Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - New LCD w/ Dated surround sound amp

We just purchased a new LCD TV and have it connected to an existing surround sound system that is quite dated (8-10 yrs) and am having trouble getting it to work properly. There is a distinct lag in the sound coming from the TV speakers and the Surround Sound system. If we are watching a DVD or the VCR everything sounds fine until you try to adjust the volume of the TV then we will lose all sound until we cycle the power on the surround sound amp. I have also noticed that when watching regular TV with the surround sound system off that if another TV in an adjacent room is tuned to the same channel there is a lag in the audio from the new TV creating an echo effect very similar to that if we are trying to watch TV through the surround sound system. Any suggestions or insights?

Is this TV connected to a DVR? DVR'S prerecord a second or two behind live TV so you will get that echoing affect with another TV on.

Mark, Thanks for your reply. Neither TV is connected to a DVR. The LCD TVis connected to a VCR and a DVD player, however both of them are off most of the time. TV's that are in adjacent rooms are all connected to standard VCR's and DVD players. Thanks again.
Mike

Can you describe exactly how the system is wired for sound? Where does each input/output go, and in what order is it all connected? Model numbers are also good things to provide.