Box switched and got replies at other forums. Was told (Via AVS forum) that going into the settings and switching from HDMI to DD would force DD through the HDMI. Well, that doesn't work. Cable guy told me I had to route the optical from the box to the 970 directly, as does this post I found from someone quoting page 12 form my Samsung manual.....
Quote:
It may support DD over coax via the tuner, but not necessarily over the HDMI input.

Yup page 12 in your manual.

When the receiver (home theater) is set to On, you can hear sound output from
the TV’s Optical jack. When the TV is displaying a DTV(air) signal, the TV will
send out 5.1 channel sound to the Home theater receiver. When the source is a
digital component such as a DVD and is connected to the TV via HDMI, only 2
channel sound will be heard from the Home Theater receiver. If you want to hear
5.1 channel audio, connect the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) jack on the
DVD player or Cable/Satellite Box directly to an Amplifier or Home Theater, not
the TV.

Thanks for your help!!
_________________________
Outlaw 970 pre/pro
Emotiva XPA-2, XPA-5, ERC-1, ET-3, ERM-6.3 center, (4)ERD-1 surrounds
Excelsior Custom L/R, eD Dual 13 Av.2 DIY (A7s-650), Velodyne SMS-1
Dual 506 TT/Grado Gold cartridge, Oppo BDP-83
Pioneer CT-WM70R Cassette
JVC HR-S9800U SVHS, JVC HM-DM30000U HD/VHS
Cablevision HD/DVR, Samsung LN52A650, APC H15

VINTAGE
1950's Emerson TV
1962 Fisher 800B (tube receiver)
1962 Garrard Turntable