General Features
DVD/Video CD Features
Changer Controls
Display Note

General Features

Drive S HX: The MEX-R5 features the Drive S HX chassis platform. Drive S HX includes the CD mechanism, audio stages, 12 V power supply, and tuner section. The CD mechanism includes an improved suspension to resist shocks, a new motor that draws less power, and a fast new low-current pickup that improves durability and CD playback accuracy. The Drive S HX chassis also employs advanced high capacity audio capacitors for improved audio signal stabilization. The 52W x 4 S-MOSFET Power IC produces clearer, more accurate sound, less distortion, and a higher signal-to-noise ratio than previous designs.

CEA-2006 Compliant: The specifications given by Sony for the built-in amplifier comply with the CEA-2006 mobile amplifier power testing and measurement standards from the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association). All manufacturers who comply with the standard can display the CEA-2006 logo on their product.

Synchro-Flip Detachable Face: This unit features the Synchro-Flip detachable face. The faceplate slightly slides down to reveal the CD slot, while at the same time, the control buttons flip outward. If you turn the ignition switch off without detaching the faceplate, a caution alarm will sound for a few seconds (only if you are using the built-in amplifier).

2.4 GHz Audio/Video Wireless Transmitter: The MEX-R5 features a built-in transmitter that beams audio and video wirelessly to a compatible Sony backseat video screen.

MP3 Playback: This unit can play MP3 files recorded on CD-R, and CD-RW discs in ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, and Romeo formats. Each disc should have a maximum of 256 folders and 1,000 files/folders. During MP3 playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3 Tag information.

Zone x Zone: Activating the Zone x Zone function allows you to simultaneously listen to separate sources in the front and rear. In the front, you can choose the tuner, CD/DVD, or AUX. The rear zone is automatically set to CD/DVD.

Dynamic Soundstage Organizer (DSO): Sony's Dynamic Soundstage Organizer uses proprietary circuitry to induce subtle phase shifts, simulating a sound source that is placed higher than the actual speakers in the vehicle. For example, when the DSO function is used in a vehicle equipped with speakers mounted low in the front doors, it creates virtual speakers in the dash to raise the soundstage. This unit offers three levels of DSO, each with a larger and higher soundstage. You can store the DSO setting for each source.

EQ7: You may select one of the following EQ presets: Xplod, Vocal, Club, Jazz, New Age, Rock, or Custom. For each preset, you can adjust the following frequencies: 62Hz, 157Hz, 396Hz, 1kHz, 2.5kHz, 6.3kHz, and 16kHz. The level of each frequency can be adjusted from +10dB to -10dB in 1dB increments.

XM Satellite Radio Controls: This unit can control the optional XMDirect XM Satellite tuner when used with the Sony Smart Digital Adapter. The optional tuner and adapter, along with an antenna and subscription, will allow you to receive XM Satellite Radio. XM Satellite Radio programming features over 130 channels of programming beamed coast-to-coast, including 68 channels of commercial-free, digital-quality music, and more than 60 channels of news, talk, sports, entertainment, children's programming, and information.

SSIR-EXA Adaptive Reception: The SSIR-EXA tuner is equipped with "Adaptive Reception". The Adaptive Reception feature has two modes ("IF Auto" and "IF Wide") for optimizing FM reception. The "Wide" mode decreases the tuner's selectivity but results in better frequency response. The "IF Auto" mode automatically adjusts the tuner for a good balance between frequency response and minimum station-to-station interference. The Adaptive Reception feature cannot be turned off.

Best Tuning Memory (BTM): This feature selects stations with the strongest signals within the selected band and stores them in order of their frequency.

Station Memo: You can assign a name of up to 8 characters in length to each tuner preset station. Station Memos can be used with the List-up function to locate a station.

2-Volt Mono Subwoofer Preamp Output: In addition to the 2-Volt front and rear preamp outputs, this unit includes one 2-Volt mono subwoofer preamp output. A low-pass filter (see below) can be used to filter high frequencies from the signals output by the subwoofer outs.

High-pass Filter: The front and rear preamp outputs have a selectable high-pass filter that may be set to 78Hz, 125Hz, or off.

Low-pass Filter: The subwoofer preamp output has a selectable low-pass filter that may be set to 78Hz, 125Hz, or off.

Aux Lite Auxiliary Input: The MEX-R5 has an auxiliary input on the rear panel, allowing you to connect a separate audio source, such as a portable MiniDisc or MP3 player, or the audio output from a mobile/portable DVD player. In the past, Sony receivers required a separate adapter, however, this unit's "Aux Lite" input allows you to directly connect the auxiliary unit to the receiver's stereo RCA input jacks.

45-Degree Installation: For flexibility of installation, this unit can be mounted between 0 (horizontal) and 45 degrees.

Wired Remote Compatibility: In addition to the supplied wireless remote, the receiver can be controlled by an optional wired rotary commander (item 158RMX4S). Once the wired remote is connected, you can use the menu system to change the control direction of the remote, depending on which side of the steering wheel you choose to mount the remote.

DVD/Video CD Features

MP3 Playback: This unit can play MP3 files recorded on DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW discs in using the UDF Bridge format. Each disc should have a maximum of 256 folders and 1,000 files/folders. During MP3 playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3 Tag information.

JPEG Disc Playback: This unit will play JPEG files recorded onto CD-R and CD-RW discs using the ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, and Romeo formats. This unit will also play JPEG files recorded onto DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW discs using the UDF Bridge format. All JPEG files on a disc can be played back in a slide show. The amount of time an image is displayed can be set to one of the following: 5, 10, 20, 40, or 60 seconds.

Direct Access: Using the supplied remote, you can directly access any title or chapter on a DVD, and any track on a Video CD.

Multi-Angle Display: This function allows you to choose the viewing angle of scenes that were shot from a number of different angles. 

Monitor Type: You can choose one of the following monitor types:

• 16:9: select this when the aspect ratio of your monitor is 16:9
• 4:3 Letter Box: displays a wide picture with bands on the upper and lower portions of the screen
• 4:3 Pan Scan: displays a wide picture on the entire screen and automatically cuts off portions that do not fit

Scan Search: When playing a DVD, there are four fast-play speeds in both directions. When playing a Video CD, audio CD or MP3 CD, you can choose from two fast-play speeds in each direction.

Repeat Play: When playing a DVD, you can repeat the current chapter or title. When playing a Video CD or audio CD, you can repeat the current track. When playing an MP3 CD, you can repeat the current track or the current folder. When playing a JPEG CD, you can repeat the current image or the current folder.

Shuffle Play: When playing a DVD, you can play the chapters in the current title in random order. When playing a Video CD or audio CD, you can play the tracks on the disc in random order. When playing an MP3 CD, you can play the tracks in the current folder or the tracks on the entire disc in random order. When playing a JPEG CD, you can play the images in the current folder or the images on the entire disc in random order.

Zoom: When playing DVDs or Video CDs, you can enlarge the picture using the zoom feature. You can choose one of two zoom settings (2x or 4x). Once the image is enlarged, you can move the image around on the screen.

Dynamic Range Compression: This function reduces a Dolby Digital soundtrack's dynamic range so you can hear quieter dialog without being overwhelmed by loud sections. You can choose a setting of Standard or Wide Range.

Digital Audio Output: You can choose the type of signal that passes through the optical digital output:

• Downmix PCM: choose when connected to an amplifier or decoder that is incompatible with Dolby Digital, DTS, or MPEG audio
• Dolby Digital: choose when connected to an amplifier or decoder that is compatible with Dolby Digital
• DTS On/Off: choose On when connected to an amplifier or decoder that is compatible with DTS

Picture EQ: You can choose the picture quality suitable for the interior brightness of your vehicle. You can choose from the following:

• Light Off: allows you to choose from the following daytime options:
  • Daytime: suitable in a bright place
  • Sunset: suitable when it gets a little dark
  • Shine: suitable in a very bright place
• Light On: allows you to choose from the following nighttime options:
  • Night: darkens the monitor
  • Midnight: darkens the monitor more than the "Night" option
  • Theater: brightens the monitor
• Auto: automatically adjusts the mode; the options are different depending on the Light Off/On setting
• Custom: allows you to adjust the following: color, brightness, contrast, and tint

Changer Controls

Compatibility: This unit is compatible with Sony Unilink CD/MP3 and MD changers.

Multiple Changer Control: A maximum of 5 CD changers, 5 CD/MP3 changers, or 5 MD changers may be connected to this receiver. When connecting CD, CD/MP3 and MD changers, you may connect up to a total of 7 changers (but there must not be more than 5 of one type of changer). When connecting more than one changer to this receiver, you must use the Sony XA-C30 source selector.

CD Text/MD Memo Display: When used with a compatible CD changer and a CD Text encoded CD, this unit will display the CD Text information. When using a compatible Sony MD changer, this receiver can display disc and track names that have been prerecorded on MDs.

Disc Memo: When a changer with the Custom File function is connected to this unit, you can enter names, up to 8 characters long, into memory for up to 110 discs. After a disc has been given a custom title, you may search for the disc, by title, using the List-up function.

Display Note