How do I connect an HDTV system that is made up of a cable box (HD digital with DVR), Panasonic plasma HD TV, Onkyo A/V receiver and Panasonic DVD recorder/VCR combo.

I am attempting to achieve optimal video and audio.

I currently have everything run through the A/V receiver but the cable guy tells me to run the cable box to the TV instead of the receiver.

I currently have:
HDMI cable from cable box to receiver
HDMI cable from DVD to receiver
Optical cable from DVD to receiver
HDMI cable from receiver to TV
As well as surround sound all into the receiver.

Is this correct and will I still be able to utilize the DVR as well as use TV independently of the receiver if need be.

I just had HD satilite put in and the service man that hooked it up for me told me the only way to get true surround through the receiver was to run an optical from my receiver to my DTV receiver or else its just synthasized surround not true surround. Other wise what you described is what I have. I used an S cable for my DVD player.