Optical cable is used to send 5.1 or more channels of sound, not for picture. Atleast that I have seen before. Typical video transfer cables are composite (RCA), S-video, and component (Red,Green, and Blue Cables). A better connection would be directly to the TV from the source. Component is the best choice for connection of video at this point in time. The less components in the chain, the better off you are. I don't own a surround reciever, but I believe the reason for the multiple video inputs on the back of the reciever are in case your TV doesn't support multiple inputs. Hope this helps.
Do I connect video out thru receiver or to TV?
I just got a denon AV and set up a Home theater to my TV. I have my psx2,dvd, and direct tv hooked to it. I see all the video inputs in the rear and wonder if it makes for a better connection or have any advantage to run the RCA, s.video connectors through the receiver or should I run directly to the tv? I have often wondered why the video connections should be through a sound receiver but didn't want to ask a dumb question. I'm asking now. Also what is the best connection to make, an optical, coax or RCA. Thank you for any help, Chas