Upside
If the addition of an Xbox 360 to your home entertainment set-up has left you having to juggle cables to free up available inputs on your television, then Joytech's Control Centre is here to help. The Control Centre is, in essence, an HD AV switcher - the Centre can take up to four different sources, and then plugs into your TV (either via component, S-Video or composite). Switching between the four available sources - whether it's an Xbox 360, DVD player, Foxtel box or more - is then just an easy matter of pressing a button on the Joytech Control Centre's remote control.
The Control Center has been designed to mimic the look and feel of the 360 - from its off-white colour all the way down to its curving edges. It can even be stored on its side just like an Xbox 360. It even has its own dedicated input for the 360 - a single connection which carries all the console audio and video information through one cable. The backlit display in the centre of the unit can be customised to display the names of individual inputs.
The Control Centre features four component video inputs, five composite video, five stereo audio inputs and five S-Video inputs. It also has an impressive four digital optical audio inputs, as well as a built-in six port 10/100 Ethernet switch for connection to Xbox Live or other network devices.
Downside
The Control Centre has plenty of component inputs, but it would have been nice to have the option of at least one HDMI connector in the mix.
Outlook
With four HD inputs, the Joytech Xbox 360 Control Centre looks like it could easily become an avid gamer's best friend. Cable juggling is thrown out the window!
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kiessling
07/04/2008, 09:40 AM
rating
10/10
i have a 240c model 7 input its so good i wish to purchase another. could you advise where i can purchase it. thank you
Pros: i am a senior and it is very easy to use
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mrvent
20/10/2007, 12:49 PM
rating
10/10
Bring order to the HD-era with the AV Control Center 245C. State-of-the-art technology allows you to organize and customize your AV universe supporting up to seven AV or game console devices. Fully programmable LCD Display and connections for component video, S-video, composite video, stereo audio, digital optical with a 3 port Ethernet LAN Hub provide all the control you need and integrated AS-HD? technology maintains optimum signal clarity at all times. Connect up to seven AV sources to your TV download Control the sound and picture with electronic switching and Remote Control. Multiple Input Channels Connections for HDTV ready Component Video, Digital Optical, Ethernet, S-Video and Composite AV. Output Channel for connection to your TV Connections for HDTV ready Component Video, Digital Optical, Thernet, S-Video, Composite AV and RF. Programmable Display Backlit LCD shows the name of each input Channel for simple navigation. Advanced Signal Technology Regulates the Output Channel and automatically compensates for weak signals.
Pros: There will be shipping labels attached to the outside of the package. You may mark this item as a gift if you do not wish to reveal the contents.
Cons: This item ships separately and in the original manufacturer's packaging.
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haritori
01/09/2007, 05:20 AM
rating
8/10
This + 360 + TV + PVR + 5.1 Reciever + Harmony remote = Fantastic switching, Shame its a touch expensive and could of done with coaxial S/PDIF as composites wont handle it for some reason?
Pros: Everything you need to switch between HD & SD with toslink options, IR switching
Cons: No digital coxial, Feels looks a bit cheap, costs a little too much.
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rygle
25/05/2007, 03:02 PM
rating
4/10
By the sound of things, you get what you pay for in quality.
If you're price conscious, you can get boxes that switch manually for as low as $15.
If you're not quite as price conscious, why not buy an AV receiver for a bit more? Then you'll have higher quality AV switching and can enjoy surround sound as well. Costs a bit more, but definitely worth it.
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Big Nick
10/02/2007, 11:36 PM
rating
3/10
There seems to be output gain issues, leading to the 360 (data cable) input picture being darker/quieter than the other inputs and the other inputs overloading when displaying a saturated video image.
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Peter Digifan
04/02/2007, 11:32 AM
rating
7/10
looks and feels very very cheap. The customisation buttons behind the faceplate are even more cheapass feeling .. oh well, it does its job pretty well.
Pros: * Lots of inputs.
and kinda looks weirdly nice under your x360
Cons: * dulls the colours
* dulls the contrast :@
* is not the same off-white as the X360 ... which makes either of em stand out when stacked.
* way too expensive for a unit the weight of a PS3 controller...
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Diemetrix
11/10/2006, 07:50 PM
rating
7/10
Great AV solution
Not sure If I can buy somethink that ugly.
Pros: Lots of good functions. Essantialy a bust my for any HD gamer
Cons: IT's UGLY as hell.
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11/09/2006, 09:57 PM
rating
7/10
Great AV solution
Pros: Great range of HD component, digital audio opitions for those who don't want to spend hundreds or thousands on a new AV reciever
Cons: They could have made one of the component outputs at 50hz so that many australian high def CRTs can input true HD graphics!
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TunaLips
29/08/2006, 01:23 PM
rating
8/10
Delays Delays Delays
every month it is pushed back a month.
Pros: In theory this will be a good device
Cons: Lack of HDMI and endless delays for the unit!
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grae2k
25/03/2006, 01:55 PM
Looks to be a handy device... Got to see one working
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