sony XDR-S3HD - HD / AM Radio User Manual

The Sony XDR-S3HD is a high-definition AM/FM radio receiver featuring HD Radio technology for crystal-clear digital audio, AM reception, preset stations, clock/alarm functions, auxiliary input, and headphone output. It supports both analog and digital broadcasts, includes an LCD display with backlight, remote control, and operates on AC power or optional battery pack. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Using HD Radio Features 8. Clock and Alarm Functions 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: HD Radio tuner, AM/FM antenna terminals, LCD display, Remote Control, AUX IN jack, Headphone jack, AC power input.

Feature	Description
HD Radio Tuner	Receives digital HD Radio broadcasts for superior sound quality
AM/FM Antenna Terminals	For connecting external AM loop and FM wire antennas
LCD Display with Backlight	Shows station frequency, HD status, time, and menu information
Headphone Jack	For private audio listening (3.5mm stereo)
AC Power Input	For main power connection (AC adapter included)
AUX IN Jack	For connecting external audio sources (e.g., MP3 player)
POWER	Turns radio on/off
TUNING KNOB	Manual tuning of AM/FM stations
PRESET Buttons	Store and recall up to 10 favorite stations
MODE	Switches between AM, FM, HD FM, and AUX input

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface away from heat sources and moisture.

Connect Antennas: Attach included FM wire antenna to FM terminal. Connect optional AM loop antenna to AM terminals for improved AM reception.
Connect Power: Plug the AC adapter into the DC IN jack on the radio, then into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Connect Audio Devices (Optional): Use 3.5mm audio cable to connect external device to AUX IN jack.
Insert Batteries in Remote: Install two AAA batteries (not included) into the remote control.

WARNING! Use only the supplied AC adapter. Do not place near other electronic devices that may cause interference.

First-Time Setup

Power on the radio; the display will light up. Follow these initial steps.

Set the Clock: Press MENU, navigate to CLOCK SET, and set the current time using the TUNING knob or remote.
Select Band: Press MODE to cycle between AM, FM, and HD FM. HD FM will automatically lock onto digital signals when available.
Tune Stations: Use the TUNING knob or remote's TUNE +/- to find a station. For HD FM, wait for "HD" icon to appear on display.
Save Presets: Tune to desired station, press and hold a PRESET button (1-10) for 2 seconds until confirmation appears.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation; do not block vents on rear panel.

Specifications

Tuner Type: HD Radio (IBOC) for FM, analog AM/FM.
Frequency Range: FM: 87.5-107.9 MHz, AM: 530-1710 kHz.
Audio Output: Stereo via internal speakers or headphone jack.
Terminals: AM antenna terminals, FM antenna terminal, AUX IN, Headphone out, DC IN.
Preset Memory: 10 stations (non-volatile memory).
Display: LCD with adjustable backlight (High/Low/Off).
Power Source: AC adapter (Input: 120V AC, 60Hz; Output: 6V DC, 1.5A).
Operating Temp: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).

Controls and Settings

Access menus via MENU button on unit or remote. Front Panel: POWER, MODE, TUNING KNOB, PRESET 1-10, VOLUME, MENU, DISPLAY.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons (0-9 for direct preset access), TUNE +/-, MODE, MENU, DISPLAY, SLEEP, ALARM SET.

Tuner Settings: Band selection (AM/FM/HD), manual/auto tuning, HD blend (for seamless analog/digital switching). Audio: Bass/Treble adjustment, loudness on/off. Clock/Alarm: Time set, alarm 1/alarm 2 (radio or buzzer), sleep timer (15-90 min). Display: Backlight adjustment, station info display (PS, PTY, song title/artist when available via HD Radio).

Connecting Devices

AUX Input: For MP3 players, smartphones, or other audio sources. Headphones: For private listening.

Ensure radio and external device are powered off.
Connect a 3.5mm stereo cable from the device's headphone/line-out to the radio's AUX IN jack.
Turn on both devices. Press MODE to select "AUX" input.
Control volume from the radio; playback control (play/pause) from the external device.

Tip: For best audio quality, set the external device's volume to about 75% and adjust final volume on the radio.

Using HD Radio Features

HD Radio provides digital audio and additional data services like song title/artist display.

Select HD FM Mode: Press MODE until "HD FM" appears. The radio will scan for HD stations.
Station Identification: When tuned to an HD station, "HD" icon appears. The display may show station name (PS) and song info (PTY).
HD Multicasting: Some HD stations broadcast multiple digital channels (e.g., HD1, HD2). Press the SUB-CH button (or navigate via menu) to switch between HD sub-channels.
Blend Mode: In MENU > TUNER SETTINGS, set HD BLEND to ON for automatic fallback to analog signal if digital is lost.
Info Display: Press DISPLAY button to cycle through available info: Frequency, PS (Station Name), PTY (Program Type), Artist/Title (if broadcast).

WARNING! HD Radio reception requires a strong signal. Reposition antenna if "HD" icon flickers or disappears.

Clock and Alarm Functions

Set Clock: MENU > CLOCK SET. Alarms: Two independent alarms (ALARM 1, ALARM 2).

Set Alarm Time: MENU > ALARM SET > select ALARM 1 or 2 > set time.
Choose Alarm Source: Select WAKE TO RADIO (plays a preset station) or WAKE TO BUZZER.
Set Alarm Frequency: Daily, Weekdays only, Weekends only, Once.
Activate/Deactivate: Toggle alarm ON/OFF in ALARM SET menu or by pressing ALARM button on remote.
Sleep Timer: Press SLEEP on remote to set duration (15, 30, 45, 60, 90 min). Radio will turn off automatically.

Note: If power is lost, clock settings are retained for approximately 10 minutes via internal capacitor. Reset time after prolonged power outage.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug AC adapter before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe exterior. For stubborn marks, lightly dampen cloth with water; do not use solvents.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners or spray liquids directly onto the unit. Keep liquids away from vents and controls.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. Copyright © Sony Corporation. HD Radio™ is a proprietary trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/audio or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power / Display blank	Power connection	Ensure AC adapter is firmly plugged into radio and wall outlet. Check outlet with another device.
Poor AM/FM reception	Antenna placement	Extend FM wire antenna fully. Reposition AM loop antenna. Move radio away from walls/metallic objects.
No HD Radio reception	Signal strength / Location	HD signal may not be available in your area. Ensure you are in HD FM mode. Reposition antenna; HD requires stronger signal than analog.
Remote not working	Batteries / Obstruction	Replace remote batteries. Ensure you are pointing remote at IR sensor on front panel. Remove obstacles.
No sound from AUX input	Connection / Mode	Ensure cable is securely connected at both ends. Press MODE to select "AUX". Check volume on both radio and external device.
Clock resets after power off	Internal capacitor discharged	This is normal if unit is unplugged for more than 10 minutes. Reset the clock after restoring power.

Reset: To restore factory settings, unplug unit, press and hold POWER button on unit for 10 seconds, then reconnect power.

Service: 1-800-222-7669; www.sony.com/audio