Which is the best why to connect the Mac Mini Intel Core 2 Duo 1.83MHz to the TV or Receiver? DVI-HDMI or DVI-VGA?

While the Audio will go directly to my receiver via Toslink, I'm not sure which is best for the Mac Mini's video.

I use my Denon 2309 receiver's video switching for my other video sources, so I guess it makes sense to connect the Mac Mini there as well, I could use the HDMI or what Denon calls PC Setup and Control Capability via RS-232C.

If I were to go directly to the TV I have two options
I have a new Samsung LN52A650 LCD it has plenty HDMI connections and it also has a VGA input.

Finally, what do I need to set the Mini's display settings at? 1920x1200? If HD is 1920x1080, do you just get top and bottom overscan?

Since you're new, a bit of advice: don't try to send video through your AVR just yet. Audio, fine, send optical to it. But initially just try to connect your mini directly to your LCD, try both VGA and HDMI, and see what resolution options you're offered.

... and see what resolution options you're offered.

Do you mean, see what resolution are offered (with each type of connection) for the LCD TV or the Mac Mini?

Your HDTV has a native resolution, 1080p. The ideal situation for you is that your mini, over HDMI or VGA, will recognize that resolution and offer it to you in its Display Preferences. Sometimes the options offered for each connection type will be different, sometimes which input you choose on the TV makes a difference. Won't know until you try, or someone else who owns that model sees your post.

Thanks, I understand now.

I run my mini through my denon via dvi to hdmi - the mini gives me the option of 1028x 764 as well a several others that my display wont well display . by hooking up the mini to the AVR... Could this be the issue I am having with video playback - please see my post below ...