Hey guys I'm new to the forums and just got a new HDTV setup but I need some help on setup.

Here are my systems;
TV: Hitachi 50" P50S602
Receiver w/bose sound system: Yamaha HTR-5740
DVD player: Yamaha DV-S5750
HDTV PVR: Motorola DCT3400

Here is my dilemma. I want to get the best quality for sound of video of course. Eventually the dvd will be upgraded to a blurray+1080p converter so I'm not too concerned about the quality as for now but I do not want to spend tons of money on a new receiver and want to keep the current. The problem I'm having is that the receiver's highest video output/input is component cables.

Should I go straight to the TV from the HDTV box with HDMI cables and then have the sound output come from the tv to the receiver with fiber-optic cables? or should I go to the receiver from the HDTV box to the receiver with component cables and then from the receiver to the tv?

A couple more questions;
How is the fiber optic cable in terms of quality compared to other cables? what is the best?

Thanks for the help guys, this wiring is confusing me. To make this simple if someone can give me a step by step wiring guide for the best possible quality and sound with the systems I have that would be phenomenal!!

"Should I go straight to the TV from the HDTV box with HDMI cables and then have the sound output come from the tv to the receiver with fiber-optic cables?"

No, most TV's can't passthrough DD audio from HDMI to their optical out. Use HDMI to the set and optical from the STB directly to your AV receiver.

"How is the fiber optic cable in terms of quality compared to other cables?"

For DD and the other formats it carries it compares to coax digital.

Now when you go to your Blu-Ray player, if you want the best possible sound you'll need a player that can output 5.1 analog and a receiver that can accept it or new receiver that can decode the newer codecs used. You can find more about that under Receivers in the Audio section.

I was in a very similar configuration very recently...with the same Yamaha receiver. I ran all component to the receiver then one component out to the TV for video. I ran all Toslink fiber for audio to the receiver.

I suggest upgrading your receiver to an HDMI switching unit (I like the Onyko 606), and going that route to cut down on the quantity of cables behind your system...