I have to agree with Matt. Go all S video. If you have a composite piece you can add an inline adaptor. Parts Express has one for about $8.00, or you can go to Rat Shack and pick up the same piece for $30.00. I use them all the time and they work great. As far as movies at 3:00 am, just run an audio pair out of the receiver to the TV.
All said it would probably be easier in the long run to hire a pro. We deal with this daily and can explain how to watch what you want without confusing you with how everything is connected.