Joytech announces 360 Control Center

[SpOoNmAn]

JOYTECH Europe Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and leading designer and manufacturer of third party video game accessories, announced today the Control Center 540C, designed for the Xbox 360? video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

A unique concept in console accessories, the Control Center 540C represents the latest advance in JOYTECH?s award winning* ?Control Center? product line, and will prove invaluable for the connection of next generation game consoles or owners of complex installations.

Perfectly complementing the design and appearance of the Xbox 360?, the Control Center 540C allows users to connect their console and up to five additional AV sources to just one input on their TV, display and sound system.

Equipped with a proprietary connection to accommodate Xbox 360?, the Control Center 540C receives all relevant visual and audio information sent from the console, through a single Connector Cable that comes included. Through this Connector Cable, standard definition S-video, composite video and stereo audio is carried, alongside standard and High Definition component video and digital optical audio.

Once the Xbox 360? is connected to the Control Center 540C, users have access to an additional four HDTV ready component video inputs, five composite video and stereo audio inputs, five S-video inputs and four digital optical inputs alongside a corresponding matched output for each input connection, allowing for a broad and extensive range of equipment to be permanently connected to just a single input on the users TV, display or sound system. Additionally, the Control Center 540C features a six port Ethernet LAN Hub, providing a reliable connection to Xbox Live? and other network devices.

The front Programmable Display automatically adjusts to vertical or horizontal orientation, allowing users to position the Control Center 540C alongside their Xbox 360? console in the manner they desire. Users are even invited to customize each input name, and with the included Remote Control, navigating each input proves no more complex than touching a button. Furthermore, the front panel of the Control Center 540C houses an additional set of S-video, composite video and stereo audio inputs allowing quick and easy access for camcorders or game consoles.

Peter Jackson, Senior Product Development Manager commented, ?The Control Center 540C heralds a new era of highly advanced accessories that cater to a wider demographic than any product we have released thus far. We?re thrilled to launch this revolutionary product at a time when new console and AV hardware is becoming increasingly difficult to assimilate into the average users? entertainment installation?

The Control Center 540C will be available in Europe and North America from November 2006 and will retail for a suggested price of ?89.99 and $129.99 respectively.

Any takers?

[Woundup]

cool, hopefully the video quality will be better then other items like this from the past.

[ZoomZoom71]

So, I could have all my A/V sources going to this, instead of an A/V Receiver. Then, just have single Audio connection to the reciever for the surround sound? Maybe I'm a bit confused, or maybe this isn't really the best application for those with a Home Theater system. Am I missing something?

[Jon Liu]

I don't see it as necessary unless you are running out of plugs on your AV Receiver. I, for one, am not one in that category!

[ZoomZoom71]

Yeah, I figured that was the case. At this point, my little Sony receiver has only 2 Component inputs, which is sufficient. But, if I add any more HD sources, I'll need to get a larger/better receiver.

[Frodo 13]

Pass...

I can't see why the need. If the 360/PS3 were are suppose to introduce Next gaming, I tend to think that masses would catch on to HT gear.

[Wondermonkey]

This looks cool, but I fail to see why I would need it.

Not a bad idea though for people that are...messy and scattered maybe?