the usual sound and TV hook up question

[hankpac]

I am sure there must be daily postings of this sort, but I am also sure that the instructions are individualized to each set of components, so:
I am new here, and yes, I need some help to hook up my system.
Nothing is brand new, although the DVD and TV have HDMI. the amp does not.
Here is a list of what I have, and I can also supply photos of the back end of each component:
Sony 40 inch TV KDL 40EX500, (has hdmi, and digital optical ports, as well as the usual component and RCA jack plugs (Red, Blue Green, and red white yellow). It does NOT have wifi or a cat 5 port (ethernet).
Denon AVR 1506, Amp/Receiver
Sony DVP n9710H (both Dolby and DTS).
For some reason, although I have gone from the dvd to the tv with an hdmi cable, and from the dvd to the amp with red/white/yellow I am not getting full surround. I get stereo, like a boss, but the surround and center isn't working. I wondered about running a digital optical from the TV to the amp.
Any help out there? Thanks.
Lots
Hank in Texas.