Help with my set-up

[mhcolts]

Hello... thanks for all the info so far...

I am pretty close to making a move and getting a Denon 1909 when I stumble onto a good price. I was able to hear the difference between regular 5.1 DD or DTS vs DTS HD and True HD.. I went to best buy with a magnolia set up. It was interesting to hear the differences, not huge, but it the sound was awesome on the blu ray.

I just had a couple of questions on the set up with all my devices if I were going to purchase the new receiver.

First step would be hooking up my PS3. I would run HDMI to the Denon. I am pretty sure I can figure that one out.

Second step would be hooking up my uverse cable box. Should I run component wires or HDMI from my cable box into the Denon? Would the video be upconverted to 1080p if I were to use the component wires?

Third step would be my xbox 360. I think I can handle that one.

Fourth step would be hooking up my apple airport express audio input. I have my itunes being sent to that airport express, then rcas from the airport running into the receiver. I can currently, since I do not have any video being switched with my old yahmaha, able to play xbox 360 and switch the audio on my receiver to listen to itunes.

Can I switch the audio on the Denon and still have the same video? So if I were to play an xbox game, can I switch the audio to my airtunes w/o losing video?

One more question, is there anyway I would be able to watch TV without having the receiver on? There are sometimes when I just enjoy having the tv speakers on. Would I have to run different cables into another input on my TV to do that?

I also hear that set-up on the Denon can be kinda tedious. Can someone point me into a good direction to help with the set-up?

I know this was a lot. Thanks for any help.

-mike