SONY MDR-RF912RKC Wireless Stereo Headphone System

Important Information

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine or fire for a long time. To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet; refer servicing to qualified personnel only. Do not install in a confined space. The AC Adaptor is not disconnected from the mains as long as it is connected to the AC outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned off. Connect it to an easily accessible AC outlet for disconnection. Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause hearing loss. The nameplate of the transmitter is located on the bottom exterior.

Information: You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.

For the customers in the USA and Canada

RECYCLING NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE BATTERIES: Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, visit http://www.call2recycle.org.

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.

Checking the Included Items

It's important to read this instruction book prior to using your new product for the first time.

• RF stereo transmitter (TMR-RF912R)
• Wireless stereo headphones (MDR-RF912R)
• AC adaptor (1)
• Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery BP-HP550-11 (1)

Using the headphones with separately-sold dry batteries

Commercially available (LR03 (size AAA)) dry batteries can also be used to power the headphones. Install two batteries in the same manner as described in step 1 of "How to use." When dry batteries are installed, the battery charge function is not activated.

Battery life

¹⁾ at 1 kHz, 1 mW + 1 mW output
²⁾ Time may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.

How to Use

1. Insert the supplied rechargeable battery into the left housing of the headphones.

Observe the correct polarity when installing the battery. Press and turn the lid counterclockwise ? to open. Match the terminals on the battery to the marks in the compartment. Press and turn the lid clockwise ? to close.

2. Connect the AC adaptor.

Insert the plug firmly into the DC IN 12V jack on the transmitter and then into an AC outlet.

3. Charge the headphones.

Connect the AC adaptor to the transmitter. The CHG indicator lights up red while charging and turns off when charging is complete.

4. Connect the A/V component, following hookup A or B below.

A. Using the headphone jack of the A/V component

Connect the transmitter to the headphone jack of your TV, digital music player, etc. Set the volume of the A/V component as high as possible, but not so high that the audio signal becomes distorted.

B. Using the audio out (L/R) jacks of the A/V component

Connect the transmitter to the audio out (L/R) jacks of your stereo system, Blu-ray Disc player, DVD player, TV, etc. A plug adaptor (not supplied) may be needed between the transmitter and the A/V component if the jacks are different. If sound is distorted by connecting the transmitter to the A/V component's audio out (L/R) jacks, reconnect the transmitter to the headphone jack. If you want to receive audio on the headphones while at the same time hearing audio from the television speakers: connect the transmitter to your Cable Box/Satellite Box rather than your television.

5. Wear the headphones. Before listening

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, first lower the volume.

6. Turn on the A/V component.

7. Adjust the volume.

If you cannot receive a clear audio signal: First change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector switch on the transmitter, then change the radio frequency to that of the transmitter with the channel switch on the headphones.

After use

Take off the headphones, then turn off the power.

About sending RF signals

The transmitter starts sending RF signals automatically when it detects an audio signal from the connected component. Notes: If hiss is heard, move closer to the transmitter. You may hear some noise when you disconnect the AC adaptor from the transmitter before turning off the headphones.

If no signal or low signal is input for about 4 minutes

If the transmitter does not detect an audio signal for about 4 minutes, it will stop sending RF signals automatically, and the POWER indicator will blink for 1 minute, then turn off. The transmitter restarts after receiving an audio signal again. The transmitter may also turn off if low signal is input for about 4 minutes. In this case, raise the volume of the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted, then lower the volume of the headphones.

If signal noise is output from the connected A/V component, the transmitter may not turn off, even when no audio signal is input. Set the ATT (attenuator) switch to 0 dB. Then, raise the volume of the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted, and lower the volume of the headphones.

Tips for volume setting

When watching videos, be careful not to raise the volume too high in quiet scenes. You may hurt your ears when a loud scene is played.

To set the input level

If the volume is high using the analogue input, set the ATT (attenuator) switch to "-6 dB."

Notes: Be sure to lower the volume before setting the ATT switch. If audio input is distorted (sometimes, noise can be heard at the same time), set the ATT switch to "-6 dB."

Tips for better reception

Receiving performance

This system utilizes very high frequency signals in the 900 MHz band so the receiving performance may deteriorate due to the surroundings. The following examples illustrate conditions that may reduce the reception range or cause interference:

• Inside a building with walls containing steel beams.
• An area with many steel file cabinets, etc.
• An area with many electrical appliances capable of generating electromagnetic fields.
• The transmitter is placed on a metal instrument.
• An area facing a roadway.
• Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings due to radio transceivers in trucks, etc.
• Noise or interfering signals exist in the surroundings owing to wireless communication systems installed along roadways.

Effective area of the transmitter

The optimum distance is up to approximately 45 m (150 ft) without the system picking up some interference. However, the distance may vary depending on the surroundings and environment. If the system picks up some noise within the above mentioned distance, reduce the distance between the transmitter and the headphones, or select another channel. When you use the headphones inside the effective area of the transmitter, the transmitter can be placed in any direction from the listener. Even within the signal reception area, there are some spots (dead spots) where the RF signal cannot be received. This characteristic is inherent to RF signals, and does not indicate malfunction. By slightly moving the transmitter, location of the dead spot can be changed.

Replacing the earpads

The earpads are replaceable. If the earpads become dirty or worn out, replace them as illustrated below. The earpads are not commercially available. You can order replacements from the store where you purchased this system, or at a service center.

1. Remove the old earpad by pulling it out of the groove on the housing.
2. Place the new earpad on the driver unit. Hang the edge of the earpad on one side of the driver unit's groove edge, then turn the edge of earpad around the driver unit as illustrated below. When the earpad is securely inserted into the groove, adjust the earpad to the vertical position.

Loud background noise

If you connect the transmitter to the headphone jack of an A/V component, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.

Troubleshooting

No sound/Low sound

• Turn on the headphones.
• Check the connection of the transmitter and A/V component, AC adaptor, and AC outlet.
• Check that the A/V component is turned on.
• If you connect the transmitter to the headphone jack of an A/V component, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.
• Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then change the radio frequency to that of the transmitter with the channel switch on the headphones.
• Charge the supplied rechargeable battery, or replace dry batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging, take the headphones to a service center.

The sound cuts off

The transmitter turns off if no signal or low signal is input for 4 minutes. If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, raise the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.

Distorted or intermittent sound (sometimes with noise)

• Use the headphones near the transmitter, or change the position of the transmitter.
• If you connect the transmitter to an A/V component using the headphone jack, lower the volume level on the connected A/V component within the range where the sound is not distorted.
• Change the radio frequency with the CHANNEL selector on the transmitter, then change the radio frequency to that of the transmitter with the channel switch on the headphones.
• Charge the supplied rechargeable battery, or replace dry batteries with new ones. If the POWER indicator is still off after charging, take the headphones to a service center.

Precautions

Notes on the AC adaptor

Insert the AC adaptor plug firmly. Be sure to use the supplied AC adaptor. Using AC adaptors with different plug polarity or other characteristics can cause product failure. Be sure to always use the supplied AC adaptor. Even AC adaptors having the same voltage and plug polarity can damage this product due to the current capacity or other factors.

On power sources and placement

When this system is not to be used for a long period of time, disconnect the AC adaptor from the AC outlet (holding the plug), and remove the battery from the headphones to avoid damage caused by battery leakage and subsequent corrosion. Do not leave this system in a location subject to direct sunlight, heat or moisture. Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, moisture, sand, dust or mechanical shock. Please note that water does not splash; this product is not waterproof.

Specifications

General

• Carrier frequency: 915.5 MHz, 916.5 MHz
• Channel: Ch1, Ch2
• Modulation: FM stereo
• Transmission distance: Approx. 45m (150 ft) of longest.
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32 °F to 104°F)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

RF stereo transmitter (TMR-RF912R)

• Power source: DC 12 V: supplied AC adaptor
• Audio input: Stereo mini plug
• Dimensions: Approx. 108 mm x 128 mm × 108 mm (43/8 x 5 1/8 x 4 3/8 in) (w/h/d)
• Mass: Approx. 137 g (4.83 oz)
• Rated power consumption: 3 W

Wireless stereo headphones (MDR-RF912R)

• Power source: Supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery BP-HP550-11 or commercially available (size AAA) dry-cell batteries
• Mass: Approx. 270 g (9.52 oz) (including the supplied rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery)
• Rated power consumption: 2 W

Included items

• RF stereo transmitter TMR-RF912R
• Wireless stereo headphones MDR-RF912R
• AC adaptor (12 V) (1)
• Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery BP-HP550-11(1)

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.