Just when you thought it was safe to keep your new A/V receiver around for a while—you know, the one you bought in the last couple of years because it included decoding of lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats with 7.1 channels? It may already be time to upgrade, if you’re into the whole 3D thing.

Sony has been keeping us up to date at a fast pace with its recent 3D announcements, like new standalone and home theater Blu-ray players that will receive 3D firmware upgrades this summer, as well as its gaming console/Blu-ray playing PlayStation 3 around the same time.

Now Sony has its first 3D-compatible audio/video receiver in store for us, slated to arrive in June for about $500. The STR-DN1010 receiver will include HDMI 1.4 3D pass-through technology to go along with the latest usual AVR suspects such as the aforementioned Blu-ray audio specs, 7.1 channels (at 110 watts per), HD 1080/24p support and seven HD inputs (four HDMI, three component).

The STR-DN1010’s 3D pass-through supports 3D video from connected devices and passes them through to a 3D-compatible HDTV while decoding the high-res audio at the same time, says Sony. With Sony’s S-AIR wireless technology and S-AIR transmitter you can also add wireless audio via the receiver’s second zone capabilities (S-AIR speakers are sold separately).

Aesthetically, the new receiver has a piano black gloss finish to match up to Sony Blu-ray players and TVs, if you’re into showing off your gear.

The company also added three other receivers to its core lineup—the STR-DH810, STR-DH710 and STR-DH510 that will be available in March for about $400, $300 and $230, respectively, updated with expanded connectivity options.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.