BBC Watchdog doing a story about broken 360's?

[carocat]

The following is taken from a post on the xbox.com forum (http://forums.xbox.com/10156719/ShowPost.aspx):
[quote]After reading about so many xbox consoles having to be sent back to MS and having read a thread regarding a live member contacting watching to look in to the situation, I decided to do the same myself.

I contacted Watchdog who were very interested in the story. They are interviewing xbox 360 users who are having trouble and the item will be on next weeks Watchdog!

They are still looking for people to interview regarding the matter, so contact them on watchdog@bbc.co.uk if you have issues to discuss

Obviously this is for people who have had problems with their console. I do know that there are people who are still on their first and have had no problems- thats great. I'm sure that there will be people posting that this uncalled for- I don't think so. However, there are now far to many peolpe having to pay

[Azure]

I have already emailed them.

[KONSPIRACY]

I know some members of kHz are on their 5th or 6th consoles...I dont know whether its just ppl dont know how to look after their equipment or not, but *touch wood* I'm still on my first n have never had any problems. It cant be denied though that the hardware n updates have been causing issues throughout the world n it needs to be addressed.

[Azure]

It really bothers me when people say "I dont know if they know how to look after their equipment".

I treated all 3 of my 360s like they were priceless, all are kept free range with plenty of space to breathe on a hard wooden floor in a cool, ventilated area [aka under a single layer window].

The hardware, is crap.

[BlueHoopedMoose]

It really bothers me when people say "I dont know if they know how to look after their equipment".

I treated all 3 of my 360s like they were priceless, all are kept free range with plenty of space to breathe on a hard wooden floor in a cool, ventilated area [aka under a single layer window].

The hardware, is crap.

I must admit, I did wander what people were doing to their boxes to go through so many but I've just been stung by the three red lights.

Bought on release date, no problems since then - come back from holiday and it's dead. My 360 lives in a well ventilated place, as does the power supply. As Azure says, the hardware is just pants.
Now for some good ole banter with M$... any hints 'n' tips people?

[Liam]

My 360 lives in a well

Thats probably the problem then :D

[Azure]

Under 12 months take it back to your retailer moose, getting it swapped over on the spot is a lot nicer than waiting for MS to tell you they no longer offer the boxing service. :rolleyes:

[BlueHoopedMoose]

Under 12 months take it back to your retailer moose, getting it swapped over on the spot is a lot nicer than waiting for MS to tell you they no longer offer the boxing service. :rolleyes:

it's over twelve months... but reading this (http://www.dti.gov.uk/consumers/fact-sheets/page24700.html) I don't think it should be an issue.

[Chet Webley]

- come back from holiday and it's dead. My 360 lives in a well ventilated place, as does the power supply.


i'm wondering if it's anything to do with leaving it on standby. i always used to switch mine off at the mains, and i had to send one back. then i spent a week at home over xmas without switching off at the mains [so the orange light stays on, on the power supply] and it behaved itself [no e74's etc]. i have now taken to leaving it on standby & it's MUCH better now. still get the occasional black screen when booting, bit no e74's.

anyway, mate - be honest. what bites more? fecked 360, or wifeys' knee? ;)

[MJMaskrey]

Well my 14 month old 360 is dying...crashing all the time with checkered squares on the top half of the screen....the beginning of the end!

I've fired off a nice email to Game requesting a replacement under the Sale of Goods Act (citing 'Inherent Fault' and 'reasonable time') and stating that I'll file a case in the Small Claims Court if neccesary. I'll let you know what their response is.

MS have no come-back with the Sales of Goods Act, so if you're using it make sure it's with the retailer you purchased your 360 from.

:)

[carocat]

MJ, check out this thread (http://community.matchbox360.co.uk/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=883).

[MJMaskrey]

Well that was easy!

Game emailed to say they'll exchange it, the customer service bod said she'll contact the store manager first and reply to let me know when to go in to the store.

Result...well as long as the new unit is a reliable one!

:)

[carocat]

So do you have a new one already?

Did you still have the original receipt?

[Xg Corkin]

i'm wondering if it's anything to do with leaving it on standby. i always used to switch mine off at the mains, and i had to send one back. then i spent a week at home over xmas without switching off at the mains [so the orange light stays on, on the power supply] and it behaved itself [no e74's etc]. i have now taken to leaving it on standby & it's MUCH better now. still get the occasional black screen when booting, bit no e74's.

Yea, everytime i switch mine off at the mains when i turn it back on i get the three red lights. Then i turn it off then on again and it works fine.

[MJMaskrey]

OMG....it was not as easy as it first seemed!

Basically:

Went to Game, handed over console.
Waited 15 minutes.
Guy re-appeared, said console had been chipped!(WTF!?)
Guy said the console has the MS sticker seal intact but missing a 2nd seal(?).
I feel the rage and launch one, console has never been opened or even had a faceplate on it let alone chipped! Then point out I'm not stupid enough to return an illegally modded console AND why would I do this then still be buying full priced games off you..hand Reward for him to check (he declined).
Much anger from me and red-facedness all around.
Girl comes from outback to help and rings Game Customer Services.
Customer Services confirm that launch consoles probably didn't have this mysterious 2nd seal so only the MS sticker seal counts.
Girl offers refund or exchange.
I say I'll have an exchange.
Girl says have none in stock and it will be on Thursday.
I leave shop then think waaaaiiiiit a minute!
Walk back in shop and say I'll have that refund please!
Get refunded

[carocat]

Haha, just watched the BBC report.

Could they have had any worse people to interview?

[sub]

Told you nothing more informative than MS will when you phone them. Waste of 2 minutes of TV.

[carocat]

Oh and nice one MJ, good that it's all sorted out. Didn't realise you had a core console though?

[MJMaskrey]

Aye...I wanted one badly and on release week chances of picking up a Premium were zero to nothing.

I soon bought all the accessories and many, many more...so all I'm lacking is the Silver disc tray...not worth stomping on a kitten for.

:)

[carocat]

Microsoft has responded to claims by the BBC's Watchdog programme that it is charging excessive amounts for Xbox 360 repairs, stating that there is "no systemic issue" with the console.

Last night's episode of the consumer affairs show featured two gamers whose Xbox 360 units had broken after just over a year of use, and were told they would have to pay around GBP 80 to get their consoles fixed.

In an official statement issued to GamesIndustry.biz, Microsoft said that the "vast majority" of Xbox 360 owners have had an "outstanding experience" with the console.

But the platform holder went on to concede: "That being said, we have received a few isolated reports of consoles not working as expected.

"It's important to note that there is no systemic issue with Xbox 360 - each incident is unique and these customer inquiries are being handled on a case-by-case basis."

Microsoft has not revealed details of how many Xbox 360 units have been found faulty, but did state that the return rate is "significantly lower" than the CE industry average of between 3 and 5 per cent.

"Customer satisfaction is our highest priority, and we do everything we can to take care of gamers who may be having problems with their consoles," the company said.

"Anybody having an issue with their Xbox 360 console should call customer service immediately so that we can help. Microsoft voluntarily provides customers with a one year manufacturer's warranty in the UK which operates over and above the legally required retailer warranty for all consumer goods."
Gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22776)