Your HDTV has built-in speakers, but it also has audio-output connectors that allow you to attach a superior home theater surround-sound system. If you watch televised concerts, or if you want to get the best out of today's movie soundtracks, a separate sound system is the way to go.

Sending the audio directly from your TV to your receiver saves a lot of annoyance. You have fewer cables to deal with. You don't need to set both the TV and the receiver when you switch from your DVD player to your DVR. And you can control the receiver's volume with the TV's remote.

Once you've connected the cable, explore the HDTV's menus for an option with the word speaker in it. It will almost certainly be in the Audio submenu. If your remote has a Quick Menu, Q. Menu, or Tools button, that might lead to a shorter, alternate menu that could also have this option. One of the choices will probably be TV Speakers. Pick the other one.

This setup has one problem: While the separate sound system is great for movies and concerts, it's a waste of electricity while you're watching news programs or talk shows. If the speaker option is on your Quick Menu, you'll have an easy time switching to the TV's speakers when you don't need big sound. If it's buried deep in the main menu structure, you'll have a hassle.