HI new here. first post question

[tigerfan]

What is the best method to hook up surround from DVD to reciever? I have a reciever (mitsubishi m-vr900) that does not have HDMI. I have 5.1 connections. Is it best to use 5.1 input (6 seperate wires)from dvd to rec. or use an optical connection? Is the receiver processing the signal with 5.1 connections or is the dvd? Thanks for any help I guess I'm still learning.

[prisoners]

Use the optical, that allows the reciever to do the decoding. If this hobby is something that you really want to get into and use often, you might want to look at an upgrade to the Mitsubishi. A new or recent model Denon or Yamaha will get you signifigantly better performance for around $700.
Enjoy what you have however. Just trying to point out that the industry has come a long way since that unit came out.

[Duane]

Do you have a manual with your receiver? It should give you your options.

Not all DVD players have built in decoders for DD and DTS.If you have a receiver that has DD and DTS decoding capabilities, and you want to hear those digital formats,connect your DVD player's digital outpu(coax or optical) to one of the receiver's digital inputs.This is the easiest way for digital.

You can also connect the L/R analog output from the DVD to an analog input on the receiver.But,if you connect the video output directly to the tv,you could also connect the analog audio to the tv on 1 input.Your choice.

The external 5.1 inputs are for players that have onboard DD/DTS decoders or have the ability to do SACD or DVD audio.If your player has none of these capabilities, then it's of no concern.If you have a Blu-Ray disc player and that player has onboard decoding for full bitrate PCM or higher bitrate DTS,then you could use those 6 external inputs for this option.