Updated 360 Disc Format?

[Dark_Lord]

I am happy to announce that we’re doing an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program for our next release, and the opportunity to sign up is now available. We are conducting an open call for US based participants* for a public preview to help us prepare for an updated Xbox 360 disc format. This is an important update as we continually strive to improve our products and we could not do so without the help of our great Xbox community. As part of the preview program, you will receive a copy of Halo: Reach along with other possible rewards.

More at MajorNelson.com

Thoughts? Could this be a higher capacity DVD that will work with existing 360s?

 

[Kryptonian Warrior]

More at MajorNelson.com

Thoughts? Could this be a higher capacity DVD that will work with existing 360s?

Thanks for the heads-up! I am going to sign up and see what this is all about.

 

[KALEL114]

I think it might be security related. A 360 disc has 2gb's dedicated to security, so I think they are trying to minimize that. The copy of Halo:Reach could contain this new security setup.

 

[Dark_Lord]

I hadn't thought about that. I'm still hoping it's a higher capacity DVD.

 

[Kryptonian Warrior]

I do have a question though. I saw that they will receive an update that nobody else will have access to, outside of the previewers. Will I still be able to play my other games and play online like I normally would? Also, if something goes wrong and my console is rendered useless, would they give me a new console?

 

[Donut]

I think it might be security related. A 360 disc has 2gb's dedicated to security, so I think they are trying to minimize that. The copy of Halo:Reach could contain this new security setup.

They will be sending other disc based stuff besides Halo: Reach. Reach is just a thank you for signing up. My question is why Reach ? Anyone that wants it has it. Why not be more creative like a Gears 3 Beta Code or MS Points or something if they wanted to thank people for testing the new format

 

[Benstamania]

I am happy to announce that we’re doing an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program for our next release, and the opportunity to sign up is now available. We are conducting an open call for US based participants* for a public preview to help us prepare for an updated Xbox 360 disc format. This is an important update as we continually strive to improve our products and we could not do so without the help of our great Xbox community. As part of the preview program, you will receive a copy of Halo: Reach along with other possible rewards.

Much like we did last year, you’ll need to visit the Microsoft Connect site from this link and sign in with your Windows LIVE ID that is connected to your Xbox LIVE Gamertag. Once you complete the survey that is presented to you, the Connect site will provide program related updates and you will receive a mail once the selection process is completed.

A couple of points before you head off to register:

We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good.

This opportunity is open to Xbox LIVE Members in US region only*.

To avoid any problems, read the survey carefully and double check all the information you provide.

While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.

*Due to disc distribution limitations, this beta it will be limited to residents of the United States only.

I’ll be sure to update this post if the program fills up.

UPDATE: This preview will not impact voice messages or party chat.

You can sign up at the link on Major Nelsons Blog: http://majornelson.com/2011/03/29/xbox-360-system-update-preview/

 

[hippie_hunter]

It's good that Microsoft is taking the time to deal with the fact that their current disk format just isn't suited for this generation unless you're the Wii.

 

[Benstamania]

Whoooooops.

Thanks for the fix.

 

[ProjectPat2280]

They will be sending other disc based stuff besides Halo: Reach. Reach is just a thank you for signing up. My question is why Reach ? Anyone that wants it has it. Why not be more creative like a Gears 3 Beta Code or MS Points or something if they wanted to thank people for testing the new format

I believe the copy of Reach will be in the new disc format, which is why they aren't sending points or the like.

 

[KALEL114]

Yep, and it looks like I may have been right:

A highly placed development source has confirmed to Digital Foundry that the new disc format being beta tested in a new dashboard upgrade adds 1GB to the storage of Xbox 360 game discs.
The maximum space allocated to game data on the current disc format is just 6.8GB out of a maximum of 7.95GB on a standard dual layer DVD, with over 1GB dedicated to a DVD-Video partition that also contained anti-piracy security sectors. Astonishingly, this meant that the last generation PlayStation 2 had a higher level of raw storage available to games developers than the newer Xbox 360. It seems that this video partition has either been drastically reduced or omitted completely in the new format Microsoft is looking to roll-out.
Beta testers of the new dashboard get a free copy of Halo: Reach once they are accepted into the new preview programme. We can assume that this isn't just a generous gift on Microsoft's part - more likely it is a disc pressed using the new format, and Microsoft is looking for data on performance on as many different systems as it can. There is no one standard Xbox 360 DVD drive: the platform holder has used drives from Samsung, Hitachi, Benq and Liteon across the console's five year history.
Halo: Reach occupied 6.6GB of space on the old format disc. Either padding or additional content will have been added to this new edition, or it may well simply be the case that the data is allocated into certain physical areas of the disc the video partition would have previously occupied.
It would make sense that the video partition would have been pressed into the inner-most area of the disc - the part that would be the slowest to read in data. So while developers will be able to make the most of the raw storage potential of the dual layer disc, they may well have to factor in slower read speeds in the freed-up space.
Regardless, a 14-15 per cent boost in the space available to Xbox 360 developers is a very welcome advance, and some might argue it is somewhat overdue bearing in mind that the security scheme currently in place has proven to be inadequate for several years now. Tossing away the current system may also give Microsoft the opportunity to deploy a brand new anti-piracy strategy bearing in mind that its latest AP 2.5 system was defeated within a couple of weeks.
Xbox 360 DVD firmware hacker "Commodore4eva" adding weight to the story by suggesting that the latest developer XDK confirms the changes:
"MS will introduce XBG3 - this will add more AP checks, CVI (content integerity) checks, increase the disc size and adds a new layer for protection issues - all in the 20500 sdk! bring it on," he posted on IRC.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-1gb-360-disc-upgrade

 

[Benstamania]

I believe the copy of Reach will be in the new disc format, which is why they aren't sending points or the like.

I actually just traded Reach toward Crysis... if I get a free copy in the mail.. I won't complain, lol.

 

[KALEL114]

I was wondering, with Kinect and now this, do you guys think MS is going to stretch out the 360's lifespan pretty far. Maybe another two years?

 

[Donut]

I believe the copy of Reach will be in the new disc format, which is why they aren't sending points or the like.

The "thank you for helping game" still should have been something else though. But that is just a thank you for helping game. Hopefully that means other games will be sent on the new disc format

 

[Soapy]

I was wondering, with Kinect and now this, do you guys think MS is going to stretch out the 360's lifespan pretty far. Maybe another two years?

Probably. But that doesn't mean they won't introduce new hardware in that time.

 

[KALEL114]

Probably. But that doesn't mean they won't introduce new hardware in that time.

Maybe an E3 2012 reveal with 2012 holiday release. I could see that happening.

 

[Kryptonian Warrior]

Maybe an E3 2012 reveal with 2012 holiday release. I could see that happening.

IMO, Microsoft needs to do something soon, to compete with the graphics and everything that you can do with the PS3, or they will eventually become obsolete.

 

[Donut]

IMO, Microsoft needs to do something soon, to compete with the graphics and everything that you can do with the PS3, or they will eventually become obsolete.

PSN & Live aside from a few details are pretty even. Both have likes & dislikes

 

[Benstamania]

Major Nelson Tweeted that the beta sign up is now closed.

 

[Soapy]

IMO, Microsoft needs to do something soon, to compete with the graphics and everything that you can do with the PS3, or they will eventually become obsolete.

I think Sony needs to put out a new console just as much as Microsoft. Up until recently, I thought the Xbox 360 and PS3 could make it for a few more years, but when you look at games like Battlefield 3 and Crysis 2 on max settings on PC, it's painfully obvious that if these current systems don't feel ancient to you already, then they will real soon.

Also I'm pretty certain that Nintendo will announce a new system at E3, so that will put more pressure on them as well. Especially if the "Wii 2" or whatever is capable of better visuals than the 360.

 

[Donut]

Major Nelson Tweeted that the beta sign up is now closed.

I signed up on the first day so I am good

 

[Benstamania]

If Sony or Microsoft announce a new system at E3 I'm going to kick them in the testies. Seriously... I don't know about ANYONE else but I'm not a fan of spending 500 bucks per console, more so when systems like the PS3 haven't even been maxed out graphics wise.

The point of Kinect and Move were to "extend" the life of each system... if they up and announce the Xbox Next/PS4 at this years e3... I'm going to be ticked. IF they do hopefully both companies will have learned from Sony's original PS3 price mistake.

Microsoft could have got away with it had they not just launched the Kintect now I'd say that they're stuck with the 360 for a few more years. Nintendo, realistically is the only company that could probably get away with it.

Announcing a new system when the economy in America is still sort of in the crapper wouldn't be smart, IMHO.

 

[jacobed]

Neither Sony nor Microsoft will announce a new console this year. The Kinect is selling way too good for that and while the move wasn't a huge seller the ps3 is just outfitted for a few more years. I do think that Nintendo needs to announce one this year or at least hint to one coming soon because while I love my Wii there isn't much to look forward to anymore except for Zelda. I signed up for this thing and I hope I'm chosen since I wouldn't mind owning Reach again.

 

[Benstamania]

GameInformers twitter says they have NO plans on bringing glassesless 3D into their next home console (Nintendo that is) which... I found surprising.

 

[Soapy]

If Sony or Microsoft announce a new system at E3 I'm going to kick them in the testies. Seriously... I don't know about ANYONE else but I'm not a fan of spending 500 bucks per console, more so when systems like the PS3 haven't even been maxed out graphics wise.

What do you care? If they announce and release new consoles, you can still play the old ones. And why so much anger? No one is holding a gun to your head forcing you to upgrade.

The point of Kinect and Move were to "extend" the life of each system... if they up and announce the Xbox Next/PS4 at this years e3... I'm going to be ticked. IF they do hopefully both companies will have learned from Sony's original PS3 price mistake.

Announcing new consoles doesn't preclude them from supporting the old ones. The way you're talking, you would think as soon as a new console is announced, its predecessors would self destruct or otherwise be rendered unusable. Again, if a new console is released, you don't have to buy it.

Announcing a new system when the economy in America is still sort of in the crapper wouldn't be smart, IMHO.

Bad economy or not, they'll have to come up with something new to sell sooner or later. Because it's getting to the point where anyone who wants one of these systems already has one.