Caavo came back pretty quickly after the original version, and the big question for me was simple: did they actually listen to the feedback and make the Control Center feel like a better living room hub?
This first look is focused on the hardware in the box. I wanted to see what Caavo includes, how the unit feels in hand, and whether anything stands out before getting into a full setup and review.
Quick Answer
The Caavo Control Center box includes the main Control Center unit, a remote, batteries, IR blasters with adhesive pads, a power supply, and basic safety paperwork. The unit itself has some noticeable weight to it, while the remote and IR blasters feel more lightweight and plastic.
On the back of the Control Center, there are ports for power, infrared, network, TV, audio, and four HDMI inputs. That four-port HDMI setup is the main thing that makes this interesting as a single control point for multiple entertainment devices.
What Is In The Box
Opening the box, the first thing you see is Caavo's setup direction: start at caavo.com/go. The packaging is arranged cleanly, with the remote sitting in the first section and the main Control Center unit underneath.
The included remote comes with batteries and has a rubber back. My first impression is that it feels pretty light and plasticky, but for a remote, that is not automatically a problem. It just does not feel especially premium at first touch.
The box also includes safety and warning paperwork, IR blasters, adhesive pads for placing those blasters, and a standard power brick.
- Caavo Control Center unit
- Remote
- Batteries
- IR blasters
- Two-sided adhesive pads
- 12V 1A power supply
- Safety and warning paperwork
Early Hardware Impressions
The Control Center itself has more weight to it than I expected. That was one of the first things I noticed when pulling it out of the box. It does not feel hollow or overly cheap.
The outside has a mix of materials. The right side feels like plastic, and there is a metal button on the unit. There was also protective plastic on the device and remote, which is normal for this kind of hardware.
The IR blasters are less impressive. They feel basic and inexpensive, with a clear plastic look and a slight purple tint. They should still do the job, but they do not give the same impression as the main Caavo box.
Ports And Connections
The back of the Caavo Control Center is where the setup starts to make sense. There are connections for power, infrared, network, TV, audio, and four HDMI ports.
The four HDMI inputs are the practical part of the product. If you have several living room devices, the idea is that Caavo can sit in the middle and help control them from one place instead of constantly switching remotes and inputs.
There is also a section marked “do not use,” though I did not dig into what is behind that in this first look. That is something better saved for the full setup and review.
Who This First Look Helps
If you are trying to decide whether the Caavo Control Center looks like a serious living room device or just another HDMI switch in a nicer box, the first impression is mixed but promising.
The main unit feels more substantial than the accessories. The remote is light, the IR blasters feel cheap, but the Control Center itself has enough weight and enough ports to make the full review worth doing.
This is not a full verdict on performance, HDR handling, device control, or whether it can really compete with something like Harmony. Those questions need actual setup time. This first look is just about what arrives and how the hardware presents itself out of the box.
Key Takeaways
- The Caavo Control Center includes the main unit, remote, batteries, IR blasters, adhesive pads, power supply, and paperwork.
- The main Control Center unit has noticeable weight and feels more substantial than the accessories.
- The remote feels light and plasticky, though that may be fine for everyday use.
- The IR blasters feel basic and inexpensive, with a clear purple-tinted plastic design.
- The back of the unit includes power, infrared, network, TV, audio, and four HDMI ports.
- This first look covers the unboxing and hardware impressions, not the full setup or long-term review.
Watch the Video
The video above above for the full unboxing and a closer look at the Caavo Control Center hardware, remote, ports, and included accessories.
