Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2011/05/18/microsoft_disc_format_replace_xbox_consoles/
Microsoft replaces Xbox 360s after disc-format switch
Changing of the guard
Posted in Personal Tech, 18th May 2011 15:26 GMT
Microsoft has confirmed rumours that Xbox 360 users who find their console to be incompatible with a new Xbox disc format will be offered a replacement machine.
With current anti-piracy methods unsuccessful, the company has decided to go back to the drawing board and devise in a new disc format. Currently, 1.15GB of every DVD is dedicated to a DVD Video partition and DRM tech. Microsoft's new format, XGD3, adds roughly 1GB capacity to a DVD disc and ushers in a new method for tackling those pesky pirates.
A firmware update that enables the new discs will be available tomorrow. However, several users involved in the beta test in North America have been hit with errors. It seems in some cases, the firmware has been preventing systems from playing standard discs.
"Following a recent update to our system software, we have become aware of an issue that is preventing a very small number of Xbox 360 owners from playing retail game discs," Microsoft stated today.
The company can detect the issue over Xbox Live and are reaching out to impacted customers to offer a replacement console. According to his Twitter , one tester has been offered a replacement Xbox 360 and a year's subscription to Xbox Live.
By the time the firmware update rolls out tomorrow, these bugs should have been fixed. However, just in case, if you update and get stung with a "disc unreadable" or "disc unsupported" message, you're encouraged to contact Microsoft, so it can verify the problem and issue a replacement console if need be. ®