The latest receivers today have upsampling circuitry built-in. They can upsample video signals from DVD's and other video sources. Yes, having a receiver with upsampling capability negates the need to have an upsampling DVD player. Just connect the DVD output (e.g. component video output) to the receiver and the resultant video output would be 1080i via the receiver's HDMI output, which is then connected to your HD capable TV with an HDMI input.
If your DVD player has an HDMI output, then the receiver will be able to decode and output 7.1 surround sound if your software has it. Remember, the HDMI cable carries both video and sound from your DVD player to your receiver. No need to connect your DVD player's 2 channel audio output to the receiver.
Hope that helps,
Aisip
If your DVD player has an HDMI output, then the receiver will be able to decode and output 7.1 surround sound if your software has it. Remember, the HDMI cable carries both video and sound from your DVD player to your receiver. No need to connect your DVD player's 2 channel audio output to the receiver.
Hope that helps,
Aisip