Sony HT-CT150 and CT350 - Page 65

I just received and installed my CT150. After some experimentation with the system, the main gripe I have right now has to do with the settings on my Motorola DCX3400 cable box.

It appears that the settings frequently revert back to default. It appears to happen whenever I shut down the system (or it could be whenever I change the sequencing of turning on components).

My setup is very typical: Moto box to CT150 via HDMI. CT150 to Samsung HDTV via HDMI.

From searching this forum, I've noticed others having the same issue with the Moto box (many with Sammy HDTV's as well), but I haven't seen anyone with a solution. Is there a solution out there that I might have missed?

This issue could be a deal-breaker for me. I like having HD channels output from the box in native format, but it would be annoying as hell if that custom setting on the box never sticks (always going back to default 1080i).

OK, it looks like I figured out a solution to my problem. Instead of running HDMI from the Moto box to the CT150 and then HDMI from the system to the TV, I am running HDMI directly from the box to the TV and an optical digital cable from the box to the system. By doing it this way, my custom settings on the box stays appears to stay intact.

Interestingly, the Samsung Anynet+ and Bravia Sync of the box still play nice with each other. Turning the TV and Moto box off turns off the CT150, and sound switches seamlessly between TV and the system. Unfortunately, I don't get the one-touch turn-on across all components.

Previously when I was running HDMI to the system to pass through to the TV, I would lose my custom settings on the box. I think this was happening because all of the switching on/off of components (maybe depending on the sequencing even) would make the Moto box think that it's recognizing a new "connection" -- I think a new "connection" causes it to revert settings to default.

Anyway, I'm using the digital optical cable that came with the CT150. Does anyone know if these cables are generally reliable? Am I getting the most reliable sound, or should I spring for a more expensive branded one? I know with HDMI, expensive doesn't equal better but not too sure about digital optical.

Mine lasted about 48 hours. That's how long it took my cat to discover he had a new "chew toy". Seriously, optical is optical; there's no difference in SQ between cables. Thicker sheilding does make the cable less susceptible to damage though.

I need to send you a pic of my cats watching NASCAR on my 60" Mitsubishi!

Ok I think im going to pull the trigger bestbuy has the sony ct-150 for $229 the same as amazon. Only have to walk in and pick it up. Ive been doing a lot of research and its time to make a decision,

I have been wavering between 4 bars the Sony 150, Polk 6000, Hk sb30 and the ysp 2200. I think for the low price I cant go wrong with the Sony im sure the ysp is better but can it possibly be $550 better ?

The only question is does it have enough umph for my 13x19 family room

Ok, I have stared at this thing long enough...
I have a ct350 and the 2 plastic am antenna pieces came apart when I was moving the sound system to paint the room. Now for the life of me I can not get those 2 pieces together again so the am antenna will stand up like it is supposed to. Can someone shoot a quick pic of theirs for me? Thanks!

Darren--I love my Sony 150! Great sound on a budget!

OK so I have the bar connected. The bluray and sat. receiver are connected to the sub with hdmi cables. The sub connected to the tv alSO connected by hdmi.

My question is this, is there any reason I would want to connect the optical connection. I am really new to this stuff so any advise would be appreciated. thanks in advance.

You would only need optical (or ARC if your TV has it) if you need to send audio FROM your TV to the soundbar.

• You watch TV OTA
• You use internet smart apps on your TV
• You have anything connected directly to the TV (like a Wii or something)

Hi possumgirl,

Thanks for the response right now I have the bar connected to the arc-hdmi on the TV. I will have a Wii connected from time to time its my daughters and it will travel from their bedroom to my TV. I am actually a little unsure how to connect it since it doesn't have hdmi. Yes I will be using smart apps on my Samsung led.

Since your TV has ARC you shouldn't need to connect optical although you can if ARC doesn't work right for some reason. You can connect the Wii directly to the TV by whatever connection it uses (component I think).

Quick Q guys. I have a HD receiver and am trying to set up 5.1 DD. The issue is that the box cannot do it through HDMI and its recomended to use optical to get it working as it is fully supported there. Can you guys tell me if my setup for this is correct. The CT150 keeps saying 2.0ch audio no matter what i do.


HD receiver -> CT150 SAT HDMI
HD receiver optical ->CT150 SAT port
CT150-> TV

and i have enabled spdf in the HD box but still i cannot get it to work. ( As a test, if i were to disconnect the hdmi from the receiver, would the audio not continue to play if it was indeed outputting through optical? video would be blank of course. )

Solution manually change input settings on the CT150 via the options menu to "OPT" instead of automatic
Edited by cruisx - 6/7/12 at 10:42pm

Hello all. Been reading these forums for a while and wow the info is great! Decided to give the ct350 a shot but its just sk hard to find these days. Anyone know where I can pick one up? New would be ideal but not opposed to used or refurbisbed. Thanks in advance.

Hi -

Thanks for all the great info -

So I learned that the preferred set up for the CT150 is HDMI from components to woofer, and then one HDMI from woofer to TV (just like the picture in the manual)

I have set it up so components go to TV via HDMI, and then the optical cable from TV to the woofer, and I get soundbar sound from all components that way, but apparently that will not give me 5.1 simulation for everything?

ok.

So if I do it the "right way", I have a question...can I still use just my TV to change inputs or do I need to do that on the woofer too? That is, under the preferred set up, will the soundbar just know what input I am on and pump out the best sound for cable/blu-ray/game automatically?

My tv is ARC compatible...It's a Panny PT50ST.

I could try it out and see....but I am not home and it is really bugging me! Any info appreciated.

With your components connected directly to the CT150 via HDMI, the soundbar will receive 5.1 audio when that is the source format.

You wouldn't be changing inputs on the TV at all; just leave it on HDMI1. However, the CT150 won't know which source is active unless the component has HDMI-CTL (CEC), so you would need to use the CT150 remote to change source. Your cable box won't have CEC. Your BD player might.

makes perfect sense. stacks of thanks!

I just had my panasonic replaced today with a newer model (TC-p50gt50). I have all of my devices set up through HDMI to my subwoofer. Everything is working great except when I use vieracast for netflix, youtube, etc. I dont get any sound through my Sony Ht ct150. on my previous tv, i would just change my input to TV on my sony and the sound would come through. For some reason when I do this now I don't get any sound? Anyone know why?

just figured it out. It is input 2 not 1.

BTW, I am loving this new tv. Anybody have any thoughts as to what the best settings would be with this tv?

Hey Davyo (or whoever can help me out, I'd appreciate it!):

I'm comparing the CT150 with Zvox's newer line of home theater boxes (particularly the 420). Both of them appeal to me for very different reasons. Connection-wise, I know I'm not going to get lossless audio through the Zvox, but my basic questions are:

-With these soundbars, will I even notice the difference between an optical-in Zvox and an HDMI Sony CT150?
-Are soundbars..."nuanced" is the word that pops into my head... Are they nuanced enough to actually make a distinction between 5.1 lossy and 5.1 lossless?

I'm really, really excited to be buying a sound system for my first home (fantastic studio apartment... hooray, independence!), but I could use a little feedback from you fine folks before I plunge into the soundbar market. Davyo, based on earlier posts I know you weren't thrilled with Zvox's tech circa two years ago. Could the new boxes be a step up? Any tips?

I'll be running whatever I end up getting with a PS3 and OTA HD signal. Don't know if my just-purchased TCL has ARC (can't find mention of it in the manual), but I'll work around it if necessary.

I'm also techie-friendly, so don't mince words!

Many thanks in advance,

~J.

I just picked up a CT150 the other day. I've got it paired with:

Panasonic TC-P50G20
Verizon FiOS STB
Boxee Box
Xbox 360

Haven't tried it with the Xbox yet, but with all other components... what a MASSIVE improvement over the built-in TV speakers!

My only problem is that dialogue is often overpowered by the sub. I have raised the center speaker level a few notches and lowered the sub level a few notches. I still feel as though dialogue isn't as crisp as I'd like it to be. Are there any other settings I'm missing? Should I just play with the treble and bass as well?

Also, is the general consensus that the bar should be mounted above or below the TV? I've currently got mine just sitting in front of the TV (which is on its stand) on top of my entertainment center, but I really don't like how it looks. I think I'd like to wall mount the bar.

I put my bar above. It works great and projects the sound well. I dunno about what might work for you and your environment but fiddle away and you'll figure it out sooner or later!

I can't seem to find the Sony CT-150 anywhere I live (except the Sony store of course). Anyone know where they're sold in Vancouver BC, Canada?

I went to buy those universal mounting brackets for the speakerbar, wow they're $$... $59.99 at Futureshop.ca... I looked for cheaper ones, and it seems they're all around $50+.

Anyone know where to find them cheaper?

100% agree that the HT-CT150 is a great starter set IF AND ONLY IF you are willing to take advantage of the preset sound stage settings. I was tinkering with the SubWoofer, Center channel levels and Treble, Bass levels in "Standard" mode and thought I got it down pat. But when I started watching a movie (the Dark Knight) and casually switched the setting to the preset "Movie" sound stage.. it was night and day. These speakers are great bang for the buck! Try out the "Music" sound stage too when playing HD music videos (ideally with vocals). Without vocals, I found "2CH Stereo" was pretty good.

I apologize if this has been answered before but I am confused about something . . .

Do any problems arise if I just use an optical audio cable to connect the sound from the TV to the soundbar system? Seems to me this would be the easiest way to have the sound from all of my devices go to the soundbar but I'm not sure if I would be losing any sound quality from my Blu Ray player or other devices?

Yes the question has been answered a few times before.

Most HDTVs only output 2 ch. stereo over optical (or ARC). There are exceptions so you need to check your TV's owner's manual. The CT soundbars decode DD & DTS, so if your TV only outputs 2 ch., you do lose audio quality by using the TV as your switcher instead of the soundbar. The soundbar provides three HDMI inputs, so not using them kind of defeats the purpose of having them if your TV doesn't output DD. Of course, you'll NEVER get DTS through the TV and most blu-rays have a DTS track.

Sorry for missing or not understanding the previous answers.

Thanks for your response.

FYI, I Sears is clearancing out the CT150's and I picked one up for $129 (some people have also been lucky to get it for less). This is an in-store price only, online still shows $299. I also wouldn't trust the online inventory since the store I went to(Redmond, WA) had two in stock but online was showing none.

I was in Sears today and wandered over to the electronics section. They had the HT-CT150 floor model on clearance (last one), so I picked it up for $90 after tax and that included a 2 year protection plan. Because it was the floor model it didn't come with the remote control, my question is will I really miss this? I plan on using the DIRECTV remote anyway, but not sure about settings, setup, ect..... any comments are greatly appreciated.

Wow, that's awesome, congrats! Right after I read ningm's post I hopped on my bike and headed to my local sears, but I wasn't so lucky. They were all out. Guess I'll have to make a few calls tomorrow, see if any other SEARS has them. I did saw CLEARANCE on their inventory screen next to the model, so I can confirm that they are definitely getting rid of 'em.

That is an awesome deal! You WILL need the remote though in order to change settings (center, sub, bass, treble, soundfields, etc.). Plus if you intend to use the bar as your HDMI switcher, you need the remote to change inputs. You can either get a Harmony or purchase a Sony remote for around $36 online. Search RM-AAU072 remote to find several places that sell them.