Sony is no stranger to innovation and has no aversion to risk. When they added a Blu-Ray drive to every PS3 during the HD wars - it actually hurt the PS3 during the first couple years thanks to the high manufacturing cost - but it's now paying off big.

The major game publishers such as EA are adding extra content exclusive to the PS3 - all thanks to Blu-Ray's massive storage capacity.

Here's the question: Can Sony do it all over again, this time with 3D? Apparently the consumer electronics giant is not at all concerned about the challenge of getting consumers to adopt 3D tech in their homes.

Sony is shrewdly using the PS3 - and more specifically 3D gaming - to help usher in the era of 3D home theater entertainment.

Sony just released a free firmware update that activates Blu-ray 3D capability for previously announced Blu-ray Disc models including the BDP-S470 and BDP-S570 players and the BDV-E570 and BDV-E770W home theater systems.

Sony now offers consumers the most diverse line of 3D-capable home entertainment products including 19 BRAVIA® HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and theater systems, and audio/video components that offer various levels of performance and features.

It's all part of their master plan for 3D, according to Scott Rohde a Sony VP:

"The best thing I can relate this to is the Blu-Ray launch. I think this is like a rewind for me; a lot of the same questions. It's a distinct strategy that we've chosen to take to be on the bleeding edge and drive the market into these new experiences. So we're not worried about quick adoption rate. We're driving people to adopt period."

VIZIO's new wireless 5.1 system is a stylish solution to improve the sound of any TV, without wires and without breaking the bank. First up in the company's crop of new announcements is a 5.1-channel sound bar, known as .

The VHT510 is designed for use with HDTVs 40 inches and up. But VIZIO doesn't make audio magic happen with a single soundbar. The package includes a wall-mountable 40-inch sound bar for front left, center and right channel duties, as well as a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear surround speakers. The setup boasts Wireless HD Audio technology to get the audio job done, without wires from sound bar to subwoofer or from the soundbar to the rear speakers.

Also: To prevent having to plug each rear speaker into a power outlet, only the soundbar and the subwoofer need power, with the soundbar communicating wirelessly with the sub, and the rear speaker wires connected to the subwoofer. So, as long as you place your subwoofer somewhere toward the back of your room. Stringing those unsightly speaker wires from the front to the back of your room are now just a bad memory. The sub and wireless speakers can be positioned up to 60 feet away from the main unit.

The setup features support for Dolby Digital, DTS, SRS CircleCinema HD and SRS TruVolume, courtesy of its one digital S/PDIF input and two analog stereo RCA inputs. The VHT510 package also comes with its own remote to scontrol volume and switch inputs. Expect the VHT510 to be available in Q3 2010, for $399.99.

And while they were at it...

VIZIO also announced their VHP100 Wireless Home Theater Headphones. This set features 40mm drivers, digital S/PDIF and RCA inputs, and a rechargeable battery. Also, thanks to active noise cancellation and a comfortable over-the-ear design, you can hoard sounds for hours on end.

The VHP100 should be available in time to stuff stockings, in Q4, for $299.99.

However there's NO remote. I'm mystified given the fact that it has a built-in TV tuner. Kicking back on the couch -- without a clicker is simply unacceptable.

Smartphone apps to the rescue!

There's a bunch of them out there for HTPC. But here's one that outshines the rest: HippoRemote.

Here's how it works: Both your PC and iPhone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. After installing a small (and free) Windows utility, the app is able to connect to the system and work its magic.

HippoRemote not only gives you a virtual touchpad and keyboard, but also a screen's worth of Windows Media Center controls that fully approximate an actual remote. Well worth the US$1.99 price tag.

While not the most visually stunning remote app for iPhones, it's responsiveness is excellent compared to other remote apps. Because of its responsiveness and custom layouts, HippoRemote app seems to be a better alternative when you are looking for a universal remote app for your HTPC.

Android users can get in on the PC-remote action with apps like Gmote, which is donation ware.

Got a Blackberry? Poor you… there's nothing to mention that's comparable yet.

HTPC is great. But without a remote… you're dead in the water. This is the perfect solution.

Apple introduced yesterday a new and improved Mac Mini. And it is exactly that: A compact size of 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches deep in its aluminum casing. It barely makes a dent in your equipment rack or shelf space.

Jobs and Company finally has listened to the constant clamoring and stuck an HDMI output along with an HDMI to DVI video adapter on its refreshed Mac Mini. They even threw in an SD reader and a Mini DisplayPort built-in. All for a hefty price tag of $699. But hey... it's an Apple, right?

Also in the Mini's favor is built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi, a move that makes it more convenient than about 90 percent of "connected" home theater devices, which still rely on a wired networking port.

The Mini is also very unApple-like with an incredibly open platform compared to Apple's other new devices. Yes, it's capable of supporting Adobe Flash... unlike 'everything else Apple'.

The Mini conspicuously has omitted a Blu-ray drive - it only sports a DVD burner instead.

You gotta ask yourself: Do I really want to pay $699 for this Mac and then another $150 for a Blu-ray player?

Of course , Apple's logic is clear: They're in the biz of getting you to stream HD movies from iTunes instead of buying and renting Blu-ray discs.

So... what's your take on this? Does an HDMI port make this Mini a more attractive option for a home theater computer now? Or is it still too damn pricey and/or limited? Leave a comment with your opinion.