Mintek Fix Ryan, Why can't I accomplish this by just plugging in the two audio wires from the RCA composite cable into the jacks on the set? What is different about soldering in the connections as you described as opposed to just plugging in the red & white audio jacks? What can I use as an inexpensive amplifier or receiver to power the speakers. I don't want to spend a lot of money for this purpose? I know you suggested the Onkyo but that is a couple hundred $$. Can you suggest some other cheaper source to power the speakers. Also how do I turn on the TV itself after I make the cable connection to my HD cable box? Will it come on as soon as I plug it in or will I have to use the on/off switch on the side of the unit. I don't have a remote for the TV. Can I plug the set into the rear of my cable box so that I can turn it or with the cable box's remote which is how I have it setup with my other TV. In either case will I have to reconnect the plastic interconnect and spade ground that comes from the on/off and other control buttons on the side of the unit? Mike

Mike
The biggest reason is the input on your TV will be stuck in DVD mode. Therefore the set expects any audio to becoming from the DVD player and not inputs on the back of the set. So every input on the back of the TV except for the component input is non functioning. Another reason is that you have no way to control the volume of the TV since there are no functioning buttons save the power button.

If you cut the speaker wire in the TV and solder to the respective RCA connections on the back or side of the TV you can treat the speakers passively, meaning there must be some sort of amplifier to power them. You could also just splice some wire to the cut speaker wire to extend the speaker connection to an amplifier, but I'm not a fan of loose wires coming from the back of my TV.

Therefore, using this set up you would have your cable box attached to your TV and an amplifier of some sort, and the amplifier attached to the RCA connections you soldered for the speakers.

Here's an amplifier that would work for fifty bucks:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-958

To turn the TV on just make sure the power button is pressed (this will put the TV in standby) and then press any other button on the side of the TV: Source, volume, any of them will work.

In order for your cable box's remote to work it will need to be programmed for the TV. I have been unable to find the program codes for the TV, but I do know that Comcast's cable remote will work if you do the code search. You do need to reconnect all the grounds that you disconnected as well.

Let me know if you run into anything else
Ryan