Audio Systems: Receiver setup Q, polk audio speakers, personal tastes

Question
I recently picked up a Yamaha 7.1 receiver & a set of Polk Audio speakers. My question is what would be the ideal way to set it up. What I am thinking is to have the DVD player & HD cable box into the receiver via HDML & component video respectively and use optical for audio for both. Then a single HDMI cable up to the TV. Thouhgts?

Answer
That would be my primary recommendation, because all of your switching can be done through the receiver. It's how I have my gear set up.

One other option you may want to try is to run a separate audio cable (if you have an output available) from your cable box to the TV. I only suggest that in case you want to watch the news or whatever without having to fire up the surround system.

There really isn't one "right" way of setting these things up, only what works best for your personal tastes.
I hope this helps you out! Cheers...