Ok, here is what I've got - a Yamaha HTR-5740 receiver, a JVC XV-NP10S DVD player, and a Dish DVR-522. The Yamaha receiver has digital optical inputs for both satellite and DVD, and the DVD and Dish DVR both have digital optical output. So what type of digital optical cables should I get with this? Are there different kinds? I'm completely clueless!
Yes there are different kinds. But for most consumer audio/video applications, you will want a cable with TOSLINK terminals or connectors. There are different brands, but for short runs, I've never been able to tell the difference between your basic generic cable and the expensive stuff. Hope this helps.