Control Sony UBP-X800/X800M2 With Bravia Sync HDMI CEC TV Remote Guide

Introduction to Bravia Sync and HDMI-CEC

Bravia Sync, Sony's implementation of the HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) standard, offers a convenient way to control multiple devices connected to your TV using just one remote. This technology allows seamless interaction between your Sony UBP-X800 or UBP-X800M2 Ultra HD Blu-ray player and your Sony Bravia television. By leveraging the HDMI-CEC protocol, you can simplify your entertainment setup and reduce the clutter of multiple remotes. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of setting up and utilizing Bravia Sync with your Sony Blu-ray player, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience. This section will cover everything from the basic principles of HDMI-CEC to the specific steps required to enable Bravia Sync on your devices, providing you with the knowledge needed to take full advantage of this feature.

Understanding HDMI-CEC is crucial for grasping the capabilities of Bravia Sync. HDMI-CEC enables devices connected via HDMI to communicate and control each other. For instance, when you turn on your Blu-ray player, your TV can automatically switch to the correct HDMI input. Similarly, you can use your TV remote to control the playback functions of the Blu-ray player, such as play, pause, fast forward, and rewind. This interoperability streamlines your home theater setup, making it more user-friendly and efficient. The beauty of Bravia Sync lies in its ability to integrate seamlessly with other HDMI-CEC compatible devices, potentially extending control to soundbars, AV receivers, and other peripherals. To fully appreciate the convenience of Bravia Sync, it's essential to first ensure that all your devices support HDMI-CEC and that the feature is enabled in their respective settings. In the following sections, we'll explore the specific steps for enabling Bravia Sync on your Sony UBP-X800 and UBP-X800M2 players, as well as your Sony Bravia TV, to unlock the full potential of this technology.

Prerequisites for Using Bravia Sync

Before diving into the setup process, ensure you meet the necessary prerequisites for utilizing Bravia Sync with your Sony UBP-X800 or UBP-X800M2 Blu-ray player. The first and most crucial requirement is that both your Blu-ray player and your Sony Bravia TV must support HDMI-CEC. This feature is typically enabled by default on most modern Sony Bravia TVs but might require manual activation on the Blu-ray player. The next prerequisite is having high-quality HDMI cables. While HDMI-CEC can technically function with older HDMI cables, using HDMI cables that support the latest standards ensures reliable communication between devices. Poor quality cables can lead to intermittent connection issues, control lag, or even a complete failure of the Bravia Sync functionality. Therefore, investing in certified high-speed HDMI cables is highly recommended for optimal performance. Another important factor is the HDMI port you use to connect your Blu-ray player to your TV. Some TVs have specific HDMI ports labeled with ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). While Bravia Sync can work through any HDMI port, using an ARC/eARC-enabled port may offer additional benefits, such as simplified audio routing if you have a soundbar or AV receiver. Ensure that your Blu-ray player is connected directly to the TV and not through an intermediate device like an AV receiver, at least initially, for troubleshooting purposes.

Finally, it's crucial to have the latest firmware installed on both your Sony UBP-X800/X800M2 and your Bravia TV. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can enhance the stability and compatibility of Bravia Sync. Check the manufacturer's websites or the device's settings menu for available updates. In addition to these hardware and software prerequisites, it's also beneficial to understand the basic operation of your devices' menus and settings. Familiarizing yourself with the navigation structure of both your TV and Blu-ray player will make the setup process smoother and more efficient. With these prerequisites in place, you'll be well-prepared to enable and configure Bravia Sync, allowing you to control your Blu-ray player with your TV remote seamlessly. The following sections will guide you through the step-by-step process of enabling Bravia Sync on both your Sony UBP-X800/X800M2 and your Bravia TV.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Bravia Sync on Sony UBP-X800/X800M2

To enable Bravia Sync on your Sony UBP-X800 or UBP-X800M2 Blu-ray player, you'll need to navigate through the player's settings menu. Start by turning on your Blu-ray player and using the remote to access the Home menu. The Home menu is the central hub for accessing various functions and settings on your player. From the Home menu, locate and select the Setup icon. This icon usually resembles a toolbox or a gear and leads to the player's configuration options. Within the Setup menu, you'll find several subcategories; look for HDMI Settings or a similarly named option. This is where you'll find the settings related to HDMI connectivity and control features like Bravia Sync. Once you've entered the HDMI Settings menu, search for the Control for HDMI option. This is the specific setting that enables the HDMI-CEC functionality, which is the foundation of Bravia Sync. The option might be labeled differently depending on the firmware version, but it will generally include the phrase "Control for HDMI." Toggle this setting to On or Enabled. This activates the HDMI-CEC communication protocol on your Blu-ray player.

After enabling Control for HDMI, there may be additional related settings that you can configure. One such setting is often labeled Power Off Link or Power On Link. These settings determine how your Blu-ray player responds to power commands from your TV and vice versa. For example, if you enable Power Off Link, turning off your TV will automatically turn off your Blu-ray player. Similarly, Power On Link will turn on your Blu-ray player when you turn on your TV. Configuring these settings according to your preferences can further streamline your entertainment experience. Once you've enabled Control for HDMI and adjusted any related settings, exit the Setup menu and allow your Blu-ray player to save the changes. It's often a good idea to power cycle both your Blu-ray player and your TV after making these changes to ensure they are properly recognized. With Bravia Sync enabled on your Blu-ray player, the next step is to enable it on your Sony Bravia TV. The following section will provide a detailed guide on how to do this, completing the setup process for controlling your Blu-ray player with your TV remote.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Bravia Sync on Sony Bravia TV

Enabling Bravia Sync on your Sony Bravia TV is just as crucial as enabling it on your Blu-ray player. To begin, power on your Sony Bravia TV and press the Home button on your TV remote. This will bring up the TV's Home menu, which serves as the central hub for accessing various settings and applications. Navigate through the Home menu to find the Settings option. This may be represented by a gear icon or labeled as "Settings." Select the Settings option to access the TV's configuration menu. Within the Settings menu, look for a category related to External Inputs or External Devices. This section is where you'll find settings related to devices connected to your TV via HDMI and other inputs. Select the External Inputs or External Devices category to proceed. In the External Inputs/Devices menu, you should find an option specifically labeled HDMI Control or Bravia Sync Settings. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your TV model and firmware version. Select this option to access the Bravia Sync settings.

Within the Bravia Sync Settings menu, you'll typically find a master switch to enable or disable Bravia Sync (HDMI-CEC) functionality. Ensure that this switch is set to On or Enabled. This activates the HDMI-CEC protocol on your TV, allowing it to communicate with connected devices like your Sony UBP-X800 or UBP-X800M2 Blu-ray player. In addition to the master switch, there may be other related settings you can configure. One common setting is Device Control Keys, which allows you to customize how your TV remote controls connected devices. For example, you can specify whether the TV remote's playback buttons (play, pause, fast forward, etc.) should control the Blu-ray player or another connected device. Another useful setting is Auto Device Off, which automatically turns off connected devices when you turn off your TV. Similarly, Auto TV On can automatically turn on your TV when you turn on a connected device like your Blu-ray player. Configure these settings according to your preferences to optimize your viewing experience. Once you've enabled Bravia Sync and adjusted the related settings, exit the Settings menu. Your TV should now be able to communicate with and control your Sony UBP-X800/X800M2 Blu-ray player via HDMI-CEC. In the next section, we'll cover how to use your TV remote to control your Blu-ray player and troubleshoot any potential issues.

Using Your TV Remote to Control the Blu-ray Player

With Bravia Sync enabled on both your Sony Bravia TV and your UBP-X800/X800M2 Blu-ray player, you can now use your TV remote to control the Blu-ray player's functions. This simplifies your entertainment setup and reduces the need for multiple remotes. To start using your TV remote, ensure that both devices are powered on and connected via HDMI. Your TV should automatically recognize the Blu-ray player as a Bravia Sync device. To control the Blu-ray player, you typically don't need to switch inputs manually. When you insert a disc into the Blu-ray player or start playing content, your TV should automatically switch to the correct HDMI input. If this doesn't happen automatically, you can manually select the input using your TV remote's input selection button. Once the correct input is selected, you can use the TV remote's playback buttons (play, pause, fast forward, rewind, etc.) to control the Blu-ray player. These buttons should function exactly as they would on the Blu-ray player's remote. You can also use the TV remote's menu and navigation buttons to browse the Blu-ray player's menus and settings.

In addition to basic playback controls, Bravia Sync allows you to perform other functions, such as powering on and off the Blu-ray player using the TV remote. If you've enabled the Power Off Link setting, turning off your TV will automatically turn off the Blu-ray player. Similarly, if you've enabled the Power On Link setting, turning on the Blu-ray player will automatically turn on your TV. These features further streamline your entertainment experience and make it more convenient to use your home theater system. Some Bravia TV remotes also have a dedicated Sync Menu button. Pressing this button brings up a menu that allows you to directly control Bravia Sync devices, select inputs, and access other related settings. This menu provides a convenient way to manage your connected devices and troubleshoot any issues. If you encounter any problems controlling your Blu-ray player with your TV remote, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. The next section will provide a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting common Bravia Sync issues, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Troubleshooting Common Bravia Sync Issues

Even with proper setup, you might occasionally encounter issues with Bravia Sync. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them, ensuring your Sony UBP-X800/X800M2 Blu-ray player and Bravia TV communicate seamlessly. One of the most common issues is the TV not recognizing the Blu-ray player as a Bravia Sync device. If this happens, the first step is to verify that HDMI-CEC is enabled on both the TV and the Blu-ray player. Double-check the settings menus on both devices to ensure that the “Control for HDMI” or “Bravia Sync” option is turned on. Another potential cause is a faulty HDMI cable. Try using a different HDMI cable, preferably a high-speed certified one, to rule out this possibility. Ensure the HDMI cable is securely connected to both the TV and the Blu-ray player. Sometimes, simply unplugging and re-plugging the HDMI cable can resolve connection issues.

If the TV recognizes the Blu-ray player but the remote isn't controlling it, check the Device Control Keys setting in the TV's Bravia Sync menu. Make sure that the remote is set to control the Blu-ray player and not another device. Power cycling both devices can also help resolve control issues. Turn off both the TV and the Blu-ray player, unplug them from the power outlet, wait a few minutes, and then plug them back in and turn them on. This can often clear temporary glitches and restore proper communication. Firmware issues can also cause Bravia Sync problems. Ensure that both your TV and Blu-ray player have the latest firmware installed. Check the manufacturer's websites or the device's settings menu for available updates. Another potential issue is interference from other devices. Some devices, such as certain soundbars or AV receivers, can interfere with HDMI-CEC communication. If you have other devices connected to your TV, try disconnecting them temporarily to see if this resolves the issue. If you're still experiencing problems, try resetting the Bravia Sync settings on both the TV and the Blu-ray player. This will restore the default settings and may resolve conflicts. In some cases, a factory reset of both devices may be necessary, but this should be considered a last resort as it will erase all your custom settings. By systematically troubleshooting these common issues, you can often resolve Bravia Sync problems and enjoy the convenience of controlling your Blu-ray player with your TV remote.

Conclusion

In conclusion, utilizing Bravia Sync with your Sony UBP-X800 or UBP-X800M2 Blu-ray player and Sony Bravia TV offers a streamlined and convenient way to manage your home entertainment system. By enabling HDMI-CEC functionality, you can control your Blu-ray player with your TV remote, reducing clutter and simplifying your viewing experience. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the prerequisites, setup steps, usage, and troubleshooting tips for Bravia Sync. Ensuring that both your devices support HDMI-CEC, using high-quality HDMI cables, and keeping your firmware updated are crucial for optimal performance. By following the step-by-step instructions, you can easily enable Bravia Sync on both your Blu-ray player and your TV. Once set up, you can enjoy the convenience of controlling your Blu-ray player's playback functions, navigating menus, and even powering on and off the device using your TV remote.

However, like any technology, Bravia Sync may occasionally encounter issues. This guide has also addressed common problems, such as the TV not recognizing the Blu-ray player, remote control issues, and interference from other devices. By systematically troubleshooting these potential issues, you can often resolve them and restore seamless communication between your devices. Remember to check your HDMI cable connections, power cycle your devices, and verify your settings to ensure everything is properly configured. In essence, Bravia Sync is a valuable feature that enhances the user experience by simplifying device control and reducing the complexity of home theater setups. By understanding the principles of HDMI-CEC and following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can maximize the benefits of Bravia Sync and enjoy a more integrated and user-friendly entertainment system. Whether you're watching Ultra HD Blu-rays, streaming content, or simply navigating menus, Bravia Sync provides a seamless and intuitive way to control your Sony UBP-X800/X800M2 Blu-ray player with your Sony Bravia TV remote.