Sony HT-ZF9 Soundbar Startup Guide

What's in the Box

• Bar Speaker (1)
• Subwoofer (1)
• Remote control (1)
• Grille frame (1)
• Optical digital cable (1)
• R03 (size AAA) batteries (2)
• WALL MOUNT TEMPLATE (1)
• Wall mounting brackets (2)
• Screws (2)

1. Connecting with a TV and Other Devices

This section guides you through connecting your soundbar to your TV and other audio/video devices.

Connecting to Your TV

First, check your TV for HDMI IN jacks labeled "eARC" or "ARC".

If your TV has "eARC" or "ARC" HDMI IN jacks:

Use a High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet (not supplied) to connect an HDMI IN jack on your TV to the HDMI OUT (TV eARC/ARC) jack on the Bar Speaker. This connection carries both video and audio signals.

Note: Ensure the cable is firmly inserted. If there is no sound, verify the TV's audio output settings are not set to TV speakers.

If your TV does NOT have "eARC" or "ARC" HDMI IN jacks:

You will need to connect the TV and the Bar Speaker using both an HDMI cable and the supplied optical digital cable.

1. Connect an HDMI cable (not supplied) from an HDMI OUT jack on your TV to the HDMI OUT (TV eARC/ARC) jack on the Bar Speaker. This carries the video signal.

2. Connect the supplied optical digital cable from the TV's optical OUT jack to the TV IN (OPT) jack on the Bar Speaker. This carries the audio signal.

Note: Ensure optical cable connectors are inserted correctly to avoid damage.

Connecting Other Devices (e.g., Blu-ray Player, Cable Box)

Use an HDMI cable (not supplied) to connect an HDMI OUT jack on your device (e.g., Blu-ray Disc™ player, cable box, satellite box) to either the HDMI IN 1 or HDMI IN 2 jack on the Bar Speaker. This allows for high-quality surround sound reproduction.

Tip: If devices are already connected to your TV, disconnect them and connect them to the Bar Speaker for optimal sound.

Note: To watch 4K video content, refer to the Operating Instructions for specific setup details.

Installation Position

Place the Bar Speaker and Subwoofer in their desired locations.

Notes:

• Avoid placing magnetic cards near the system.
• Do not cover the top of the Bar Speaker with metal objects, as this may destabilize wireless functions.
• Similarly, avoid placing metal objects around the system.

For wall mounting instructions, refer to the "Mounting the Bar Speaker or Rear Speaker (not supplied) on a Wall" section in the Operating Instructions (separate document).

2. Setting up the Remote Control

Prepare the remote control by inserting the batteries.

3. Turning on the TV

Turn on your television using its power button.

4. Turning on the System

1. Connect the AC power cords for the Bar Speaker and Subwoofer to a power outlet.

2. Wait for the "HELLO" message to disappear from the Bar Speaker's front panel display. The remote control will not function until this is complete.

3. Press the [power-symbol] button on the system's remote control.

4. The display on the Bar Speaker should show "TV".

5. Confirm the subwoofer's power indicator is lit green. A green light indicates a successful connection with the Bar Speaker. If not, consult the Operating Instructions' troubleshooting section for subwoofer issues.

5. Listening to Sound

You can listen to audio from your TV or connected devices.

To listen to the audio of the TV:

1. Select the TV input using your TV's remote control. The TV broadcast screen should appear, and audio will play through the system.

2. If "TV" does not appear on the Bar Speaker's display, press the "TV" button on the system's remote control to select the TV input.

To listen to the audio of a device connected to the HDMI IN jack:

1. Turn on the connected device (e.g., Blu-ray player).

2. Use your TV's remote control to switch the TV input to the HDMI IN jack where the system is connected.

3. Press "HDMI1" or "HDMI2" on the system's remote control, corresponding to the HDMI jack used.

4. The Bar Speaker's display will show "HDMI1" or "HDMI2", and audio from the connected device will play through the system.

Note: If the system is muted ("MUTING" appears) due to connection order, turn on the TV first, then the system.

6. Enjoying Immersive Surround Experience

Enhance your audio experience with surround sound effects.

Press the "VERTICAL S." button on the remote control to activate surround sound, making audio flow around you.

Volume Adjustment:

• Adjust the Bar Speaker volume using the [volume-up]/[volume-down] buttons on the remote.
• Adjust the Subwoofer volume using the "SW +/-" buttons on the remote.

Note: The perceived surround effect can vary depending on the sound source.

How to Display the Operation Screen of the System on the TV

Perform Easy Setup to access the system's menu on your TV.

1. Press the "HOME" button on the system's remote control. The Easy Setup screen will appear on your TV.

2. If the Easy Setup screen doesn't appear, switch your TV's input to the HDMI IN jack connected to the system.

3. Select your preferred language for the system's on-screen display.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Troubleshooting

Here are solutions for common issues:

• No TV sound or picture: Ensure the "TV" input is selected on the system. Check HDMI connections are secure and correct. Reconnect cables and power cords. Enable "Control for HDMI" or "eARC/ARC" on your TV. Verify TV audio output is set to external speakers.
• No picture or sound from connected device: Select the correct input (TV, HDMI1, HDMI2, BLUETOOTH, ANALOG) on the system's remote. Check HDMI connections are secure.
• TV remote control not working: The Bar Speaker might obstruct the TV's IR sensor. Set [IR-Repeater] to [On] in the system settings (refer to Operating Instructions).
• No or low subwoofer sound: Increase subwoofer volume using "SW +/-". Ensure the subwoofer's power indicator is green. The subwoofer is designed for bass frequencies; low bass content in the source may result in less audible output. Test with a tone (refer to Operating Instructions).

For unresolved issues, consult the "Troubleshooting" section in the full Operating Instructions.