Connecting HD Satellite Receiver, TV & Receiver

[viking68]

Here's my situation:
I have an older receiver that doesn't have video switching capabilities beyond S-Video, but it does have 3 digital audio inputs (2 optical). Hooked up the DVD player to TV (Sony XBR34960 tube) via component cables, and connected optical out to receiver. Presently have a non-HD Dish DVR receiver connected to TV via S-video (chose to bypass switching from receiver) and connected optical out to receiver. All works just fine. However, I am going to upgrade to a HD DVR receiver from Dish. The receiver features both component and HDMI outs along with the optical audio out.

The question is this:
If I connect the HD receiver's HDMI out the the TV, will I still be able to send the optical audio out to the receiver for 5.1 decoding, or will the HDMI connection from the HD receiver to the TV "override" that connection and goof things up ? I have a 5.1 system (Bohlender-Graebener Z series speakers) and never use the TV's audio. Not terribly interested in swapping in a new receiver at the moment (first baby on the way). If it messes things up, I will simply use the component video outs from the receiver to the TV and the optical out to the receiver. But if the picture is supposed to better better utilizing the HDMI connection, I'd prefer to go that rout if it will indeed work. Thanks!!

 

[The Numenorian]

I think some DVD players allow you to choose where you want your signal to go. If not, just use the component cables (if they send HD) and the optical cable. good luck w/baby!

 

[viking68]

Hi, Numenorian,
The issue isn't with the DVD player, I'm OK there. It's the Satellite/TV/Receiver issue that is the potential problem -- I guess I didn't do a very good job explaining myself! With the digital audio being carried via HDMI from a new Dish Network HD satellite receiver to the TV for the "best" video (I don't need the audio portion of the HDMI), I'm hoping that I can also connect the optical audio out to my receiver for the 5.1 processing. Since I haven't ordered the new HD receiver yet, I am unable to test this for myself, and I'd like to know ahead of time what I'm getting myself into!! Basically I'm wondering if the audio is being carried from the Dish receiver via BOTH HDMI and Toslink, will it cause any problems with the processing? I just have a feeling that the audio carried by the HDMI will not allow the audio signal to be carried out via the optical connection at the same time. I tried talking to a Dish Network tech a few days ago, and I don't think he was paying attention to what I was asking! Thanks!