You can choose to use your TV simply as a monitor leaving your receiver to do all the video switching work. You might want to use the extra inputs the TV provides to expand your system, or use a video connection your receiver doesn't accommodate. There's no wrong way to connect a TV, but you may need a little more info before deciding which way is right for you and your system.

The Monitor
With this configuration all audio and video connections go to the receiver with the receiver's "monitor out" sent to the TV. There are a couple of issues with this configuration. Namely that if you mix and match the type of video sources going into your receiver, such as RCA composite and S-Video, you'll need to connect both types of connections from the receiver's "monitor outs" to the TV. That means you'll have 2 video connections to the TV; 1 S-Video and 1 RCA composite connection. This forces you to use the TV as a video switcher even if you would prefer not to. The gain in picture quality is well worth the hassle of switching, but it is a hassle.

With all the new types of video connections out there, your receiver may not have all the video input types you need. If this is case, simply plug the video directly into the TV from the individual components bypassing the receiver. You'll need to switch video inputs on the TV and audio inputs on the receiver, but the improvement in picture performance is usually worth the inconvenience. Most receivers will usually have S-Video connections. It's Component Video connections that usually cause this type of dilemma.

The Switcher Box TV
This method uses your TV's inputs as a way to add more components than your receiver allows or use a better video connection. If you want to connect an entire component's audio and video connections to the TV you'll need to make sure your TV's audio is connected to the receiver. The TV gives you room to grow even if your receiver doesn't. While this can be a little inconvenient it is commonly done, and sure beats having to go out and buy a new receiver.

Antenna, Cable, and Satellites
You may be tempted to connect your antenna, cable, or satellite connection directly to the TV, but that's about the worst thing you can do. These types of connections are the most likely to have some type of surge or electrical disruption. Always have these sources run through an AC line conditioner or surge protector before being routed to any piece of gear including the receiver. An AC line conditioner starts at about $200, but they're usually cheaper than replacing your precious gear.