Play a Blu-ray Disc in Dolby Atmos using a multi-channel A/V receiver or Sound Bar

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

Before you start

You will need the following to enjoy Blu-ray Disc™ media in Dolby Atmos® audio format using a multi-channel A/V receiver or Sound Bar:

• A ceiling speaker or Sound Bar that supports Dolby Atmos
• A Premium High Speed HDMI® cable with ethernet
• A Blu-ray Disc player and Blu-ray Disc that are both compatible with Dolby Atmos
• Notes:

  • The network services apps (Netflix, etc.) installed on Blu-ray Disc players will not transfer Dolby Atmos signals if the format is set to Dolby Atmos.
  • Make sure the Sound Bar software is updated to the latest version. To get the latest update, visit the Sony Support website, search for your Sound Bar by entering the model number, and then go to the Downloads section.

1. Connect your devices to play Dolby Atmos format

   Connect the multi-channel A/V receiver or Sound Bar to the Blu-ray Disc player and to the TV using an HDMI (eARC) conection.

   When the Sound Bar or A/V receiver is connect to the HDMI (eARC/ARC) port on your TV, you can:

   • Playback Dolby Atmos format content output from the TV
   • Playback Dolby Atmos format content output from a device, such as a Blu-ray Disc Player

   Connection instructions

   1. Connect the Sound Bar HDMI OUT eARC/ARC port and the TV HDMI IN eARC/ARC port using an HDMI cable.
   2. Connect the playback device HDMI OUT port and the TV or Sound Bar HDMI IN port using an HDMI cable.
      
      Note: For step 2, use any HDMI IN port of the TV or Sound Bar is available.
      
      
      
      1. Sound Bar
      2. TV
      3. Blu-ray Disc Player
      4. High Speed HDMI cable
   3. Enable the eARC function for the Sound Bar.
      • Note: The procedure for enabling the eARC function will differ depending on the Sound Bar model. For details, refer to the product manual. For example, the procedure for HT-Z9F/HT-ZF9 is as follows:
        1. Press the HOME button on the remote control, and then select Setup → Advanced Settings → HDMI Settings → eARC → On.
        2. In the HDMI Settings, select HDMI Signal Format, and then select Enhanced format.
   4. Check the HDMI settings of the TV.
      • Note: The procedure for enabling the eARC function may differ depending on the TV model. For details, refer to the product manuals .
        1. In the HDMI Settings, select eARC and set it to On.
        2. In the HDMI Settings, select HDMI Signal Format, and then select Enhanced format.

   Connect the multi-channel A/V receiver or Sound Bar to the Blu-ray Disc player and to the TV not compatible with HDMI (eARC).

   When the Sound Bar is connected to a TV that is not compatible with HDMI (eARC), you can:

   • Only play Dolby Atmos format content output from a playback device, such as Blu-ray Disc Player
   • You will not be able to play Dolby Atmos format content output from the TV

   Connection instructions

   1. Connect the Sound Bar HDMI OUT eARC/ARC port and the TV HDMI IN port using an HDMI cable.
   2. Connect the playback device HDMI OUT port and the Sound Bar HDMI IN port using an HDMI cable.
      
      
      1. Sound Bar
      2. TV
      3. Blu-ray Disc Player
      4. High Speed HDMI cable

2. Adjust the settings on these devices depending on your setup:

   Multi-channel A/V receiver

   1. Select the speaker pattern according to the speaker configuration you're using.
      1. On the supplied remote control, press the HOME button.
      2. Select Setup → Speaker Settings → Speaker Pattern.
      3. Select the speaker pattern under Listener-level Speakers and Height/Overhead Speakers.
         • Refer to the speaker installation example displayed on your TV screen.
         • Select either 5.1.2 (TM) for top middle speakers, or 5.1.2 (FD) for Dolby Atmos enabled speakers.
      4. Select Save.
   2. Set the Sound Field to A.F.D (Auto Format Decoding).
      1. Press the HOME button.
      2. Select Setup → Audio Settings → Sound Field → 2CH/MULTI → A.F.D (Auto Format Decoding).

      You may also press the 2CH/MULTI button on the front panel of the receiver or on the supplied remote control to select the sound field.

   Blu-ray Disc player

   Follow the steps below to turn off the Audio Settings:

   1. On the supplied remote, press the HOME button.
   2. Select Setup.
   3. Under Setup, select Audio Settings.
   4. Depending on your model, select BD Secondary Audio, Digital Music Enhancer, or BD Audio Mix Setting.
   5. Select Off.

   Note: For third-party Blu-ray Disc players, contact the manufacturer for further information.

3. From the Blu-ray Disc menu, choose the sound or language setting for Dolby Atmos.

   • The options to set the audio format depends on the disc. Check the documents supplied with the disc for more information.