set-top box (cable tv) to the AVR...

There are 2 Completely different types of Cable TV Set Top boxes :

1. Digital 2. Analog

The analog boxes are mere channel changers, and their purpose is to tune in to the entire 48 MHz to 862 MHz freq range, incase you have an old TV that cant...

Its RF to Video conversion will also be very basic ...

2. The Digital STB is a breed apart. However, I believe ( I may be wrong ) it is only offered by Hathway in B'lore.

Hence if you are serviced by a Cable Op that offers a Digital Set Top Box, take it... its money well spent.

The Digital STB will provide true Stereo sound with good Quality ( Low to mid Fi ).

The Video processing even on the digital STB will remain basic ... only a Composite Video out .. no S Video.

Cheers

Note: Neither DTH nor Digital Cable in India today delivers Hi Def TV, and existing equipment (STBs) cannot deliver Hi-Def TV. Also almost Zero software available in Hi-Def, but Hi Def is another story altogether.