Best way to use HDMI video with RCA audio?

You have a few different options depending on what version of 360 you have. If it's a newish version, then it will have a built-in Toslink optical connector. So, connect up an appropriate Toslink cable from Xbox to receiver and you're done. If you don't have a newer 360, then you can either purchase the HDMI audio dongle:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10830&cs_id=1083005&p_id=7526&seq=1&format=2

and use the Toslink method or you can use the plain old RCA analog L and R stereo plugs from the dongle.....or you could also do a Toslink cable from the TV to the receiver, assuming that your TV supports HDMI to Toslink for non-tuner sources. Some TVs do not support anything but 2 channel stereo over HDMI and so you'd still be limited to 2 ch stereo in that case. If you have an older TV with actual analog RCA audio outpus jacks, you can run those over to the receiver.

If you want 5.1 surround sound, you absolutely have to use one of the Toslink cable methods for your setup.

I should also mention that some folks have had trouble with the monoprice dongle not holding the Toslink connector tightly enough. It seems to depend on the Toslink cable. Some hold tight while others are loose enough to risk falling out. There are other sources for the HDMI audio dongle that may not have that issue. It's also possible that monoprice have addressed the issue in newer stock, but I have not heard that.

O.O.

Not that it'll help the discussion at this point, but here's how I do mine:

Got the HDMI cable running from my console to the TV. Got a pair of standard left/right stereo cables going from the TV's audio out into the amp's audio in. I do not have 5.1 DD, but the stereo output is digital. And I've got front surround enabled through my TV's menu, so it's kind of like digital stereo with virtual surround.

I'm happy with it ATM. The amp itself is capable of doing DD and DTS 5.1 though, but won't accept connections from an external source, as there's no jack on the back. It only outputs 5.1 sound through the build-in DVD/CD player!

I am interested in options for this. I gave my old Sammy DLP to my nephew when I bought a new Mits. The Sammy does not have HDMI (one reason I replaced it). My nephew has an Xbox 360. I gave him the HDMI -> DVI cable I was using, but then he has no way to get audio to the TV since it doesn't have an optical input and there is a tab that sticks out from the standard Xbox composite dongle that blocks the HDMI port. Is there an optional dongle that does not have that tab? Or are we better off getting a TosLink -> RCA adapter from monoprice and hooking that to the RCA stereo inputs on the TV?

No, don't get a Toslink to RCA adapter. Just get the official Microsoft HDMI audio dongle or the Monoprice version.

The monoprice one is all of 3 dollars:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=114&cp_id=11403&cs_id=1140302&p_id=7526&seq=1&format=2

Some folks have had problems with the monoprice dongle not holding Toslink cables tightly, but since you're not using Toslink, that can't be an issue. Both the official microsoft HDMI audio dongle and the monoprice one are thin enough to coexist with the HDMI cable.

P.J.

That is what I would up doing. I'll see them on Sat. I hope it arrives by then.