Hi xen-uno
These are my findings, take them for what they are worth.
The 7500 and 8500 has two video outputs for TV --composite and s-video.
Composite - has a distance of around 20 to 25 ft. before you lose signal quality. I dont think RG6 w/RCA plugs would change that. But RG6 is better than a std. composite cable, because it eliminates interference.
If you want to go futher, you would need a ---Composite Video Extender.
The HDTV component on the 8500 would prob. fall into this same catagory and it also looks like it comes off the dvi port . Scott would know.
S-Video - I have never seen a cable longer then 25 ft. . (unless it is made up) So I think the same holds true. So if you want to go further than the 25 ft , you will need a ---Powered S-Video Extender.
Audio-- As you know the RG6 w/RCA plugs will work good.
The 8500 has an HDTV dongle (does the 7500?).
No
I assume the 7500 has pretty much the same output options as the 8500.
Yep, but 8500dv has the Firewire ports and HDTV.
I'm not clear on what the SP/DIF port on the 8500 is for (sounds like audio to me).
Its an RCA plug which goes to your Amp. for decodeing.
Doby 5.1 ac-3.
These are only my views, other people may vary with them.
Sent Scott A message to relpy in this thread on his 8500.
Since ATI makes one book fits all, I do have the wireing diag. for the 8500dv, but not for the HDTV adap. If you want, message me with your email addr. and I will scan them and send them to you. ATI probably has them on their web site too.
Got to go, to many interruptions.
Hope this helps
Griff