Now available for pre-sale is Sony's new line of home audio/video receivers with 3D support baked in. New models include the STR-DN1020, STR-DH820, STR-DH720, and STR-DH520. All four will ship this Spring, and none of them will set you back more than $500, with the lowest end model (DH520) carrying an MSRP of $230.

We're guessing there won't be scores of consumers who chuck their home theater equipment to the curb so they can go out and buy 3D-capable components, but for those who planned on upgrading anyway, is 3D where it's at?

Electronic makers are hoping so, including Sony, which just launched its new Elevated Standard (ES) AV receiver line, including the STR-DA5600ES, STRA-DA4500ES, and STR-DA3600ES, as well as a 3D Blu-ray player, the BDP-S1700ES. That's all well and good, but what do the AV receivers have to do with 3D?

"By focusing on seamless integration with custom home theater control partners, Sony is working to deliver products that support the custom and specialty retail business like no other manufacturer," said Brian Siegel, vice president of Sony's home audio and video business. "Because Sony is involved in every stage of the 3D ecosystem, specialty dealers and installers can rest assured that our AV components leverage that deep expertise to deliver the most technically advanced experience possible."

Sounds like a whole lot of nothing, but there is a point to the marketing. According to Sony, the new ES models offer 3D pass-through, which means they're able to take 3D video from connected devices and pass them through to a 3D compatible HDTV.

See here for full specs, pricing, and release dates.

Sherwood today announced another set-top box the company hopes will vie for a place in your home theater. Towards that end, the new 700W R904-N NetBoxx AV receiver serves as both a 7.1-channel AV receiver and an internet media portal for streaming online content.

The 700W box measures just 17 x 10 x 2.5 inches and includes three HDMI 1.3 inputs, a Toslink input, two coaxial audio inputs, and support for Dolby Volume, Dolby TruHD, and DTS-HD Master high-res audio formats.

Once connected, you'll have access to Internet content from CinemaNow, YouTube, various TV channels, SHOUTcast audio "Internet radio" stations, and the ability to stream personal media and content from Hulu, Netflix, CBS, CNN, ESPN, Rhapsody, and Amazon Video On Demand, Sherwood says. You'll also find a USB port in the mix.

Sounds groovy, but it's anything but cheap. Slated for release later this month, the NetBoxx carries an MSRP of $650.