Reports are flowing in that sony's most recent firmware update is bricking both builds of consoles.
The issue begins after the update, usually with a noticeable lag on the XMB. Other errors include the inability to downloading content from the PSN, being kicked off the PSN after the update directly after signing in, and crashing during Blu-ray movie and game playback.
The original intent for this update was to integrate support for the upcoming Playstation Vita handheld console, but it brought along with it these errors.
Some have even reported their consoles were bricking, or suffering from corrupted hard disk drives, and even the return of the dreaded yellow light of death.
I am one of these victims myself, having witnessed my PS3 Slim 320 GB model die, following this update.
There are now support tickets open on the Playstation community website, and the news is circulating around the web. One such article can be seen here:
http://www.gamezone.com/news/users-report-system-freeze-after-recent-ps3-4-0-updatePart of this article reads: "The 4.00 system software update did include a number of changes including the ability to disable the automatic update feature, new PSN settings, and a few hidden changes as well.
What they didn't include in their update was the chance that it COULD cause your PlayStation 3 to freeze. Fans have reported system freezes with their console since updating to 4.00 on the official PlayStation forums.
"I updated to 4.0 and now when I fast forward (also called wait in game) time then enter a building in skyrim, it freezes the system," explained one fan about his experiences with popular RPG, Skyrim after the update.
Others have reported similar issues, particularly with Skyrim.
"I'm having the same issue. I have formatted the PS3 twice now, but it hasn't gotten any better. Quite frustrating." - GeneQuagmire
Other users are saying that the 4.00 update is crashing at 50% during the install and that game discs are failing to be read. As of right now, these seem to be isolated incidents. Sony has yet to release any information about possible causes."
I called Sony's support line regarding the matter, and they kindly offered to repair my console...for the average repair rate of $100.00!
Be warned, this firmware update may contain unusual bugs that can cause serious damage to your console.
So my fellow AW members, have you experienced any significant errors or changes in performance since this firmware update?
*update* below are three support tickets detailing known issues with the new firmware.
http://community.us.playstation.com/thread/3911102?start=60&tstart=0http://community.us.playstation.com/message/36458538#36458538http://community.us.playstation.com/message/36469384#36469384