My receiver has four different types of audio inputs:
RCA (Red/White)
5-1/6-1 inputs - Basically RCA inputs, but left and right channels for front and back, center and subwoffer.
Digital optical inputs
Digital coaxial inputs
Just to get going, I used an RCA Y splitter to go from the computer (I think the green plug) to the red and white RCA jacks on the receiver. Sound was good/acceptable to my wife, but not to me.
Next, I tried the 5-1/6-1 connections. This time I used 3 RCA Y splitters to go from the three outputs on my sound card to the receiver. Sound was much better, but still not good enough.
I then tried digital optical with this device:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...999-753&depa=0
I couldn't get it to work, even though the doc on my MB and receiver both said it would. I think it was because I had a 5 pin jumper, but this device had a 3 pin plug.
Finally, I tried the Digital coaxial input with this device:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...131-205&depa=0
It required a digital coaxial cable, but worked the first time I tried
Sound is great. My receiver thinks that it is getting Pro Logic sound. It's not digital dolby, but it is close.
My PVR is actually located in the basement in a closet below my family room entertainment center. I had to use usb extenders for my IR blaseter and Streamzap remote receivers. The cable run for the audio is 12 feet.