Operating Instructions AV Control Receiver Model No. SA-BX500 Dear customer Thank you for purchasing this product. Before connecting, operating or adjusting this product, please read the instructions completely. Please keep this manual for future reference. Note “EB” on the packaging indicates the United Kingdom.
Enjoying the Home Theater has become easy! With SA-BX500! Connections Until now... no ... Simple connections using 2 HDMI cables and 1 stereo phono cable! Many different cables were necessary. ∗ Other connections are also possible. With SA-BX500! Settings Until now... no ... Automatic speaker setup leads you to the easiest way of speakers setting (➔ pages 24, 25). Manual setting for each speaker. We must make speaker settings... A B It’s difficult.
Enjoying the Home Theater has become easy! ................ 2 Caution for AC Mains Lead ................................................ 4 Safety precautions ............................................................. 5 Supplied accessories......................................................... 6 Control guide ...................................................................... 6 Quick guide Step 1 Placing speakers .............................................. 9 Step 2 Connecting speakers ........
Caution for AC Mains Lead (For the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland) (“EB” area code model only) For your safety, please read the following text carefully. This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin mains plug for your safety and convenience. A 5-ampere fuse is fitted in this plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of 5-ampere and that it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.
Foreign matter Set the unit up on an even surface away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, and excessive vibration. These conditions can damage the cabinet and other components, thereby shortening the unit’s service life. Do not place heavy items on the unit. Do not let metal objects fall inside the unit. This can cause electric shock or malfunction. Do not let liquids get into the unit. This can cause electric shock or malfunction.
Supplied accessories Please check and identify the supplied accessories. 1 AC mains lead For continental Europe (K2CQ2CA00007) (K2CT3CA00004) 1 FM indoor antenna (RSA0007-M) 1 AM loop antenna (N1DAAAA00002) 1 Setup microphone (L0CBAB000128) For Australia and New Zealand For the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland 2 Batteries (K2CJ2DA00010) Use numbers indicated in parentheses when asking for replacement parts. (Product numbers correct as of May 2008. These may be subject to change.
FRONT A A FRONT R LF CENTER CENTER FRONT FRONT B B L BI-WIRE R HF L SURROUND SURROUND R HDMI terminal (➔ pages 13, 17 and 32) S video terminal (➔ pages 18 and 21) Digital transmitter terminal (➔ page 23) SURROUND BACK SURROUND BACK L IN OUT L R IN (DVD RECORDER) HDMI 1 IN (BD/DVD PLAYER) HDMI 2 (CABLE/SAT) HDMI 3 Digital input terminal (➔ pages 16, 18, 19, 20 and 32) S VIDEO COMPONENT VIDEO Y (6-16 Ω EACH SPEAKER) A OR B / BI-WIRE (4-16 Ω EACH SPEAKER) A AND B (6-16 Ω EACH SPEAKE
Quick guide This section guides you through the easiest and simplest way to setup the Home Theater. Refer to the steps indicated below. The steps 1 to 4 indicate the method one by one from when you purchase the unit until you can enjoy the Home Theater. • Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions.
1 Placing speakers 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 etc. channel playback is possible on this unit. This page introduces speaker settings for 7.1 channel playback. The ideal placement is to set each speaker (excluding the subwoofer) the same distance away from the listening-viewing position.
Step 2 Connecting speakers How to connect speaker cables 1 2 Remove the vinyl covering the tips of speaker cables by twisting it off. A Front speaker (right) Note • Connect speaker cables properly to terminals after making sure left and right, and ( and ). Improper connections may cause the unit to develop problems. • Do not short-circuit speaker cables. The action may damage circuits.
Monaural connection cable (not included) Use the terminal for the left surround back speaker when you place the speakers for 6.1 channel playback.
Connecting a TV and a Blu-ray Disc/ DVD player Step 3 Connecting equipment in the basic way Connection cable Audio cable Stereo phono cable (not included) Video cable Video and Audio cable Video connection cable (not included) 21-pin scart cable (not included) Use when connecting equipment with a 21-pin scart terminal. White (L) Red (R) • When you make HDMI connections, this connection is not necessary. TV You need a stereo phono cable for enjoying TV with surround sound.
Video and Audio cable Audio cable HDMI cable (not included) (It is recommended that you use Panasonic’s HDMI cable.) Stereo phono cable (not included) Recommended part number: RP-CDHG10 (1.0 m), RP-CDHG15 (1.5 m), RP-CDHG20 White (L) (2.0 m), RP-CDHG30 (3.0 m), RP-CDHG50 (5.0 m), etc. Red (R) • This unit incorporates HDMI™ (V.1.3 with Deep Colour) technology that can reproduce greater colour gradation (4096 steps) when connected to a compatible TV.
Step Watching TV or DVD 4 Turn the TV on and switch the TV’s input mode (to “HDMI” and others) “ ” “SURROUND” VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR WIRELESS READY MULTI CH PROCESSING TrueHD D+ DTS-HD MULTI CH LPCM SURROUND M.ROOM BI-AMP _ SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO SURROUND L - AUDIO - R SPEAKERS A Testing speaker output You can confirm audio output using the test signal. 1. Press to turn the unit on. 2.
3 4 Watch TV or DVD Press Press or • You can enjoy the variety of surround effects (➔ pages 28 to 30). To adjust the volume Quick guide 2 To select “TV ” or “BD/DVD P. ”. • The standby indicator “^” goes off when you turn the unit on. • Confirm if “ A ” appears on the display on the unit. If “ A ” is not displayed, press [SPEAKERS A]. • Check the “SURROUND” indicator is lighting up. If not, press [SURROUND] on the unit to set surround playback (➔ pages 13 and 29).
Connections Basic connections Connecting cables to video and audio terminals (Connecting equipment without HDMI terminal) Video cable Audio cable Video connection cable (not included) Optical fibre cable (not included) Stereo phono cable (not included) White (L) Red (R) To enjoy TV with surround sound, make connection A or B instructed below according to your equipment.
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions. Connecting equipment with HDMI terminal Preparations Connection cable Video and Audio cable HDMI cable (not included) Recommended part number: RP-CDHG10 (1.0 m), RP-CDHG15 (1.5 m), RP-CDHG20 (2.0 m), RP-CDHG30 (3.0 m), RP-CDHG50 (5.0 m), etc.
Connections Connecting cables to S video and audio terminals Connection cable Video cable S VIDEO connection cable (not included) Audio cable Optical fibre cable (not included) Stereo phono cable (not included) White (L) Red (R) To enjoy TV with surround sound, make connection A or B instructed in page 16 according to your equipment. TV Connecting the optical fibre cable S VIDEO IN Note the shape and fit it correctly into the terminal.
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions. Connecting cables to component and audio terminals The component video terminals can produce more accurate colours than the S video terminals (➔ page 18).
Connections Other connections Connection cable Video cable Video connection cable (not included) S VIDEO connection cable (not included) Audio cable Coaxial cable (not included) Stereo phono cable (not included) White (L) Red (R) To enjoy analogue sounds Make analogue connections according to your equipment and preference. See pages 16, 18 and 19 for video connections.
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions. You can record audio or pictures to the equipment connected to DVD recorder output terminal (AUDIO, VIDEO, S VIDEO). See page 41 for more details.
Connections Connecting other speakers To connect bi-wire speakers Make sure to select “YES ” in “Making bi-wire setting” (➔ page 38) when you connect the unit to bi-wire speakers. The speakers do not produce adequate sounds unless you make this setting.
• Turn off all equipment before making any connections. • Peripheral equipment sold separately unless otherwise indicated. • To connect equipment, refer to the appropriate operating instructions. You can connect left and right surround speakers wirelessly by using Panasonic SH-FX67 (a set consisted of a digital transmitter and a wireless system sold separately) with the unit (➔ page 27).
Auto speaker setup using the setup microphone Using the supplied setup microphone, you can measure such items as distance from the seating area, polarity and size and make adjustment for connected speakers. Keep quiet during the auto speaker setup. Conversational voice, air-conditioning noise and small sounds made by winds may cause an error or produce an incorrect setting. Speakers output loud test signals during the auto speaker setup. Make sure to keep little children out of the room.
Note • The setup microphone is sensitive to heat. Keep it away from direct sunlight and avoid placing it on top of the unit. • These settings remain effective after the unit goes off. • The setup microphone jack is for use with the setup microphone only. Do not connect other microphones. • The volume may reach an extremely high level when you repeat the auto speaker setup. When the auto speaker setup is finished, check the volume before starting playback.
Enjoying the Home Theater INPUT SELECTOR VOLUME SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B _ “MULTI CH PROCESSING” + VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR “SURROUND” WIRELESS READY MULTI CH PROCESSING TrueHD D+ MULTI CH LPCM DTS-HD SURROUND M.ROOM BI-AMP _ + “ ” SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK TUNE TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO L - AUDIO - R “WIRELESS READY SURROUND, M. ROOM” Basic playback 1 2 3 To turn the unit on Press [^].
The “WIRELESS READY SURROUND” indicator stays on while the digital transmitter is connected. The indicator may stay off or flash in the following cases. The indicator stays off: • When the “MULTI CH PROCESSING” indicator is off • When using “MULTI ROOM ” (➔ below) The indicator flashes: • When radio waves are interrupted (when SH-FX67 is turned off) To enjoy 7.1 channel playback using 2 sets of SH-FX67 You need to set ID number for the second SH-FX67. • Turn on either of the 2 sets.
Listening to surround sound You can add surround effects or create surround sound from 2-channel stereo sources. Dolby Pro Logic Dolby Pro Logic offers you surround playback of 2-channel stereo sources. The technology enables you to play 5.1-channel Dolby Digital and DTS sources on 7.1 channels (when two surround back speakers are connected to the unit) and on 6.1 channels (when only one surround back speaker is connected).
Operating on the unit This mode produces good effects when you play commercial film titles in the Dolby Surround format. Sounds assigned to surround back channels become stereo in playback when you connect two surround back speakers to the unit. “MUSIC ” Use this mode when playing music. “EX ” (Dolby Digital EX) This mode produces good effects when you play commercial film titles recorded in the Dolby Digital Surround EX format. This mode is effective on sources containing surround channels only.
Remote controlling sound effects See pages 28 and 29 for information about each mode. Adjusting Dolby Pro Logic ’s “MUSIC ” mode You can use the following modes when the input source is 2-channel stereo. ■ Dimension Control You can make up for differences in the output level of the front and surround speakers. 1. Press [ PL ] to activate Dolby Pro Logic . 2. Press [ PL ], next press [e][r] to select “MUSIC ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [e][r] to select “DIMEN ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 4.
Convenient functions Adjusting speaker volumes Adjust speaker output to balance front speaker sounds with those from each of the other speakers in the seating area. • Press [SPEAKERS A] on the unit to switch “ A ” on. • Press [SPEAKERS A] or [SPEAKERS B] to switch “ A B ” on when bi-wire speakers are connected. (If you select “SPEAKERS B” only, the test signal will not be output.) 1. Press [INPUT SELECTOR] to select an input source which is not connected. • Or stop the playback of connected equipment. 2.
Using the VIERA Link “HDAVI ControlTM” What is VIERA Link “HDAVI Control” ? VIERA Link “HDAVI Control” is a convenient function that offers linked operations of this unit, and a Panasonic TV (VIERA) or DVD recorder (DIGA) under “HDAVI Control”. You can use this function by connecting the equipment with the HDMI cable. See the operating instructions for connected equipment for operational details.
Setup Preparation: Check if “Setting VIERA Link to “OFF”” (➔ page 40) is set to“ON”. Make settings in the menu for the TV (VIERA) to activate linked HDAVI Control operations. Switch on all your equipment. 1 Switch on your television (VIERA). 2 Switch television (VIERA) input to HDMI terminal that this unit is connected to. 3 Ensure that this unit’s input is set to “DVD R.” in order to view pictures from DVD recorder (DIGA) 4 correctly.
Using the sound menu Sound menu items The display shown below indicates the sound menu items. Refer to each section for details. “CH LEVEL” (➔ below) “DUAL” (➔ page 35) “BASS” (➔ below) “DRCOMP” (➔ page 35) “TREBLE” (➔ below) “W. S.” (➔ page 35) “BALANCE” (➔ page 35) “EXIT” Adjusting the speaker level You can adjust the speaker levels of the center speaker, surround speakers, surround back speakers and the subwoofer respectively. 1. Press [SOUND MENU] to enter the sound menu. 2.
1. Press [SOUND MENU] to enter the sound menu. 2. Press [e][r] to select “BALANCE ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [w][q] for adjustment, and press [OK] to confirm. How speakers are displayed L : Front left, R : Front right You can adjust the balance by moving the bar on the screen left and right. • As the bar on the screen approaches “L ”, the audio output from speakers balances front left. • As the bar on the screen approaches “R ”, the audio output from speakers balances front right. 4.
Using the setup menu INPUT SELECTOR VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR WIRELESS READY MULTI CH PROCESSING TrueHD D+ MULTI CH LPCM DTS-HD SURROUND M.ROOM BI-AMP _ SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK + TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO RETURN L - AUDIO - R -SETUP OK Basic operation g Common operation for setup menu Using the remote control Using the unit To enter the SETUP Press and hold [OPTION PORT, –SETUP] for about 2 seconds.
1. To enter the SETUP (➔ page 36) 2. Press [e][r] to select “DIMMER ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [e][r] to select the setting, and press [OK] to confirm. Adjustment range: DIMMER 1 (bright) to DIMMER 3 (dim) Factory setting: DIMMER OFF 4. To finish the setting (➔ page 36) Note • Select “DIMMER OFF ” to cancel. • The brightness changes at the point of changing the setting. To confirm the setting, press [OK]. Factory settings: SUBW ; YES LR, C, S ; SMALL SB ; 2-SPK 5.
Using the setup menu Setting the lowpass filter If the speaker sizes (➔ page 37) are set to “SMALL ”, make this setting. The unit cannot reproduce the entire bass range when speakers are set as “SMALL ”. You can arrange the unit to provide missing bass sounds through the subwoofer by setting the lowpass filter frequency according to frequencies available for playback. 1. To enter the SETUP (➔ page 36) 2. Press [e][r] to select “FILTER FRQ ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3.
HDMI3 (HDMI input 3), OPT1 (Optical input 1), OPT2 (Optical input 2), OPT3 (Optical input 3), COAX (Coaxial input), CMPV3 (Component Video input 3) HDMI1, HDMI2, CMPV1 and CMPV2 are fixed to equipment beforehand and you cannot change the setting. 4. Press [e][r] to select the selector to assign, and press [OK] to confirm.
Using the setup menu Reducing standby power consumption (power save mode) 1. To enter the SETUP (➔ page 36) 2. Press [e][r] to select “HDMI ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 3. Press [e][r] to select “STNBY ”, and press [OK] to confirm. 4. Press [e][r] to select “OFF ”, and press [OK] to confirm. OFF : When you wish to reduce standby power consumption ON : When you activate the standby through function (➔ page 13) (standby power consumption becomes 0.
Using headphones 1. Press [SPEAKERS A] and [SPEAKERS B] to switch all speakers off. 2. Lower the volume by pressing [VOL +, –] and connect headphones to the unit. VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR WIRELESS READY D+ DTS-HD MULTI CH LPCM SURROUND M.ROOM BI-AMP _ SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK + TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO Plug type: ø 6.3 mm stereo standard plug L - AUDIO - R 3. Adjust the volume by pressing [VOL SPEAKERS B SPEAKERS A +, –].
Remote controlling a TV or DVD recorder etc. Besides this unit, you can operate a Panasonic TV, cable box and satellite receiver, DVD recorder and Blu-ray Disc/DVD player, (excluding certain models) using the supplied remote control. See respective equipment’s operating instructions for detailed operations. Remote controlling a TV, cable box and satellite receiver Aim the remote control at the equipment you wish to operate.
Remote controlling a DVD recorder Aim the remote control at the equipment you wish to operate. Do not forget to press this before operating a DVD recorder. To switch the unit’s input to “DVD R.
Remote controlling a TV or DVD recorder etc. Remote controlling a Blu-ray Disc/DVD player Aim the remote control at the equipment you wish to operate. Do not forget to press this before operating a Blu-ray Disc/DVD player. To switch the unit’s input to “BD/DVD P.
Entering a code to operate other equipment This remote control can operate Panasonic and Technics audio-visual equipment that has remote control sensors. You may need to change the remote control code. It can also operate some other brands of TVs, DVD recorders, and Blu-ray Disc/DVD players etc. Check the table for the brand and enter the code as follows. For remote control functions available to use AV equipment manufactured by other companies, see Remote Control Function List.
Enjoying the Radio INPUT SELECTOR TUNE VOLUME INPUT SELECTOR WIRELESS READY MULTI CH PROCESSING TrueHD D+ DTS-HD MULTI CH LPCM SURROUND M.ROOM BI-AMP _ SURROUND SPEAKERS A SPEAKERS B AUTO SPEAKER SETUP RETURN -SETUP OK + TUNE AUX SETUP MIC S VIDEO VIDEO L - AUDIO - R Preset tuning Auto presetting 1. Set the channel reception to FM 87.50 MHz or AM 522 kHz (9 kHz steps)/AM 520 kHz (10 kHz steps) (➔ page 47). • You can start with the frequency you like.
Tuning directly using the numbered buttons 1. Press [FM/AM] to activate the radio. 2. Press [FM/AM] to select “FM ” or “AM ”. 3. Press [DIRECT TUNING, DISC] to select Direct Tuning Mode. 4. Press the numbered buttons to enter the frequency. e.g. FM 107.90 MHz, Press [DIRECT TUNING, DISC] → [1] → [0] → [7] → [9] → [0]. • If you do not press a button while the cursor is flashing, the display returns to the frequency being received. • If the frequency has not been input correctly, “ERROR ” will be displayed.
Enjoying the Radio RDS broadcasts Changing the display • This unit can display the text data transmitted by the radio data system (RDS) available in some areas. • “ RDS ” lights while RDS signals are being received. • RDS displays may not be available if reception is poor. Press [DISPLAY]. Each time you press during the FM reception, the following information is displayed.
Playing an iPod on this unit You can play/recharge an iPod (not included) when you attach the separately sold universal dock (SH-PD10) for iPod into the option port slot and connect a compatible iPod. • Also read operating instructions for the universal dock for iPod (SH-PD10). • On this unit, you cannot play still pictures or motion pictures contained in an iPod. • The unit is not compatible with SH-FX570 Wireless Kit. Do not connect SH-FX570 to the option port terminal.
Other information Notes on “To connect bi-wire speakers” Bi-wire speakers have separate connection terminals for high frequency and low frequency signals (➔ page 22). • Bi-wiring prevents high frequency and low frequency signals from interfering with each other. It offers playback in high audio quality. • HF and LF stand for high frequency and low frequency, respectively.
Notes on Lowpass filter • When the speaker size is “SMALL ”, the unit cannot sufficiently reproduce the bass range. • You can set the lowpass filter frequency according to the playback frequency range and arrange the unit to output the missing bass range from the subwoofer. Notes on “SPEAKERS B” • Playback is in 2-channel stereo when you select SPEAKERS B only. • If a surround source is played back when only SPEAKERS B is selected, “2CH MIX” is displayed on the display.
Glossary Analogue DTS-ES Audio signals produced from L/R audio output terminals of general equipment is called analogue audio. Improved version of DTS. You can playback 6.1-channel sound by adding surround center to 5.1-channel. CPPM (Content Protection for Prerecorded Media) DTS-HD This is the copyright protection technology which prevents file copy of DVD audio. Decoder, Decode Decoder is the device to enable us to hear audio data that is encoded on DVD, etc., as a normal audio signal.
Error messages Power output (at AC 220 to 240 V) 1 kHz (T.H.D. 1 %) each channel driven Front (L/R) 150 W per channel (6 Ω) Center 150 W per channel (6 Ω) Surround (L/R) 150 W per channel (6 Ω) Surround Back (L/R) 150 W per channel (6 Ω) Total harmonic distortion at 1 kHz Half power 0.
Troubleshooting guide Before requesting service, make the following checks. If you are in doubt about some of the check points, or if the remedies indicated in the chart do not solve the problem, consult your dealer for instructions. Pages 54 RQT9224 No power. • Ensure the AC mains lead is connected. No sound. Sound is distorted. • Check that the volume is adequate. • Select either “SPEAKERS A ” or “SPEAKERS B ” if the speakers indicator is off. • Select the correct input source.
Pages When using an HDMI connection, the first few seconds of sound is cut off. • Should you be playing a chapter on a DVD etc.: – Change the audio output setting on the Blu-ray Disc/DVD player or DVD recorder from “Bitstream” to “PCM”. (6.1-channel sources will however be played as 5.1-channel.) – Select “PCM ” as instructed in “Setting input signals” when you play 2-channel stereo sources. The unit does not work properly.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. HDAVI Control™ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. CAUTION! • DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED.
