Audiophille ,, Stupid here

[jakehale]

Looking for some insite on getting good sound. For xmas I got the Sony STR-DG800 because of the HDMI, at the time I had a upconvert DVD and I wanted that whole experience. I found that I could only get the sound through my reciever by hooking the HDMI from the DVD (now PS3 BTW) to the TV, then running a fiber optic cable from the TV to the reciever. Is this the only way to get the whole "HDMI" experience with out getting a $2000 Denon? or did I do something wrong? I was frustrated that I couldnt get sound throught the HDMI so I took that reciever back and am using my Sony STR-DE545, which has no HDMI connections at all. I have my PS3 connected to my TV, and the opitic cable from the TV to the reciever. I get sound and it sounds ok, although on this reciever, when the DTS sound kicks in ther is this blue light that comes on, and it has yet to come on playing my BR movies. I know I must have done something wrong with the DG800, and I have no ideal what I am doing with my current DE545. I love the picture, it looks great so, I know i must have the video portion working right, just not the sound. Not sure if it matters, but my TV is a Sony KDF-E50A10.

I will take any help.
Jake