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Microsoft responds to Xbox 360 'disc scratching' complaints

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Dela @ Apr 15, 2007 22:53 | 21 comments

Microsoft has responded to complaints that the Xbox 360 console scratches discs during normal usage. A dutch TV show recently put the console to the test and has been nagging Microsoft with the results. Kassa, a show which specializes in consumer complaints, ran a test which proves that the console scratches discs under normal use (no movement while playing while on a flat, stable surface etc.)

The show blamed the majority of the problem on a TSST drive that is missing parts that stabilize the disc. Many Xbox 360 users have reported similar problems on web forums. "As we were not involved with the experiment of Kassa and have little insights in the testing methods, we are not able to respond in detail on the results. It is possible that scratches on discs originate from frequent use. However, we have no indication that the results of the tests from Kassa are a large scale problem," Microsoft said in a press statement.

"Of course it is important to us that our customers have the best possible game experience and therefore we take these test results very serious. Xbox owners who think their discs are scratched as reported by Kassa, should contact us. We will investigate the console and when needed repair it so it becomes a full functioning console. We will also inform Xbox owners how they can obtain replacements discs in case they require them."

Source:

CDFreaks

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Comments

Comment by: Joshewah (Apr 15, 2007 23:09)

This is one of the many problems that the 360 experiences often. It's a great system, it just needs a lot of work.

Sign the petition to recall the 360 and have its problems fixed.
http://www.petitiononline.com/360recal/petition-sign.html?

Comment by: limelight (Apr 15, 2007 23:15)

First the ps2 with disc read error, now the 260 is scratching discs. Nice!

Will the ps3 just spit em out across the room? Will the Wii refuse to eject the disc? Time will tell! ;)

Comment by: Moomoo2 (Apr 15, 2007 23:37)

Didn't the original Xbox scratch discs also?

As for the petition... Like M$ will take any notice, heh.

Comment by: Joshewah (Apr 16, 2007 00:02)

Originally posted by Moomoo2:
Didn't the original Xbox scratch discs also?

As for the petition... Like M$ will take any notice, heh.

With an attitude like that of course they won't notice.

It takes 20 seconds to sign the petition. Lets get the 360s fixed. You wouldn't believe how many corporations such as MS monitor news websites and forums with posts and articles relating to their products.

Comment by: ripxrush (Apr 16, 2007 00:28)

Quote:
It is possible that scratches on discs originate from frequent use. H

HAHA! Ya think that some people may just want to play different games but i guess M$ says NO if u play more than 2 games u have to pay more it is there copy right protection! lol..

It is just funny to me it almost seems as if they r saying that people r suing there systems too much??? i would think they would appreciate it! then people aren't playing there ps3 or Wii

Comment by: vashwolf (Apr 16, 2007 00:34)

I had to exchange three Xbox 360's to get one that would not scratch games.

Comment by: tabletpc (Apr 16, 2007 01:15)

i would rather deal with a disk scratch versus a fire hazard have you seen the cheap little heat sink on the ps3 man you wonder why the thing fries

Comment by: alphabit (Apr 16, 2007 01:54)

The game console makers should just go back to cartridge style games..No access time,no disc read errors and they would have all the DRM they ever dreamed of (I dont like that part,myself). I guess the disc problems are OUR problem and not theirs.(just buy another cheap to produce disc and they make another $50).Not their problem, just the users problem..Them Arseholes..

Comment by: janrocks (Apr 16, 2007 02:33)

Eventually they realise they have a problem.. or is this just a reissue of the petition from over a year ago???

There is a fix.. http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/Xbox-...c-Scratched.htm

irc.OFTC.net #debian-women .. Stuff Vista.. Stuff Micro$oft!!
The revolution has happened.. Now we just need to TELL people!

Comment by: ZippyDSM (Apr 16, 2007 03:12)

oh joy why dont you go after the real issue the fing hardware failures and over heating the disc scratching issues is turely a 1-4% issue but the fail and overheating rate is 5X it.

Comment by: scorpNZ (Apr 16, 2007 05:16)

Hehehe i said it before a while ago i aint gunna buy any of the consoles until all the beta testers(those who buy on release and within the following year) have told MS of the issues and they're fixed,so common beta testers work those bugs :p

EDIT: That includes you zippy so go get a PS3 & 360,the more beta testers the merrier *runs* :p

Comment by: hughjars (Apr 16, 2007 05:58)

Of course people show always kick up a stink when problems like these arise.
But when you have consumers who'll put up with brand new goods coming with 90day/3mth guarantees in the single largest market (USA) this is what you get......basically whatever the corporations think you deserve; ie not a lot and as inexpensive as possible - 'inexpensive' being a hugely relative term here, usually in the vast production numbers/business sense meaning the difference between $0.20 and $0.30 :( .

At least here in the UK we have a standard 1 year guarantee, 2yrs and even 3yrs are becoming ever more common.

We also have a nice little 'extra' and in terms of items being 'fit for purpose' and 'reasonable durability for the price' well beyond that.
But only if UK folks know their rights and are prepared to enforce them at the (actually very inexpensive) 'Small Claims Court' (for claims up to £5000) - although often it involves no more than the threat of this via a solicitors letter.

Sadly the UK general public's ignorance of our trading law is where this additional element to any guarantee/warranty falls down far too often).....and as you may imagine it's something few have been too willing to promote or publicise; until fairly recently at least.

But as far as this specific issue is concerned, didn't they just change the drive for a better quieter one?
Doesn't this scratching issue really relate to the earlier models?

Comment by: ZippyDSM (Apr 16, 2007 06:53)

hughjars
early models have been known to eat discs they have that that somewhat fixed its the overheating and failing from it thats rampant.

tabletpc
show me news threads over the PS3 failing!

alphabit
that would add 20$-$60 to all games depending on what they used.....more realistically a cart based optical system would be prefect for protection and price sadly the industry would rather have you rebuy a game new then put 10$ in protection onto it.

scorpNZ
be happy I might beta test the new white premiums :P

Comment by: ThaJazz (Apr 16, 2007 20:42)

i keep my 360 laying flat and i have no problems it never scratched a disc.in 11months

Comment by: borhan9 (Apr 17, 2007 00:33)

I understand this article and the complaints from the xbox users. My main query is why would'nt Microsoft do this kind of testing before they let their console out to the world for their usage. It seems like this would have to be a test that they would have to do in any new standard testing of a console whether it is a xbox or a ps3.

Comment by: ZippyDSM (Apr 17, 2007 04:13)

Originally posted by borhan9:
I understand this article and the complaints from the xbox users. My main query is why would'nt Microsoft do this kind of testing before they let their console out to the world for their usage. It seems like this would have to be a test that they would have to do in any new standard testing of a console whether it is a xbox or a ps3.

MS has taken the "reasonable failure" approach so what is 2 or 3 % of the line eats discs its not "their" problem.

Same goes for recalling the failed and overheated systems they would rather let them stay in play while taking another 2 years to replace them.

Comment by: rahula (Apr 17, 2007 10:43)

I have launch system and its not only scratch game discs but also got ring of dead after a year. Now I have a new system and I backed up every games I own into DVD+R DL and keep my original except playing online.

Comment by: ZippyDSM (Apr 17, 2007 10:58)

Originally posted by rahula:
I have launch system and its not only scratch game discs but also got ring of dead after a year. Now I have a new system and I backed up every games I own into DVD+R DL and keep my original except playing online.

how dose the newer 360 behave? its a bit better right?

Comment by: nazza2310 (Apr 17, 2007 12:00)

I switched my XBOX 360 DVD DL DRIVE with my Sony DL DVD Recorder drive and now it plays copies because i got it firmware flashed and i can also play without getting it scratched and copy games with my xbox 360

Comment by: NexGen76 (Apr 17, 2007 12:38)

Quote:
i would rather deal with a disk scratch versus a fire hazard have you seen the cheap little heat sink on the ps3 man you wonder why the thing fries

Can you provide a link to this false statement please..

Comment by: ZippyDSM (Apr 17, 2007 12:50)

Quote:
[quote]i would rather deal with a disk scratch versus a fire hazard have you seen the cheap little heat sink on the ps3 man you wonder why the thing fries

Can you provide a link to this false statement please..[/quote]really I have not heard allot of bad things about the PS3 hardware most of it is frimware issues.