I've had one Dreamcast since 9/9/99 that's run flawlessly to date.
In that span I've had:
-2 N64's (#1 from '96 croaked in '02)
-2 PS2's (#1 died after 1 year)
-1 Lonely Gamecube
-2 Xboxes (okay they both work, but #1 is sounds like it's on its deathbed...)
-4 or 5 360's (#1 broke in a week, RROD gave me 3 or 4 different 360's in Spring/Summer '07)
-2 Wii's (1st was broken out of the box)
-1 PS3 (although it was sidelined last fall after a Sony 'update' broke it, and demanded $150 to fix. A user fix resolved the problem and it's been ok til now).
But that system from going on 11 years ago (and a launch day system at that) is still going strong.
Long Live the Dreamcast indeed.
I agree. Something needs to be done, and now.
Why can I see the U.S. Gov't rounding up U.S. citizens who mounted attacks on Chinese, but not vice versa?
As a U.S. citizen who just had their computer raped by a nasty virus last month that crushed my antivirus and sent keylogs to a Chinese web address, I have no freaking recourse, and I want blood.
I propose a new cyber 'A-Team'.
Fair point. It also suggests the male has to be a smarter, more diligent fighter/escape artist/etc., to survive his environment long enough to reproduce, since he can't just blend in with the 'wallpaper.'
Well, I've never had any hard drive issues, prior or since the issue began. None of my saved data has been affected on the hard drive. No further issues since the problems were resolved.
The firmware (both 3.0, and 3.01) seemed to smoothly download and install without any issue or hiccups, and I've never had a problem with any previous firmware updates since I had the system since Fall 2007.
Keep in mind too, Sony offered no troubleshooting, and this problem (in my case) could've been easily resolved in less than 10 minutes. Instead, they were quite eager to demand $150 for a repair that took merely a couple of button presses.
To me, it's clear this problem goes beyond a handful of people whose breakdowns coincided at the same time of the update.
I don't think it's a hard drive failure. I've had no problems before or since with any of my save files. (Well, with the exception of Soul Calibur IV saves last year, which went away after replacing the disk).
I think it's fair to assume some people's systems might have had defects that crept up at the same time of the firmware.
However, there are a lot of people on Sony's own forums, with claiming problems that arrived with the firmware. I'm proof positive that the firmware has at least something to do with some of them.
Nintendo's accepting responsibility over the latest Wii update bricking systems is pretty good proof that firmware can cause this. And the Wii doesn't have as many hardware variants as PS3 does.
I didn't experience YLOD (fortunately) but let's face it, if something gets screwed up with the system's firmware, it could create all sorts of errors that could look like hardware failure.
At the very least Sony could've offered me basic troubleshooting (like 'rebuilding the database') which could've resolved things quicker and without the $150 insult. But again, they explicitly said "There's no troubleshooting for this problem."
@ CronoCloud (590650) My PS3 is kept in a well ventilated area, and is actually runs quite quietly, especially compared to the 360.
I can personally submit to the firmware disabling my system. It didn't 'brick' my system, but it 3.0 caused connectivity issues in online games, and 3.01 broke the DVD and Blu-Ray playback, as well as well continued online problems, caused freezing in games, and left me unable to exit the XMB if I ever brought it up in a game. Sony told me it would be $150 for a system that worked perfect before the updates. Even after arguing that it was their firmware. They said I couldn't prove it, blah, blah, blah... Fortunately, a user fix got my system back in order, by 'rebuilding the database' in less than 10 minutes. So, yeah fuck Sony. Even if it wasn't intentional, this is not good business practice.
I can 100% attest to the fact that the PS3 update 3.0 and 3.01 did indeed disable my system.
My system (a 60GB) worked flawlessly for 2 years until 3.0, which caused issues in regard to getting into games online. 3.01 broke dvd, and blu-ray playback, and caused freezing issues with the XMB which you couldn't exit while playing a game if accessed.
I called Sony, they told me there was no troubleshooting for the issue and it would $150.
I spoke to a supervisor, who in so many words said. 1) You can't prove it was the firmware. 2) Even if it was the firmware, we accept Sony takes no responsibility as per terms of the agreement when we download the firmware. Of course, we're force to agree to this 'agreement' when we're forced to download the firmware.
Anyway, I consulted Sony's own forums which were ablaze with complaints. A user fix 'rebuild the database' fixed my system in less than 10 minutes.
So here is my proof that the firmware did indeed disable at least some systems.
Sorry, but I ain't buying it. A full fledged online mode, with at least some new assets (even if minor, we are talking HD graphics) and additional coding still has to be more than 1.6MB at the very least, even it's compressed.
It's not added after the fact as much as it was shipped on the disk and to play it, you'd have to download an unlock key.
http://au.xboxlive.ign.com/articles/970/970396p1.html
There's no way a full online mode is only 1.60MB, despite what Capcom said. On top of that, the US players have to pay more than double of what Japan has to.
Amen Totenglocke.
Case in point, Halo 3 shipped with 3 maps for 8 vs 8 play. 3 pissy maps and one was remake from Halo 2. But naturally there was DLC to fill that hole they intentionally shipped the game with.
Of course, this turned me off to the game, but I checked back this past spring after ignoring the game to see how online was. Turns out you can't even play ranked 8 vs 8 games anymore without buying DLC. So a feature that came with the boxed retail version of the game is no longer available because of DLC. Too bad Halo geeks are so pavlovian. Could've sent a message.
Then you have companies like Namco, leaving an open roster spot in Soul Calibur IV that cannot be unlocked any other way, except for buying DLC. Or Capcom shipping RE5 with a multiplayer mode you could only unlock after paying for a download key.
Yeah, when I pay $60 for a game, I expect it to be full featured. I expect that I'm not gonna be hosed for more money for at least 5 or 6 months, just so I can feel like I have the complete game. And at the very least, I don't want to see the game gimped because I didn't buy the 3 shitty maps you whipped up in a weekend at inflated prices, or pay to unlock something that's already on the disk.
I don't understand all the tools who think getting gimped games with less content, only to have the opportunity to buy it later on is a good thing. Legitimate, worthwhile, DLC expansions are another matter.
Count me in as one of these people. Yeah, my videogaming could probably benefit from an HD, but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice refresh rates or spend $$$ on a TV that's smaller than my SD.
Hearing about plans to make HDTV's obsolete sooner than later, doesn't make me want to rush out and buy one either.
On the other hand, 3-D gaming sounds a lot more intriguing than High-Res. But so far, even 3-D films in theaters have failed to impress me. I guess Avatar could be a make or break film for 3-D...
Would you call it a bad film? I wouldn't.
I think Cameron has always focused on using technology to enhance storytelling (a la T2), rather than use it as an excuse to make a movie, a la practically every big CGI mess today.
Word. We can even put someone in another(higher) life form, but we can't put them even in a functional human body?
Anyone see G.I. Joe? How come Cobra Commander has all this cool facial technology but couldn't fix himself?
Please James Cameron, please let this be a good film and not $250 million CG 3-D demo. You're one of the last film makers who hasn't disappointed me...
I agree there's something to be said about mental state and perception.
At the same time, I think saying this experience is 'addictive' beyond anything else, is kind of exaggerating.
I'm guessing most of us have been playing video games for years, and we've all 'lost' ourselves to a certain degree or craved the experience when we were away from it, but to practically suggest it's digital crack is just marketing.
I look forward to the film though. Cameron is one of the few reliable filmmakers who always gives something worth our time if not ground breaking, and I think he's on to something by bring the 3D experience mainstream. It might even revitalize the theater experience, because it will be the only way for the foreseeable future to experience the film in full-effect, considering it may be a while before most of us have home 3-D technology that's comparable.
The real problem is unchecked Conglomeration and it's affecting all media and culture at least in the U.S..
It feels like we've been frozen in this stale teeny-booper, hip-hop malaise well past its normal expiration date since the late 90's.
Remember the 80's, remember the early to mid-90's? Even if you hated the music, the fashion trends, there was at least a social flow.
As media outlets and record labels have been snapped up by an elite few corporations, who in turn maintain a stranglehold on the major outlets (tv, radio, etc.) there's no motivation for turning over new artists because it's perceived to be more cost effective to recycle the same bullshit ad nauseam, and limit investment in emerging musicians.
By the time the current generation of consumers is bored, there's a whole new lot whose fresh palette and less discerning taste is ready to eat the same stale drivel.
There's no real competition anymore, there's no real forces out there to give rise to the next unplanned musical or social trend.
The internet, for all its positives has yet to find a way to really connect people to new artists, to drive any new trends with the exception of the occasional 'viral video.' Sure, there's probably a few minor success stories, but can any of them match some of American Idol's more successful rejects?
Until the internet finds a way of giving birth to independent and new voices, or a media upstart with the intention of being one arises, then things won't change. Unless somebody at the controls wakes up or they collapse.
Eh, Magibon isn't much different than something P.T. Barnum would put on display while on tour. Shaytard seems like another lame live-action Adult Swim wannabe. They are not the future of entertainment, they're mere sideshows at best, who would never find an audience in any other forum if youtube (and all others) disappeared tomorrow. Quality programming will eventually win out, especially once a legit production shows the way...
As a writer/director/producer I find this most frustrating because they give no consideration to anyone willing to take the time to actually make something worthwhile, rather than just shoot themselves or their friends dicking around in front the webcam.
Even worse, google/youtube refuses to even estimate what your potential earnings can be. How can anyone be willing to put a hell of a lot of time and effort into something, when they refuse to tell you what you can earn?
Sure the exposure can be good, but it's no guarantee of financial sustainability for continued productions with any real effort behind it, if you can't even fund yourself.
Ultimately, the only good thing youtube really caters to is goofy videos, cute chicks with blogs, whiny freaks, AMV's, or finding copyrighted material in a convenient spot.
Don't get me wrong, it's cool that anyone can post virtually anything and if the service disappeared tomorrow I would be saddened, but if they're serious about profitability, they need to reach out and support real talent and create incentives for quality productions arise. Youtube has been around for 3+ years now, and they have yet to give rise to anything that could've survived outside of and beyond youtube.
Quality content brings in real money, just ask TV networks/DVD sales.
Except Keanu is 45. Spike is in his late 20's (27 -- I think). Spike is a subtly complex character, Keanu has never effectively played one. Spike practices Jeet Kune Do, Keanu doesn't seem anywhere capable of mimicking the fluidity and speed of such a martial art, and at 45, isn't likely to be getting any better at it.
Keanu has been good in some good roles, but let's face it, he's typically about charismatic and versatile as wallpaper.
I can only hope Keanu pulls over a miracle, but if not, here's the rest of the cast to round out what could be a horror that exceeds the impending Dragon Ball and G.I. Joe flicks:
Jett: Sylvester Stallone --
Fey: Paris Hilton --
Ed: Shia LaBeouf --
Ein: Gilbert Gottfried --
Vicious: Ice Cube --
Julia: Renee Zellweger.
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I've had one Dreamcast since 9/9/99 that's run flawlessly to date. In that span I've had: -2 N64's (#1 from '96 croaked in '02) -2 PS2's (#1 died after 1 year) -1 Lonely Gamecube -2 Xboxes (okay they both work, but #1 is sounds like it's on its deathbed...) -4 or 5 360's (#1 broke in a week, RROD gave me 3 or 4 different 360's in Spring/Summer '07) -2 Wii's (1st was broken out of the box) -1 PS3 (although it was sidelined last fall after a Sony 'update' broke it, and demanded $150 to fix. A user fix resolved the problem and it's been ok til now). But that system from going on 11 years ago (and a launch day system at that) is still going strong. Long Live the Dreamcast indeed.
I agree. Something needs to be done, and now. Why can I see the U.S. Gov't rounding up U.S. citizens who mounted attacks on Chinese, but not vice versa? As a U.S. citizen who just had their computer raped by a nasty virus last month that crushed my antivirus and sent keylogs to a Chinese web address, I have no freaking recourse, and I want blood. I propose a new cyber 'A-Team'.
I heard the Duke is now driving a 'pimped' out Skyline...
Fair point. It also suggests the male has to be a smarter, more diligent fighter/escape artist/etc., to survive his environment long enough to reproduce, since he can't just blend in with the 'wallpaper.'
Exosquad! Hands-down best Sci-Fi-action show of the '90's, live or animated.
Well, I've never had any hard drive issues, prior or since the issue began. None of my saved data has been affected on the hard drive. No further issues since the problems were resolved. The firmware (both 3.0, and 3.01) seemed to smoothly download and install without any issue or hiccups, and I've never had a problem with any previous firmware updates since I had the system since Fall 2007. Keep in mind too, Sony offered no troubleshooting, and this problem (in my case) could've been easily resolved in less than 10 minutes. Instead, they were quite eager to demand $150 for a repair that took merely a couple of button presses. To me, it's clear this problem goes beyond a handful of people whose breakdowns coincided at the same time of the update.
I don't think it's a hard drive failure. I've had no problems before or since with any of my save files. (Well, with the exception of Soul Calibur IV saves last year, which went away after replacing the disk). I think it's fair to assume some people's systems might have had defects that crept up at the same time of the firmware. However, there are a lot of people on Sony's own forums, with claiming problems that arrived with the firmware. I'm proof positive that the firmware has at least something to do with some of them. Nintendo's accepting responsibility over the latest Wii update bricking systems is pretty good proof that firmware can cause this. And the Wii doesn't have as many hardware variants as PS3 does. I didn't experience YLOD (fortunately) but let's face it, if something gets screwed up with the system's firmware, it could create all sorts of errors that could look like hardware failure. At the very least Sony could've offered me basic troubleshooting (like 'rebuilding the database') which could've resolved things quicker and without the $150 insult. But again, they explicitly said "There's no troubleshooting for this problem." @ CronoCloud (590650) My PS3 is kept in a well ventilated area, and is actually runs quite quietly, especially compared to the 360.
I can personally submit to the firmware disabling my system. It didn't 'brick' my system, but it 3.0 caused connectivity issues in online games, and 3.01 broke the DVD and Blu-Ray playback, as well as well continued online problems, caused freezing in games, and left me unable to exit the XMB if I ever brought it up in a game. Sony told me it would be $150 for a system that worked perfect before the updates. Even after arguing that it was their firmware. They said I couldn't prove it, blah, blah, blah... Fortunately, a user fix got my system back in order, by 'rebuilding the database' in less than 10 minutes. So, yeah fuck Sony. Even if it wasn't intentional, this is not good business practice.
I can 100% attest to the fact that the PS3 update 3.0 and 3.01 did indeed disable my system. My system (a 60GB) worked flawlessly for 2 years until 3.0, which caused issues in regard to getting into games online. 3.01 broke dvd, and blu-ray playback, and caused freezing issues with the XMB which you couldn't exit while playing a game if accessed. I called Sony, they told me there was no troubleshooting for the issue and it would $150. I spoke to a supervisor, who in so many words said. 1) You can't prove it was the firmware. 2) Even if it was the firmware, we accept Sony takes no responsibility as per terms of the agreement when we download the firmware. Of course, we're force to agree to this 'agreement' when we're forced to download the firmware. Anyway, I consulted Sony's own forums which were ablaze with complaints. A user fix 'rebuild the database' fixed my system in less than 10 minutes. So here is my proof that the firmware did indeed disable at least some systems.
Sorry, but I ain't buying it. A full fledged online mode, with at least some new assets (even if minor, we are talking HD graphics) and additional coding still has to be more than 1.6MB at the very least, even it's compressed.
It's not added after the fact as much as it was shipped on the disk and to play it, you'd have to download an unlock key. http://au.xboxlive.ign.com/articles/970/970396p1.html There's no way a full online mode is only 1.60MB, despite what Capcom said. On top of that, the US players have to pay more than double of what Japan has to.
Er, Competitive Multiplayer, as opposed to Co-Op. http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3173252
Amen Totenglocke. Case in point, Halo 3 shipped with 3 maps for 8 vs 8 play. 3 pissy maps and one was remake from Halo 2. But naturally there was DLC to fill that hole they intentionally shipped the game with. Of course, this turned me off to the game, but I checked back this past spring after ignoring the game to see how online was. Turns out you can't even play ranked 8 vs 8 games anymore without buying DLC. So a feature that came with the boxed retail version of the game is no longer available because of DLC. Too bad Halo geeks are so pavlovian. Could've sent a message. Then you have companies like Namco, leaving an open roster spot in Soul Calibur IV that cannot be unlocked any other way, except for buying DLC. Or Capcom shipping RE5 with a multiplayer mode you could only unlock after paying for a download key. Yeah, when I pay $60 for a game, I expect it to be full featured. I expect that I'm not gonna be hosed for more money for at least 5 or 6 months, just so I can feel like I have the complete game. And at the very least, I don't want to see the game gimped because I didn't buy the 3 shitty maps you whipped up in a weekend at inflated prices, or pay to unlock something that's already on the disk. I don't understand all the tools who think getting gimped games with less content, only to have the opportunity to buy it later on is a good thing. Legitimate, worthwhile, DLC expansions are another matter.
Count me in as one of these people. Yeah, my videogaming could probably benefit from an HD, but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice refresh rates or spend $$$ on a TV that's smaller than my SD. Hearing about plans to make HDTV's obsolete sooner than later, doesn't make me want to rush out and buy one either. On the other hand, 3-D gaming sounds a lot more intriguing than High-Res. But so far, even 3-D films in theaters have failed to impress me. I guess Avatar could be a make or break film for 3-D...
...Pizza Hut and Axe Body Spray!
Would you call it a bad film? I wouldn't. I think Cameron has always focused on using technology to enhance storytelling (a la T2), rather than use it as an excuse to make a movie, a la practically every big CGI mess today.
Sorry man, I don't follow. I didn't see Cobra Commander fix his appearance or condition, he just put on another face mask.
Word. We can even put someone in another(higher) life form, but we can't put them even in a functional human body? Anyone see G.I. Joe? How come Cobra Commander has all this cool facial technology but couldn't fix himself? Please James Cameron, please let this be a good film and not $250 million CG 3-D demo. You're one of the last film makers who hasn't disappointed me...
Smithers: "It's a policy that ensures a healthy mix of the rich and the ignorant, sir." At least Fox knows its target audience.
I agree there's something to be said about mental state and perception. At the same time, I think saying this experience is 'addictive' beyond anything else, is kind of exaggerating. I'm guessing most of us have been playing video games for years, and we've all 'lost' ourselves to a certain degree or craved the experience when we were away from it, but to practically suggest it's digital crack is just marketing. I look forward to the film though. Cameron is one of the few reliable filmmakers who always gives something worth our time if not ground breaking, and I think he's on to something by bring the 3D experience mainstream. It might even revitalize the theater experience, because it will be the only way for the foreseeable future to experience the film in full-effect, considering it may be a while before most of us have home 3-D technology that's comparable.
The real problem is unchecked Conglomeration and it's affecting all media and culture at least in the U.S.. It feels like we've been frozen in this stale teeny-booper, hip-hop malaise well past its normal expiration date since the late 90's. Remember the 80's, remember the early to mid-90's? Even if you hated the music, the fashion trends, there was at least a social flow. As media outlets and record labels have been snapped up by an elite few corporations, who in turn maintain a stranglehold on the major outlets (tv, radio, etc.) there's no motivation for turning over new artists because it's perceived to be more cost effective to recycle the same bullshit ad nauseam, and limit investment in emerging musicians. By the time the current generation of consumers is bored, there's a whole new lot whose fresh palette and less discerning taste is ready to eat the same stale drivel. There's no real competition anymore, there's no real forces out there to give rise to the next unplanned musical or social trend. The internet, for all its positives has yet to find a way to really connect people to new artists, to drive any new trends with the exception of the occasional 'viral video.' Sure, there's probably a few minor success stories, but can any of them match some of American Idol's more successful rejects? Until the internet finds a way of giving birth to independent and new voices, or a media upstart with the intention of being one arises, then things won't change. Unless somebody at the controls wakes up or they collapse.
Eh, Magibon isn't much different than something P.T. Barnum would put on display while on tour. Shaytard seems like another lame live-action Adult Swim wannabe. They are not the future of entertainment, they're mere sideshows at best, who would never find an audience in any other forum if youtube (and all others) disappeared tomorrow. Quality programming will eventually win out, especially once a legit production shows the way...
As a writer/director/producer I find this most frustrating because they give no consideration to anyone willing to take the time to actually make something worthwhile, rather than just shoot themselves or their friends dicking around in front the webcam. Even worse, google/youtube refuses to even estimate what your potential earnings can be. How can anyone be willing to put a hell of a lot of time and effort into something, when they refuse to tell you what you can earn? Sure the exposure can be good, but it's no guarantee of financial sustainability for continued productions with any real effort behind it, if you can't even fund yourself. Ultimately, the only good thing youtube really caters to is goofy videos, cute chicks with blogs, whiny freaks, AMV's, or finding copyrighted material in a convenient spot. Don't get me wrong, it's cool that anyone can post virtually anything and if the service disappeared tomorrow I would be saddened, but if they're serious about profitability, they need to reach out and support real talent and create incentives for quality productions arise. Youtube has been around for 3+ years now, and they have yet to give rise to anything that could've survived outside of and beyond youtube. Quality content brings in real money, just ask TV networks/DVD sales.
Except Keanu is 45. Spike is in his late 20's (27 -- I think). Spike is a subtly complex character, Keanu has never effectively played one. Spike practices Jeet Kune Do, Keanu doesn't seem anywhere capable of mimicking the fluidity and speed of such a martial art, and at 45, isn't likely to be getting any better at it. Keanu has been good in some good roles, but let's face it, he's typically about charismatic and versatile as wallpaper.
I can only hope Keanu pulls over a miracle, but if not, here's the rest of the cast to round out what could be a horror that exceeds the impending Dragon Ball and G.I. Joe flicks: Jett: Sylvester Stallone -- Fey: Paris Hilton -- Ed: Shia LaBeouf -- Ein: Gilbert Gottfried -- Vicious: Ice Cube -- Julia: Renee Zellweger.