Looking at the tech specs, I didn't see a restriction on the audio output formats. Are there likely to be any CECB's with digital audio outputs? I'm guessing probably not in order to keep costs down, but S-video and digital audio out would be a decent combo.

The Channel Master CM-7000 has a S-Video output and a digital audio output (RCA coaxial output) but it is pending CECB approval. This is the box I am waiting for!

http://www.pctinternational.com/channelmaster/0612/pdfs/CM-7000%20D2A_200801b.pdf

Looking at the tech specs, I didn't see a restriction on the audio output formats. Are there likely to be any CECB's with digital audio outputs? I'm guessing probably not in order to keep costs down, but S-video and digital audio out would be a decent combo.

Some reviewers have complained about shrill/harsh sound quality from some CECBs (particularly the Zenith/Insignia boxes) when using the COMPOSITE audio/video connections.

Later this week I'll be setting up my Zenith into my hi-fi system for a more critical review of the sound quality (my past three days' evaluation have been using a mono-only bedroom TV). How many of these audio problems might be because the LG/Zenith actually provides full-bandwidth audio decoding, which ends up revealing serious engineering compromises by TV broadcasters? What are users of other CECBs reporting?

seatacboy - for the last time - you're using COMPOSITE video and analog audio. COMPONENT video is 3 cable dedicated to video that can support to at least 1080i HD.

Composite is yellow, white, red. Component is red, green, blue.

Red and White are analog audio. Composite video is Yellow. Component video is as you said, but you usually also have to include the analog audio or some digital audio connection as well.

Scooper: thank you for the clarification "You're using COMPOSITE video and analog audio".

My honest mistake - I spent much of my hobby life during the 1970s and 1980s dealing with hi-fi audio gear (i.e. reel-to-reel tape decks, microphones, amplifiers, bi-amplified loudspeakers, et al.) and very early video gear (early VHS Hi-Fi VCRs in 1987). Today's nomenclature for commonplace connections in today's HD/HT applications is different than for vintage hi-fi audio.

I just want everybody to be speaking the same terms so we don't get some newb asking "Do these CECBs have component HDTV video outputs ? " when we all know the answer is no.