The AVR 235 only has two optical inputs. I'm already using those with my Xbox 360 and my DVR. I just got a Blu Ray player for Christmas. But, I don't have a way to get digital 5.1 audio from it to the receiver, because the optical inputs are already used.

I tried sending audio through HDMI to the TV and optical out from the TV to the receiver. But, that the TV will only output a stereo siginal, not 5.1.

Is the only solution to upgrade my receiver to one with more than two 5.1 inputs? Am I wrong that the two optical inputs on the AVR 235 are the only 5.1 inputs?

Your receiver has two coaxial inputs. They are the orange RCA plugs right next to the optical plugs. If your Blu player has a coaxial out you can use that to get 5.1. If your player doesn't have a coaxial out, then you can simply buy an optical switch box.

Also check if your DVR has a coax digital out to free up an optical

If none of your devices have a digi coax output that you can use instead of the optical output, you can try an optical switch. You can spend a lot for one, or a little. THIS (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10423&cs_id=1042302&p_id=2946&seq=1&format=2) one is really inexpensive.

Isn't there a third optical input on the front panel, below the volume knob ?

Lorenzo