I just picked up a new plasma (Samsung HP-S5053) and wanted to know the best way to hook up my audio to my receiver. My DishNet box has optical audio out and so does my DVD player, however my receiver only has one optical audio input. The television has two optical inputs and one output.

What I was considering doing is hooking the Dish and DVD player to the TV, then taking the audio out from the TV to my receiver. Do I lose anything doing it this way, or will it not matter since it is all digital? The benefit that I can see is that I'll be able to hook up both devices to my receiver, and if I wanted to use the built-in speakers on the TV for any reason I'd be able to. I also wouldn't have to worry about changing the input on the receiver when I switch from satellite to DVD.

Also, what is the preferred hookup method- optical or coaxial for audio?

IMHO, the main thing about hooking up to a receiver is the one button push to change to a device, but that is not an option for you. Your idea would be the best way to hook it up, with both connections running though the TV. That way, you will be able to have an optical input with both devices. Downside is that you are going to have to manually change your TV input each time you want to switch the device. Though it is true that quality is lost with each transition of any connection, this amount is so marginal you would have to be a true Audiophile with some heavy duty equipment to even notice.

Glad to hear that. My plan is to hook up both devices to the TV via HDMI, and then output from the TV to the receiver with either optical or coaxial. Can you recommend one over the other?

As far as switching, doing it this way I would only have to change the inputs on the TV. If I had separate inputs to the receiver, I would have to change the inputs on both the receiver and TV, since I don't have HDMI inputs into the receiver.

Is your Optical and Coaxial inputs on your receiver assigned to the same video input?

As for the Toslink vs. Coaxial thing, it is really what ever you get cheaper. Optical tends to have a higher resistance to RF noise, but a solidly shielded Coaxial would not give you any problems what so ever. Like I said before, this question really only becomes relevant with the $20,000 + components.

I believe so, but will have to check.

Definitely not in the ballpark of $20,000. I just want something that sounds good.

Either one will work fine, then. Besides, the Optical cable doubles as a flashlight...

Thanks for the help!

No prob!