Connections

Rear panel

Note this image shows an AV receiver rather than a home-theatre system, but the connections are the same.

1A =  Digital optical (TOSLINK): carries a digital audio stream from external components such as blu-ray, CD, and DVD players and game consoles.

1B = Digital coaxial: a digital audio plug. Digital Coaxial Connections use RCA-style connection plugs (see 4).

1C = HDMI: standard HD plugs for connecting to a blu-ray or DVD player, game console, or HD set-top box. Video and sound are outputted to an HDTV.

2 = Control jacks: for connecting external components such as IR blasters.

3 = DM port: this is a proprietary Sony plug for media player connection. Other systems often have different plugs, such as 3.5mm or USB.

4 = Composite video and audio: sometimes called AV connections – the actual plugs are called RCA plugs(and also used for audio and component video). The video plug is yellow and the stereo audio is red (right channel) and white (left channel).

5 = LAN port: for connecting your system to your local network. Some systems are compatible with WiFi dongles; others will require a direct connection to your router.

6 = Component video and audio: the audio jacks (lower panel) are the same left and right channels as for composite, but the video is separated into three red, blue and green plugs.

There are two component options: RGB; and Y, Pb, Pr. RGB is the type of signal generated by a professional video camera. The Y, Pb and Pr system is encoded so that it uses less of the signal bandwidth. The one you use may be determined by the connections on your equipment. (You can’t send an RGB output to a Y, Pb, PR input or vice-versa.)

7 = Radio antenna: these plugs are for AM and FM radio antennae.

8 = Maintenance port: many systems have plugs like this or USB plugs that are used for maintenance only. Check the manual before plugging anything into them.

9 = Audio multi-channel inputs and pre-outs: the pre-outs are for connecting to external powered amplifiers and subwoofers. The other audio inputs are for connecting to other multichannel players, such as blu-ray, CD, and DVD players.

10 = Speaker plugs: for connecting to your surround sound speakers.

PDF version

You can download a PDF copy of the connections diagram for printing or reference.

Download now (PDF 85 KB).