sound/volume

[tstp]

Hi All
New to the HDTV world and have a question.

just got me a mitsubishi 52" dlp and upgraded to comcast's HD DVR service.
Questions:

When I change channels and my Onkyo shows that the sound source is now Dolby or Digital Pro Logic, i can't control the volume with the comcasts remote, I have to use the onkyo's remote. Plus the volume changes quite a bit. If i forgot that i raised the onkyo's volume and switch back to a non dolby channel, i get blasted out of my chair
I have the optical cable going out from comcasts Explorer 8000HD into my receiver and the component cables into the back of the TV. Have I set up my system wrong or is this to be expected?

One more question.
Can the Explorer 8000HD use a DVI Cable?
Thanks for the help.
Tom

 

[Carl B]

I believe it is to be expected. At least I experience the same thing using a Dish 811 HD DBS/OTA receiver and a year and a half old Sony DD6.1 receiver. Occasionally, I'll find a DD 5.1 broadcast that doesn't require a significant "crack up" of the amp.