1. I prefer to use the same cables, or at least similar ones. I'm using two pairs of Blue Jeans component video cables and a couple random Blue Jeans cables (either analog audio or a portion of a third component set, don't recall which) for 7.1 from the BDP-83 right now.

2. See above - component video will work for analog audio.

3. Yes, set speakers to large and sub to on. That will make sure the player doesn't apply bass management (which can be rather random on players - weird fixed crossovers, etc.).

4. Yeah, I wouldn't bother with the player's test tones. As long as distances and trims are left at zero (if there are any - there may not be such adjustments), speakers are large, and sub is on, the player should not interfere with the signal.

5. You can. In the past - with DVD-Audio and SACD players - I've usually recommended it because coaxial and optical were still the better choice with DVD. For players that don't have a particularly robust analog section, coaxial or optical can still be the better connection choice for DVD's, CD's, media files, and BD's that lack a lossless track. It lets you feed digital audio straight to the 990. The BDP-83's analog section is good enough that many folks who have paired the BDP-83 and Model 990 have simply chosen to use the analog output all the time because the two pieces of gear have quite comparable analog sections, which tells you something the BDP-83's stock analog section. If you are going to use the Samsung for discs over than Blu-ray, having a digital connection would be a simple and cheap step (possibly free, if your supply of spare cables is anything like mine).