can someone recomend a site that I can learn how to use basic XLR setups. ( off camera setups )

I can recomend a book, Producing Great Sound for Digital Video by Jay Rose
In his book jay explains everything associated with balanced and unbalanced audio.
You might also want to try www.dv.com and click on the audio forum, Jay moderates there.

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/item.asp?N=35&R=625640&act=A03&Item=978157820208&Section=books&Catalog=Books&Lang=en&mscssid=JB9GST2H1VU48JTVAAK93S11K82Q4P8B&WSID=020936223E4BA44C4849816F65D8E8A7B5761317

The book is available at Chapters, there should be several in Vancouver.

"XLR" is basically just a type of connection which, in the case of audio, is designed to reduce interference over long cable runs. There are XLR connections for power, too.

If you want to learn about audio recording technology within the context of filmmaking and videography Bryan's book recommendation represents a very good overview well worth your time and investment.

just got the book and love it. it's perfect. thanks