laptop/receiver/TV - surround sound output and connections

[admin_exported]

I'm having to buy everything anew (long story!), and I was thinking of going for a blu-ray multimedia laptop to connect to AV receiver and TV, all with HDMI. Likely to be built around the Sony STR-DH810 receiver, and may well stick with a Sony telly for the advantages of matching brands. I'll also have Sky, probably HD. First question, even though it seems silly, will I be connecting laptop and Sky to AV receiver then on to the TV, or laptop and Sky to the TV and then on to the AV receiver? I guess the only reason for trying to work this out is what multi-tasking I'll be able to do - e.g. listen to music on laptop via AV receiver and speaker package while TV is off, or listen to music on laptop via AV receiver and speaker package while watching Sky Sports on TV (with sports sound off or can also have sports sound on through TV speakers?)? Secondly, the laptop I'm thinking of has "Dolby Home Theater 3". Assuming I'm watching a blu-ray, will I get full surround sound output to the AV receiver and speakers? If not, then I'll rethink this route as there's no point paying a hefty premium for a blu-ray laptop if I don't get the full benefit of it, when I could easily buy a cheap blu-ray player instead. Lastly, will HDMI cables be all I require and is there any specification for HDMI that I need to be careful to get/to avoid? I've seen 1.3 and 1.4 standard HDMI referred to. Thanks for any help.

 

[John Duncan]

Formatting fixed and bumped to assist...