Sony ZSBTY50 Manual

PERSONAL AUDIO SYSTEM

Operating Instructions

©2012 Sony Corporation     Printed in China

ZS-BTY50

4-440-743-

11(2)

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.

You are cautioned that any changes or 
modifications not expressly approved in this 
manual could void your authority to operate this 
equipment.
This equipment must not be co-located or 
operated in conjunction with any other antenna 
or transmitter.
This equipment complies with FCC/IC radiation 
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled 
environment and meets the FCC radio frequency 
(RF) Exposure Guidelines in Supplement C to 
OET65 and RSS-102 of the IC radio frequency (RF) 
Exposure rules.
This equipment has very low levels of RF energy 
that it deemed to comply without maximum 
permissive exposure evaluation (MPE). But it is 
desirable that it should be installed and operated 
keeping the radiator at least 20 cm or more away 
from person’s body (excluding extremities: 
hands, wrists, feet and ankles).

This symbol is intended to alert 
the user to the presence of 
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” 
within the product’s 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.

This graphical symbol is located on the bottom 
of the unit.

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do 
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
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.
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.
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.
Do not install the appliance in a confined space, 
such as a bookcase or built-in cabinet.
Excessive sound pressure from earphones and 
headphones can cause hearing loss.
Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or 
batteries installed) to excessive heat such as 
sunshine, fire or the like for a long time.
The nameplate is located on the bottom exterior.

The model and serial numbers are located on the  
bottom of the unit. Record these numbers in the 
space provided below. Refer to them whenever 
you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this 
product.

Model No.  ZS-BTY50                      
Serial No.                                         

1)  Read these instructions.
2)  Keep these instructions.
3)  Heed all warnings.
4)  Follow all instructions.
5)  Do not use this apparatus near water.
6)  Clean only with dry cloth.
7)  Do not block any ventilation openings. Install 

in accordance with the manufacturer’s 
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.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning 

storms or when unused for long periods of 
time.

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.

Connect the AC power cord , or insert six R14 (size C) batteries (not supplied) into the battery 
compartment .

To a wall outlet

To AC IN

AC power cord 
(supplied)

Notes
 Replace the batteries when the OPR/BATT indicator  dims, or when the unit becomes inoperable. Replace all 

the batteries with new ones. Before you replace the batteries, be sure to disconnect any optional component 

from the unit.

 To use the unit on batteries, disconnect the AC power cord from the unit and the wall outlet.

*

/ENTER  has a 

tactile dot.

The illumination on the handle has the 
following two features.

Indication of function change ()
When you switch to one of four functions, the 
illumination increases in intensity to notify 
the user of function change. The illumination 
is blue for Bluetooth and white for other 
functions.

Lighting effects for audio output ()
Lighting effects, in red, are created that 
synchronize with the music source. You can 
turn this function on or off as desired (See 
“Turning off the light sync function”).

The light sync function of this unit creates 
lighting effects that synchronize with the music 
source. By default, this function is on but you can 
turn it off as desired.

Press LIGHT SYNC  until “LIGHT SYNC OFF” 
appears on the display.

To turn on the function, press the button again 
until “LIGHT SYNC ON” appears while a music 
source is being output in any function.

Using the Bluetooth connection, you can listen to 
music from wirelessly connected Bluetooth 
devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, 
music players, etc.
This unit supports non-NFC compatible 
Bluetooth devices (hereafter “Bluetooth 
device(s)”) and NFC-compatible smartphones.

Compatibility requirements for the devices are as 

follows. Before using with this unit, check that 

your device meets the requirements.
 Devices must conform to Bluetooth 

Standard version 3.0.

 Devices must support A2DP (Advanced 

Audio Distribution Profile) and AVRCP 
(Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).

 NFC capability (required only when using 

the NFC pairing function of the unit).

For the latest information on compatible 

Bluetooth devices, including NFC-compatible 

smartphones, check the website below.
For customers in the U.S.A.:

http://www.esupport.sony.com/
For customers in Canada:

(English)

http://www.sony.ca/ElectronicsSupport/

(French)

http://fr.sony.ca/ElectronicsSupport/

Pairing
Bluetooth devices must be “paired” with each 
other beforehand. Once Bluetooth devices are 
paired, there is no need for pairing again, unless 
pairing information is cleared. With this unit, up 
to 9 Bluetooth devices can be paired.
If your device is an NFC-compatible smartphone, 
the manual pairing procedure is not necessary. 
Use the smartphone with this unit along with the 
procedures described under “To connect with a 
smartphone by one touch (NFC).”
When using the Bluetooth function, pay 
attention to the Bluetooth status indicator ( ) on 
the display, which tells you the network status 
between the unit and your device.

Bluetooth 
connection is 
off

Off

Pairing or 
communicating 

Flashes

Connection is 
established 

Constantly on

Keep the Bluetooth device and the unit within 1 
meter (39 3/8 in) of each other for this operation.

1  Press BLUETOOTH 



 to turn on the 

Bluetooth function.

2  Press and hold BLUETOOTH   PAIRING 



 

to activate the pairing mode of the unit.

When pairing mode is activated, a 
double-beep will sound and the Bluetooth 
indicator ( ) will flash on the display.
If activation fails, press and hold BLUETOOTH   
PAIRING  again, and try to activate the 
pairing mode again.
To cancel the pairing mode after activation, 
press BLUETOOTH   PAIRING  at least 2 
seconds.

3  Perform the pairing procedure on the 

Bluetooth device.

Turn on the Bluetooth device and activate the 
Bluetooth function on your device. For details, 
refer to the instruction manual of your 
Bluetooth device.
When the Bluetooth function of your device is 
activated, your device will search for pairable 
devices and display a list of detected devices 
on the device display. Select this unit from the 
list. This unit appears as “ZS-BTY50/52/55.”
If “ZS-BTY50/52/55” is not displayed, repeat 
the procedure from step 2.

If a passcode is required
Some Bluetooth devices may require a 4-digit 
passcode. If your device requires the 
passcode, enter “0000.”

When pairing of the device is completed and 
the Bluetooth connection is established, the 
Bluetooth indicator ( ) stops flashing and “BT 
AUDIO” appears on the display.

If you want to pair with another Bluetooth 
device, repeat steps 1 to 3. 

Notes on pairing with a Bluetooth device
 If you turn off the unit or power off the Bluetooth 

device before the Bluetooth connection is 

established, pairing information will not be stored, 

and pairing will not be completed.

 Pairing mode is canceled after about 5 minutes. If 

pairing mode is canceled halfway, start over from 

step 2.

 The operation and display may differ depending 

on the Bluetooth device or the version of 

Bluetooth software installed.

 “Passcode” may be called “Passkey,” “PIN code,” 

“PIN number” or “Password,” etc., depending on 

the Bluetooth device. For details on the passcode, 
refer to the 

instruction manual of your device.

By touching the unit with an NFC-compatible 
smartphone, the unit is turned on automatically, 
and then proceeds to complete pairing and the 
Bluetooth connection automatically.

Smartphones with a built-in NFC function

(OS: Android 2.3.3 or later, excluding Android 3.x)

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a technology 

enabling short-range wireless communication 

between various devices, such as mobile phones 

and IC tags. Thanks to the NFC function, data 

communication can be achieved easily just by 

touching the designated touchpoint on the 

NFC-compatible devices.

1  Download and install the app “NFC Easy 

Connect.”

“NFC Easy Connect” is a free app for Android 
smartphones that can be obtained on Google 
Play. Search for the app using the keyword 
“NFC Easy Connect” on the site, or access the 
download site directly by reading the 
two-dimensional code below.
Note that “NFC Easy Connect” is free but data 
communication fees when downloading are 
charged separately.

Two-dimensional code* for direct access
*  Use a two-dimensional code reader app.

The App may not be available in some countries 

and/or regions.

2  Start the app “NFC Easy Connect” on the 

smartphone.

Make sure that the application screen is 
displayed.

3  Touch the smartphone to the N-marked 

part 



 of the unit until the smartphone 

vibrates.

Vibration cue is provided 

when the smartphone is 

recognized by the unit.

After being recognized by the unit, follow the 
on-screen instructions displayed on the 
smartphone, and complete the procedure for 
Bluetooth connection.
When the Bluetooth connection is established, 
the Bluetooth indicator ( ) stops flashing and 
the message “BT AUDIO” appears on the 
display.

If pairing and the Bluetooth connection fail, do the 

following.

 Relaunch “NFC Easy Connect” and move the 

smartphone slowly over the N-marked part .

 Remove the case from the smartphone if 

using a commercially available smartphone 

case.

Keep the Bluetooth device (or NFC-compatible 
smartphone) and the unit within 10 meters 
(393 3/4 in) of each other, and check the 

following before operation.
 The Bluetooth function of the device is 

activated.

 Pairing and the Bluetooth connection are 

completed correctly. If not, perform the pairing 
procedure beforehand. (See “To pair with a 
Bluetooth device” or “To connect with a 
smartphone by one touch (NFC)”).

 

ĄFor a Bluetooth device

1  Press BLUETOOTH 



 to turn on the 

Bluetooth function.

The last connected device will be connected 
automatically.

2  Start playback of an audio source such as 

music, videos, games, etc., on the device.

Refer to the instruction manual of your device 
for details on playback operations.

ĄFor an NFC-compatible smartphone
Start playback of an audio source such as music, 
videos, games, etc., on the smartphone.
Refer to the instruction manual of your 
smartphone for details on playback operations.

The Bluetooth function turns off when:

 you press POWER  to turn off the unit.

 you switch to a function other than Bluetooth 

function.

If the volume level is low, adjust the volume of the 

unit first. If the volume level is still too low, adjust 

the volume level on the connected Bluetooth device 

or the smartphone.

If the last connected device does not connect 

automatically, reselect the Bluetooth function by 

pressing BLUETOOTH  after POWER , FM , AM 

 or AUDIO IN  is pressed. If it still does not 

connect, select the model name of this unit from the 

device list (perform step 3 in “To pair with a 

Bluetooth device”).

You can terminate the Bluetooth connection 
using any of the following operations.

 

ĄFor a Bluetooth device
 Turn off the unit.
 Turn off the device.
 Press POWER , FM , AM  or AUDIO IN .
 Disable the Bluetooth function on the device.

ĄFor an NFC-compatible smartphone
 Touch the smartphone to the N-marked part  

again.

 Turn off the unit.
 Turn off the device.
 Press POWER , FM , AM  or AUDIO IN .
 Disable the Bluetooth function on the 

smartphone.

To clear the paired device 
information stored in the unit
1  Press BLUETOOTH 



 to turn on the 

Bluetooth function.

2  Press FM MONO 



, DISPLAY 



 and 

TUNE 



 



 at the same time.

“BT RESET” appears on the display.

3  Press ENTER 



 to reset and clear the 

paired device information.

When the paired device information is cleared, 
“COMPLETE” appears on the display.
To cancel this reset operation, press FM MONO 

, DISPLAY  and TUNE   again before 
pressing ENTER .

1  Press FM 



 or AM 



 to select the band.

2  Press and hold TUNE + or 



 



 until the 

frequency digits begin to change on the 
display.

    

The unit automatically scans the radio 
frequencies and stops when it finds a clear 
station.
If you cannot tune to a station using the 
automatic tuning mode, press TUNE + or 

  

repeatedly to change the frequency step by 
step.
When an FM stereo broadcast is received, “ST” 
lights up on the display.

If the stereo FM reception is noisy, press FM MONO 

 until “MONO” appears on the display. You will 

lose the stereo effect, but the broadcast will 

improve.

      

 Reorient the antenna to improve FM reception.

 Reorient the unit itself to improve AM 

reception.

Press POWER . You can also turn on the power 
of this unit using the direct power-on function 
(below).
In this manual, operations are mainly explained 
using the direct power-on function.

Press BLUETOOTH , FM , AM  or AUDIO IN 

 while the unit is turned off. The power turns 
on directly in the selected function.

Turn VOLUME control  clockwise (+) or counter 
clockwise (

).

The volume level of this unit is adjustable in 
steps from 0 to 31. For the 31st step, “VOL MAX” is 
displayed.

Connect headphones to the 

 (headphones) jack 

.

Press MEGA BASS .
“MEGA BASS” lights up on the display.
To return to normal sound, press the button 
again.

This device complies with Industry Canada 
licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two 
conditions: (1) this device may not cause 
interference, and (2) this device must accept any 
interference, including interference that may 
cause undesired operation of the device.

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio 
transmitter may only operate using an antenna 
of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved 
for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce 
potential radio interference to other users, the 
antenna type and its gain should be so chosen 
that the equivalent isotropically radiated power 
(e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for 
successful communication.