Operating Instructions AV Control Receiver Model No. Dear customer Thank you for purchasing this product. Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the instructions completely. Please keep this manual for future reference. SA-BX500 If you have any questions, contact In the U.S.A.: 1-800-211-PANA (7262) In Canada: 1-800-561-5505 For U.S.A. only The warranty can be found on page 57. For Canada only The warranty can be found on page 58.
CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Before use Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety instructions on the unit and the applicable safety instructions listed below. Keep these operating instructions handy for future reference. 1) Read these instructions. 2) Keep these instructions. 3) Heed all warnings. 10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Enjoying the Home Theater has become easy! With SA-BX500! Connections Until now... Simple connections using 2 HDMI cables and 1 stereo connection cable! Many different cables were necessary. ∗ Other connections are also possible. With SA-BX500! Settings Until now… Automatic speaker setup is the easiest way to adjust the speaker settings (➔ pages 24, 25). Manual setting for each speaker. We must adjust the speaker settings... A VIERA Link Previous Home Theater systems required multiple operations.
Listening caution ............................................................................2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..........................................3 Enjoying the Home Theater has become easy! .............................4 Supplied accessories .....................................................................6 Control guide...................................................................................6 Quick guide Step 1 Placing speakers .........................................
Supplied accessories Please check and identify the supplied accessories. Use numbers indicated in parentheses when asking for replacement parts. (Product numbers correct as of June 2008. These may be subject to change.) Only for the U.S.A.: To order accessories, refer to “Accessory Purchases” on page 57. Only for Canada: To order accessories, call the dealer from whom you have made your purchase.
Before use Speaker terminals (➔ pages 10, 11 and 22) FRONT A A FRONT R LF FRONT FRONT B B L BI-WIRE R HF CENTER CENTER L SURROUND SURROUND S video terminals (➔ pages 18 and 21) Digital transmitter terminal (➔ page 23) SURROUND BACK SURROUND BACK L R HDMI terminals (➔ pages 12, 13, 16 and 32) IN OUT L R IN (DVD RECORDER) HDMI 1 IN (BD/DVD PLAYER) HDMI 2 (CABLE/SAT) HDMI 3 S VIDEO COMPONENT VIDEO Digital input terminals (➔ pages 12, 13, 16 to 20 and 32) Y A OR B/BI-WIRE : 4-8 Ω /
Quick guide This section guides you through the easiest and simplest way to setup the Home Theater. Refer to the steps indicated below. The steps 1 to 4 indicate the method one by one from when you purchase the unit until you can enjoy the Home Theater. • Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions.
Placing speakers 1 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 etc. channel playback is possible on this unit. This page introduces speaker settings for 7.1 channel playback. The ideal placement is to set each speaker (excluding the subwoofer) the same distance away from the listening-viewing position.
Step 2 Connecting speakers If using 4-mm plug How to connect speaker cables 1 2 Remove the vinyl covering the tips of speaker cables by twisting it off. Note Speaker terminals A Front speaker (right) Turn speaker terminals clockwise and tighten them before inserting plugs into their holes. • Connect speaker cables properly to terminals after making sure left and right, and ( and ). Improper connections may cause the unit to develop problems. • Do not short-circuit speaker cables.
Quick guide Connection cable Monaural connection cable (not included) Connecting speakers Speaker cable (not included) Use the terminal for the left surround back speaker when you place the speakers for 6.1 channel playback.
Connecting a TV and a Blu-ray Disc/ DVD player Step 3 Connecting equipment with HDMI terminal Connection cable Video and Audio cable HDMI Cable (not included) (It is recommended that you use Panasonic’s HDMI cable.) Recommended part number: RP-CDHG10 (1.0 m/3.3 ft.), RP-CDHG15 (1.5 m/4.9 ft.), RP-CDHG20 (2.0 m/6.6 ft.), RP-CDHG30 (3.0 m/9.8 ft.), RP-CDHG50 (5.0 m/16.4 ft.), etc.
HDMI input Digital audio out (optical) Connecting the optical fiber cable You need an optical fiber cable for enjoying TV with a digital sound output. To enjoy TV with analog surround sound make connection as instructed on page 16. Note the shape and fit it correctly into the terminal. Do not bend! Standby through function Connecting a TV and a Blu-ray Disc/DVD player TV Quick guide Note • This unit incorporates HDMI™ (V.1.
Step Watching TV or DVD 4 Turn the TV on and switch the TV’s input mode (to “HDMI” and others) “ ” “SURROUND” VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR WIRELESS READY MULTI CH PROCESSING TrueHD D+ DTS-HD MULTI CH LPCM SURROUND BI-AMP M.ROOM _ POWER SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK + TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO L - AUDIO - R SURROUND SPEAKERS A ENTER Testing speaker output You can confirm audio output using the test signal. 1. Press to turn the unit on. 2.
2 3 4 To select “TV ” or “BD/DVD P. ”. Watching TV or DVD • The standby indicator “^” goes off when you turn the unit on. • Confirm if “ A ” appears on the display on the unit. If “ A ” is not displayed, press [SPEAKERS A]. • Check the “SURROUND” indicator is lighting up. If not, press [SURROUND] on the unit to set surround playback (➔ pages 13 and 29). Press Press Quick guide 1 To turn the unit on or Watch TV or DVD • You can enjoy a variety of surround effects (➔ pages 28 to 30).
Connections Basic connections Connecting equipment with HDMI terminal Connection cable Video and Audio cable Audio cable HDMI cable (not included) Optical fiber cable Recommended part number: (not included) RP-CDHG10 (1.0 m/3.3 ft.), RP-CDHG15 (1.5 m/4.9 ft.), RP-CDHG20 (2.0 m/6.6 ft.), RP-CDHG30 (3.0 m/9.8 ft.), RP-CDHG50 (5.0 m/16.4 ft), etc. Stereo connection cable (not included) White (L) Red (R) HDMI cable notes • It is recommended that you use Panasonic’s HDMI cable.
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions.
Connections Connecting cables to S video and audio terminals Connection cable Video cable S VIDEO connection cable (not included) Audio cable Optical fiber cable (not included) Stereo connection cable (not included) White (L) Red (R) To enjoy TV with surround sound, make connection or instructed on page 16 according to your equipment. TV Connecting the optical fiber cable S VIDEO IN Note the shape and fit it correctly into the terminal.
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions. Connecting cables to component and audio terminals The component video terminals can produce more accurate colors than the S video terminals (➔ page 18).
Connections Other connections Connection cable Video cable Video connection cable (not included) S VIDEO connection cable (not included) Audio cable Coaxial cable (not included) Stereo connection cable (not included) White (L) Red (R) To enjoy analog sounds Make analog connections according to your equipment and preference. See pages 17, 18 and 19 for video connections.
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions.
Connections Connecting other speakers To connect bi-wire speakers Make sure to select “YES ” in “Making bi-wire setting” (➔ page 38) when you connect the unit to bi-wire speakers. The speakers do not produce adequate sounds unless you make this setting. If using 4-mm plug Turn speaker terminals clockwise and tighten them before inserting plugs into their holes.
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions. You can connect left and right surround speakers wirelessly by using Panasonic SH-FX67 (a set consisted of a digital transmitter and a wireless system sold separately) with the unit (➔ page 27).
Auto speaker setup using the setup microphone Using the supplied setup microphone, you can measure such items as distance from the seating area, polarity and size and make adjustments for connected speakers. Keep quiet during the auto speaker setup. Conversational voice, air-conditioning noise and small sounds made by winds may cause an error or produce an incorrect setting. Speakers output loud test signals during the auto speaker setup. Make sure to keep little children out of the room.
Note • The setup microphone is sensitive to heat. Keep it away from direct sunlight and avoid placing it on top of the unit. • These settings remain effective after the unit goes off. • The setup microphone jack is for use with the setup microphone only. Do not connect other microphones. • The volume may reach an extremely high level when you repeat the auto speaker setup. When the auto speaker setup is finished, check the volume before starting playback.
Enjoying the Home Theater INPUT SELECTOR VOLUME SURROUND SPEAKERS B SPEAKERS A _ “MULTI CH PROCESSING” + VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR “SURROUND” WIRELESS READY MULTI CH PROCESSING TrueHD D+ DTS-HD MULTI CH LPCM BI-AMP SURROUND M.ROOM _ “ ” POWER POWER SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK TUNE + TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO L - AUDIO - R “WIRELESS READY SURROUND, M. ROOM” Basic playback 1 2 3 ENTER To turn the unit on Press [^].
The “WIRELESS READY SURROUND” indicator stays on while the digital transmitter is connected. The indicator may stay off or flash in the following cases. The indicator stays off: • When the “MULTI CH PROCESSING” indicator is off • When using “MULTI ROOM ” (➔ below) The indicator flashes: • When radio waves are interrupted (when SH-FX67 is turned off) To enjoy 7.1 channel playback using 2 sets of SH-FX67 You need to set ID number for the second SH-FX67. • Turn on either of the 2 sets.
Listening to surround sound You can add surround effects or create surround sound from 2-channel stereo sources. Dolby Pro Logic Dolby Pro Logic offers you surround playback of 2-channel stereo sources. The technology enables you to play 5.1-channel Dolby Digital and DTS sources on 7.1 channels (when two surround back speakers are connected to the unit) and on 6.1 channels (when only one surround back speaker is connected).
Operating on the unit This mode produces good effects when you play commercial film titles in the Dolby Surround format. Sounds assigned to surround back channels become stereo in playback when you connect two surround back speakers to the unit. “MUSIC ” Use this mode when playing music. “EX ” (Dolby Digital EX) This mode produces good effects when you play commercial film titles recorded in the Dolby Digital Surround EX format. This mode is effective on sources containing surround channels only.
Remote controlling sound effects See pages 28 and 29 for information about each mode. Adjusting Dolby Pro Logic ’s “MUSIC ” mode You can use the following modes when the input source is 2-channel stereo. ■ Dimension Control You can make up for differences in the output level of the front and surround speakers. 1. Press [ PL ] to activate Dolby Pro Logic . 2. Press [ PL ], next press [e][r] to select “MUSIC ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [e][r] to select “DIMEN ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 4.
Convenient functions Adjusting speaker volumes Adjust speaker output to balance front speaker sounds with those from each of the other speakers in the seating area. • Press [SPEAKERS A] on the unit to switch “ A ” on. • Press [SPEAKERS A] or [SPEAKERS B] to switch “ A B ” on when bi-wire speakers are connected. (If you select “SPEAKERS B” only, the test signal will not be output.) 1. Press [INPUT SELECTOR] to select an input source which is not connected.
Using the VIERA Link “HDAVI ControlTM” What is VIERA Link “HDAVI Control” ? VIERA LinkTM is a new name for EZ SyncTM. VIERA Link “HDAVI Control” is a convenient function that offers linked operations of this unit, and a Panasonic TV (VIERA) or DVD recorder (DIGA) under “HDAVI Control”. You can use this function by connecting the equipment with the HDMI cable. See the operating instructions for connected equipment for operational details.
Setup Switch on all your equipment. Switch on your television (VIERA). Switch television (VIERA) input to HDMI terminal that this unit is connected to. Ensure that this unit’s input is set to “DVD R.” in order to view pictures from DVD recorder (DIGA) correctly.
Using the sound menu Sound menu items The display shown below indicates the sound menu items. Refer to each section for details. “CH LEVEL” (➔ below) “DUAL” (➔ page 35) “BASS” (➔ below) “DRCOMP” (➔ page 35) “TREBLE” (➔ below) “W. S.” (➔ page 35) “BALANCE” (➔ page 35) “EXIT” Adjusting the speaker level You can adjust the speaker levels of the center speaker, surround speakers, surround back speakers and the subwoofer respectively. 1. Press [SOUND MENU] to enter the sound menu. 2.
1. Press [SOUND MENU] to enter the sound menu. 2. Press [e][r] to select “BALANCE ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [w][q] for adjustment, and press [OK] to confirm. How speakers are displayed L : Front left, R : Front right You can adjust the balance by moving the bar on the screen left and right. • As the bar on the screen approaches “L ”, the audio output from speakers balances front left. • As the bar on the screen approaches “R ”, the audio output from speakers balances front right. 4.
Using the setup menu INPUT SELECTOR VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR WIRELESS READY MULTI CH PROCESSING TrueHD D+ MULTI CH LPCM DTS-HD SURROUND BI-AMP M.ROOM _ POWER SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK + TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO RETURN L - AUDIO - R -SETUP OK Basic operation g Common operation for setup menu Using the remote control ENTER To enter the SETUP Press and hold [OPTION PORT, –SETUP] for about 2 seconds.
1. To enter the SETUP (➔ page 36) 2. Press [e][r] to select “DIMMER ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [e][r] to select the setting, and press [OK] to confirm. Adjustment range: DIMMER 1 (bright) to DIMMER 3 (dim) Factory setting: DIMMER OFF 4. To finish the setting (➔ page 36) Note • Select “DIMMER OFF ” to cancel. • The brightness changes at the point of changing the setting. To confirm the setting, press [OK]. Factory settings: SUBW ; YES LR, C, S ; SMALL SB ; 2-SPK 5.
Using the setup menu Setting the lowpass filter If the speaker sizes (➔ page 37) are set to “SMALL ”, make this setting. The unit cannot reproduce the entire bass range when speakers are set as “SMALL ”. You can arrange the unit to provide missing bass sounds through the subwoofer by setting the lowpass filter frequency according to frequencies available for playback. 1. To enter the SETUP (➔ page 36) 2. Press [e][r] to select “FILTER FRQ ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3.
1. To enter the SETUP (➔ page 36) 2. Press [e][r] to select “IN ASSIGN ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [e][r] to select the type of input terminal, and press [OK] to confirm. HDMI3 (HDMI input 3), OPT1 (Optical input 1), OPT2 (Optical input 2), OPT3 (Optical input 3), COAX (Coaxial input), CMPV3 (Component Video input 3) HDMI1, HDMI2, CMPV1 and CMPV2 are fixed to equipment beforehand and you cannot change the setting. 4. Press [e][r] to select the selector to assign, and press [OK] to confirm.
Using the setup menu Reducing standby power consumption (power save mode) 1. To enter the SETUP (➔ page 36) 2. Press [e][r] to select “HDMI ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [e][r] to select “STNBY ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 4. Press [e][r] to select “OFF ”, and press [OK] to confirm. OFF : When you wish to reduce standby power consumption ON : When you activate the standby through function (➔ page 13) (standby power consumption becomes 0.
Using headphones 1. Press [SPEAKERS A] and [SPEAKERS B] to switch all speakers off. 2. Lower the volume by pressing [VOL +, –] and connect headphones to the unit. VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR WIRELESS READY D+ DTS-HD MULTI CH LPCM SURROUND BI-AMP M.ROOM _ POWER SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK + TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO Plug type: ø 6.3 mm stereo standard plug L - AUDIO - R 3. Adjust the volume by pressing [VOL SPEAKERS B SPEAKERS A +, –].
Remote controlling a TV or DVD recorder etc. Besides this unit, you can operate a Panasonic TV, cable box and satellite receiver, DVD recorder and Blu-ray Disc/DVD player, (excluding certain models) using the supplied remote control. See respective equipment’s operating instructions for detailed operations. Remote controlling a TV, cable box and satellite receiver Aim the remote control at the equipment you wish to operate.
Remote controlling a DVD recorder Aim the remote control at the equipment you wish to operate. Do not forget to press this before operating a DVD recorder. To switch the unit’s input to “DVD R.
Remote controlling a TV or DVD recorder etc. Remote controlling a Blu-ray Disc/DVD player Aim the remote control at the equipment you wish to operate. Do not forget to press this before operating a Blu-ray Disc/DVD player. To switch the unit’s input to “BD/DVD P.
Entering a code to operate other equipment This remote control can operate Panasonic and Technics audio-visual equipment that has remote control sensors. You may need to change the remote control code. It can also operate some other brands of TVs, DVD recorders, and Blu-ray Disc/DVD players etc. Check the list for the brand and enter the code as follows. Code List TV Note • Note that this remote control cannot operate some equipment and that it may not be able to perform some operations.
Remote controlling a TV or DVD recorder etc.
Playing an iPod on this unit You can play/recharge an iPod (not included) when you attach the separately sold universal dock (SH-PD10) for iPod into the option port slot and connect a compatible iPod. • Also read operating instructions for the universal dock for iPod (SH-PD10). • On this unit, you cannot play still pictures or motion pictures contained in an iPod. • The unit is not compatible with SH-FX570 Wireless Kit. Do not connect SH-FX570 to the option port terminal.
Listening to the Radio INPUT SELECTOR TUNE VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR WIRELESS READY MULTI CH PROCESSING TrueHD D+ DTS-HD MULTI CH LPCM BI-AMP SURROUND M.ROOM _ POWER SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK + TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO L - AUDIO - R Preset tuning Auto presetting 1. Set the channel reception to FM 87.9 MHz (200 kHz steps) / FM 87.5 MHz (100 kHz steps) or AM 520 kHz (➔ page 49). • You can start with the frequency you like.
Tuning directly using the numbered buttons 1. Press [FM/AM] to activate the radio. 2. Press [FM/AM] to select “FM ” or “AM ”. 3. Press [DIRECT TUNING, DISC] to select Direct Tuning Mode. 4. Press the numbered buttons to enter the frequency. e.g. FM 107.9 MHz, Press [DIRECT TUNING, DISC] → [1] → [0] → [7] → [9]. • If you do not press a button while the cursor is flashing, the display returns to the frequency being received. • If the frequency has not been input correctly, “ERROR ” will be displayed.
Other information Notes on “To connect bi-wire speakers” Bi-wire speakers have separate connection terminals for high frequency and low frequency signals (➔ page 22). • Bi-wiring prevents high frequency and low frequency signals from interfering with each other. It offers playback in high audio quality. • HF and LF stand for high frequency and low frequency, respectively.
SMALL Speakers that do not satisfy the requirements for LARGE speakers. Enough bass range can be produced, if you install the subwoofer. You can perform steps instructed in “Setting speakers and their sizes” (➔ page 37) to change speaker sizes set automatically. Notes on Lowpass filter • When the speaker size is “SMALL ”, the unit cannot sufficiently reproduce the bass range.
Glossary Analog DTS-ES Audio signals produced from L/R audio output terminals of general equipment is called analog audio. Improved version of DTS. You can playback 6.1-channel sound by adding surround center to 5.1-channel. CPPM (Content Protection for Prerecorded Media) DTS-HD This is the copyright protection technology which prevents file copy of DVD audio. Decoder, Decode Decoder is the device to enable us to hear audio data that is encoded on DVD, etc., as a normal audio signal.
Error messages Message Cause/countermeasure The equipment connected by the HDMI cable is not compatible with the unit’s copyright protection technology. 2 U703 Should anything unusual happen using an HDMI connection: Consult your dealer if the sign remains on the display after these steps. • Turn the connected equipment off and on again. • Pull out the HDMI cable then reinsert it. • Reduce the number of equipment connected in series to the HDMI terminal if exceeding 2 units.
Troubleshooting guide Before requesting service, make the following checks. If you are in doubt about some of the check points, or if the remedies indicated in the chart do not solve the problem, refer to “Customer Services Directory” on page 57 if you reside in the U.S.A., or refer to “Product information” on page 59 if you reside in Canada. Pages No power. • Ensure the AC power supply cord is connected. 12 No sound. Sound is distorted. • Check that the volume is adequate.
Pages There is a lot of noise when listening to AM. • Try changing the BEAT PROOF mode. 49 The correct FM frequency cannot be tuned in. • Change the frequency step to suit your area when FM is selected. 49 When using an HDMI connection, the first few seconds of sound is cut off. • Should you be playing a chapter on a DVD etc.: – Change the audio output setting on the Blu-ray Disc/DVD player or DVD recorder from “Bitstream” to “PCM”. (6.1-channel sources will however be played as 5.1-channel.
Specifications g AMPLIFIER SECTION g GENERAL Rated minimum sine wave RMS power output 20 Hz - 20 kHz both channels driven (with AES17 filter) 0.7 % total harmonic distortion 130 W per channel (6 Ω) Total harmonic distortion rated power at 20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.7 % (6 Ω) Power output each channel driven at 20 Hz - 20 kHz (with AES17 filter) 0.
Limited Warranty (Only for the U.S.A.) Panasonic Puerto Rico, Inc. Ave. 65 de Infantería, Km. 9.
Limited Warranty (Only for Canada) Panasonic Canada Inc. PANASONIC PRODUCT – LIMITED WARRANTY Panasonic Canada Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees to remedy any such defect for a period as stated below from the date of original purchase.
Product Service 1. Damage requiring service — The unit should be serviced by qualified service personnel if: (a) The AC power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or (b) Objects or liquids have gotten into the unit; or (c) The unit has been exposed to rain; or (d) The unit does not operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or (e) The unit has been dropped or the cabinet damaged. 2. Servicing — Do not attempt to service the unit beyond that described in these operating instructions.
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America One Panasonic Way Secaucus, New Jersey 07094 http://www.panasonic.com 60 RQT9223 Panasonic Puerto Rico, Inc. Panasonic Canada Inc. Ave. 65 de Infantería, Km. 9.5 San Gabriel Industrial Park, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985 5770 Ambler Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2T3 www.panasonic.ca © 2008 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Printed in Malaysia SA-BX500-PP (RQT9223-Y)_En.