Disabling Front Speakers on Sony HT-S20R for Windows

In this article, we'll explore the process of disabling the front speakers on a Sony HT-S20R 5.1 sound system when connected to a Windows computer via HDMI ARC or 3.5mm audio SPDIF jack. This can be helpful if the front speakers are causing disturbances or if you prefer to use other speakers for your audio output.

Understanding the Sony HT-S20R Sound System

The Sony HT-S20R is a 5.1 channel home theater system that delivers immersive surround sound, enhancing your listening experience, especially when watching movies or playing video games. The system comes with various connection options, including HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and a 3.5mm audio SPDIF jack, allowing you to connect it to different devices, such as TVs and computers.

Connecting the Sony HT-S20R to a Windows Computer

To connect your Sony HT-S20R sound system to a Windows computer, you can use either HDMI ARC or the 3.5mm audio SPDIF jack. HDMI ARC provides higher-quality audio and can transmit both audio and video signals via a single HDMI cable. The 3.5mm audio SPDIF jack, on the other hand, is an analog connection suitable for older computers or devices without HDMI support.

Connecting via HDMI ARC

To connect your sound system to your Windows computer via HDMI ARC, follow these steps:

1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI OUT (ARC) port on your computer's graphics card or motherboard.
2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI IN (ARC) port on your Sony HT-S20R's receiver or control unit.

Connecting via 3.5mm audio SPDIF jack

To connect your sound system to your Windows computer via the 3.5mm audio SPDIF jack, follow these steps:

1. Connect the 3.5mm audio cable to the SPDIF OUT port on your computer's sound card or motherboard.
2. Connect the other end of the 3.5mm audio cable to the SPDIF IN port on your Sony HT-S20R's receiver or control unit.

Disabling Front Speakers on Sony HT-S20R for Windows

Once you have successfully connected your Sony HT-S20R sound system to your Windows computer, you can proceed with disabling the front speakers following these steps:

Using the Sony HT-S20R control unit

If your sound system's control unit has a front speaker disable option, follow these steps:

1. Press the 'Speaker' or 'Audio' button on your control unit to enter the speaker settings menu.
2. Use the navigation buttons to select 'Front Speaker Off' or a similar option.
3. Press 'Enter' or 'Select' to confirm the change.

Using audio management software on Windows

If your control unit does not have a front speaker disable option, you can use audio management software on your Windows computer to disable the front speakers:

1. Right-click on the speaker icon in your system tray and click 'Sounds'.
2. In the 'Playback' tab, right-click on your Sony HT-S20R device and click 'Properties'.

3. In the 'Levels' tab, locate the front left and front right speaker sliders, and set them to '0'.

4. Click 'Apply' to save the changes.

• Understanding the Sony HT-S20R sound system and its connection options with a Windows computer is essential for configuring your audio output.
• You can connect your sound system to your Windows computer using HDMI ARC or the 3.5mm audio SPDIF jack.
• If your control unit has a front speaker disable option, use it to mute the front speakers. Otherwise, use audio management software on your Windows computer to mute the front speakers.

References

• Sony, (2019). HT-S20R 5.1ch Dolby Digital Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer. Product Page
• Microsoft, (2021). Change the audio settings on your PC. Microsoft Support Article
• AVForums, (2015). How to disable front speakers in a 5.1 setup. Discussion Thread