Jerry,

I thought the problem might be in the setup on your Bluray player.

To answer your question about the IA45 card, I have the card and my ONLY connection between the player and the 861 are the 6 analog cables and NO DIGITAL cable connection what so ever.

The sound is BETTER than the digital cable provided.

I have the 861 and BD player setup to play this way and select on the disc whenever it is offered which is more often than not these days

Meridian 861V4, 808i, McIntosh MC1201(2), MC252, MC501, DVDO VP50PRO, Sony Bravia 52inch, Sony BDS500, B&W 800D's(2), 804s(2), ASW825, HTM1D, Nordost Frey, Transparent RR