The Xbox 360 gaming console is subject to a number of technical problems and failures that can make it unusable. However, many problems can be identified with a series of red lights lit in advance of the console; three flashing red lights (dubbed "Red Ring of Death " or " RRoD ") became the most famous. There are also other issues that come with the console, such as discs scratched on the drive and "bricking" the console due to dash update updates. Since its release on November 22, 2005, many articles have appeared in the media depicting the failure rate of Xbox 360, with the latest forecasts by SquareTrade assurance providers to be 23.7% in 2009, and currently the highest estimate is 54.2% by Game Informer. survey.
There has been legal action taken to hold Microsoft accountable for the failure rate of Xbox 360 and to compensate those affected.
Video Xbox 360 technical problems
"Hardware Failure"
Three red lights flashing around the Xbox 360 power button instead of one to four green lights indicating normal operation is an internal problem that requires service. This error was immediately dubbed "Red Ring of Death", echoing the Blue Screen of Death Windows error. Warning signs may include freeze-ups, graphic problems in the middle of the game, such as checkerboard patterns or lines on the screen, and sound errors; mostly consisting of very loud sounds that can be affected by volume control, the console only responds when the power button is pressed to turn it off. This event may occur one or more times until a hardware failure occurs, or not at all. If the console freezes occasionally, the error does not have to follow. Technical issues seem to affect several generations of consoles more than others, e.g. Xenon or Zephyr. The problems may also cause some freezing screens.
This error code is usually caused by the failure of one or more hardware components, although this may indicate that the console is not receiving sufficient power from the power supply, which can be caused by a damaged power supply or if the power supply cord is not fully inserted into the console. 3 flash lights can also be caused by power surges; if the console is connected to an outlet that receives a power surge, there may be a failure and 3 lights will appear as long as the console is plugged into a power outlet. Turning off the console, unplugging all power cords and reconnecting them, and restarting the console can fix this problem in some cases.
Different from General Hardware Failure is a similar but less serious error warning, where four red lights appear, in which case the console does not detect the attached AV cable; however, this error code is not generated on models equipped with HDMI output. The four lights can sometimes also be seen when a very short electric or power outage occurs when the console is running, where the console should be unplugged and plugged in again to reset errors. Two red lights appear when the system gets too hot.
On the Xbox 360 S model, the power button uses a different design that does not incorporate the same lighting style used by the previous model. A flashing red light means the console is too hot, similar to a two-lamp error code in the original Xbox 360 model; however, a message on the screen also appears, notifying the user that the console will automatically shut down to protect itself from overheating. A solid red light is similar to a single lamp error if an "E XX" error message is displayed and a three-light error code if an error message does not exist.
Response to failure rate
In the early months after the launch of the console, Microsoft stated that the failure rate of Xbox 360 is in the typical consumer electronics industry of 3% to 5%. However, Microsoft has not released its official statistics about the failure rate of various console versions.
On July 5, 2007, Peter Moore, Vice President of Interactive Entertainment Business division Microsoft published an open letter recognizing console issues, and announced a three-year warranty from the original purchase date for any Xbox 360 console that experienced a "common hardware failure" indicated by three red LEDs flashing on the console. Sources that have been identified as team leaders and key architects in the making of Xbox and Xbox 360 and founding members of the Xbox team provide insight into the high failure rates. Interviews indicate that Xbox 360 units that failed early in their lives did so because of problems in system design, spare parts supply, material reliability, and manufacturing problems as well as fault tolerant systems. These issues are thought to be the end result of management decisions on the Microsoft Xbox team and inadequate testing resources prior to the console release. The second source mentions that, at one time, there were only 32% results from one of the ongoing production tests. 68 out of every 100 test units found to be damaged.
Years after leaving Microsoft, Moore reminded him to tell Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer about his planned response to the incident, "we have to tell Steve, here's what we have to do: we need FedEx empty boxes for a customer who has a problem - they will contact us - with a FedEx return label to send your box, and then we will FedEx get back to them and fix it.... I always remember $ 240 million from it is FedEx... It's sickening, I do a lot of interviews... We can not figure it out... There is a theory, We replace our solder, just like the way you put the GPU and the fan, for lead-free... We think somehow the heat coming from the GPU dries some solder, and it's not a normal stuff which we use, because we have to meet the European Standard and take it out.... She said, 'how much is it?' I remember taking a deep breath, looking at Robbie, and saying, 'we think it's $ 1.15 billion, Steve.' He said, 'do it.' There is no doubt... If we do not make a decision there and then, and try to fake this issue, then the Xbox and Xbox One brands will not exist at this time. "
On February 8, 2008, during the 2008 Game Developer Conference, Microsoft announced that "The Failure Rate has officially declined", but without specifying it. That same month, SquareTrade's electronic warranty provider issued 1040 Xbox 360 checks and said they suffered a 16.4% failure rate (one out of six). Of the 171 failures, 60% were caused by a general hardware failure (and thus fell under an extended 3 year warranty). And of the remaining 40% are not covered by extended warranty, 18% is disk read error, 13% is video card failure, 13% is hard drive freeze, 10% is power problem and 7% is disk tray damage. SquareTrade also states that its estimates are likely to be significantly lower than reality due to sample time span (six to ten months), the ultimate failure of many consoles that did not occur within this timeframe and the fact that most owners are not dealing with SquareTrade and their consoles are fixed directly via Microsoft through the extended RROD warranty extension.
People who experience problems will find that they need to send Xbox 360 for repair or replacement and it may take up to 3 weeks to repair or replace. During the time Xbox is replaced, Microsoft and UPS will keep the client updated with the current status in which the Xbox is located and whether it is being repaired or replaced.
On October 17, 2008 a class action lawsuit was filed in California against Microsoft over the RROD issue.
On August 28, 2009, SquareTrade published a report that said "early indications indicate the RROD problem subsided in 2009", projecting that a 1-year failure rate with the Jasper chipset release may be below 4%, with actual failure rates for RROD Problems slightly in over 1% in Q109, and the total failure rate for all hardware issues is about 12%.
In June 2010 Microsoft released the newer and sleeker Xbox 360. These models show hardware failures that are different from the original; The outer ring segment can not turn red again. Microsoft has said that further errors will be displayed by the center of the power switch from green to red. In addition, Microsoft will no longer provide a 3-year warranty for a "common failure" error, because the slim Xbox 360 "is a completely new design".
Cause
Microsoft has never officially released any information that shows the true cause of the problem. Therefore, any information available to the public only comes from third-party analysis.
Electronic industry newspaper EE Times reported that the problem may have started on the graphics chip. Microsoft designed an in-house chip to bypass traditional ASIC vendors in order to save money on ASIC design costs. After several products failed, Microsoft returned to the ASIC vendor and has a redesigned chip that will throw less heat.
The German computer magazine c't blames the problem primarily on the use of the wrong type of lead-free solder, a type that when exposed to high temperatures for long periods becomes brittle and can develop irremovable hair-cracked lines. The article also reveals that representatives of the three largest Xbox 360 resellers in the world (EB Games, Gamestop and Best Buy) claim that the Xbox 360 failure rate is between 30% and 33%, and Micromart, the largest workshop in the UK, stopped fixing the Xbox 360 because can not completely repair the damaged system. Due to the nature of the problem, Micromart can only do temporary repairs, which causes many "repaired" systems to fail again after a few weeks. At that time Micromart received 2,500 broken consoles per day from the UK alone.
Some articles also indicate that hardware conditions may also be caused by the use of the new Xbox Kinect with Xenon Xbox old generation.
Maps Xbox 360 technical problems
Disk scratched
Nearly at the same time the Xbox 360 was released in late 2005, customers began reporting the circumferential scratches found on discs used on their Xbox 360 console. Almost two years later, in February 2007, the website "The Llamma's Adventures" investigated the issue and concluded that some Xbox 360 disk drives do not have a mechanism to secure the disk firmly in place. Tilting or moving the console with this drive, while operating with a rotating disk inside, can potentially cause damage to the disk and in some cases the disk rendering can not be played as a result. The discs have also been scratched by the stationary console during normal use. One side of the disc can also be scratched by the disk tray if it malfunctions by closing with the disk in odd position. In addition, technical engineers already know about the issue before releasing this confirmation with Microsoft with a list of solutions. According to Microsoft, the decline in disk rotation will cause the game to take too much time to load from the disk, and adding bumpers on the disc tray will cost 25 cents per console - a total of about 11 million dollars and cause a delay in the Xbox 360 release. In 2005, many Xbox 360 technical problems and lack of bad solutions and warranties. According to reports in the news media, the new Xbox 360 S design still scratches discs when the console is moved while spinning in operation. However, Xbox 360 S and Xbox 360 E are shipped with stickers informing users that moving consoles when activated poses a risk, effectively removing responsibility from Microsoft.
Disk replacement
Though discs scratched by Xbox 360 are not covered under warranty, the Microsoft Disc Replacement Program will sell a copy of new discs carded by Xbox 360 to customers, if they are published in the country where the Xbox is sold, for a fee of $ 20. A list of eligible games published , however, is limited. Halo 3 Limited Edition was replaced at no cost until February 1, 2008 according to Xbox Disc Replacement Program's main website. Other publishers can be contacted directly for disk exchange, but it is unclear whether they will replace the disk for free. Game publisher Electronic Arts specifies a special program for this issue that requires the original disc and receipt, as well as the game must be purchased within 90 days of the request for the replacement disk, or will request a replacement cost of $ 20 or $ 25.
In December 2005 (shortly after the Xbox 360 release in the United States and Canada on November 22, 2005 and around its release in Europe and Asia in early December 2005), unidentifiable sound reports from the Xbox 360 appeared on Internet messaging boards. In response to this problem, Microsoft offered in December 2005 to replace only the video game's "Perfect Dark Zero" video game even if it was not a scratched game. " Scratched disk problems reported affect only a small portion of the Xbox 360 unit, but became clear in December 2005, through message board reports and growing media coverage.
Investigation February 2007 Kassa
Xbox 360 scratched disc problems received little media coverage in 2006; However, in February 2007, the Dutch television program, Kassa, investigated several complaints from Dutch consumers about the circular strokes made in their Xbox 360 discs. Some of these consumers claim that their discs become unreadable. Kassa's investigations traced the issue to a design flaw in which the Xbox 360 optical lens was not sufficiently under control. In confirming that Microsoft or at least its supplier chain was aware of the issue, Kassa noted that the "TSST" version of Microsoft from the Samsung DVD-drive had no rubber pads around the optical lens while the identical Samsung drive sold for PCs did have a cushion this rubber. Kassa also noted that all affected Xbox 360s appear to have been manufactured towards the end of 2006.
Investigation April 2007 Kassa
During the February 2007 investigation report, Kassa stated that not all Xbox 360s without protective pads would spontaneously scratch the discs, or that the complaints were from Xbox 360 users who had moved their Xbox when in use, or were using an unstable setting. Kassa's investigations in February 2007 left the question of whether consumers contributed to the scratch problem by moving their Xbox 360 (TSST version) during disk playback. This resulted in Kassa receiving 1,000 additional complaints over the next two months, with many consumers denying the Xbox has moved when a raking occurs, or that it has been placed in an unstable position.
Prompted by consumer reactions to the February 2007 report, Kassa conducted several tests with Xbox 360 units from consumers who claimed their Xbox problems. Kassa stabilizes this console and puts it in a location away from contact by anyone. Laboratory test results showed that one of the nine Xbox 360 units tested spontaneously scratched the disc after five hours of game play. The console was also tested standing upright, and tests showed that three of the nine Xbox 360s tested significantly scraped the discs. The complete investigative video, with careful documentation of the methodology, and all relevant details of the test, was ready for airing on April 14, 2007. The video is also distributed with English subtitles, for non-Dutch. Notice that Kassa has produced and uploaded videos this in itself, and therefore is not a copyright infringement to reproduce this link here. They can also be found on the Kassa Site along with some press information about the case (in English). Detailed test settings can be found online, and the full film of the Kassa TV program is thoroughly documenting the methodology used for the test can be found online (in Dutch) A few weeks before it aired, however, Kassa requested input from Microsoft Netherlands.
One day prior to the April 14, 2007, Kassa event received a response from Microsoft Netherlands stating that "as a result of regular use it is possible that scratches on the discs can appear", and that the Dutch Microsoft "will find solutions for Dutch customers with this problem". In addition, Microsoft released the following statement ten days after the show, on April 24, 2007:
"Due to the fact that we did not participate in Kassa's experiments and had little insight into the methodology used, we were unable to comment specifically on the results, while we were aware that the discs could potentially be scratched through normal wear and tear, we have not received reports extends about the issues highlighted here. "That said, it's important to us that all our customers have the best possible playing experience, and this claim is clearly very worrying for us.We encourage every Xbox customer who believes that their disks have been scratched in the same way as identified by Kassa, to contact us We will check the console and make appropriate repairs if necessary to return the console to full work orders, as well as provide information to customers how to get replacement discs if they need it. "
Microsoft Netherlands now receives these complaints from users (during the warranty period), and offers to replace Xbox 360 for free. Whether Microsoft Netherlands will also replace scratched discs is still unclear. After the official broadcast (in continuation of the online viewable event, about 28 minutes into the event) the customer is shown calling Microsoft help desk, which says Microsoft will replace its Xbox 360 but is denied an appointment to replace its scratched game. There have been reports from other areas that Microsoft will replace scratched discs if published by Microsoft.
The European Commission's June 2007 investigation of the scratch disk
On June 1, 2007, European Commissioner for Consumer Protection Meglena Kuneva, after speaking with producers "Kassa" and other Dutch consumer organizations, announced that the European Commission will investigate the scratching Xbox issue, and will ask Microsoft for the Xbox replacement program. for the whole of Europe. He expects Microsoft's answer within a week. Informal sources now say that Microsoft's response is to deny the problem exists, stating that "users should be blamed". But Kuneva did not react to that response, and 18 months later (4th quarter 2008) the EC's news site (Meglena Kuneva) is still silent about Microsoft's response, or about the outcome of the "investigation".
Claim
A man has sued Microsoft claiming Xbox 360 game discs, saying the console is "smartly designed and crafted." In a lawsuit filed on July 9, 2007 in Florida federal court, Jorge Brouwer said Microsoft has received thousands of complaints but has not replaced all the scratched discs. The lawsuit seeks class action status.
Three law firms in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and Seattle, Washington are investigating consumer complaints regarding the Xbox 360. Legal companies have filed lawsuits in the United States District Court of the Western District of Washington in Seattle on behalf of nationally-proposed class customers who have suffered scraped game discs while using their Xbox 360. Lawsuit it seeks class certification and reimbursement for customers for the cost of games broken by the console; a replacement for a customer who has paid a $ 20 fee to Microsoft Corporation under a limited disk replacement program offered on ten Microsoft games; free console repair to prevent further disk clipping; and/or reimbursement for customers who have paid for aftermarket repair solutions.
BBC Watchdog Investigations from Xbox 360 disc scratches (2009)
On March 23, 2009, the BBC's consumer interest program Watchdog investigated how the console scratched its own discs, after Microsoft found no problems with some of the reported console defects. The sealed test, protected from any outside interference other than gaming access, did not find any problems with the console. However, further tests that attempt to simulate normal household vibrations result in disk streaks on previously problematic consoles.
Currently, Microsoft still maintains that it is a user error when the disk is damaged, because "make clear with some warnings not to move the console with the disk in it." He also stated that only a small proportion of customers are affected by this problem. However, the company does not comment on laboratory tests.
More
November 2006 update
An update patch released on November 1, 2006 was reported to the "brick" console, making them useless. The most obvious problem occurs after patch installation, after which the console immediately reboots and shows an error message. Usually, the E71 error code is displayed during or immediately after the boot animation.
In response to an update error in November 2006 that "broke into" his console, a California man filed a class action suit against Microsoft in Washington federal court in early December 2006. The suit seeks $ 5 million damage and free repairs of any unusable console. by update. This is the second lawsuit filed against Microsoft, first submitted in December 2005, shortly after the 360 ​​launch.
After a full Microsoft Xbox 360 warranty extension of up to a full year, from the previous 90 days, the California man's lawyer confirmed to the Seattle Post Intelligencer that the lawsuit had been settled with a secret requirement.
Video failure
In mid-2007, technology and gaming blogs began reporting on new problems with the loss of Xbox 360 video output. The problem is characterized by a blank, static, or gray video output with well-functioning audio output and no flashing red lights on the console. Complete video failure is sometimes preceded by other graphical disturbances such as irregular saturation of green and/or red saturation.
Others complain of not being able to see certain movies/DVDs on their HDTV using an HDMI cable. This may be caused by an HDTV that does not meet the HDCP requirements.
Nyko Intercooler
The Nyko Intercooler has been reported to have caused common hardware failures in a number of consoles, as well as the blistering of DC power inputs. Microsoft claims that the peripherals drain too much power from the console (Intercooler power cables are installed between the Xbox 360 power supply and the console itself) and can cause errors to occur, stating that consoles installed with peripherals will have no warranty. and canceled. Nyko recently released an updated Intercooler that uses its own power source. Nyko claims this problem is no longer the case with this new version of this cooler. However, Microsoft still considers it an unlicensed add-on and will void the machine warranty showing signs of its use. No data is available to indicate whether Intercooler actually reduces the possibility of hardware failure. However, if Intercooler fails, it can cause more heat problems. Intercooler can also merge itself into the 360, melting the powercord inside him, or making it very difficult to remove.
Update issue "New Xbox Experience"
On November 19, 2008, Microsoft released the "New Xbox Experience" (NXE). This update provides Netflix streaming capabilities and avatars; However, some users have reported updates have led to their console not reading optical media correctly. Others have reported that the update has disabled audio via an HDMI connection. A Microsoft spokesman said the company "is aware that some Xbox LIVE users are experiencing audio problems, and diligently monitor the issue and work towards a solution." Microsoft released a patch on February 3, 2009 for HDMI audio issues.
E74 error
Error E74 is indicated when the lower right quadrant of the ring indicator blinks red and displays error messages in multiple languages: "System Error Contact Customer Support Xbox", with code E74 at the bottom. This error is caused by a soldered joint under the GPU or the Video output chip being corrupted. On April 14, 2009, the E74 error is now covered by a three-year renewal warranty, and customers who previously paid Microsoft for services beyond warranty to fix the E74 error received a refund.
The E74 error is sometimes described as "Green Screen of Death" and "Black Screen of Death" because the initial version of this error has an almost black background with dark green color. The newer version will show a solid black background. Reports about the coming red light of Q4 coming from users who reported abnormal display with bad and rough video and black dots or artifacts that appear on the screen. The green or red vertical stroke on the screen can also show E74.
Secondary Error Code
The Xbox 360 console that has a hardware failure will display a secondary error code by flashing the LED sequence when the correct key sequence is pushed. The 0001 error code may indicate a defect in the power supply, rather than the Xbox itself, or briefly inside the Xbox, or the blown capacitor.
References
External links
- The official Microsoft Xbox Support website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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