wildchyld,
What you want to do is use the optical from the back of the surround sound source (such as the new DVR) directly into the HTS, and use the HDMI to run the picture into the television. That's probably going to be your most optimal solution.
The television will not pass 5.1 from HDMI through the television's optical out, so you'll want to run those from source to HTS.
Hope that helps!
--HDTech
I recently upgraded to HDTV DVR Satelite box from Dish Network. I have a 52" LN-T5265F TV & 5.1 Digital Home Theater HT-Z512. I have 2 HDMI cables plus component cables etc. When playing DVD's & stereo, of course the sound comes surround sound. But I want to know how to hook everything up so that when I'm watching tv I can hear the sound coming out of the HTS speakers & not just the tv speakers. Is that possible? Do I have to get a digital optical cable or what is needed??
Please help

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic