
58).
Settings for the audio 
(AUDIO menu)
You can use the AUDIO menu to make 
settings for the audio to suit your preference.
Select “5-AUDIO” in the amplifier menus. For 
details on adjusting the parameters, see 
“Navigating through menus” (page 38) and 
“Overview of the menus” (page 39).
AUDIO menu parameters
xDEC. PRI. (Digital audio input 
decoding priority)
Lets you specify the input mode for the digital 
signal input to the DIGITAL IN jacks.
DEC. AUTO
Automatically switches the input mode 
between DTS, Dolby Digital, or PCM.
DEC. PCM
PCM signals are given priority (to prevent 
interruption when playback starts). 
However, when other signals are input, there 
may be no sound depending on the format. 
In this case, set to “DEC. AUTO”. 
Note
When set to “DEC. AUTO” and the sound from the 
digital audio jacks (for a CD, etc.) is interrupted 
when playback starts, set to “DEC. PCM”. 
						

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Amplifier Operations
xDUAL (Digital broadcast 
language selection)
Lets you select the language you want to listen 
to during digital broadcast. This feature only 
functions for Dolby Digital sources.
DUAL M/S (Main/Sub)
Sound of the main language will be output 
through the front left speaker and sound of 
the sub language will be output through the 
front right speaker simultaneously.
DUAL M (Main)
Sound of the main language will be output.
DUAL S (Sub)
Sound of the sub language will be output.
 DUAL M+S (Main + Sub)
Mixed sound of both the main and sub 
languages will be output.
xA.V. SYNC. (Synchronizes audio 
with video output)
 A.V.SYNC. Y (Yes) (Delay time: 68 ms)
The audio output is delayed so that the time 
gap between the audio output and visual 
display is minimized.
 A.V.SYNC. N (No) (Delay time: 0 ms)
The audio output is not delayed.
Notes
 This parameter is useful when you use a large LCD 
or plasma monitor or a projector.
 This parameter is valid only when you use a sound 
field selected with the 2CH or A.F.D. button.
 This parameter is not valid when
– PCM 96 kHz, DTS 96/24 or DTS 2048 signals 
are input.
– the receiver performing DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 
decoding.
xNAME IN (Naming inputs)
Lets you set the name of inputs. For details, 
see “Naming inputs” (page 62).
Settings for the video 
(VIDEO menu)
(Models of area code SP, AU only)
You can use the VIDEO menu to assign the 
composite video input to DMPORT input and 
to name inputs.
Select “6-VIDEO” in the amplifier menus. For 
details on adjusting the parameters, see 
“Navigating through menus” (page 38) and 
“Overview of the menus” (page 39).
VIDEO menu parameters
xDMPORT V. (DIGITAL MEDIA 
PORT video assign)
Lets you assign the composite video input to 
DMPORT input so that you can view the 
images on the TV screen. For details, see 
“Watching a connected component through 
DMPORT connection” (page 61).
xNAME IN (Naming inputs)
Lets you set the name of inputs. For details, 
see “Naming inputs” (page 62). 
						

							46GB
Settings for the system 
(SYSTEM menu)
You can use the SYSTEM menu to set the 
distance of the speakers connected to this 
receiver.
 (Models of area code SP, AU only)
Select “7-SYSTEM” in the amplifier menus.
 (Models of area code E51, AR only)
Select “6-SYSTEM” in the amplifier menus.
For details on adjusting the parameters, see 
“Navigating through menus” (page 38) and 
“Overview of the menus” (page 39).
SYSTEM menu parameters
xFRT DIST. (Front speakers 
distance)
Lets you set the distance from your listening 
position to the front speaker (A). If both front 
speakers are not placed an equal distance from 
your listening position, set the distance as the 
average distance between the front speakers.
xCNT DIST. (Center speaker 
distance)
Lets you set the distance from your listening 
position to the center speaker. Center speaker 
distance should be set from a distance equal to 
the front speaker distance (A) to a distance 
1.5 meters closer to your listening position 
(B).
xSL DIST. (Surround left speaker 
distance)
Lets you set the distance from your listening 
position to the surround left speaker. Surround 
left speaker distance should be set from a 
distance equal to the front speaker distance 
(A) to a distance 4.5 meters closer to your 
listening position (C).
xSR DIST. (Surround right 
speaker distance)
Lets you set the distance from your listening 
position to the surround right speaker. 
Surround right speaker distance should be set 
from a distance equal to the front speaker 
distance (A) to a distance 4.5 meters closer to 
your listening position (D).
xSB DIST. (Surround back 
speaker distance)
Lets you set the distance from your listening 
position to the surround back speaker. 
Surround back speaker distance should be set 
from a distance equal to the front speaker 
distance (A) to a distance 4.5 meters closer to 
your listening position (E).
E
30 30
100-120 100-120A
CDA
B 
						

							47GB
 
 
Amplifier Operations
Tip
The receiver lets you to input the speaker position in 
terms of distance. However, it is not possible to set 
the center speaker further than the front speakers. 
Also, the center speaker cannot be set more than 1.5 
meter closer from the front speakers.
Likewise, the surround speakers can not be set 
further away from the listening position than the 
front speakers. And they can be no more than 4.5 
meter closer. This is because incorrect speaker 
placement is not conducive to the enjoyment of 
surround sound.
Please note that, setting the speaker distance closer 
than the actual location of the speakers will cause a 
delay in the output of the sound from that speaker. In 
other words, the speaker will sound like it is further 
away.
For example, setting the center speaker distance 1-2 
meter closer than the actual speaker position will 
create a fairly realistic sensation of being “inside” 
the screen. If you cannot obtain a satisfactory 
surround effect because the surround speakers are 
too close, setting the surround speaker distance 
closer (shorter) than the actual distance will create a 
larger sound stage.
Adjusting these parameter while listening to the 
sound often results in much better surround sound. 
Give it a try!
xSUR POS. 
(Surround speaker position)
Lets you specify the location of your surround 
speakers for proper implementation of the 
surround effects in the CINEMA STUDIO EX 
modes (page 52).SIDE/LO
Select if the location of your surround 
speakers corresponds to sections A and C.
SIDE/HI
Select if the location of your surround 
speakers corresponds to sections A and D.
 BEHD/LO
Select if the location of your surround 
speakers corresponds to sections B and C.
 BEHD/HI
Select if the location of your surround 
speakers corresponds to sections B and D.
continued 
						

							48GB
Tip
Surround speaker position is designed specifically 
for implementation of the CINEMA STUDIO EX 
modes. For other sound fields, speaker position is 
not so critical.
Those sound fields were designed under the premise 
that the surround speakers would be located behind 
the listening position, but presentation remains 
fairly consistent even with the surround speakers 
positioned at a rather wide angle. However, if the 
speakers are pointing toward the listener from the 
immediate left and right of the listening position, the 
surround effects become unclear unless set to 
“SIDE/LO” or “SIDE/HI”.
Nevertheless, each listening environment has many 
variables, such as wall reflections, and you may 
obtain better results using “BEHD/HI” if your 
speakers are located high above the listening 
position, even if they are located to the immediate 
left and right.
Therefore, although it may result in a setting 
contrary to the above explanation, we recommend 
that you play back multi channel surround encoded 
software and select the setting that provides a good 
sense of spaciousness and that best succeeds in 
forming a cohesive space between the surround 
sound from the surround speakers and the sound of 
the front speakers. If you are not sure which sounds 
best, select “BEHD/LO” or “BEHD/HI” and then 
use the speaker distance parameter and speaker level 
adjustments to obtain proper balance.
xDIMMER (Brightness of the 
display)
Lets you adjust the brightness in 3 steps.
Calibrating the 
appropriate settings 
automatically 
(A. CAL menu)
For details, see “6: Calibrating the appropriate 
settings automatically (AUTO 
CALIBRATION)” (page 29). 
						

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Enjoying Surround Sound
Enjoying Dolby Digital 
and DTS surround sound 
(AUTO FORMAT DIRECT)
The Auto Format Direct (A.F.D.) mode allows 
you to listen to higher fidelity sound and select 
the decoding mode for listening to a 2 channel 
stereo sound as multi channel sound.
Press A.F.D. repeatedly to select 
the sound field you want.
For details, see “Types of A.F.D. mode” (page 
50).
Enjoying Surround Sound
123
46
2CH A.F.D. MOVIE MUSIC
AUTO CAL AMP MENU SAT TV SA-CD/CD TUNER
5
A.F.D.
continued 
						

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Types of A.F.D. mode
Decoding 
modeA.F.D. mode 
[Display]Multi channel 
audio after 
decodingEffect
(Detecting 
automatically)A.F.D. AUTO 
[A.F.D. AUTO](Detecting 
automatically)Presents the sound as it was recorded/
encoded without adding any surround 
effects. However, this receiver will 
generate a low frequency signal for output 
to the sub woofer when there is no LFE 
signals.
Dolby Pro Logic  PRO LOGIC 
[DOLBY PL]4 channel Performs Dolby Pro Logic decoding. The 
source recorded in 2 channel format is 
decoded into 4.1 channel.
Dolby Pro Logic 
IIPRO LOGIC II MOVIE 
[PLII MV]5 channel Performs Dolby Pro Logic II Movie mode 
decoding. This setting is ideal for movies 
encoded in Dolby Surround. In addition, 
this mode can reproduce sound in 5.1 
channel for watching videos of overdubbed 
or old movies.
PRO LOGIC II MUSIC 
[PLII MS]5 channel Performs Dolby Pro Logic II Music mode 
decoding. This setting is ideal for normal 
stereo sources such as CDs.
PRO LOGIC II GAME 
[PLII GM]5 channel Performs Dolby Pro Logic II Game mode 
decoding. This setting is ideal for game 
softwares.
Dolby Pro Logic 
IIxPRO LOGIC IIx MOVIE 
[PLIIX MV]6  channel Performs Dolby Pro Logic IIx Movie mode 
decoding. This setting expands Dolby Pro 
Logic II Movie or Dolby Digital 5.1 to 
discrete 6.1 movie channels.
PRO LOGIC IIx MUSIC 
[PLIIX MS]6  channel Performs Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music mode 
decoding. This setting is ideal for normal 
stereo sources such as CDs.
PRO LOGIC IIx GAME 
[PLIIX GM]6 channel Performs Dolby Pro Logic IIx Game mode 
decoding.
Neo:6 Neo:6 Cinema 
[NEO6 CIN]6 channel Performs DTS Neo:6 Cinema mode 
decoding.
Neo:6 Music 
[NEO6 MUS]6 channel Performs DTS Neo:6 Music mode 
decoding. This setting is ideal for normal 
stereo sources such as CDs.
(Multi Stereo) MULTI STEREO 
[MULTI ST.](Multi Stereo) Outputs 2 channel left/right signals from 
all speakers.