3-292-622-11(1)

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. And do not place lighted candles on the apparatus. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.

FM/AM Digital Tuner

Operating Instructions
14)Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. HD Radio Technology Manufactured Under License From iBiquity Digital Corp. U.S. and Foreign Patents. HD Radio and the HD Radio logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp.

Connecting the system

This section describes how to hook up the unit to the audio system. Be sure to turn off the power of each component before making the connections.

Connecting the antenna

To connect the AM loop antenna
The shape and the length of the antenna is designed to receive AM signals. Do not dismantle or roll up the antenna.

AM RESET

ANTENNA

AUDIO OUT

AUDIO OUT (Stereo pin plug) (Red) (R)
AUDIO OUT (Stereo pin plug) (White) (L) Audio cable (Not supplied)
1 Remove only the loop part from the plastic 2 Set up the AM loop antenna.

stand.

Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like for a long time. As the main plug is used to disconnect the unit from the mains, connect the unit to an easily accessible AC outlet. Should you notice an abnormality in the unit, disconnect the main plug from the AC outlet immediately. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. These following indications are located on the bottom exterior.
What is HD Radio Technology?
HD Radio Broadcasting was approved by the Federal Communications Commission in October 2002 as the system for digital AM and FM broadcasting in the U.S. HD Radio technology features include: Static-free, clear radio reception. FM Multicasting the ability to broadcast multiple program streams over a single FM frequency. A variety of data services, including text-based information artist name, song title, etc. scrolled across your receiver display. Digital broadcasts in the same frequencies as analog broadcasts; listeners do not need to learn a new station number and todays stations remain at their current place on the dial. HD Radio technology is developed and licensed by iBiquity Digital Corporation and supported by the leaders of the broadcasting, consumer electronics and automotive industries.

Audio input (White) (L)

Audio input (Red) (R)
3 Connect the cords to the AM antenna

terminals.

Cord (A) or cord (B) can be connected to either terminal. Insert the cord while pushing down the terminal clamp.

XDR-F1HD

2008 Sony Corporation Printed in China

Owners Record

Model No. XDR-F1HD
The model number and the serial number are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Serial No._________________________________
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Notes Install this system so that the power cord can be unplugged from the wall socket immediately in the event of trouble. If noise occurs, separate the unit from other components. Noise may occur during AM reception if the unit is connected to a digital amplifier or a component equipped with a digital amplifier.

Only insert up to here.

4 Make sure the AM loop antenna is connected
firmly by pulling softly. Adjusting the AM loop antenna

Features

Compact size HD Radio tuner unit. Large LCD display to show information about the content. Up to 20 presets for FM and AM stations. Audio-output (Stereo: pin jack.) Full function remote control.
For customers who purchased this product in the USA Please register this product on line at http://www.sony.com/productregistration. Proper registration will enable us to send you periodic mailings about new products, services, and other important announcements. Registering your product will also allow us to contact you in the unlikely event that the product needs adjustment or modification. Thank you.

INFORMATION

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Find a place and an orientation that provide good reception. Do not place the AM loop antenna near the unit or other AV equipment, as noise may result. If you use an external polarized AM antenna, be sure to connect the ground cord to the U terminal. The supplied AM antenna cord has no polarity. Tip Adjust the direction of the AM loop antenna for best AM broadcast sound.

Precautions

Play the unit on the power source specified in Specifications. To disconnect the AC power cord (mains lead), pull it out by the plug, not the cord. The unit is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the unit itself has been turned off. The nameplate, the symbol for CLASS II and the dating code are located on the bottom exterior. Do not leave the unit in a location near a heat source such as a radiator or airduct, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, mechanical vibration, or shock. Allow adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build-up. Do not place the unit on a surface (a rug, a blanket, etc.) or near materials (a curtain) which might block the ventilation holes. Should any solid object or liquid fall into the unit, unplug the unit and have it checked by a qualified personnel before operating it any further. To clean the casing, use a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution. Never touch the wire of the external FM antenna during a thunderstorm. Furthermore, immediately disconnect the AC power code from the radio. If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.
To connect the FM antenna
This unit comes supplied with an FM dipole antenna. Connect an antenna that provides good reception to the FM antenna terminal. FM dipole antenna (supplied)
Important Safety Instructions
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. 8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10)Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11)Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12)Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

Adjusting the FM dipole antenna
Be sure to fully extend the FM dipole antenna. Attach the antenna in the shape of a T to a high position on a wall away from this unit. Tip If you have poor FM reception, use a 75 coaxial cable (not supplied) to connect the unit to an outdoor FM antenna as shown below.

Troubleshooting

Should any problem persist after you have made the following checks, consult your nearest Sony dealer. Only analog broadcast is received in an HD Radio reception area. Depending on the conditions, if the incoming signal strength is too weak or unstable, the HD indicator will not flash or light up. In that case, the HD Radio broadcast will be received as an analog signal. Noise occurs. Ensure that the unit and the antenna are not near a digital amplifier or any other components that emits noise.

Outdoor FM antenna

13)Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
DISPLAY BAND SCAN HD SCAN MENU TUNE TUNE SELECT ENTER PRESET PRESET
4 Press SELECT or until current hour 5 Repeat step 4 to set the minute.
The hour is set and the minutes start to flash.
appears in the display, then press ENTER.
Changing the display mode and settings
To change the display mode

Press DISPLAY.

The display changes as follows:
When an HD Radio station is received

Setting the sleep timer

You can enjoy falling asleep to the radio using the builtin sleep timer that turns off the radio automatically after a preset duration.
Note If you do not set the menu within 65 seconds, the setting mode is canceled.
To change the display to the daylight saving time (summer time) indication
1 Press MENU to show the menu display. 2 Press SELECT or to select DST, then
1 Press SLEEP on the remote commander.
SLEEP and the digits for the sleep timer duration appear.
When an analog radio station is received
press ENTER. 3 Press SELECT or to select ON, then press ENTER.
2 Press SLEEP repeatedly to select the desired

sleep timer setting.

Each press changes the setting time as follows: OFF
If you press SLEEP while the unit is turned off, the unit is turned on.
appears and the time indication changes to summer time.
To deactivate the DST function, select OFF in step 3.

Playing the radio

Manual tuning
1 Press / to turn on the radio. 2 Press BAND to select the band AM or FM. 3 Press TUNE + or to tune in to a desired

frequency.

Note The frequency cannot be input with the number buttons of the remote commander.
A Field strength level indicator B Preset number* C Band D Frequency E Current time * When you tune in a station by selecting a preset number. When an analog FM broadcast that supports RBDS (Radio Broadcast Data System) is received
A HD indicator HD indicator Reception status Stays lit Flashes Strong HD signal, digital reception* Weak HD signal, analog reception
After about 4 seconds, SLEEP lights in the display when the duration time is set. The unit automatically turns off when the duration time is passed.
Not displayed No HD signal, analog reception * The HD indicator flashes momentarily at first, and then stays lit. B C D E F G H I J K Field strength level indicator Preset number* Call sign Band Song title/artist name Channel number (FM only) Appears when HD Radio broadcasts multiple program. Press TUNE + or to select a sub channel. Frequency Current time Station name Text information
To change the sleep timer setting
You can press SLEEP repeatedly to select the desired sleep timer setting even after the sleep timer has been activated.
To deactivate the sleep timer

AC power cord

Press / to turn off the unit before the setting time has elapsed, or press SLEEP repeatedly to set the sleep timer to SLEEP OFF in step 2. Note These operations are available only when using the remote commander.

Preset tuning

You can preset 20 stations each for AM and FM.
Presetting a station 1 Follow steps 1 to 3 in Manual tuning to tune the frequency you wish to preset. 2 Press and hold ENTER for a few seconds.
The display changes as follow:
* When you tune in a station by selecting a preset number Note The display item differs depending on the content of a broadcast or the station.

Resetting the unit

The RESET button is located on the rear of the unit. Press this button with a pointed object if the radio fails to function properly. The clock settings and stations you have preset, etc., will revert to the factory preset.
3 Press PRESET + or to select the preset
number, then press ENTER.
The frequency is stored in the selected preset number. To preset another station, repeat these steps. Note If you try to store another station in the same preset number, the previously stored station will be replaced. A B C D E F G Field strength level indicator Preset number* Band Station name Name of station currently tuned in. Frequency Current time Text information Text information transmitted from station.

To change the display settings (BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST)
1 Press MENU to show the menu display. 2 Press SELECT or to select
BRIGHTNESS or CONTRAST, then press ENTER. 3 Press SELECT or to select the setting or to adjust the level, then press ENTER.
BRIGHTNESS: The brightness of the display is selected from HIGH, MIDDLE or LOW. CONTRAST: The contrast of the display can be adjusted by 11 levels. Note If you do not set the menu within 10 seconds, the setting mode is off. Tip You can adjust BRIGHTNESS directly by pressing BRIGHT on the remote commander.
Using the remote commander
Buttons shared on both the remote commander and the unit control the same functions. HD SCAN button The selected band is scanned, and receivable HD Radio stations are received for 3 seconds in order of frequency. SCAN button The selected band is scanned, and receivable radio stations are received for 3 seconds in order of frequency. BRIGHT button To adjust the brightness of the display.

HD SCAN

PRESET

TUNE/ SELECT

Tuning in to a station 1 Press / to turn on the radio. 2 Press BAND to select the band AM or FM. 3 Press PRESET + or to select the desired preset number.
Tip The preset can be selected by pressing the number button of the remote commander. Press ENTER after the preset number is selected.
* When you tune in a station by selecting a preset number. Note The display item differs depending on the content of a broadcast or the station.

Specifications

Time display 12-hour system Frequency range FM : 87.MHz AM : 530 1,710 kHz Audio output Output level 0.7 Vrms at 47 k Recommended load impedance over 10 k Antenna terminal 75 antenna terminal for FM Antenna terminal for AM Power requirements 120 V AC, 60 Hz Dimensions Approx. 160 mm (w/h/d) (7 1/3/3/8 inches) not incl. projecting parts and controls Mass Approx. 1.1 kg (2 lb 6.8 oz) Supplied accessories Remote commander (1) FM dipole antenna (1) AM loop antenna (1) Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

BRIGHT

DISPLAY

Scan tuning

The unit will automatically scan the selected band. In HD scan, HD Radio stations are scanned.

Size AAA (R03) 2

The number 5 and the PRESET + buttons have a tactile dot.
1 Press / to turn on the radio. 2 Press BAND to select the band AM or FM. 3 Press SCAN or HD SCAN on the unit or

remote commander.

Scanning of the selected band starts. When a station is received, scanning pauses for 3 seconds and then continues.
Preparing the remote commander
Installing the batteries into the remote commander (See Fig. B)
Insert two size AAA (R03) batteries (not supplied).

Setting the clock

1 Plug in the unit. 2 Press MENU to show the menu display.
The display will flash AM 12:00.
4 When the unit tunes in to the desired station,
do any of the following operations to stop scanning.
Press ENTER on the unit or remote commander. Press SCAN or HD SCAN.
5 If necessary, press TUNE + or to tune in to
the station more precisely.
When to replace the batteries
With normal use, the batteries should last for about six months. When the remote commander no longer operates the unit, replace all the batteries with new ones. Notes Do not charge dry batteries. When you are not going to use the remote commander for a long time, remove the batteries to avoid any damage caused by leakage and corrosion.
3 Press SELECT or to select TIME SET,

then press ENTER.

The hour will start to flash in the display.

Reliable Reviews

Sony XDR-F1HD
Sony XDR-F1HD Radio Tuner Sony USA www.SonyStyle.com 1-877-865-7669 or Sony store 7 Z\, 6 C\, 2 C\, 2 Z\x lbs List price $100

By David A. Rich

FILTER According to Brian, the Sony has: Adaptive noise reduction that forms a filter that fits the L-R audio spectrum and follows its changes. The filter suppresses noise between and beyond spectral peaks without restricting audio bandwidth. Brian also identified that the Sony has threshold extension, CHIP SETS which suppresses the impulse noise ordinary deThe measured analog performance of the Sony is bettectors generate for weak FM signals. Analog PLL ter than the Sangean HD radio tuners I previously redetectors have some threshold extension, but with viewed in $ensible Sound (Nov./Dec. 07, p. 12). The DSP more sophisticated detectors may offer inSangean uses a TI DSP chip set; the Sony uses a chip creased extension. set from NXP (the old Philips Semiconductor). Of interContinuing from Brians website: To take full advantage of the processing, the XDR-F1HD not switch or abruptly blend to mono the XDR-F1HD is the best tuner doesRF signal levels. The Sony can deliver at low a for analog reception. clean stereo signal with wide channel separation at far weaker signal levels than can any est is the HD functionality achieved in the NXP design other tuner. The only thing remotely comparable is by adding an extra chip to what was called Car DSP a Carver tuner with Asymmetrical Charge Coupled chip. I have long maintained that modern car receivers Detector. perform much better than what you find in a $4000 Take care when comparing an older analog tuner audio video receiver. to these DSP units with low input signal levels. BriI am doing little here but summarizing Brians work. an reports that with a mono input the XDR-F1HD begins to invoke a sliding, first-order, lowpass noise Because the functionality of the NXP and TI chips are filter on L+R signal as the RF level drops below in the DSP code, a service manual will tell you noth26dBf. The filter is similar to the one in the HDTing. Making things even harder is that the datasheets 1X, which begins at 29dBf and whose corner levels for the HD Radio DSP chips are not publicly available. off at 2.9kHz at 3dB. The Sony corner stops falling Brian thus had to do a significant amount of reverse at 3.2kHz. He found the unit was down 13dB at engineering. Making evaluation more complex is the 15kHz with a 16dBf input. fact that not only do the chip set differences change
In his recent online review (www.ham-radio.com/K6sti/xdr-f1hd.htm), Brian Beezley concluded the XDRF1HD is the best tuner for analog reception. Brian is the only reviewer still making measurements of FM tuners. The catalyst for improved performance is the DSP signal processing that replaced the analog IF and MPX sections of the analog tuner. Complete measurements are on Brians website (www.ham-radio.com/ k6sti/x_dr-f1hd.htm) to allow you to compare this tuner to the best analog units made from the 60s to 80s.
performance, but also software code options that the manufacturer selects change performance. Significantly more technical information is on Brians website than appears here.

audioXpress 8/09

www.audioXpress.com
When the signal level is high enough to turn off the sliding filter, the stereo frequency response is flatter for the Sony in comparison to the Sangean. Brians review of the Sangean is found at http:// ham-radio.com/k6sti/hdt-1x.htm. Sonys adaptive noise reduction discussed previously also helps to suppress noise from co-channel interference and multipath distortion at all signal levels compared to the Sangean. RECEPTION The Sony and Sangean units received the same number of stations in HD mode at my home despite the differences in chip sets. Note that both tuners use simple version 1980s style RF sections that require alignment, and if the tuner is not correctly aligned you will not get as many HD stations. Making objective measurements of the tuners HD performance is impossible because no cost-effective HD radio modulator exists. The Sangean HDT-1X has an S/PDIF output that eliminates DAC ADC interface to an AV receiver. However, the digital encoding used in HD radio (96kbits/sec with no secondary channel) may obliterate the sonic difference of a digital connection. The Sangean has carrier-to-noise ratio readout that allows you to best aim your antenna for optimal HD reception in marginal reception areas. Because HD is digital, it is all or nothing. In a marginal area, the tuner may flop back and forth between HD and analog, which is worse than analog alone even with a bit of noise. That is why the Sangean HDT-1X offers forced analog, which is not available on the Sony. The Sangean also has forced mono. Brian has modified the Sony for forced analog by cutting a trace and adding a switch (see his website) if you want the Sony to be able to have both HD and forced analog reception. Onlythetrace cut is required if you want to turn the tuner into an analog only unit. The retrofit is only for the experienced amateur or a reliable repair shop even for the one cut, because it is hard to get inside the unit and the traces are small. Obviously, your warranty is toast after the mod. A cautionary note: The Sony resembles a table radio and becomes rather hot with all the electronics shoehorned into its compact shell. The Sony has ten flimsy buttons on top of the unit, which provide almost all functions. The remote adds only a couple more. The muting is marginal as you scan stations with a small burst of noise as it passes each station. FEATURES The Sangean is a full-sized component and feels more solid. All functionality resident on the front panel is a real luxury, though it requires navigating 21 touch controls. All the extra buttons on the Sangean allow for direct entry of a stations frequency, making it much easier to tune a station than using the scan buttons. Buttons also vary in size and shape on the Sangean. You can see where the $120 difference in price goes. Unfortunately, the Sangeans have a number of bugs that are identified on Brians website. Sangean appears unwilling to clean them all up although several updates were issued (which required the return of the unit). A summary of the problems with the HDT-1 series is found on Brians website. I never found that any of these bugs bothered me, but I did not set any presets or use the AM HD tuner. Brian notes the Sony forgets many user settings if the power goes out for more than a few minutes. Modifications on his website allow the tuner to retain data longer. If you want to achieve a weak analog signal from a station with HD, you may need the Sangean despite its poorer analog performance to prevent the HD flip-flop problems, provided you do not want to perform dangerous surgery on the Sony. The price of the Sony is about $120 less at street prices, however, and that difference might go a long way to putting in an outdoor antenna if you and your neighbors find the structure acceptable. A good antenna could turn flip-floppers into solid HD stations, but there are no guarantees. I, however, have found better indoor FM antennas (Audioprism 8500 and Terk FM Pro) do little to prevent the flip-flop, although they can improve your ability to bring in a weak analog signal over a floppy dipole. The FCC may evaluate increasing the power of the HD signal, but this would increase the noise of adjacent analog stations and may block weaker ones. I would not expect any rule change soon. Deciding between the Sangean HDT-1X and the Sony is arbitrated by your signal conditions and tolerance for a clock-radio type of thing proximate to your $2000 preamp. Despite its looks, the Sony appears to be free of the operational bugs the Sangean units have. If you have HD flip-floppers, want a stock unit, and have no desire to install a better antenna, opt for the Sangean HDT-1X. If you want to get a weak analog signal with no HD interference, the Sony rr must be your choice.