The Sony DVD 330, 360, 530, 550, 560 and 570 players have the ability to automatically calibrate
The Sony 330, 360, 530, 550, 560 and 570 players have the ability to automatically calibrate the playback functions of DVDs and CDs.
If you are willing to accept any risks involved in the execution of this procedure, the instructions follow.
Before you start, have ready at least two dual layer DVDs (RSDL) and two single layer DVDs.
The reason that I recommend having two of each type disc is that the player might produce an error message on one of the discs due to some imperfection and you will have another to fall back on on the second disc.
You can also run the audio CD calibration if you want.
The calibration procedure for a SACD disc will be skipped. The apparent ability of Sony DVD players to play Super Audio Compact Discs is an undocumented feature and I have not heard of anyone reporting on this feature. If you desire this prodecure please see the service manual.
For complete details, you need a service manual, available from the manufacture.
HOW TO PREFORM THE CALIBRATION
Read the SERVICE MODE WARNING before proceeding.
Make sure that the DVD player is turned OFF and in the stand-by mode with the little red LED glowing above the on/off button.
To enter the service mode/test mode, press: [TIME] [CLEAR] [POWER] -or- [TITLE] [CLEAR] [POWER] via remote control.
This will produce the following menu:
Test Mode Menu
0. Syscon Diagnosis
1. Drive Auto Adjustment
2. Drive Manual Operation
3. Mecha Aging
4. Emergency History
5. Version Information
6. Video Level Adjustment
Exit: POWER Key
What each item does;
Syscon Diagnosis = Leave this for service technicians.
Drive Auto Adjustment = Automatically calibrates DVDs and CDs.
Drive Manual Operation = Manually calibrates DVDs and CDs with prompts for permission to skip, execute and/or proceed after each adjustment is made or skipped. Offers a fascinating look at all of the many adjustments made, but this method is time consuming.
Mecha Aging = Allows auto repeat mode for testing purposes.
Emergency History = Shows the number of hours on your machine.
Version Information = Shows firmware version.
Video Level Adjustment = Test pattern.
Press #1 (Drive Auto Adjustment) on the remote and the following menu will appear:
Drive Auto Adjustment
0. All
1. DVD-SL
2. CD
3. DVD-DL
4. SACD
Exit: RETURN
Press #1 (DVD-SL) on the remote and insert a Single Layer DVD when the drawer opens.
Even though you may be interrested in calibrating only a dual-layer DVD, do not skip the single-layer calibration proceedure. For some reason, the player prefers to first calibrate a single-layer DVD before proceeding to a dual-layer disc. Error messages may result if the single-layer calibration proceedure is not performed first.
Press the enter key and the machine will begin to calibrate all of the playback features. When calibration is completed, follow the onscreen instructions to return to the above menu.
When the Drive Auto Adjustment menu returns, press #3 (DVD-DL) on the remote and insert a Dual Layer DVD when the drawer opens. Follow the instructions as noted above.
When calibration is completed, follow the onscreen instructions to exit from the Test Mode Menu. Now you can turn the player back on and try your dual layer discs to see if the layer change has improved.
If you have any concerns about trying this service mode calibration, leave it for an authorized service facility.
DUAL OR SINGLE LAYER?
There are some exceptions to this rule, but for the most part, you can tell the difference between Dual-Layered Discs and Single-Layer Discs by the following:
Dual-Layered Disc
Total movie run time in excess of 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Has a translucent gold tint to the disc’s data surface.
Single-Sided Disc
Total move run time of less than 1 hours, 45 minutes (and no extras!).
Has an opaque silver colored data surface (like that of a CD).
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