I don't know specifically about the HD-DVD player, but with my Pannasonic S97, I run a HDMI directly to my projector, which obviously bypasses the receiver, and the digitial out for audio right to my receiver. Works great. I would think that Toshiba would follow that same model that allows for you to send the audio data via either type of cable. It would really limit their ability to sell units if it required people to buy new receivers to do HDMI switching as well.

Good luck.

Farewell - June 4, 2020