BBC Watchdog proves older Xbox 360 disc scratching problems

[Zeus]

The BBC Watchdog show recently reported on how thousands of people have complained that the Xbox 360 is scratching their discs. In one particular case, MS tried to blame the owner of the 360 for the scratching problem, however tests revealed that discs could scratch even when jumping around while playing Guitar Hero like the advert suggests its safe to do.

<Center><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/gtazhero.jpg"></center></a>
<center><i>Be careful, even rocking out to Guitar Hero in your living room could cause some serious disc scratches.</i></center></a>


We sent the same Xbox 360s to a lab in Hampshire, where special testing equipment replicated the vibrations you'd find in a typical home. The first test simulated walking and caused the consoles no problem at all. Then the boxes were subjected to shock vibration testing, which simulated vibrations equivalent to that of someone putting a book down on the table near the Xbox. The newer console passed with flying colours; however, the older console caused a scratch similar to those experienced by the previous owner.

Our testers told us that the console had failed "very, very quickly" and that these are the kinds of vibrations you'd expect any household to have - particularly when playing games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero that encourage you to get physically involved.


News Source: <A href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/03/xbox_360.html" target="_blank">BBC</a>

[Battlefield]

I dont see this as a problem, because i install games i play to HD.

[Xenogears V]

Oh man, a thing after other...:(

[MilkyJoe]

This isn't a new problem, it used to happen to my friends consoles all the time when they owned 360.

[manufan4eva07]

my rockstar tabletennis exploded in my drive, dont know how i wasnt moving!

[QrafTee]

I dont see this as a problem, because i install games i play to HD.

I don't think installing totally eliminates the need for the DVD to spin.

[Sepioth]

I don't think installing totally eliminates the need for the DVD to spin.

It still spins at start up and to check disc authenticity before loading off of HDD.

And HDD installs are fairly new AND not every one can actually do it so it is still a valid problem.

This can happen to ANY disc drive .. including HDD's. Any type of vibration or shock can cause the disc to get unbalanced and hit something inside.

And to whoever said their disc exploded in their 360 is talking BullSh!t. It would have to spin at speeds MUCH faster than the drive can actually spin at to cause a disc to "explode".

[billysastard]

I dont see this as a problem, because i install games i play to HD.

and what happens when your 360 kills your disc while its transfering or even validating the original so it can boot off the hdd?

[Battlefield]

and what happens when your 360 kills your disc while its transfering or even validating the original so it can boot off the hdd?

I have a late 2007 model 360, and so far it havent scratched anything, and none of my friends 360 have scratched any discs.

And besides.. chances of scratching the validating part is nearly none, as its only a disc check before loading from HD.

I see your point, but it most likely wont affect many as the disc dont spin when running from HD.

The only noisy thing in a 360 is the DVD drive, and thats another reason to run from HD.

If you have a 120.GB, you can have a few GB of DLC and 12-15 retail games on HD at all times. If you run out of space, just delete 1 game and get 5-8.GB of more space.

[NewBeginning]

Note that the newer system didn't scratch the discs.

[DanASBO]

My 360 has managed to scratch most of my games while stationary, now it won't even read 'em. Luckily I got Mass Effect installed (so I have at least one game to play) before the DRE's because MS wants £70-90 to fix the thing. As some of you have recommended, I'll be opening it soon to see if I can resolve the issue myself.

I've mentioned this before on the forums, but I think it's worth noting again. Older 360's, especially Hitachi drives, will scratch your discs.

Anybody else sick of this gen?

[DEDDOA]

Anybody else sick of this gen?

Aye I know what you mean, the Wii sells well but mostly lacks anything game wise that stands out beyond gimics, the PS3 is reliable but costs too much and has lacklustre exclusives that don't justify the price of the console, the 360 has a decent games and is cheap but you are afraid it will die if you even look at it funny. All 3 have a major issues in my view this gen, all can be fixed though I doubt it will improve this gens tarnished image for me.

Previous gens have had issues but nothing compared to this one, or maybe I am only remembering the good point in hind sight. Even dire PS1/2 launch consoles were quickly fixed, and even the second and 3rd place consoles were cheap enough that they were worth getting for the great exclusives. This gen no one can match all of what even the 3rd place GC could achieve last gen, let alone the PS2, as in cheap, relaible and plenty of worthwhile exclusives that justify the purcahse of the console.

[Battlefield]

Aye I know what you mean, the Wii sells well but mostly lacks anything game wise that stands out beyond gimics, the PS3 is reliable but costs too much and has lacklustre exclusives that don't justify the price of the console, the 360 has a decent games and is cheap but you are afraid it will die if you even look at it funny. All 3 have a major issues in my view this gen, all can be fixed though I doubt it will improve this gens tarnished image for me.

Previous gens have had issues but nothing compared to this one, or maybe I am only remembering the good point in hind sight. Even dire PS1/2 launch consoles were quickly fixed, and even the second and 3rd place consoles were cheap enough that they were worth getting for the great exclusives. This gen no one can match all of what even the 3rd place GC could achieve last gen, let alone the PS2, as in cheap, relaible and plenty of worthwhile exclusives that justify the purcahse of the console.

I agree, and its well spoken! :)

This generation is a mess in one way or the other, but overal 360 is the best because of its big library of good games.