Microsoft Knew About Xbox 360 Damaging Discs

Microsoft Knew About Xbox 360 Damaging Discs

Techtree News Staff, Dec 16, 2008 1932 hrs IST

Sued for overlooking the console scratching game discs problem

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As per an unsealed document in a Washington lawsuit filed last week at Seattle, Microsoft was aware about Xbox 360 damaging game discs before it was introduced in November 2005.

The Seattle Report mentioned that an unsealed motion cited quotes from (currently sealed) document in which Microsoft employees claimed of having knowledge about the console problem before it was launched.

The document also quotes Microsoft Program Manager Hiroo Umeno, who discovered the disc scratching issue - that occurs when the console is moved while playing game - in September or October 2005.

Microsoft had three solutions for solving that issue: increase disc holder's magnetic field, install "bumpers" and reducing disc rotation speed. The solutions were rejected on grounds that it may interrupt disc loading mechanism, reducing disc rotation speed would increase game load time, and finally adding bumpers shot up the cost ($35-$75 millions).

Microsoft found a fourth option a warning was added to Xbox 360 manual, which was labeled on the game disc as well.

The Xbox 360 might now look like a half-cooked meal, following this disc damage and Red Ring of Death (RRoD) issues. Hopefully, the new updates in the Jasper based Xbox 360 doesn't reveal any major hardware failures to add to Microsoft's woes.

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Discussion Board

(8) Comments

anonymous basta

,scranton, pa, on Dec 16, 2008 08:39 PM

ah, yet another microsoft problem. the 360 is really screwed up. but it's still better than the ps3 alternative

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Joe

,Edmonton, on Jan 11, 2009 04:09 AM

You wouldn't say that if you already owned a PS3 like me... I barely touch my Xbox 360 because of the issues with it. Enjoy your RROD!

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SiriusSnape

,Greenville, on Dec 23, 2008 06:55 AM

I am having an issue with a scratched disc (a perfectly round ring etched into the disc), and my 360 is firmly secured and stable to prevent movement that would cause scratching. I don't think it is just movement of the console that does it in all cases. I'm working on my second 360 now (the first one died the red ring death), and this one is just under a year old.

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Bill R.

,Shoreline, on Dec 18, 2008 05:16 AM

Count me in as one more with this issue. I'm more frustrated at this point by the fact that Microsoft has done nothing to let us know when or IF this issue will be fixed. And at what point it will be if at any point it IS fixed.
** Message edited by moderator **

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NewFAQs

,Perth, on Dec 17, 2008 07:59 PM

Lol this geek below is winging about paying $59.00 a 360 Game, How about you try $120.00 & $150.00 for a limited edition set, you nutter. $59.00 is nothing, compared to the prices we pay here in AUS.

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matty

,nowhere, on Dec 17, 2008 06:23 PM

Simple solution, don't move the console while playing a game, stupid!!! How many people move their DVD players when watching a film or move their PC's when burning a disc? Durr...

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James

,SD, on Dec 16, 2008 09:55 PM

Really? I thought every body new that? Thats like saying MS knew that leaving your disc on the ground unprotected can scratch the disc and did nothing about it! Oh no! What evil people for not protecting us from our own stupidity.

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Steve Williams

,Bel Air, on Dec 16, 2008 09:53 PM

I recently had three brand new 08 games damaged. Error unreadable after limit play. Returned and replaced and it happened again. Contacted MSFT and walked thru their basic trouble shooting process. We could see a visable mark on all the discs. MSFT said we could send our console back for repair $90.00 out of warranty, but they were not sure that would fix the issue. At $59.00 per game, is there any recourse with MSFT?

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