Sony BRAVIA TVs, while known for their quality, can sometimes experience issues. Based on reports from Sony, most problems can be resolved through simple troubleshooting steps, starting with a soft reset using the remote control or power cycling the device.
Performing a soft reset is often the first and most effective step in troubleshooting Sony TV issues, including audio problems. Here's how to perform a soft reset on your Sony TV:
-
Press and hold the power button on the remote control for about 5 seconds until the TV restarts.1
-
If the above doesn't work, unplug the TV's power cord from the electrical outlet for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.23
-
For TVs with only one button, press and hold the power button on the TV itself while plugging the power cord back in, continuing to hold until a white LED light appears (usually within 10-30 seconds).34
-
For TVs with three buttons, simultaneously press and hold the power and volume down buttons on the TV while plugging the power cord back in, continuing to hold until a green LED light appears.3
If the soft reset doesn't resolve the issue, proceed to check the audio settings and connections as outlined in the subsequent steps.
Sony TVs offer various audio settings that can be adjusted to resolve sound issues. Here's a quick guide to checking and adjusting these settings:
| Setting | Action |
|---|---|
| Volume | Ensure TV and connected devices are not muted or set to low volume |
| Audio Output | Verify correct audio output is selected (TV speakers, sound system, etc.) |
| Sound Mode | Try different sound modes (Standard, Cinema, Music) |
| Equalizer | Adjust bass, treble, and balance settings |
| Digital Audio Out | Check if set to PCM for compatibility with all devices |
| Audio Description | Disable if unintentionally activated |
If audio issues persist after adjusting these settings, check all cable connections between the TV and external audio devices. Ensure HDMI or optical cables are securely plugged in and try different ports if available.12 For smart TVs, check if the issue occurs in all apps or just specific ones, as this can indicate whether the problem is with the TV hardware or a particular streaming service.3
Sony TVs may experience various screen and picture issues that can be resolved through systematic troubleshooting. Here's a table summarizing common screen problems and their potential solutions:
| Screen Issue | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|
| Lines on screen | Check if issue occurs in TV menu; if so, restart TV or perform self-diagnostics. If not in menu, check broadcast signal or connected devices.123 |
| Blurred screen | Reset picture settings, update TV software, check for RF interference, adjust antenna (if applicable).123 |
| No display/blank screen | Perform soft reset, check power connections, verify input source.45 |
| Abnormal colors | Reset picture settings, check cable connections, update TV software.1 |
| Double or ghost images | Adjust antenna direction, check for signal reflections from nearby structures.123 |
If these steps don't resolve the issue, consider checking for physical damage, running built-in diagnostics tests, or contacting Sony support for further assistance.415
When troubleshooting Sony TV issues, it's important to approach the problem systematically. If the steps outlined in this guide don't resolve your audio problem, remember that Sony provides comprehensive support resources. Visit Sony's official support website to access model-specific troubleshooting guides, firmware updates, and contact information for customer service12. For complex issues or potential hardware failures, professional servicing may be necessary. Always ensure your TV's software is up-to-date and consider the warranty status before seeking repairs3.
DIY solutions can often fix common problems like tinny sound or a clicking sound. However, for persistent issues that affect theatrical sound quality, such as a lack of dynamic sound or issues with sound louder settings, reaching out to Sony's expert technicians is advisable. They can help maintain your TV's optimal performance and longevity, ensuring features like virtual surround sound processing and MTS (Multi-Channel Television Sound) remain effective.
For more complex audio concerns, such as achieving a balanced sound with a connected third-party sound bar or adjusting the subwoofer sound for a brighter effect, expert assistance may be necessary. Sony's technicians can guide you through setting up external sound modes, selecting the right preset sound modes, and ensuring your surround sound mode or untouched sound settings are correctly configured. This professional support can help you achieve an awesome sound experience, even with complicated sound setups. Don't hesitate to seek help to keep your connected sound systems performing at their best4.
Sony BRAVIA TVs come equipped with a built-in Self Diagnostics feature that can help identify and resolve basic setup and configuration issues. This tool is particularly useful for troubleshooting picture and sound problems. Here's a quick guide on how to run the Self Diagnostics test on your Sony TV:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Press the HOME button on your remote control |
| 2 | Navigate to and select "Help" from the menu |
| 3 | Choose "Customer Support" |
| 4 | Select "Self Diagnostics" |
| 5 | Click on "Start Self Diagnostics" |
| 6 | If no error is detected, select "Check Picture/Sound" to continue |
| 7 | Follow on-screen instructions to complete the test |
If the test doesn't detect any issues but you're still experiencing problems, it's recommended to check external device connections and settings123. For specific issues with connected devices, you can also run a diagnostic check by selecting "External Device Symptoms" from the Customer Support menu4. Remember that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on your TV model and software version1.
