Ok, i went to purchase the new Toshiba HD DVD player and discovered that it has only 5.1 analog inputs. So how do I use this with my 7.1 outlaw gear? Thanks...again.

Which player are you looking at? I looked up the Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD player and it has optical output, digital cable output, HDMI output and the 5.1 output you mentioned. There are several ways you could hook this up to the 990. I think one option might include getting a HDMI to DVI cable for the HD video and running your audio through one of the above mentioned formats.

Toshiba HD-XA1 Rear View

Just leave the back surrounds unconnected. Not many DVD's have the back surrounds active anyway.

I do not understand leaving the back surrounds unconnected. Why even have a 7.1 system?

mzpro5, so you are saying that I can use either optical output or HDMI output but I do not have to use all of the outputs that you mentioned.

Using the optical or coaxal audio output will get you the standard DTS audio (player converts Dolby Digital to DTS) The HDMI output and the analog 5.1 output will play the DTS-HD audio. Future players will have 7.1 and I suppose there will be more 7.1 DVD's as well.

What is DTS? Should I just stick with a 5.1 system?

There is Dolby Digital (DD) and DTS. They are two companies that present audio in two different ways.
Most DVD's use Dolby sound processing, but sometimes the menu gives you a choice of either format. Some claim that DTS sounds better due to less compression, but who knows! All modern prepro's and receivers can process both formats. I think 5.1 (fronts, centre, subwoofer, and two rear surround speakers) is plenty for most, at least it is for me! Depends on your room as well.

You have a number of choices which can make things confusing.

First does your TV/monitor have a DVI or HDMI input? If it has a DVI input then for video you could run a HDMI to DVI cable from the Toshiba to the 990 and run a DVI cable to your TV from the 990. That takes care of your video feed. You would still need to run one of the audio options such as optical or digital cable.

EDIT: After seeing cappra's post I would say if you are using the HDMI/DVI route for your video to run your audio with the 5.1 analog connections. It seems that way you get the intended HD multi-channel sound.

If your TV doesn't have a DVI or HDMI input you would connect your video via the component connections and then decide on an audio connection.

I have to admit I am not completely up to speed regarding the HD DVD player. I'm pretty sure you don't need to be concerned with the 5.1 analog outputs to get multi-channel sound with an HD DVD. I use the 5.1 channel on the 990 for my SACD/DVD audio player. There is currently nothing with a 7.1 analog output, Outlaw included that with an eye to the future.

Hope this helps some. My ability to explain things in writing is not always that comprehesible.

my tv is the 50" Samsung. It has 2 HDMI inputs. My question now is do I really need to set up a 7.1 system or should I just stick with the 5.1? That is 2 fronts,center and two rears. Thanks.