XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France
Price: $39.99


Overview : Finally a single cable to connect ALL your consoles to your TV! No more switchbox's needed, this cable can handle it all. Finally you can free up those extra inputs on your TV for other devices!

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™/PS2™, PSP Slim™, Xbox™ consoles.
• Built in switch prevents interference of other consoles while in use.
• High quality shielded cable.
• Supports Component Signals (Stereo).
• High Quality and High Speed of Transfer Signal.
• Supports Dolby Prologic.
• Supports DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Supports DOLBY Digital Surround Sound.
• Supports Stereo Sound.
• Supports Optical Signal on Xbox 360™.
• Compatible with Surround Sound Receiver or Integrated Amplifiers.
• Supports CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Supports D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080i/ 1080P) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released another multi-console component cable but unlike v2, v3 supports not only Xbox360, Wii, PS2, PS3 but now PSP and the original Xbox! This is an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center.

There are five plugs for your console: PSP, PS2/PS3, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360. On the other end are the component cable inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have six switches: PSP, PS2/PS3, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360HD and 360SD. So just switch to the system you are playing with.

The quality of the cable is sturdy and very durable. The visual quality that the cable outputs is on par with that of the stand alone cables. I did not see any ghosting or any lag. The colors were bright and crisp from what I have seen during the testing. Switching between consoles only took a couple of seconds for it to be displayed. However, switching between consoles on the switcher can be a little annoying. Sometimes you'll "overshoot" the switch that you want. So you'll have to slowly push the switch.

In my original review of the Multi-Console Component Cable v2, I mentioned that the cable from system to system is fairly long. Its long enough if your system was near or next to each other. But after upgrading my entertainment center and having my systems in different locations, the cables were not long enough especially if you have them on different shelf heights. The cable from the TV to the switcher has a decent length to it.

Below is a video on how to connect the Multi-Console Component Cable v3:


Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3 works great like its predecessor. Quality and build is sturdy. Visual quality is great as well as the color. However, the length of the cables from system to switcher and to other systems isnt long enough if you have systems in different locations or on different shelves. If you have majority of the systems and they are near each other, you wont have all those cables dangling and it frees up your AV slots. However, if you only have 1 or 2 systems, this is not worth the cost. The price tag of $39.99 is fair but $29.99-$34.99 would be the sweet spot.

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Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site:
Price: $105.00-$129.95


Overview : The HDMI SWITCHER is a HDMI HUB that allows you to connect your console or dvd player to a tv and easily switch from a device to another with a simple remote control press.

Simply pressing a button on the remote you can select your desired HDMI source to be routed to a high definition display. Switcher is tested to guarantee resolution up to 1080p without signal degradation.
HDMI repeater is built in to the switch for long output cables. If your cable if over 15ft distance then with regular switch you would get signal degradation. However with HDMI switch box signal can be amplified to go over 60ft!

Features :

• Approved by HDMI ATC lab
• Fully supports 1080P HDTV
• HDCP Compliant
• Supports DTS, Dolby 7.1 Channel Audio
• GOLD PLATED CONNECTORS
• IR Remote control
• Expand 4HDMI sources on your HDTV device
• Amplifier & Equalizer function enables longer HDMI cables
• Plug & Play, installs in seconds
• RoHS compliant
• 110v-240v auto switching power supply
• HDMI CABLE INCLUDED

Quality/Usability : The Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote is designed to allow you, the user, to toggle between four (4) HDMI sources. You may think why would you need or want something like this. If you havent noticed, as more and more devices such as HDTV's, HD cable, satellite boxes, DVD players (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD), they are now incorporating HDMI. As more people get into high def, they will have more and more devices but are only limited to a certain amount of inputs on their devices.

The HDMI Switcher measures approximately 7 inches wide by 3 inches deep and 1 inch high. The switcher is made of metal and not plastic. This makes the switcher very sturdy and a solid feel. The front houses four green LEDs and 1 red LED. The green LEDs are to let you know which HDMI port is in use and the red LED is to let you know that the power is on. To the right of the button is a SELECT button that lets you toggle between the HDMI ports. On the back, there are four HDMI inputs. To the left is one HDMI output and DC port to plug power adapter.

Setup is plug-and-play. Simply plug in the cables, select the port and you're good to go! If your device does not have HDMI but uses DVI, you can also use DVI devices so as long you use the appropriate adapter.

Testing with a Sony PlayStation 3, XBox 360 Elite and HD-DVD Player and a Dell PC that uses DVI, all devices switched without a problem. I did not notice any quality downgrade. Even upconverted DVDs worked without a problem. What I did notice was that there was no input for audio.

The included remote measures approximately 3.5 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide and 0.25 inches high. The face of the remote has a POWER ON/OFF on the top left with 1-4 in the middle to select your mode. There is also a forward and back button to control the input sources. The battery runs on a Lithium Battery CR2025 (watch battery).

Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote worked without a hitch. The design is nice and sleek and built sturdy. I dont know if this is on all HDMI Switchers but the one I received said "HIDOZO" on top. Dont know what this means or what the purpose is but it looks tacky. The lack of audio ports can be a negative to those who want the best set up. Would of also been nice if it included a DVI to HDMI adapter. The expensive price tag may turn people away but if you're running out of HDMI ports or looking for a selector, I suggest taking a look at this.

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Joytech HDMI TriLink Switcher
Manufacturer: Joytech
Site:
Price: $54.95-79.95


Overview : Expand your digital connections with the HDMI TriLink™ from JOYTECH. Connect up to 3 HDMI compatible devices to 1 HDMI input on your TV or display. Ideal for use with PlayStation®3, DVD, or HD satellite and cable services, the HDMI TriLink™ features a Remote Control or Manual Selector Switch allowing you to navigate your HDMI source at a touch of a button. Supports HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection), HD resolutions of up to 1080p and multi-channel digital audio.

Features :

• Remote Control included
• Connect multiple HDMI signal sources to one HDMI input on TV or display
• Easily switch between three HDMI devices
• Supports full High Defi nition resolutions up to 1080p
• Three HDCP compliant HDMI 1.3 inputs provide a pure digital connection

Quality/Usability : With more and more technology being bought and used, eventually we'll have lack of inputs for all our devices. Yes, newer TVs have inputs in the front of the TV as well as on the side but its a hassle having to reach the back of the display each time you want to plug or unplug. At the same time, it can damage the ports as well.

Thats where selectors come into play. As technology advances, eventually we'll do away with regular audio/video cables (red/white/yellow, s-video, etc.) and everything will be HD (HDMI, DVI). HDMI selectors vary in look and design, features, functionality and most importantly...price.

Joytech's HDMI TriLink Switcher supports up to 1080p and is HDCP compliant but is also small and semi-affordable compared to some other HDMI selectors on the market. Inside the Tri-Link Switcher package, you'll find the Tri-Link Switcher, a remote control with preloaded battery, power supply, USB cable, infrared extension cable and manuals.

You must be wondering why it includes a USB cable. Well, its another way for you to power the HDMI TriLink Switcher. This is great if you dont have a spare wall outlet to plug in the power supply and you're near a computer or device that has USB ports. These days DVD players, PlayStation 3, Xbox360 and HTPC (Home Theater PC), all have USB ports.

There is a button on top of the switcher that lets you toggle between INPUT 1, 2 or 3. Which ever input is chosen, it will light up with a blue LED. It also has a infrared sensor. This allows you to use the included remote. The remote allows you to choose either INPUT 1, 2 or 3 instead of having to push the buttons on the Switcher. The remote control is fairly small and runs on CR2032 watch battery. Nothing fancy to be seen here. Just three buttons to choose your desired output. Whats nice about the Joytech HDMI Tri-Link Switcher is that it includes an infrared extension cable. Selecting inputs using the remote to the switcher can only go so far. With the extension cable, you plug it in to the side of the switcher and this will allow you to switch inputs from a further distance. The bottom of the extension cable has adhesive so you can stick it to your coffee table or something.

Conclusion : Overall, the Joytech HDMI TriLink Switcher works very well. I love the fact that its compact and light, I can control the switcher from across the room using the infrared extension cable and most importantly, it can run on USB. I ran out of slots on my power surge protector and I tend to plug and unplug power supplies if I am not using it that moment. My Samsung 32" has a USB port on it and it works great. Some or most should have USB ports as this is a way of upgrading firmwares on HDTVs. I think three HDMI ports on the switcher is enough considering on average, there are about 2-3 HDMI ports on a HDTV. Unfortunately, you'll have to supply your own HDMI cables.

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XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France
Price: $39.99


Overview : Finally a way to charge all your valuable electronics with one device!

Introducing the Multi-Charger from XCM. This unit will charge your iPhone, PSP (all PSP series from 1000-3000 series), Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, PS3 Wireless Controller, NDS (all NDS series, including NDS, NDSL and NDSi) and more.... (all devices using USB 5v input will be supported, such as the Nokia mobile phone series etc) with ease. No more lugging around multiple chargers, this one does it all. Made with the high quality craftsmanship you've grown to expect from the XCM brand, this charger will surely provide the power you need for many years to come!

Features:

• 4 USB ports
• Supports any USB 5v input

Compatible with:

• PSP (1000-2000-3000)
• NDS, NDS Lite, NDSi
• iPhone
• Nokia mobile phones and many more

Includes:

• PSP USB cable
• DS Lite USB cable
• DSi USB Cable
• iPod/iPhone USB Cable
• US AC plug
• EU AC Plug
• Australia AC Plug
• BS AC Plug

Quality/Usability : I must admit, I'm a gadget freak. I have surge protectors daisy chained to each other. There just isnt enough outlets! I'm surprised my house hasnt burned down with all these wires. If I find an open slot in my surge protector, I'll charge my DS, PSP, camera battery, cellphone..thats if I'm lucky to find 1 spot. If I cant, I use my USB port on my computer. Now, my USB ports are starting to become scarce as more portable devices start to use them. Yes, you can purchase a USB hub but majority of the time, they arent powerful enough to charge the device and you get an error message on your computer. Even the ones that come with power plugs gives me an error.

XCM has released a stand alone Universal USB Multi-Charger. No need to plug this charger into a computer or USB port. Choose your AC plug and connect plug it into a socket (AC 100-240V) and the other end into the Multi-Charger. The Multi-Charger has a square glossy white casing with a small LED light that lights up when plugged into outlet and the logo on top. The logo uses a Walt Disney type font. On the front of the Multi-Charger are 4 USB ports. Since it draws its power from the socket, you wont have to worry about overdrawing power or having to wait 5 hours to fully charge a device when it should only take 1 hour or so.

The Multi-Charger measures 5 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick and comes with four (4) AC plugs (US, EU, UK and Asia). The plugs are short in length so you will not be able to place it on a table or next to your computer. Wires measure about 16 inches long from tip of plug that inserts into XCM Multi-Charger to the base of AC plug (not the prongs). Also included are four (4) USB plugs (PSP, DSL, DSi, iPhone/iPod). You're not limited to using only these devices. I was able to charge my Blackberry device, Bluetooth headset, PS3 controller, Xbox controller, USB battery, pretty much anything I can think of that uses a USB to charge the device. The charge time is about the same time it would take if you use the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) chargers that came with the device.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger is a great product. I do not have to use all my USB ports nor do I have to leave my PS3, Xbox 360 or computer on just to charge my USB devices. Since some wall chargers are huge and can cover up an empty socket, this also eliminates the amount of wall chargers and bulk. I was able to charge all my devices without a problem. My only complaint is the lack of cord length on the AC plug for the Multi-Charger. I was not able to place the Multi-Charger on a desk. I had to place it on the floor. This is also a drawback for those who need to plug this in the back of a shelf or entertainment center. You can use an extension cord but do you want to go out and buy one or even find one in the house? The price was originally $70 but it was wayyyy to overpriced for a 4-port USB charger. But it seems XCM has lowered the price to a much more affordable price range. However, $40 is still a little pricey. I think $25-30 would be a nice sweet spot.

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DIGG THIS ...

As if the rumor of a remade Halo: Combat Evolved in the Halo: Reach engine weren't enough, now we've got a URL registered to Microsoft from back in June of 2010 for "KinectHalo.com." Gaming Reloaded spotted the site's Whois information, which pegs the unambiguous URL as one owned by Halo franchise owner Microsoft. While it's possible that Microsoft is currently hard at work on a Halo-based Kinect title, it's also possible that the publisher is just snapping up several "just in case" URLs before virtual squatters show up.

That said, given the long-term beefing up of positions at 343 Industries (Microsoft's internal Halo studio), it's certain that something is in the works over there. Though Microsoft has yet to announce anything officially, we're hoping this whole "Kinect Halo" thing is little more than a memory if and when it does.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/ki...-by-microsoft/ ...

Drivers who regularly play videogames are nearly twice as likely to be stopped by police while on the road, according to a new study.

The survey, carried out by Continental Tires and reported by Jalopnik, polled 2000 motorists between the ages of 17 and 39, half of whom were regular gamers, about their driving habits.

The results showed, among other things, that 22 per cent of gamers have been stopped by police, compared to 13 per cent of non gamers.

31 per cent of gamers claimed to have run a red light, compared to 14 per cent of non gamers, while 30 per cent had claimed on insurance for an accident, as opposed to 15 per cent of the non-gaming population.

That said, it seems gamers are more likely to pass their driving test first time out and suffer fewer prangs.

Here's the full run-down of results, with gamers' figures in bold:

% stopped by police: 22/13
% who use mobile when driving: 19/12
% ever made a claim for an accident: 30/15
% ran a red light in last 12 months: 31/14
% driven wrong way down one-way street: 13/10
% hit stationary object when parking: 22/13
% accidentally clipped a car but kept quiet: 19/11
% take risks (accelerate too quickly, overtake): 44/21
% suffer road rage: 45/22
% who speed: 25/13
% scare others with their driving: 26/11
Attempts before passing test: 2/3
No. of prangs to their vehicle in last 12 months: 1/2
So, where are all those Gran Turismo 5 fans going wrong?

"It seems that while gamers develop useful skills and are more confident, they need to apply some balance with a sensible assessment of risk," said Continental's Tim Bailey.

Peter Rodger from the Institute of Advanced Motorists chimed in too, offering the gaming populace a firm finger-waggling.

"I am not surprised that regular gamers find themselves making the same decisions and judgements when driving for real as they do when in the virtual world," he said.

"The issue is that when actually driving, our actions lead to 'real' results, and mistakes have very real consequences."

Expect The Daily Mail to be all over this little gem in 3, 2, 1...

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...rrible-drivers ...

Monster Hunter Freedom 3 has slipped to second in the Japanese software chart, giving way to From Software's Another Century. However, the Capcom game's 68,274 sales for the week ending January 23 have tipped it over 4 million lifetime sales.

There were few new releases in Japan last week, with Arcana Heart on PS3 being the highest new entry at six. Elsewhere, the 360 SKU of Mass Effect 2 made fifteenth with nearly nine thousand sales.

In the hardware chart the PlayStation 3 remained in first place despite the strong software showing for the PSP, although all hardware figures were down over the week prior.

All figures are courtesy of Media Create. Bracketed software figures are lifetime sales, hardware numbers in parentheses are last week's sales.

01. Another Century's Episode Portable (Bandai Namco, PSP): 70,217
02. Monster Hunter Freedom 3 (Capcom, PSP): 68,274 (4,051,743)
03. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Nintendo, Wii): 29,412 (734,268)
04. Ni no Kuni (Level 5, DS): 19,020 (438,544)
05. AKB1/48: If I loved an Idol (Bandai Namco, PS3): 18,616 (339,178)
06. Arcana Heart 3 (Arc System Works, PS3): 17,219
07. Wii Party (Nintendo, Wii): 15,986 (1,746,021)
08. Pokemon Black & White (Pokemon, DS): 15,542 (5,027,870)
09. Gundam Musou 3 (Bandai Namco, PS3): 12,804 (331,682)
10. Mario Sports Mix (Nintendo, Wii): 12,173 (546,234)
11. The 3rd Birthday (Square Enix, PSP): 10,572 (223,433)
12. Magician's Quest: The Merchant's Store of Sorcery (Konami, DS): 10,211 (307,117)
13. SaGa 3: Shadow or Light (Square Enix, DS): 9,772 (37,116)
14. Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo, Wii): 9,275 (2,232,218)
15. Mass Effect 2 (Microsoft, X360): 8,864
16. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo, Wii): 8,511 (3,139,306)
17. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo, Wii): 8,114 (4,210,586)
18. Wii Sports Resort w/ Wiimote Plus (Nintendo, Wii): 8,053 (254,827)
19. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2011 (Konami, PSP): 7,764 (138,846)
20. Call of Duty: Black Ops Dubbed Version (Square Enix, PS3): 7,586 (65,104)
PS3: 33,190 (59,612)
PSP: 29,806 (28,757)
Wii: 21,291 (56,547)
DSi LL: 17,452 (44,122)
DSi: 13,416 (38,486)
X360: 2,636 (3,859)
DS Lite: 1,956 (4,510)
PS2: 1,629 (2,547)
PSP go: 1,208 (4,084)

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...-japanese-no-1 ...

Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2
Manufacturer: Zoozen
Site:
Price: $19.95


Overview : If you have ever attempted any repair or improvement of any kind, you know that the right tools can make the difference between a good experience and a bad one. The Access Pro Toolkit by Zoozen has everything you need to get into your console and accessories. It is the only toolkit that includes tools for every console and handheld on the market today. And it includes unique and custom tools that are only available from Zoozen.

This tool kit includes the tools you need for the:

· Microsoft products, including: Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and accessories like the Xbox 360 wired controller, and the Xbox 360 wireless controller. Special tools: the OneSnap, the only one-piece Xbox 360 case separator, and a special long neck tamper resistant Torx bit.

· Nintendo products, including: the Nintendo Wii, GameCube, GBA, DS, DS Lite, and most accessories like Nintendo Cartridges, Gamecube controllers, and power supplies. Special Tools: Triwing bits in two sizes and two sizes of rare Linehead Nut Setters in hardened steel. Also has the correct tools for most of the retired Nintendo game machines (those not currently for sale in the marketplace).

· Sony Products, including: PS3, PS2, PStwo, and PSP and many accessories (for example: Sony controllers).

· The Access Pro Tool Kit also has the correct tools to open most third party products.

The tools are all housed in a convenient plastic case that keeps all the parts just where they belong. And, duplicates of most bits are provided, just in case you drop a bit behind your desk during a critical procedure.

Includes:

• 1pc Easy grip screwdriver handle
• 1pc Magnetic Tweezers
• 1pc "OneSnap" tool for opening Xbox 360
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (small size)
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (large size)
• 1pc Flathead bit, Long
• 2pcs Torx Size 6, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 8, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 10, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 15, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 20, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Hex Size .05
• 2pcs Triwing Bit
• 2pcs Phillips #000
• 2pcs Phillips #0
• 2pcs Phillips #1
• 2pcs Slotted 7/64

Quality/Usability : Those who mod consoles or want to start modding, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 will help you out tremendously. The Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 has tools for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo products ranging from console to games and accessories. This toolkit will open even the new nex-gen consoles.

Xbox 360 – Torx T8, T6, T8, T10, Hex 0.05, Slotted 7/64, OneSnap and a Long Slotted Screw Bit
Xbox – Torx T10, T15, T20
PS3 – Torx T10, Phillips 0, Phillips 1, Phillips #000
PS2/Two – Phillips 0, Phillips 1
PSP – Phillips #000
Wii – Triwing, Phillips 0, Phillips #000
Gamecube – Linehead Nut Setter #8
DS/DS Lite – Triwing #00, Tripoint #0, Phillips #000
Gameboy – Triwing #00, Tripoint #01
Nintendo Cartridges – Linehead nut setter #6

The screwdriver handle is made of a rubberized grip instead of plastic like some screwdrivers are made of. This allows for easy gripping. Each bit that was placed was held in place very tight.

Each bit unscrewed each screw nicely without stripping the screws. Screwing each screw back into place worked wonderfully as well.

Dropped a screw and cant reach it or need to hold a wire or LED in place? Zoozen also included a magnetic tweezer to help hold those thin wires or screws that may be too small to hold in your fingers.

Conclusion : Overall, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 is a modders dream come true. Everything you need to help open your mod frenzy finger is all in this Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2. Add a dremel and a soldering iron and this would be the Ultimate modding tool! It would also have been useful if the bits were magnetic to pick up the small screws. The price of $19.95 is definitely well priced and worth it.

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XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

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