topic Re: HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update in Home Cinema, Projectors & Players

HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update

Ashleigh85 — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 09:03:23 GMT

After updating to the firmware a couple of months ago (which was done automatically by the way) I have had no end of issues with the product. Bluetooth audio keeps dropping out, it won't search for wireless networks instead it just keeps searching forever and I need to remove all power from the unit, the sound stops outputting audio when pausing the TV and then resuming. These are just some of the issues we have faced. I have reset to factory defaults but still have the issue.

I then updated to another firmware that was released this week and now the system won't boot properly. I get "------" on the display and nothing appears on the TV. I have been advised to take it to a sony repair centre but the closest is 20 miles away and they are closed on weekends. 

Sony customer support has been terrible!

My warranty has expired so I don't know where I stand, but surely Sony should fix it due to their borked firmware update. Is there a way I can try another firmware update without being able to access the menu on the TV?

Re: HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update

Wedgybo — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 22:57:44 GMT

Did you get anywhere with a fix?

I've also had the same troubles as you. The bar has been nothing but a massive disappointment for the money! No part of it has ever worked correctly at one time and it's now not booting simialr to yours after trying to update the fireware. Wish I've never touched it after it broke on the last update too. Really can't be bothered with taking it for a repair everytime I want to update the thing.

Similar issue, wifi wouldn't connect, therefore no spotify/speaker connect (the main reason for going for this bar) for the last 4 months. Wish I'd gone with Sonos 😕

Re: HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update

kameron7 — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 21:11:53 GMT

Did either of you fix this issue? same thing happened to me today.

Re: HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update

daveyh64 — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:20:06 GMT

You have attached your query to three post discussing the same issue, two are from 2017 and one from 2022,

the likelihood of you getting an answer back from those oyou are asking is pretty slim I would have thought.

Although I could be wrong.

You might be better off starting a ne thread.

The last firmware update for your soundbar was released in 2021.

Here it is,

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/sound-bars-home-theater-systems-sound-bars-surround-speakers/ht-rt5/software/00268985

So what happened and why are you only now updating the firmware.

If it is completely unresponsive then the only course of action would be to have it repaired.

And who knows how much that will be.

Re: HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update

kameron7 — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 07:22:52 GMT

Thanks for your message. I just purchased the soundbar, so I updated it
right away.

That's the same firmware update I attempted to use. It seems that I'm not
alone regarding the firmware update bricking the soundbar.

I will likely have to get it repaired or have to buy a new one.

This is poor from Sony, which Is a brand I've stood by with most of my
household technology.

Re: HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update

daveyh64 — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 08:18:19 GMT

Did you buy it new that model is over 10 years old.

As the posts you have joined with are between 3 and 8 years old

that only shows that updating was a problem for only a few people.

Are there many other posts about the same subject, it would seem strange of Sony to keep an update available for 4 years that is known to render its product(s) unusable.

At any point during the update process could there have been a loss in power to the soundbar or if you were updating direct to the soundbar via Sonys servers was the internet connection broken at any point.

Re: HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update

kameron7 — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:14:52 GMT

No unfortunately there was not a loss of power or internet connection loss.

All good, I'll just see how much it costs to repair on Monday.

There are alot of posts on the subject from around 2017-2021.

Re: HT-RT5 Will Not Boot After Firmware Update

MaggieGreene — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:16:05 GMT

Hi @kameron7, as a last attempt, try to disconnect the soundbar for 2 minutes then connect it back to the TV. Then reset it to the factory settings by following the steps in page 53 here: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4570/45701182M.pdf If you're still facing the same issue, you can locate the nearest authorised service centre to you using this link and contact them to arrange a repair: https://locator.sony/en_GB/servicecenters/?zoom=5&latitude=54.29088&longitude=-2.37305