The video problem sounds a little like an HDCP handshake issue. My Toshiba HD-A2 had a similar problem when going through a MonoPrice HDMI switch. Does turning the TV off and back on make any difference? Another option there could be using component from the DirecTV receiver. If it's like the cable boxes I've used, picture quality is indistinguishable between the two (I've even preferred component over DVI in at least one case).

The left surround does sound suspect. My two thoughts would be to try the other left surround pre-amp output (balanced or unbalanced, depending on which you're using now) and to contact Outlaw Support about it.