How To Remove Protected Mode From Sony Home Theatre [Step By Step Guide]

A Sony home theatre is a good investment for keeping your family entertained. However, you might see a PROTECT message flashing when the device experiences an issue. Luckily, the solutions for dealing with this message are easy to follow. We did research to help you learn how to remove the PROTECT mode from your Sony home theatre.

You can remove the PROTECT mode by doing one of the following:

• Turn off and unplug the device from the power source for at least 30 minutes.
• Let the device cool off for 15 minutes. Keep the top of the device well-ventilated to avoid overheating.
• Reduce the volume of your connected low-impedance speaker. 
• Fix the speaker cord connections.

Check the A/V receiver status after performing one of the above steps to see if it solved the problem. After you remove the PROTECT mode, you will need to know how to avoid this message in the future. Continue reading to learn how to deal with the PROTECT mode. 

Troubleshooting Sony Home Theatre PROTECT Mode

Your Sony home theatre is in PROTECT mode if it displays the words PROTECT/PROTECTOR on the receiver. The mode is also on if the words PROTECTOR and PUSH POWER alternate on your device.

This mode is normal and will not damage your device as long as you follow the correct troubleshooting tips.

How To Remove PROTECT Mode

If the PROTECT message is flashing on your Sony home theatre, below are some solutions you can try:

• Turn off the device.
• If there was a recent power outage or surge, you need to reset the internal surge protection circuit. Turn off and unplug the device from the power outlet. Disconnect any speakers or amplifiers. Leave it off for at least 30 minutes before turning it back on. 
• If you use the device continuously during the day, it could overheat. Let the device cool for at least 15 minutes or more. To prevent overheating, keep your device in a well-ventilated cabinet. 
• Reduce the volume of the speakers. The speakers might be outside of the specifications for the home theatre. If that's the case, replace them with the appropriate type. If you cannot replace the speakers, you can auto-calibrate them by entering SPEAKER SETUP.

After trying each solution, you should check the A/V receiver status. The A/V receiver is a multi-channel device that's vital for home theatre system functions. 

You can also refer to your product manual for model-specific instructions.

If you have exhausted all the remedies and the problem persists, there might be permanent damage inside the device. In that case, take it to the nearest service center.

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PROTECT Mode Shows When Speakers Are Not Connected

Another issue that might trigger the PROTECT message is a disconnected speaker in the system. All of the speakers must be connected to the device. You can solve the issue by following the process below:

1. Connect all the speaker cords to the correct terminals.
2. Turn off the device. Check the following after STANDBY disappears:
   • Any short-circuit of the + and - speaker cords
   • Any blockage in the ventilation holes of the device
3. If there are no issues, turn on the device.

If the PROTECT message still appears, take the device to a Sony service center.

What Does The PROTECT Mode Do?

For home theatre devices, the PROTECT mode prevents damage to internal parts. The mode also protects the speakers, amplifiers, or anything that's connected.

The device enters this mode if there is an electrical surge or power outage. When the device experiences a strong signal or a short circuit, the PROTECT message will appear on the receiver.

You will not be able to use the device, specifically the speakers, if it is in PROTECT mode. You can only use the device when you have solved the issue. 

What Causes The PROTECT Mode To Appear?

Your Sony home theatre will display the PROTECT message due to an external speaker problem or connection issues affecting the protection circuit. 

Here are the common reasons:

• Covered receiver
• Frayed or in-contact cords
• Short-circuits after an electric surge or power failure
• Overloading by attaching too many speakers
• Poor or blocked ventilation
• Using a low-impedance speaker
• Faulty internal components

Learn below how you can prevent the receiver from flashing the PROTECT message.

How To Avoid Entering PROTECT Mode

The PROTECT mode will disrupt your entertainment activities. You can avoid this problem with your home theatre if you follow the tips below:

• Make sure the wires connect to the right terminals.
• Make sure the device is properly ventilated, so you avoid overheating.
• Remove objects blocking the receiver from the connected speakers, amplifiers, or other audio and video devices. 
• Use speakers with impedance within the specified range of your device's model. If you use a low-impedance speaker, auto-calibrate it first. 

When you know how to care for your Sony home theatre, you can maximize its functions and keep it in good condition.

Can The Speaker Impedance Differ From The Receiver?

According to Sony, if you match the A/V receiver with low-impedance speakers, it damages the receiver hardware. The ohm rating of home theatre receivers and speakers ranges from 4 to 8 ohms.

You should check the ohm rating of the device to ind the right speakers. The ohm rating of your desired speaker should have an impedance greater or equal to the home theatre's rating.

The higher the ohm rating, the higher the impedance. As a result, the flow of power from the speakers to the system will be better.

How To Set Up Speakers With Sony Home Theatre System

Once you have compatible speakers, you can set up your home theatre. You should connect the speaker cords to the A/V receiver. 

Below are the steps to follow:

1. Turn off your A/V receiver.
2. Prepare the speaker cords and check the terminals these connect to.
3. There are various types of terminals at the rear of the terminal. Each has a different way to connect.
   • Spring clips: Press both red and black clips, then insert the speaker cord on the slot. Release the clips afterward.
   • Binding post: Loosen the red and black posts by turning them counterclockwise. Insert the cords, and tighten them by turning them clockwise.
4. Afterward, connect the end of the cord to the speakers. 

Here are more tips to get the best sound from your home theatre system:

• Find a good position in the room for locating the speakers. 
• Use enough speakers to create a full stereo or surround sound. Speaker bundles are available on the market that are compatible with home theater systems. You can add a subwoofer if you usually watch movies.
• Place the speakers at the right angles, which can be around 22-30 degrees. 
• Adjust the equalizer and volume of the device.
• Calibrate your speakers using smart applications such as Amazon and Google.

You can read the speaker manual to integrate other features with the home theatre system.

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Controlling Your Sony Home Theatre

With advanced technology, you can easily control your Sony home theatre. Sony gives you on-screen control of your home theatre through the TV menu. You can access the menu from the APPLICATIONS section.

With the control, it can automatically detect compatible studio systems. The control also allows you to modify your audio settings and inputs.

You can use the control if you connect the device to a compatible TV and audio system. You should also connect it with an HDMI cable and high-speed internet. 

Check if your model has this feature so you can benefit from it when using your Sony home theatre.

In Closing

There are ways to remove the PROTECT mode of a Sony home theatre. You can reset the device and leave it off for 30 minutes.

Another way is to reduce the volume of a low-impedance speaker. After you have tried these solutions, you should check the A/V receiver if the message no longer appears.

You can easily solve this device issue if you know the causes of the problem. The common reasons include a power outage or surge, poor ventilation, and incompatible speakers.

You can avoid seeing the PROTECT message if you know how to care for the system. You only need to follow the simple solutions to use your Sony home theatre without any hassle.

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