We do something similar, but still on laptop. Our receiver is somewhat modern (Yamaha HTR-3065) and takes HDMI though. Ours goes laptop to TV, TV (audio) to receiver w optical cable. Controls are wireless keyboard and mouse. I really like the Yamaha - as an amp the thing has some serious juice. Way more than we'd ever need/use in this apartment, even with somewhat basic speakers and sub.
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"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste