I'm trying to run my macbook pro through my receiver using DVI to HDMI but all I have been able to get is the wallpaper screen (no icons). When I bi-pass the receiver and go straight to the projector it works fine, but have to use the mac's speakers. Anyone know how to work around this problem? Thanks...

When I bi-pass the receiver and go straight to the projector it works fine, but have to use the mac's speakers. Anyone know how to work around this problem?

Well, you have two issues:

1) sending video through the AVR and then to your projector; and
2) sending audio to your AVR.

Even if you manage to pull of #1 successfully, you still have to do #2, since DVI out of the MBP doesn't carry any audio anyway. Fortunately, #2 is a piece of cake: all you need is an inexpensive optical audio mini-jack tip and a regular optical audio cable.

As far as #1, that's a little trickier, we've had some previous threads about it. Sometimes users have to resort to third party software or devices like the DVI Detective to pull it off. (You should consider yourself fortunate you can make a direct connection.)

I'm trying to run my macbook pro through my receiver using DVI to HDMI but all I have been able to get is the wallpaper screen (no icons).

Are you trying this with the lid open or closed? With mirroring turned on or off? Do you know how to connect your MBP to an external display, close the lid, and wake it from sleep with a mouse?