Let me see if I understand this:
Current:
DVD -> {component} -> TV
DVD -> {optical} -> AVR
Cable -> {Cable Card} -> TV -> {optical} -> AVR
Proposed:
DVD -> {HDMI} -> TV
DVD -> {optical} -> AVR
Cable -> {Cable Card} -> TV -> {optical} -> AVR
If this is true, then you of course have separate inputs on your AVR for the two opticals. I have my DVD set up like this with HDMI directly to the TV and optical to my AVR. Just use your already assigned AVR optical input for DVD when you're viewing that source and, regardless of any other issue, HDMI audio passthrough won't really matter. Tell me if I'm missing something...
