It would appear that Sony’s recent firmware update, 2.60, is causing multiple console owners’PS3s to malfunction.
Users are experiencing an error which stops their consoles from being able to read disks. It is thought that the recent firmware update contains a glitch that is somehow causing the PS3’s lens to burn-out. Apart from the lens burn-out malfunction, users are also reporting general instability, random resets and arbitrary hardware errors.
Note, that not all users are reporting these issues with the new firmware.
Sony has officially commented that the issue is being caused by a minor software glitch, and is in no way comparable to Microsoft’s Red Ring of Death. They have also stated that they are busy fixing the update, and it is advised that users hold off on updating their firmware until further notice.
This means keeping your PS3 offline until further notice, as the firmware update will automatically commence when the player logs on-line.
On Sony’s part, it would seem that the appropriate course of action would be to replace the broken hardware. However, users are reporting that Sony is charging a $150 repair fee.
Apparently, Sony’s end user agreement states that they are not liable for errors of this nature, even though their faulty software is directly responsible for the hardware malfunction.
Once an update is installed, there is no way of uninstalling it. Therefore, it would seem that the best thing to do for those who have already downloaded the update, is to shut down their PS3s and hang tight until a fix has been released.
Update
PS3center.com is reporting that the error seems to be a major coincidence.
They then go on to report however, that there does seem to be a common error at the heart of the debacle.
The issues being experienced do seem to be linked to the firmware download; however, it seems that the problems are only occurring on systems that did not complete the download correctly. This has lead to a number of users receiving corrupted downloads, leading to a host of hardware malfunctions.
So for anyone who completed the download properly without any hitches, there is no need to worry. As a warning to those yet to perform the update, it is highly advisable that when doing so you allow the update to run its course without interruption. If the download appears stuck, be patient as disrupting the process can cause the problems faced by many so far.
There is the option to download the update from Sony’s website using your PC, then once the download is 100% complete, it is safe to transfer it to your console. Get the download here.
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