Xbox 360 Buyers Guide, Page 6

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System Selectors

Chances are you have quite a few video game consoles already in sitting your stable. You're also probably running out of inputs on your TV or receiver. It might be time to get a system selector. System selectors allow you to connect all your consoles into one device, and then send one set of cables to your TV to hook up all of them. Make sure to get a system selector that matches your existing TV setup. If you have an HDTV, you definitely don't want to get a system selector that only outputs S-Video--you'll want one that supports component video and 5.1 audio. Some system selectors even offer Ethernet connections these days. Look carefully at all the inputs and outputs before making a purchase.

Intec Xbox 360 A/V Selector & Storage

With this storage unit you can hook up two separate component video connections, and store numerous items like remote controls, games, and memory cards. The unit also acts as a base for the Xbox 360.

Joytech Xbox 360 Control Center

Joytech's Control Center allows users to organize and customize their gaming experience. The Joytech unit offers electronic switching and remote control, connections for HDTV-ready component video, S-Video and composite AV, four digital optical inputs for digital sound, and a five-port 10/100 Ethernet switch. Like the console, the Joytech unit also features a removable faceplate for extra customization, and it has a backlit LCD screen that shows the name of each input channel for simple navigation on the programmable display.

System Cables

The Xbox 360 supports a wide variety of AV cables. If you have an HDTV, you'll want to get a set of component video cables. Older TVs will have to use S-Video or composite video cables. Picture quality won't be as good on the S-Video or composite cables, as the Xbox 360 won't be able to output an HD signal with those cables. If you have a surround-sound setup, you'll also want to make sure the cables have an optical output for 5.1 surround sound.