Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I was finally able to get something to work using a digital coax cable from the cable box to the HTiB. Why the digital optical cable did not work is beyond me. I think this setup will be the best I can get, given the limited options for the HTiB.
And...
Alex & Everett - after looking at the user manual for the HTIB, I just noticed that there is no video input terminal, only audio inputs or video/audio outputs (see attached picture). How do I connect my cable box to the HTIB?
Al - thanks for the suggestion. I did try just the HDMI connection and I'm pretty sure I tried just the optical connection (I've tried so many setups, I can't remember what I did or did not try anymore). Even if the optical-only connection worked, then I would still have an issue with playing...
Sam - Unfortunately someone gave this system to me last year (never used), so I won't be able to exchange it.
Kathy - Thanks for the post. I have been to this webpage several times and have hooked up my system exactly as it shows on that page. Still no sound though.
I have an issue with sound output (no sound) from my home theatre speakers for regular TV channel audio. I've hooked up TV's, cable boxes & speakers before for myself and family members, so I am not a novice, but probably not an expert either. I've been trying to find a solution for several...