You could have a bad control strip module. Try removing all control strip modules and see if that works, then if it does you can proceed to add them back a little at a time to find the one that crashes it.
It could also be an extension conflict, so if removing the modules doesn't make it come back, try using extensions manager to disable all extensions and control panels except for the control strip.

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It was an extension conflict! First conflict I have ever seen with the control strip. I started by removing strip modules, but then remembered that I did update a few extensions last time... This is the disadvantage of having a crazy schedule and trying to bring it while way, way too tired.

The culprit was Wired4DVDLib version 1.2.4. Sounds like v1.2.7 is the best to try so I will try to source it.

Thanks for the suggestions!

CJ