I have a satellite receiver (DirecTV) that I want to hook-up and use the optical audio from it to my Denon receiver. If I do that, will I need to run a audio cable from the Denon back to the TV if I want to be able to use the TV without the Denon receiver always being on? And I don't have optical inputs on my TV so I'd have to use the RCA type connection from the receiver to the TV, is that OK? Hope that made sense! Thanks!

On second thought maybe I should run the RCA audio from the Satellite to the TV and not the Audio Receiver? But can I use two audio outputs at the same time?

You got it. What you need to do, in order to get audio from your DircTV box t your TV without having your Denon receiver on, is run a standard two channel audio cable (red and white, with RCA connectors) from the DirecTV box to the TV, bypassing the Denon altogether.

And yes, you can use two audio outputs at the same time.

Thanks Jack! It's been a long time sense I did this and I wasn't very good at it then either. lol

No problem. We've all been new to this confusing and complicated hobby, and the whole point of this forum is to lend a hand, if possible.

ok I have a question on similar lines now that its brought up... I haven't gotten my receiver yet (waiting for 2807) but my axiom speakers were shipped today (M60ti, VP150, QS8's). If I have a source, say a DVD player and its hooked to the receiver via optical digital its all set for when I want to watch a movie and get audio from the speakers. But what if I want to use just the TV speakers, like when its late at night and don't want to wake others in the house? Will most receivers be able to output that 5.1 digital to an stereo analog cable to the audio in on a tv?

Just run analog cables from your DVD to your TV and leave your reciever off.

The easiest is probably to run stereo audio from the DVD player directly to the TV. When you want to use the TV speakers just turn them on with the TV remote and turn the volume down on the receiver.

EDIT... um... like HomeDad said

As the guys said, if you want to use the TV speakers, bypass the receiver with a stereo 2 channel hookup directly from the DVD player to the TV. This would be in addition to the optical digital connection to the receiver you would use when not concerned about disturbing others.

However, most receivers, including the 2807, have a "night mode" which compresses the dynamics of a Dolby Digital signal, enabling you to use the surround sound from the receiver, with less chance of disturbing family or neighbors (see page 38 of the 2807's manual). You might give that a try before using the TV's speakers. Ya don't want to give up that really good DD 5.1 surround sound unless absolutely necessary.

Thanks all... going to have to try that "night" mode. I guess I may not have asked the right question or gave the best example... and I know thats probably the easiest solution to the problem. but what if I was using an Xbox or PS2 connection which doesn't have the individual stereo connectors on the back of the unit? would my only option to be get a male to female stereo cable and use the factory cord to connect to the tv, or is there a way to send any and all audio inputs out to the tv through the receiver?

In reply to:

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most receivers, including the 2807, have a "night mode"

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I wish my 3805 had a night mode and a sleep-timer switch. I don't understand how receivers in that price range don't offer a switch that probably adds $1 to the cost of the unit!

Mark, check page 78 in the 3805's manual. The second item down is "D.Comp (Dynamic Range Compression)

D.COMP. (Dynamic Range Compression):
Motion picture soundtracks have tremendous dynamic range (the contrast between very soft and very loud sounds). For listening late at night, or whenever the maximum sound level is lower than usual, the Dynamic Range Compression allows you to hear all of the sounds in the soundtrack (but with reduced dynamic range). (This only works when playing program sources recorded in Dolby Digital or DTS.) Select one of the four parameters (“OFF”, “LOW”, “MID” (middle) or “HI” (high)). Set to OFF for normal listening.

TADA!