Sony HT-S400 Sound Bar Startup Guide
What's in the box
Illustration showing all included items laid out: bar speaker, subwoofer, remote control, batteries, AC power cords, optical digital cable, wall mount template, and manuals.
- Bar speaker (1)
- Subwoofer (1)
- Remote control (1) with R03 (size AAA) batteries (2)
- AC power cords (mains lead) (4)
- Optical digital cable (1)
- WALL MOUNT TEMPLATE (1)
- Operating Instructions (separate document)
- Startup Guide (this document)
Diagram illustrating the setup of the remote control, showing the correct insertion of batteries.
Installation
Visual representation of two primary installation methods: placing the soundbar and subwoofer on a flat surface like a shelf or stand, or mounting the soundbar securely on a wall.
Choose an installation method
Installing on a shelf/stand: Position the bar speaker and subwoofer as shown in the diagram for optimal performance.
Mounting on a wall: For detailed instructions and safety guidelines on wall mounting, please consult the separate Operating Instructions document.
Note:
- Before connecting power, ensure the AC power cords (mains leads) for the TV and any connected devices are disconnected from the AC outlets (mains). These cords will be reconnected during step 3.
- Position the subwoofer at least 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) away from the TV rack, walls, or other obstructions to ensure proper airflow and sound dispersion.
- Do not place the subwoofer on its side. It should always be positioned upright.
Connecting to Your TV
Is there an HDMI IN jack labeled "ARC" on your TV?
Diagrams illustrating the two main connection methods to a TV: one for TVs with ARC support and one for TVs without ARC support.
Scenario 1: YES (TV supports ARC)
To connect your soundbar using ARC (Audio Return Channel), use an HDMI cable (not supplied). Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the TV's HDMI IN (ARC) port and the other end to the soundbar's HDMI OUT (TV) port. For other devices such as a Blu-ray Disc player, set-top box, or gaming console, connect them to the TV's available HDMI IN ports.
Scenario 2: NO (TV does not support ARC)
If your TV does not have an ARC-compatible HDMI port, you can use the supplied optical digital cable. Connect one end of the optical digital cable to the TV's TV OUT (OPTICAL) port and the other end to the soundbar's TV IN (OPTICAL) port. For other devices such as a Blu-ray Disc player, set-top box, or gaming console, connect them to the TV's available HDMI IN ports.
Note:
- If your TV does not support the ARC (Audio Return Channel) function, the supplied optical digital cable must be used to transmit TV audio to the soundbar.
- Before inserting the optical digital cable, verify the shape of the TV IN (OPTICAL) jack on the bar speaker and the connector on the optical digital cable. Ensure you insert the connector into the jack in the correct orientation. Incorrect insertion may damage the connector and the jack.
Connecting Power and Listening to Sound
Connect AC power cords (mains leads) of the TV and the speaker system
Illustration depicting the process of connecting the power cords for the TV and the sound system components.
- First, connect the AC power cord (mains lead) to your TV and turn the TV on.
- Next, connect the supplied AC power cords (mains leads) to both the bar speaker and the subwoofer. Then, plug these cords into available AC outlets (mains).
Important: The remote control for the speaker system will not be operational until the "[HELLO]" message displayed on the front panel of the bar speaker has disappeared.
Listen to the sound
Visual guide showing the remote control buttons for power, input selection, volume, and bass, along with the status indicator on the subwoofer.
- Press the power button [▶️] on the speaker system's remote control.
- Confirm that the power indicator on the subwoofer is lit green ?. This light signifies that the connection with the bar speaker has been successfully established.
- Press the INPUT button on the remote control to select the [TV] input source.
- Use your TV's remote control to select the program or content you wish to view.
- Use the (volume) +/- ? buttons on the remote control to adjust the overall speaker system volume. Use the BASS +/- ?️ buttons to adjust the subwoofer's bass level independently.
Note:
- The system may enter muting mode if the TV and speaker system are powered on in an incorrect sequence. To avoid this, always power on the TV first, followed by the speaker system.
