I have a 85u panny plasma. I cant get the xbox 360 to work when i hook it up through VGA.

Did you select the right input to VGA?

Chris

Apparently, the problem is that The 360 doesn't output 1920x1080 resolution though VGA. I hooked it up to my computer monitor and set it down to a lower resolution, then hooked it back to the TV. Only problem I'm having now is getting the sound to work. I'm using optical straight from the x-box to the tv.
Anyway, i will probably end up using the component connection instead.

Maybe your problem is that the Optical connection on the tv is an "OUTPUT" not an input.

If I'm not mistaken the Optical Digital Audio Output on the TV only "Outputs" digital audio from the TVs built in ATSC Tuner for connection to a Audio Receiver or Amp.

If you have a Receiver connect the X-Box Optical Audio Output directly to one of the receiver's Optical "INPUTS."