Does Dish VIP722k output 7.1 sound? If so through HDMI? How can I achieve this.?

[SantiagoManager]

Seems I can get 5.1 through digital optical output but can I get 5.1 through HDMI if 7.1 doesn't work? 

I run all of my systems through the Onkyo with HDMI and then I have one HDMI to my TV from the Onkyo unit. 

Onkyo surround sound HTR680 
Dish VIP722k receiver (just installed 11/23/13)

[SantiagoManager · Accepted solution]

There are no movies, shows, BluRay disks, etc with 7.1 soundtrack. Your AV Receiver takes the sound (stereo, 5.1, etc.) and does DSP tricks to feed the 7 speakers. 

Your HDMI cable should be all you need.

[JSantiago]

Sorry Grumpy Mac. There are only a limited movies in Blu ray that have the 7.1 audio. Most of them are encoded in DTS-MA. You have to use HMI cable to be able to get the 7.1 audio. Your receiver must also be a 7.1. Most of the time you are not even going to notice the difference between 5.1 and 7.1. Hope this will help you out.

[SantiagoManager · Accepted solution]

Your HDMI cable should be all you need.

[JSantiago]

Plasma produces the deepest and richest dark area detail, so this makes the rest of the picture look vibrant and appear like it has high contrast.