Cannot get Video signal from Receiver...PLZ HELP

[jaymzbo]

I have never set up an AVR before and just about cried when I saw the number of inputs and outputs. I do use the info on this site and it has been invaluable and I cannot imagine where I have gone wrong. I am not in any way electronics-savvy and only mention that in the hope that potential respondents will not be afraid to "dumb down" their answers. So please be gentle or kindly direct me to another thread as my initial Search attempts did not yield me an answer [END DISCLAIMER] Here goes:

I just hooked up a Pioneer Elite VSX-01 TXH AVR and am able to hear audio through the speakers but cannot get a video signal, not even the OSD to set the thing up. Specifically,

Sony 34XBR970 CRT >Pio AVR's HDMI OUT
Ps3>Pio AVR's HDMI IN
Oppo DV-970HD>Pio AVR's HDMI IN
2 Def Tech Studio Monitor 450s to Pio AVR if that matters
I even plugged in my old VCR: VCR >Pio's DVR1 slot using RCA for a/v and got audio and no video
All power cords > APC H15
What is weird to me, I had the same source components (minus VCR) hooked up to a Sima VS-HD31 Switcher using the same HDMI cables and all worked. Now I know my Sony 970 is only a 1080i set and has only the 1 HDMI IN but it was also working with the Sima 3x1.

It was suggested to me that the Inputs have to be reassinged. But when I cannot ever get to the OSD which I presume to be on the TV for initial setup, what should I do? This has frustrated me to the point of I'm wondering if I'd been better off not getting into audio at all. At least before I was watching my BDs albeit in 1080i and listening over the TV speakers.

I have read and re-read the manual and it seems to only confuse me even more. Please any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading