I looked through the great detailed crack sticky thread on this topic, but did not see this specific question come up and since the last post was nearly a month ago, I needed a more timely resolution. Thanks and props to those who have contributed input in several of my previous threads and topics.
A relative who is completely upgrading his system is GIVING

me his relatively new Onkyo 505 7.1 receiver as a gift. So for the near and short term, this is what I am going to be using. With the money I am saving on not having to fork out the cash for a receiver, I am going to dump into getting better speakers.
I have the SAMSUNG BD-P1400. My plan is to leave the HDMI cable connected to my TV as it is now and make the audio connection between the BR player and the Onkyo 505.
As you know, the BD-P1400 does contain a 5.1 CH Analog Audio Out grid that you can connect to directly your receiver. I noticed that it also has an additional little grid for another pair of L & R analog out connections. Would I be able to utilize this extra pair of audio outs and connect it to my receiver directly thus making a true 7.1 connection???
Or is this something that I am only able to directly connect the analog outs/ins for just a 5.1 experience and then its a combination of me tweaking with a bunch of settings and the Onkyo 505 receiver somehow intuitively amplifying the 5.1 lossless feed into a 7.1 output??
Thanks in advance.