Cant get the wiring figured out.........

Expanded and updated for 2013...

# 1. You need to connect all your components to your TV via an HDMI cable. For true HD and digital sound this is needed. Your TV (if its an HD TV) should have 3 or 4 HDMI inputs. So your Xbox/PS3 should be connected via HDMI cable. Your HD sat or cable box should also be connected with an HDMI cable. Same for your Blu Ray player.

#2. Now that your components are connect in a way which will enable you to see their media in either 720p, 1080i or 1080p your ready to get the Digital sound to your speakers. On the back of your TV you should (again on most all HD tv's) have a digital audio (optical) out. You need to purchase a digital (optical) audio cable and plug one end into your tv's digital audio out jack. Then plug the other end into your audio receivers digital audio in jack. You may have to go into your receivers menu to select or enable the digital/optical input. Then you should be rocking and rolling with true digital DTS, Pro Logic, Pro Logic 2 in either 5.1 or 7.1...

Think of your TV as the hub. Connect all the components with HDMI cables. And then your TV to your receiver with a digital/optical cable. It's that simple.

Never never use the red and white cables for audio. They were designed for 2 channel stereo sound. They won't deliver 5.1 or 7.1 digital sound.

Also... Don't ever hook up any component using the old "yellow" video cable if you want picture quality better than 480i resolution. They won't do HD period.

Here is a list of the popular video cables and they highest resolution.

Yellow video cables - 480i resolution

S video (super video) cable - 480p

Component video cables (red/blue/green) - up to 720p

HIgh definition multimedia interface HDMI - up to 1080p (full HD) and digital sound.

Hope this helps...

TV is HD correct? Use the Y/CB/CR from the Sat to the TV. Use the Digital optical cable for sound from the sat to the receiver. Use the s-video from the dvd player to the tv and the l/r to the receiver for sound. I would suggest upgrading to another set of Y/CB/CR cables to connect your dvd to the TV and benefit from better picture. Also, buy another optical cable for dvd sound (so you can enjoy surround sound). Your receiver has two optical inputs so youre covered there.