Dtc, the reason I asked for model numbers of his equipment is that I know some Sony Blu-ray players, and maybe all, only output LPCM 2ch or bitstream from the digital audio output. If he has a multichannel speaker system, I believe it will be better to use the bitstream. Look here at "Audio Features Coaxial, Optical" under Product Specifications.
http://store.sony.com/blu-ray-disc-player-zid27-BDPS1100/cat-27-catid-All-Blu-ray-DVD-Players?_t=pfm%3DcategoryIf he connects the Blu-ray player and cable box to the TV with HDMI, and they are set for bitstream, he will get a bitstream signal from the digital audio output on the TV, and this can be connected to a digital input on the RX-V1400. Also, changing inputs on the TV will change sound from the RX-V1400 at the same time, rather than having to make an additional change on the RX-V1400 to select the appropriate sound for the picture.