I found it interesting that there are so many screws on this part of the assembly. My guess is that Sony thinks that this is where A) the cables get connected and you want a secure connection and/or B)Being that other devices are to be hooked intt this device if anything where to be dropped off a Tv of Entertainment unit this part of the device would stand a better chance of not getting damaged. I have seen that before, Twisted RCA connectors that don't work anymore.