[Otto]

I agree with Sonnie, but I may split these hairs.

#1 -- Yep, never heard of "optical HDMI." And I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to accomplish. Are you trying to make it such that you don't have to use the audio system (the AVT) to listen to TV if you're just watching something simple like the news? Let us know, and we may be able to suggest a method to accomplish it.

#2 -- I didn't read the Denon manual, so forgive me if I'm wrong. If you're talking about the official "Zone 2" capability of the receiver, and it does not support an HDMI output, then yeah, you'll have to run component. I think you may be just suggesting he use the second HDMI out to go to another room, Sonnie -- but in that case he'll just be watching the same thing in that room as is playing in the main room (Zone 1). However, if you're setting up for a second zone, and you don't mind paying the extra money, I'd also suggest to run the HDMI even if your current receiver doesn't support it; I would imagine that near-future receivers will.

#3 -- if you're talking about using the coax cable that looks just like RG-59, but is thinner, I just don't know. There would be three cables per bundle, though, and as many bundles as connections you want to make (e.g., one bundle to bedroom 1, one bundle to bedroom 2, etc., would provide for video in each of those rooms, and that video would be sourcing from your "main" audio system). Hopefully a more experienced installer will jump in here.

#4 -- not sure. I don't like all these rules!!!

#5 -- agree with Sonnie. If you're going to buy a giant roll of it, go with 12 gauge. It may not be necessary for all runs, but you won't have to worry about it being too small. CL2 is what you want for in-wall. If you are on a budget, use 14 or 16 gauge, but no smaller.

#6 -- agree with Sonnie. Install as much networking as you can or as you want. Before I sealed up my basement's ceiling with drywall, I ran on Cat 5e to every room. Cat 6 is probably better. I'm not using them yet, but you never know when.

#7 -- How far from your sources (DVD player, PC, CD player, whatever) to your receiver? And what other connections would you want to make with optical? There's certainly nothing wrong with it, and I use it for a couple different things. I'd say coaxial or optical is kinda like "six of one, half dozen of another." If you are going from an HD-DVD or BluRay player, you'll use the HDMI connection, which will get you the best audio. From "regular" DVD sources or your DirecTV box, you can use optical if you want. I have used up to 50' of optical with no problem.

#8 -- not that I know of

#9 -- don't know.

You may want a PC to connect someday, especially if you want to stream home movies to all locations. That's another project!

A couple ideas on fishing all these wires if you haven't done it before. They make a lubricant, available at Home Depot, et al, that will help you get the cables through tight spots. I haven't used it, but I know it'll help, especially on long runs. Also, it may be helpful for the future to leave a extra "pull" in the wall. That is, something that's just there to help you pull "something else" in the future. Perhaps a couple lengths of strong nylon string or perhaps simply an extra cable that's not connected to anything -- just something so that you don't have to re-fish in the event that you want to add something down the line.

I think that's it for now.

Good luck!