Multi Channel AV Receiver Operating Instructions Connection and Preparation Playback Menu/Other Functions Troubleshooting/ Specifications STR-DH790
For the customers in the USA Owner’s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the rear of the receiver. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. STR-DH790 FOR UNITED STATES CUSTOMERS. NOT APPLICABLE IN CANADA, INCLUDING IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC. POUR LES CONSOMMATEURS AUX ÉTATS-UNIS. NON APPLICABLE AU CANADA, Y COMPRIS LA PROVINCE DE QUÉBEC. For the customers in the USA Serial No.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
For the customers in Australia Disposal of old electrical & electronic equipment (applicable in the European Union and other countries with separate collection systems) For the customers in Europe Disposal of waste batteries and electrical and electronic equipment (applicable in the European Union and other countries with separate collection systems) This symbol on the product, the battery or on the packaging indicates that the product and the battery shall not be treated as household waste.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set out in the EMC regulation using a connection cable shorter than 3 meters. Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss.
Table of Contents Supplied Items .......................................... 7 Main Features of the Receiver .................. 8 Parts and Controls .................................... 9 Troubleshooting/ Specifications Troubleshooting ..................................... 48 Precautions ..............................................55 Specifications ......................................... 56 On Copyrights .........................................
Supplied Items • Receiver (1) • Remote control (1) • R03 (size AAA) batteries (2) • FM wire antenna (aerial) (1) • The text enclosed in bracket ([--]) appears on the TV screen, and the text enclosed in double quotation mark (“--”) appears on the display panel. • The items displayed on the TV screen may vary depending on the area. The Help Guide (web-based online operating instructions) provides information on advanced functions and operations.
Main Features of the Receiver Compatible with the latest object-based audio formats Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and the object-based audio formats (Dolby Atmos and DTS:X) are supported (only when devices are connected via HDMI cables). You can experience surround sound for 360 degrees. Compatible with high quality 4K video formats* • The receiver supports HDCP 2.2, Dolby Vision, HDR10 and Hybrid Log-Gamma, letting you enjoy high quality video images (page 25).
Parts and Controls Receiver front panel (power) Turns the receiver on or sets it to the standby mode. Power indicator •Green: The receiver is turned on. •Red: The receiver is in standby mode, and you have set one of the following: – “CTRL.HDMI” is set to “CTRL ON”. – “BT STBY” is set to “STBY ON”.* – “STBY.THRU” is set to “ON” or “AUTO”. •The indicator goes off: The receiver is in standby mode and: – “CTRL.HDMI” is set to “CTRL OFF”. – “BT STBY” is set to “STBY OFF”. – “STBY.THRU” is set to “OFF”.
– Headphones are connected. – [Direct] is being used and an analog input is selected. • The receiver may play signals at a lower sampling frequency than the actual sampling frequency of the input signals, depending on the audio format. DISPLAY Displays information on the display panel. DIMMER Adjusts the brightness of the display panel. BLUETOOTH Switches the input of the receiver to [BT] and automatically connects to the last connected device.
Indicators on the display panel Speaker system indicator (page 47) ST FM stereo broadcast Input indicator Lights up to indicate the current input. OPT Digital signals are input through the OPTICAL jack. COAX Preset station number (The number will change according to the preset station you select.) D.RANGE Lights up when dynamic range compression is activated. Digital signals are input through the COAXIAL jack. HDMI Digital signals are input through the selected HDMI jack.
Receiver rear panel POWER SUPPLY port For power supply only. HDMI IN/OUT jacks (page 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30) All of the HDMI IN/OUT jacks on the receiver support HDCP 2.2. HDCP 2.2 is newly enhanced copyright protection technology that is used to protect content such as 4K movies.
Remote control Input buttons BLUETOOTH, MEDIA BOX, BD/DVD, SAT/CATV, GAME, SA-CD/CD, TV, FM Selects the input channel connected to the device you want to use. When you press any of the input buttons, the receiver turns on. Note When you press BLUETOOTH, the receiver turns on only if “BT POWER” is set to “BT ON” in the “” menu. BLUETOOTH PAIRING (page 38) Switches the input of the receiver to [BT] and sets the receiver to the pairing mode. 2CH/MULTI, MOVIE, MUSIC (page 40) Selects a sound field.
DIMMER Note Adjusts the brightness of the display panel. DISPLAY Displays information on the display panel. AMP MENU Displays the menu on the display panel to operate the receiver. (enter), / / / Press , , , to select the menu items. Then, press to enter the selection. • The above explanation is intended to serve as examples. • Depending on the model of your connected device, some functions explained in this section may not work with the supplied remote control.
Connection and Preparation 1: Deciding on the Speaker System Decide on the speaker system you want to set up according to the number of speakers and subwoofers that you are using. The illustration and table below indicate the types of speakers that can be connected to the receiver and the general positions for placing the speakers.
Abbreviations used in illustrations Speaker type Function of each speaker SDL Surround Dolby Atmos enabled left speaker SDR Surround Dolby Atmos enabled right speaker Produces sounds from the top middle left/right channels and reflects these sounds off the ceiling. Enables playing back sounds of Dolby Atmos 3D movies without the need to install ceiling speakers. FHL Front high left speaker FHR Front high right speaker Produces sound from front height left/right channels.
2: Setting/Connecting Speakers Set up the speakers and subwoofers in a room using the layout you prefer for your speaker system and connect them to the receiver. The speaker layout drawings on page 18 and subsequent pages provide the ideal layout examples. You do not have to set up the speakers and subwoofers in exactly the same way as the layout examples. Adjust the speaker layout to optimally suit your room environment. Note Tip If you have one subwoofer, connect it to either of the SUBWOOFER OUT jacks.
5.1-channel speaker system To fully enjoy theater-like multi-channel surround sound, you need five speakers (two front speakers, a center speaker, and two surround speakers) and a subwoofer.
7.1-channel speaker system using surround back speakers You can enjoy high-fidelity reproduction of recorded sound from DVD or Blu-ray Disc software in 6.1-channel or 7.1-channel format. 100˚ – 120˚ Connection and Preparation 30˚ Same angle Speaker cable (not supplied) Monaural audio cable (not supplied) Tip If you connect only one surround back speaker, place it directly behind the listening position and connect it to the L (+/–) terminals.
5.1.2-channel speaker system using top middle speakers You can enjoy vertical sound effects by connecting additional two top middle speakers.
5.1.2-channel speaker system using front Dolby Atmos enabled speakers You can enjoy vertical sound effects by connecting additional two front Dolby Atmos enabled speakers.
5.1-channel speaker system with Front B speakers You can enjoy the audio in another location by connecting additional Front B speakers. Room with the receiver installed 30˚ Another location 100˚ – 120˚ Front A speakers Front B speakers (in another location) Speaker cable (not supplied) Monaural audio cable (not supplied) Note If you connect additional Front B speakers, you can select the speakers you want to use with the SPEAKERS button (page 47).
5.1-channel speaker system with Bi-Amplifier connection When the front speakers are Bi-wire speakers, which are equipped with separate terminals for high-frequency sounds (tweeter) and low-frequency sounds (woofer), you can make the bi-amplifier connection. Connect each pair of terminals for tweeter and woofer to this receiver as illustrated below. You can enjoy higher quality sound playback if you operate the tweeter and woofer using separate amplifiers.
Note Make sure that metal fittings of Hi/Lo attached to the speakers have been removed from the speakers to avoid receiver malfunction. 2.1-channel speaker system If you select [Front Surround] for the sound field setting, you can enjoy surround effects equivalent to that of a 5.1-channel speaker system using only the two front speakers. Place the speakers as shown below and change the direction of the front speakers little by little to find the direction that provides the best surround effect.
3: Connecting a TV Note Be sure to make cable connections before connecting the AC power cord (mains lead). Connect a TV to the HDMI TV OUT jack. You can set this receiver by operating the menu or the on-screen instructions displayed on the TV screen. When you connect a TV, you can watch a video and listen to the sound input from the device connected to the receiver on the TV. You can also listen to the TV sound from the speaker through the receiver.
• All of the digital audio jacks are compatible with 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz sampling frequencies. • When connecting a TV to the receiver via the TV IN jacks of the receiver, set the sound output jack of the TV to “Fixed” if it can be switched between “Fixed” or “Variable”. Connecting a 4K TV If the HDMI jack on the 4K TV is compatible with the eARC or ARC function and HDCP 2.2 Both eARC and ARC are functions that send TV digital sound to audio-visual devices through an HDMI cable.
If the eARC- or ARC-compatible HDMI jack on the 4K TV is not compatible with HDCP 2.2 4K content copyright is protected by HDCP 2.2. To enjoy 4K content, connect the HDMI jack on the receiver to the HDCP 2.2-compatible HDMI jack on the TV using an HDMI cable. In this case, the TV sound cannot be sent to the receiver using the eARC or ARC function of the TV. Connect the optical output jack of the TV and the OPTICAL TV IN jack of the receiver using an optical digital audio cable.
Connecting a TV not compatible with 4K If the HDMI jack on the TV is compatible with eARC or ARC Both eARC and ARC are functions that send TV digital sound to audio-visual devices through an HDMI cable. If the TV’s HDMI input jack is labeled “eARC” or “ARC,” this TV is compatible with the eARC or ARC function. Simply by connecting the receiver with the TV’s eARC- or ARC-compatible HDMI input jack using an HDMI cable, you can listen to TV audio from the speakers connected to the receiver.
If the HDMI jack on the TV is not compatible with eARC or ARC Both eARC and ARC are functions that send TV digital sound to audio-visual devices through an HDMI cable. If the TV’s HDMI input jack is not labeled “eARC” and/or “ARC,” this TV is not compatible with the eARC or ARC function. To output audio and video signals from the receiver to the TV, connect the receiver and the TV using an HDMI cable .
4: Connecting Audio-Visual Devices For notes when connecting audio-visual devices to the HDMI jacks on the receiver, see “About HDMI features” (page 25). Connecting devices with HDMI jacks Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc™ player, Blu-ray Disc™ player, DVD player Media box Audio/Video signals Audio/Video signals Cable box or satellite box Audio/Video signals Audio/Video signals Game console such as PlayStation 4 HDMI cable (not supplied) Tip • This connection is an example.
Connecting devices with analog audio jacks and coaxial digital audio jack Audio signals Video signals Audio signals Video signals Blu-ray Disc™ player, DVD player Cable box or satellite box To the TV’s VIDEO input jack Connection and Preparation To the TV’s VIDEO input jack Recommended connection Alternative connection or Audio signals Super Audio CD player, CD player, MD deck, tape deck, turntable* Stereo audio cable (not supplied) Coaxial digital audio cable (not supplied) * To connect a turnt
5: Connecting the FM Antenna (aerial) 6: Turning on the Receiver and Performing Easy Setup Turn on the receiver and a TV to perform the initial settings in accordance with the instructions on the Easy Setup screen displayed on the TV. Input buttons FM wire antenna (aerial) (supplied) Note • Be sure to fully extend the FM wire antenna (aerial). • After connecting the FM wire antenna (aerial), keep it as horizontal as possible. AMP MENU / / / , HOME 1.
2 3 Turn the TV on, and then switch the input of the TV to the input to which the receiver is connected. You can select the language of messages on the screen. Press (power) to turn on the receiver. Press / to select your language, and then press The Easy Setup screen is displayed on the TV. 2. Selecting the language . 3. Performing Auto Calibration • Check the connection between each speaker and the receiver. • Adjust the speaker level.
• Depending on the characteristics of the subwoofer you are using, the setup distance value may be different from the actual position. 1 2 Connect the supplied calibration microphone to CALIBRATION MIC jack. Then, place the calibration microphone at your listening position. When a subwoofer is connected, turn on the subwoofer and turn up the volume. Adjust and set the subwoofer as follows: Be sure to set the calibration microphone at the same height as your ears.
Press , then press / to select the speaker pattern, and then press . When [Front High/Top/Dolby Speakers] is displayed, press , then press / to select a speaker type, and then press . 8 Note You can refer to the speaker layout diagram guide for the speaker placement in your room (page 15). 6 7 Press . Press / to select [Start], and then press to start the Auto Calibration. Make sure that the calibration microphone is connected to the receiver, and then press .
7: Setting for HDMI Perform this setting when the receiver is connected to a TV or audio-visual devices using an HDMI cable. AMP MENU / , BACK • If your TV has a similar menu for eARC or ARC, also check the relevant settings on the TV when you select “ON” for “EARC” on the receiver. For details, refer to the operating instructions of the TV. Tip • To return to the previous menu, press BACK. • To exit the menu, press AMP MENU. • For details on TV sound troubleshooting, see “TV sound” (page 48).
4 Playback Playing Back Sound and Images on Connected TV and/or Audio-Visual Devices Tip To enjoy the sound and image of a connected device without turning on the receiver, set “STBY.THRU” to “ON” in the “” menu. 5 Press +/– to adjust the volume. Note Before you turn off the receiver, be sure to turn down the volume level to avoid damaging your speakers the next time you turn on the receiver.
Playing Back Sound on a BLUETOOTH Device You can receive audio content from a WALKMAN®, smartphone or tablet that has a BLUETOOTH function and listen to it via this receiver. BLUETOOTH BLUETOOTH PAIRING Registering BLUETOOTH devices to the receiver (Pairing operation) Pairing is an operation in which BLUETOOTH devices are registered to each other before connection. Follow the steps below to pair the BLUETOOTH device and the receiver.
6 Adjust the volume. 4 Adjust the volume of the BLUETOOTH device first. If the volume level is still too low, press +/– to adjust the volume level of the receiver. To cancel pairing operation Pairing operation will be canceled when you switch the input. Note Adjust the volume of the BLUETOOTH device first. If the volume level is still too low, press +/– to adjust the volume level of the receiver.
Selecting Sound Effects 2 Press and hold MUSIC and press (power) on the receiver. (power) MUSIC Selecting a sound field You can select a sound field according to your speaker configuration, the audio content, or your individual preferences. FRONT SURROUND 2CH/MULTI, MOVIE, MUSIC Press 2CH/MULTI, MOVIE, MUSIC, or FRONT SURROUND. Sound fields are displayed on the display panel. For 2CH/MULTI, MOVIE, or MUSIC, press the button repeatedly until the sound field you want is displayed.
Selectable sound fields and their effects Button Sound field Display panel Multi Ch Stereo MULTI ST. Outputs sound from all connected speakers. When 2-channel or monaural audio signals are input, the receiver outputs sound from all speakers without adding any surround effect. When multi-channel audio signals are input, sound may not be output from certain speakers depending on the speaker settings or playback content. Direct DIRECT Plays back all audio signals without adding any surround effect.
• Dolby Atmos is decoded as Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Digital Plus when a sound field other than [Multi Ch Stereo], [Auto Format Decoding], or [Dolby Surround] is selected. Relations between sound fields and speaker outputs The list below shows which speaker outputs sound when a certain sound field is selected. 2-channel content Button Sound field 2ch Stereo Display panel 2CH ST. Multi Ch Stereo MULTI ST. Direct (Analog 2CH/ input) MULTI Direct (Others) Auto Format Decoding DIRECT DIRECT A.F.D.
Multi-channel content Button Sound field 2ch Stereo Display panel 2CH ST. Front Center Surround speakers speaker speakers Surround back Subwoofer Height speaker speakers – – – – DIRECT A.F.D. Dolby Surround DSUR – – – – 2CH/ MULTI Direct Auto Format Decoding MOVIE Neural-X NEURAL-X Front Surround FRT SUR. Audio MUSIC Enhancer ENHANCER : No sound is output. : Outputs sound.
Home menu items Menu/Other Functions Operating Menu on the TV Screen You can display the menu on the TV screen to operate the receiver. / / / , Menu Description Watch Select to display video from the connected device. Listen Select to listen to sound from the built-in FM tuner or the connected device. Easy Setup Select to re-run the [Easy Setup] to make the basic settings. Sound Effect Select to enjoy sound effect. Speaker Setting Select to adjust various settings for speaker.
Selecting the speaker pattern You can also select the speaker pattern you want according to your speaker installation without performing the [Easy Setup]. AMP MENU / , Press AMP MENU. Press / and to select “” – “PATTERN”. Press / to select the speaker pattern, and then press Press / to select “HEIGHT”, and then press Press / to select a speaker type, and then press . . .
Front left/right speaker Center speaker Surround left/right speaker Surround back left speaker Surround back right speaker Subwoofer “3.1” “3.0” “2.1.2” “2.0.2” “2.1” “2.0” Speaker pattern Height speakers* : Not used. : Used. * When you connect height speakers, set the speaker pattern to a “x.x.2” setting. Then, select the speaker type (page 46).
Switching the front speakers Reverting to the Factory Default Settings When two front speaker systems are connected to the receiver, you can select the front speaker system you want to operate. You can clear all memorized settings and restore the receiver to the factory default settings by the following procedure. Be sure to use the buttons on the receiver to perform this operation. Press SPEAKERS on the receiver repeatedly to select the front speaker system you want to operate.
Troubleshooting/ Specifications Troubleshooting If a problem occurs while operating the receiver, check the following to resolve the problem before consulting your nearest Sony dealer. • Check to see if the problem is listed in this “Troubleshooting” section. The indicator on the display panel turns off. • If the PURE DIRECT indicator on the front panel lights up, press PURE DIRECT to turn off this function. • Press DIMMER on the receiver to select “BRIGHT” or “DARK”.
• If sound is still not output or if sound is interrupted, connect the optical digital audio cable (not supplied) and set on the receiver “” – “CTRL.HDMI” – “CTRL OFF”. • If the TV is not compatible with the eARC or ARC function, connect the receiver to the TV using an optical digital audio cable (not supplied) or a stereo audio cable (not supplied).
No sound or only a very low level of sound is heard from specific speakers. • Connect a pair of headphones to the PHONES jack to verify that sound is output from the headphones. If only one channel is output from the headphones, the device may not be connected to the receiver correctly. Check that all of the cables are fully inserted into the jacks on both the receiver and the device. If both channels are output from the headphones, the front speaker may not be connected to the receiver correctly.
• You cannot listen to the sound of a device connected to the receiver while TV input is selected on the receiver. Be sure to change the input of the receiver to HDMI if you want to watch a program on a device connected via HDMI connection to the receiver. • Check that the selected digital audio input jack is not assigned to another input. Image and sound are not output from the TV when the receiver is in standby mode. • Set “” – “CTRL.HDMI” to “CTRL ON”, and then set “STBY.THRU” to “ON” or “AUTO”.
• Be sure to use a High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet when you view images or listen to sound, especially for 1080p, Deep Color (Deep Colour), 4K or 3D transmission. Premium High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet, which can support bandwidths up to 18 Gbps, is required for 4K/60p 4:4:4, 4:2:2 and 4K/60p 4:2:0 10 bit, etc. • If you want to play HDCP 2.2 content, connect the receiver to an HDMI input jack of a TV that is compatible with HDCP 2.2.
• Place the FM wire antenna (aerial) near a window. • Position the FM wire antenna (aerial) as horizontally as possible. You cannot tune to radio stations. • Check that the antennas (aerials) are connected securely. Adjust the antennas (aerials) if necessary. • The signal of the stations is too weak with automatic tuning. Use direct tuning. • No stations have been preset or the preset stations have been cleared (when tuning by scanning preset stations is used). Preset the stations.
• Replace both of the batteries in the remote control with new ones if they are weak. Error messages “PROTECT” appears on the display panel. The receiver will automatically turn off after a few seconds. Check the followings: Unplug the AC power cord (mains lead) and let the receiver cool down for 30 minutes while performing the following troubleshooting: Messages after Auto Calibration measurements [Error 30:] Headphones are connected. Please disconnect the headphones and retry calibration.
[Error 35: FL], [Error 35: FR], [Error 35: SL], [Error 35: SR], [Error 35: FC], [Error 35: SW], [Error 35: SBL], [Error 35: SBR], [Error 35: SB], [Error 35: HTL], [Error 35: HTR] The speaker pattern configuration does not match calibration result, or the noise level is high. Please check the speaker pattern and connection, or re-calibrate in a quiet environment. [Warning 40:] The measurement has been completed, but the noise level is high.
• Do not place the receiver near device such as a TV, VCR, or tape deck. (If the receiver is being used in combination with a TV, VCR, or tape deck, and is placed too close to that device, noise may result, and picture quality may suffer. This is especially likely when using an indoor antenna (aerial).) • Use caution when placing the receiver on surfaces that have been specially treated (with wax, oil, polish, etc.) as staining or discoloration of the surface may result.
Output (Analog) SUBWOOFER Voltage: 2 V/1 kilohm Equalizer Gain levels ±10 dB, 1 dB step 3) INPUT SHORT (with sound field and equalizer bypassed) 4) Weighted network 5) Input level FM tuner section HDMI Video Resolution • 480p/60 Hz • 576p/50 Hz • 720p/60 Hz, 50 Hz, 30 Hz, 24 Hz • 1080i/60 Hz, 50 Hz • 1080p/60 Hz, 50 Hz, 30 Hz, 25 Hz, 24 Hz • 4K/60 Hz, 50 Hz, 30 Hz, 25 Hz, 24 Hz Support HDCP 2.2, HDR (HDR10, Hybrid LogGamma, Dolby Vision), 3D, Deep Color (Deep Colour), ITU-R BT.
Mass (Approx.) 7.4 kg (16 lb 6 oz) Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. On Copyrights This receiver incorporates Dolby1) Digital Surround and the DTS2) Digital Surround System. 1) Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, Dolby Vision, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. 2) For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com. Manufactured under license from DTS, Inc.
On BLUETOOTH Communication • Install this receiver and BLUETOOTH device as closer to each other as possible. Effects on other devices Supported BLUETOOTH version and profiles Profile refers to a standard set of functions for various BLUETOOTH product features. See “BLUETOOTH section” in “Specifications” (page 57) for the BLUETOOTH version and profiles supported by this receiver.
Supported Playable Formats Supported digital audio formats The digital audio formats that this receiver can decode depend on the digital audio output jacks of the connected device. This receiver supports the following audio formats. Digital audio format Maximum number of decoded channels Connection with the receiver Dolby Digital (“DD”) 5.1 COAXIAL/OPTICAL, HDMI, eARC, ARC Dolby Digital Plus (“DD+”)1) 7.1 HDMI, eARC, ARC Dolby TrueHD (“DTHD”)1) 7.
Index D Deep Color (Deep Colour) 25 2ch Stereo 41 Default settings Receiver 47 Sound fields 40 Direct 41 4K 26 Display panel 11 Numerics 2.1-channel 24 5.1.2-channel 20, 21 Dolby Atmos enabled speakers 21 5.1-channel 18, 22, 23 Dolby Surround 41 7.
N Neural-X 41 NIGHT MODE 9, 13 O OPTIONS 44 P Pairing 38 Power consumption 57 PURE DIRECT 10, 13 R Receiver Display panel 11 Front panel 9 Rear panel 12 Remote control 13 Reset Receiver 47 Sound fields 40 S Sound effects 40 Sound field 40 Speaker Cable 17 Pattern 45 Subwoofer 15 Supplied items 7 Supported playable formats Audio 60 Surround back speakers 19 T Top middle speakers 20 TV screen Home menu 44 62GB
©2018 Sony Corporation Printed in Malaysia 4-726-905-15(1)
