Sonys Letter to BBC's Watchdog

In a follow up to our previous articles regarding the PS3 failures, we've managed to get our hands on the letter Sony sent to BBC's watchdog programme. The show is due to air tonight on BBC1

Please note that some of the names have been removed.

11th September 2009

Dear XXXX

BBC Watchdog – 17 September 2009

Further to your recent correspondence with our PR agency and parent company, I am writing to respond to your queries in connection with the edition of Watchdog that is scheduled for broadcast on Thursday 17 September 2009.

[Dead_Cell]

Owned,take that Anne Robinson.

[Milky Joe]

That really was a Grade A verbal beatdown. XD

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out tonight.

[Carl1412]

0.5% of UK owners affected by it?

Nah i dont believe that

[rodeoo]

I cant believe i read the whole thing.

[Chris399]

If anyone hasn't, they should. It's a total kick in the groin. The legalese in it is withering.

And the fact that Watchdog have made reference to the failure-rate similarities with "another" console is laughable. I'm sure that PS3s do break, just like Wiis do, but no where even in the same ballpark as pre-Jasper 360s.

Anecdotal, I know, but I'm on my 3rd 360 (1st RROD, 2nd disc-read error 2nd, 3rd RE:5 Jasper is playing without any issues), my first Wii and my PS3 is still kicking (traded in the old 60 gig after the Slim came out, and it was working like a champ till the day it left my hands).

This will be interesting to watch. If it airs, it sounds like Sony will sue, as well they should.

Edit: Seeing as this affects only LAUNCH 20/ 60 gigs, isn't it possible that they were just old or mistreated? To quote the infamous Peter Moore, things break (though not as much as 360s do). 3 years for a piece of delicate (keep in mind that there are ALOT of components in early models, leaving a large margin for something to break) high-end consumer electronics in a house with many potential users, dogs, cats and children is a pretty good life-span.

[gamesR4fun]

of all PS3s sold in the UK to date, fewer than one half of one per cent of units have been reported as failing

[Christopher]

That was one very well written legal beat down.

Wow, whomever wrote that has some skill in legal presentation in written form. Nothing was missed and no direct legal action in response was completely stated other than the instance of the possibility if the item should air in the format it was previously shown.

I gotta agree with Sony and when they put "only one half of a percent of users in the UK" they mean just that. These numbers aren't just pulled out of their arse and Sony will have the statistics to back it up should this ever go to court.

Gotta say, what is it with UK-based media hating the PS3, though? Edge, Eurogamer and now Watchdog? Did Sony piss in their Wheaties or something?

Edit: Found the one for the 360 on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

The whole item is eerily similar to their current item on the PS3. Primarily about issues of a certain degree right after the warranty. Of course, I don't think anything could be as bad as the 360 episode since the gentleman interviewed had a RRoD, payed 80BP for the refurb, then had that one RRoD two days later and so on.

[TheBlackSmoke]

That letter is total ownage, so well written and all factual evidence which can easily be backed up.

But what gets me scratching my head is why the hell have they ignored the 360 failure rate which is down to a design flaw. If they wish to retain credibility surely they would do a piece on both.

[ThanatosDMC]

Hmmm... did they make a report about the 360?

[heroicjanitor]

It sounds like harmless observations but there are vicious threats in there.

He didn't say that only 0.5% failed he said that 0.5% were affected by ylod. Some are ylod, but it isn't a particular fault which causes it, it is just a general indicator that something is wrong, whereas rrod was an actual defect caused by bad design.

Edit: They reported on the 360 disc scratching but not the many other hardware failures. They are trying to paint the ylod(.5% affected) as something terrible when the rrod has killed half of 360 consoles?

[LoVeRSaMa]

That was a good read, hopefully a copy of that was drafted to the CEO of the BBC also, it would be nice to see both versions, the edited and un edited xD

[jellybalboa]

Is it not possible for sony to sue the BBC on the grounds of defamation, as Watchdog broadcasting such a blatant slandarous pitch against the Sony when comparing it to Microsofts 360,s failure rate. This will be a heavy blow to sony when they have just released the ps3 slim and sales have increased by 600%, this will definately slow SCEAS momentum and fracture their reputation in the demographic of brodcast of watchdog. How come this show coincides with the release of the ps3 slim, are their higher powers at work here? Majority of gamers know the true facts of console wars and broadcasting this show will undermine BBCs integrity from people who are already well informed about the failure rate situation. All i can say is the BBC need to reavalute before broadcasting such uninformed material.

[40cal]

"of all PS3s sold in the UK to date, fewer than one half of one per cent of units have been reported as failing in circumstances where the yellow indicator is illuminated."

That is a very impressive number.

I love the one console breaks all the time so the other one has to mentality. Its almost like some people want two POS consoles on the market.

[Ju]

I understand Sony, but, and this is a big BUT, to me this is a common problem. Sony might be covered from a legal standpoint, but in my opinion, they should be forced to replace those machines for free, especially, because I think the number is so low.

I had my second 60GB send in, died on me two weeks ago. I tried the "heat gun fix". And it apparently worked. For two hours. I do not believe this is a wide spread failure or design flaw, I do believe, however, these error result from a overheating the console to some extend. A bad soldering pad can cause some troubles. No component in the machine was broken (I could get it working again), so it is somehow just an error which happens by IMO aggressive temperature constrains, especially in launch units. I think Sony has already reacted to that, and the new Slim model is testament for it.

I don't really care, tbh, I will pay to get it repaired, and Sony's help desk is OK, friendly and responsive. I had no problem with them at all. I am not asking to extend the warranty but I think Sony should repair or replace those units on a case by case bases for free. Its mostly 60GB units (the full EE/GS-PS2 version) which run relatively hotter then the other model which are affected by these problems.

[Ocelot525]

they do repair ylod for free even without warranty, but the warranty seal of your ps3 must be intact which isn't the case with your ps3 anymore by trying to fix it.

Sony repaired mine for free and it was three months out of warranty.

[DexterPsycho]

Like the letter states they dont have enough evidence,

And its sick that their attacking sony with such a minor fault, and it isnt there fault, everything sony is saying is true, im not a fan boy, im speaking as a fan of gaming. And sony i hope you battle this.

And if theres a phone line at the end ill be phoning it and i hope everyone else will, Happened with mass effect with the sex scandel in america, now its our time.

[chewmandinga]

...you can always register a complaint with OFCOM. It's really the only way to let them know what they're saying is bogus.

[ultimolu]

Daaaaamn. :o

Sony sure made them look stupid.

[InfectedDK]

It makes people look stupid and dumb.. Nervous and defeated :)
PS3 will rule once again.

[stevenhiggster]

I think we should all write to watchdog and tell them the true stories, and here's one of them. My friend is now on his 3rd PS3 all were replaced out of warranty. And get this, one of them his 3yr old daughter poured juice into it, he actually told the sony rep on the phone the truth and the guy said he'd get it replaced but that would be the last time! So I wonder how Anne would spin that story into a negative. And believe me that is true.
Another truth is that I have a 60gb launch model, which gets played for hours on end every night and I've never had even a whimper of trouble.
The BBC are very negative toward the PS3 and I'm not just saying that cause I'm a PS3 fanboy, they truely are negative towards it. I'm not saying they are biased, it's not like they paint the 360 in glory either but they are very negative.

[Chris399]

I'm not making this $hit up:

http://tech.uk.msn.com/gami...

Honestly, this whole situation reeks of corporate slander.

Edit @ Pixelsword. Those are some pretty interesting links that you dug up - especially the IPlayer fiasco.

Underhanded corporate practices and deliberate attempts by companies to extort and confuse the consumer really piss me off. I should have been an ethics lawyer :) Cheers and bubbles to you!

[Carl1412]

Wow, that bit (on the programme) sounded like massive anti-PS3 propaganda :L

[Carl1412]

Lol, Anne said it costs £400. Where was she living for 2 years?

[pixelsword]

You're missing two things that make this complete.

1. Ian Lee does freelance work for Microsoft and even says so on the bottom of his articles:

http://tech.uk.msn.com/gami...

2. Microsoft and the BBC have an agreement that's tantamount to a merger:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/...

The BBC also gave Microsoft sole control of the on-line distribution of BBC programming.

I'm not trying to demonize Microsoft nor absolve Sony
http://www.n4g.com/News-133...

but I'm just showing you some links that could suggest an influence; and this was just ten minutes of digging through the sites.

But I'll leave it to you to connect the dots, ladies and gentlemen.

[Carl1412]

There was a girl getting her PS3 fixed. Obviously must be a fix :L

[jack_burt0n]

How much do the guys in the van charge for their quick fix!? £100 excluding postage ahhahahhahhaha srsly that was such a crock of crap, how many broke a week later 6 out of 11 so their fixing did not work.

The whole segment was pointless and meaningless WOW. And all they could find was 20 consoles!? If anything is going to make u paranoid about MS and its evil ways and negative campaigning THERE U GO. Ian Lee is a MS employee lol.

[mint royale]

Well at least they fully discredited Ian Lee's objectiviy before his piece by labelling him an xbox fanboy!

The piece was harsh and unfair. However I am now 20 and what I am beginning to notice about the world is that is what its all about.

This reminds me of the criticism that Barack Obama was getting over his attempts to reform the healthcare system in the US. As a non-American who comes from a country who is privalidged to have a healthcare system that Obama is trying to get for the US, it was amusing to see the propaganda and half truths the campaign against him had. Especially when the campaign against him used suppossed interviews from people here in the UK denouncing our health service. I guess it wasn't really aired on US television that these people revealed they were tricked (paid) into giving these interviews and it is their own opinion (as well as 95% of the British people) that the NHS is imperative to our futures.

That is not the opinion that was portrayed to the US by their propaganda machines. I guess thats just the way it is. If you have the money to spend you have the power to influence.

[phosphor112]

That was so well written and that is pretty intimidating IMO.. then again I'm not a big company like BBC lol.

That was a 2660 word beat down.. damn lol.

[philrox]

... and it felt like i was watching a show run by fanboys. They said the ps3 cost £400.. which is doesent, they were continually throughout the show saying that sony were basically ripping people off, The way they filmed it made out as if your ps3 is destined to break and at the end they even made a song pretty much taking the p**s out of the ps3 and when the song had finished Anne said something like "that was a song inspired by Johnny Cash's ring of fire and sony's scam for cash".

WTF?! Pretty biased report...

[Cwalat]

http://tech.uk.msn.com/gami...

Iaian Lee, the one active in the BBC segment, former employee of Microsoft says:

"...And don’t get me started on the online services. That’s a whole rant in itself. Suffice to say, one console offers a sublime, beautiful, wondrous, joyful online experience, while the other is guff. I’ll leave it to you to try and work out which is which.

Look, I’m not saying I’m never going to play PS3 again, all I’m saying is it’s going to take something pretty special to get me to try and find the controllers and start up the thing. It will happen, I just don’t know when.

Discuss."

SOOOO, BASICALLY MICROSOFT BREEDS FANBOYS WHO SPREAD FALSE LIES AND THEN SPREADS THEM TO NUMEROUS CORPORATIONS!

Oh dear god, i know microsoft is a rival corporation to sony but this just made them end up in my black list for all eternity. In all respect, FUUUU----CK MICROSOFT!

he also says earlier in the article:

"That’s not to say the PS3 won’t become a great console in the future. I’m sure it will. Of course it will. Remember when the PS2 was about to come out? It was hyped as being the greatest thing EVER. Better than Jesus, better than a cure for cancer, better than peace in the Middle East."

Pathetic, wouldn't you say?

okey here's an even more pathetic comment from him:

"Don’t get me wrong, I may be in the employ of Microsoft to write this column, but there is no way I’m taking dirty money. "

I laughed pretty hard at that one.

[pixelsword]

- Ian isn't just a "fanboy", he gets paid by microsoft as a freelancer; look at my previous post above.

-- But you do see what the point of the article was, do you not? It's not only about influencing the opinion of customers, but also to force Sony's hand into lengthening their warranty; basically, if Sony had to lengthen their warranty two facts arise:

1. people who want a slim would be able to return their PS3's and likely would receive one for free, eating away at Sony's chance of profitability this "year"

2. if the warranty was lengthened even by one year, that would cover from 80% or above of all current PS3 owners versus Microsoft's three year extension; giving just about anyone a reason to get a slim at Sony's cost. So add that with a scare story and Sony would basically be re-buying every PS3 that's not a slim: which would be up until a few weeks ago.

Now, I'm not trying to pin this on Microsoft, but given the relationship Microsoft and the BBC enjoys, this hints of the classic "crab in the cracker barrel" tactic seen many times over when a company advances over another: like how you used to hear how Burger King's burgers were flame-broiled and not fried like McDonalds, then a little later a report comes out in the news that carcinogens can develop in hamburgers that are flame-broiled (over briquettes, but often when repeated that part is omitted).

http://aacrmeetingabstracts...

http://articles.mercola.com...

[mint royale]

I wasn't arguing with any of your points and I'm aware Ian is a freelance MS employee. I just said I am gald that the BBC made clear his links in the piece.

As for MS and BBC links I actually don't agree with your assertion. The link you provided showed they were planning on colluding for online services but that is in no way a merger like you hinted. Many companies work together in all sorts of things.

I'm not saying MS are innocent or whatever here but really this anti-MS stuff is baiting. Im sure many people think MS paid for this or whatever but I refuse to buy into propaganda from people alledging propaganda. And this is from a born again sony fan LOVING his PS3 and HATING the way the programme handled the PS3 tonight.

[pixelsword]

Mint:

Sorry, that wasn't my intention, I was just stating that he was a little more than just a mere fanboy. Sorry if you thought otherwise... Eep! :D

But I must add that if you look at the video clip, that was an investigation that all points can be proven... plus (heh) since the BBC is solely media, and Microsoft is the sole company that can distribute BBC online, plus online is becoming very popular, nothing fits more than saying merger; but i digress. :D

Chris399:

Thanks, and back at you!:)

[Tachyon_Nova]

The people who have gone through multiple PS3's, the fault is your own. You must have it sealed in a vacumn chamber where it cant get any air or something. Give it some air!!! Don't sit anything on top of it, and don't have anyother electrical devices below it.

In any case, if I was Sony, my shotgun would be loaded, and BBC would be in court before you can say biased.

PS: That was the longest letter I've ever read to completion... Good read.

[Milky Joe]

Why's that a picture of the Weakest Link set?

[TheBlackSmoke]

Because Anne Robinson used to host watchdog before doing the weakest link. I havent seen watchdog in years but maybe shes gone back to do it again.

[Kurisu]

Anne is the new Watchdog presenter. I'll be watching this show tonight. Can't believe they are talking about PS3 failure rate...

...ok, so I HAVE had the yellow light and had my console replaced, but the failure rate is much lower than the Xbox 360.

[mastiffchild]

Well, I am of the feeling that there is, as time goes on, a higher than there really should be incidence of faults with 60gig PS3s-however, the way it looks like Watchdog are treating this is way OTT and I hope that the programme treats this more seriously than the silliness for entertainment and not consumers sakes that it appears to be.

There's a big chance that if Watchdog are too gung ho and "look at me aren't I clever" over this a real opportunity to discover if there really is an inherent time based fault with launch PS3s may be lost. The total failure rate of PS3, even of just launch UK 60gigs, is still a world away from what the 360 suffers so the tone and implication of daft things like the P.R.A.T acronym is both misleading and unfair to Sony.

It isn't Watchdogs job to make merry but to protect consumers and I fear they've gone down the wrong route here and we won't see anthing worthwhile happen-Sony won't benefit and will appear as lax as MS(which they haven't been) and neither will consumers if PS3 is made to look as bad as the 360 or if their daftness means the investigation doesn't uncover anything real-which, so far, it doesn't seem to have done.

Yes the 60gig fail rate needs looking at but not like this and incidentally I felt they(Watchdog) were peurile and non-informative on the two MS episodes as well. As soon as they got Robinson and her pantomime witch act onto the show you just knew the whole thing wold go to pot so she could waddle about being "clever" and "mwa-ha-haing" anyway-daft, self important cow that she is.

[Enate]

That's funny you should say the 60gb versions because I just had two go yellow light on me within two days of each other. One after 3.00 and the other after 3.01 after I had finished playing dirt 2 from gamefly. An sadly living in the U.S. the only response you get from Sony when this happens is $149 please. I'm not gonna lie that really pissed me off when that was my only option due to the yellow light after taking amazing care of my PS3. Not only that but it happened minutes before the Uncharted 2 early demo went live. Which I had went to the store just to get the code the day before. Not to mention the box won't be here till tomorrow an then I hear about the Lost Planet 2 demo hitting man it just keeps getting worse.

Though I did work this summer an I just so happen to have the money thank god. It was money I would have much rather spent on buying more games which the majority of were PS3 exclusive. Why oh why can't SCEUK share that same business policy with SCEA when it comes to replacing consoles.

[Erocal]

I feel for you. My 60gb PS3 yellow lighted as well and I went ahead and paid the $150 for repair. So yea $750 total for my console but I can't live without it. My only advice to you is make sure to listen to your fans on your refurbished PS3. Mine came back sounding like a jet engine for some reason. I checked online and saw that a couple other people had this problem. Called Sony back and they replaced that one for free. My new one is now whisper quiet once again. Just a heads up.

On a side note, Sony's customer care is very good. They are extremely friendly and helpful. Oh and make sure to deactivate your PS3 account from the video store. Hope all goes well my friend. :)

[Nathaniel_Drake]

So you didn't get your original 60 gig back? Is there any way you can tell Sony to fix your original console and send it back?

[Enate]

There is a way to deactivate my accounts on my PS3 without using the PS3? If that's what you mean due tell how exactly I go about this because I thought Sony would have to deactivate the accounts on my ps3 being that its Yellow lighted. I also have friends accounts up there that need to be deactivated an if that's the case then that would be a lot easier then trying to get Sony to do it.

[Erocal]

I should have been more clear. You are going to have to ask Sony to do it for your when you call them to fix your PS3. Tell them early cause they have to get their advanced techs to clear it for you and sometimes there aren't there later in the day or on weekends. That way when you get your new PS3 back, it will be ready to be activated. Good luck!

@ramzadel
No they didn't give me my original back. I'm not sure if you can ask them, it might take longer to get one back though. Plus they said they'll wipe the hard drive clean no matter what. Lost all my save files too. >.< But the refurbished looks nice. I think they replaced the shell because mine had the plastic cover wrapped around it and didn't have one finger print or scratch. Even had that new electronics smell...mmmmmmm. :)

[zootang]

Stick it to um Ray!

[Kurisu]

Wow, I just read some of the letter. It'll be interesting to see how this effects the show. Sony don't deserve any setbacks on the run up to Christmas.

EDIT@Mastiffchild: I agree with your comment. Mine was a 60GB model, and it stopped working just after a year after purchasing it (seemingly for no reason at all, although it was switched off whilst playing GTAIV i.e not quitting the game).

[Dom6390]

if the BBC show their piece on the PS3 Sony appears to be reading itself to SUE THEIR ARSES

[Denocao]

I live in US and got a launch 60gb model that died on me after my warranty expired.
I had to pay Sony $150.00 (USD) in order to get it fixed.
UK seems to have their faulty out of warranty PS3 replaced for free. Why not in US? Still can't figure it out.

In the end... My 60gb ps3 cost me $750.00 to be operational so far. Do I love my PS3? Yes. Do I think it is BS to pay $150.00 for a refurb? Yes.

I feel like I was stabbed on the back by Sony. Charging that much to fix a well known issue is just a perfect way to hack of hardcore gamers/ early adopters/ Sony supporters.

Lesson learned:
Wait for slim PS4 and pay half of the price for a more stable console. lol

[Enate]

Dude I felt the same way you did when I got off the phone with Sony customer service. I have two 60gb PS3's in my house which both died on me within two days of each other which both yellow lighted. An the guy has the nerve to tell me its not a major issue so its a charge. I'm like wtf do you mean its not a major issue youtube it google it you can find plenty of people saying the same thing. I'm in the same boat with you though man I've had every Playstation including PSP day one. I've learned my lesson after being ****** around by Sony for replacements. $149 each to replace two PS3's for something like you an I both said is a well known issue. Grrrr omg the more I think about the more pissed I am.

[silvacrest]

the UK had this thing called continuos play which was sweet until they closed it down

basically you could insure your PS3 for $5 a month but they did the contract in such a way that you could pay for the first month, get the PS3 replaced, cancel the contract, which meant you got a refurb/brand new ps3 for only $5

it was truly epic until they figured out what people were doing

you could also get your psp replaced for $2.50 a month.....

[Carl1412]

Umm, did you read that letter? SCEUK charge £125 ish for a out of warrenty repair. My console cost me £425 in the first place.

[Denocao]

Right! After a year from launch when my ps3 died and the Sony's customer care representative told me it wasn't a major issue it was quite arguable at the time. But now the 60gb model out there keep dying. My friend's PS3 just died last week while watching a Blue Ray Movie!

I just can't believe how Sony's Customer care in US have the guts to say it is not a major issue and charge you for that when in Europe they recognize the issue and say:"Sorry for the inconvenience we will take care of it ASAP and you won't be charged."

Is it time to start a petition for a "60gb PS3 issue recognition" so our fellow gamers won't have to get pi$$ed and pay the $150?

So? Did you pay $300.00 to get both fixed? That's sick!!! It is a brand new Slim. I am sorry. I feel really bad and mad for you.

I just hope mine doesn't die again or I will figure out a way to get my money back from Sony.

@Carl:
Regardless of UK charging or not. You have to agree with me that it is not fair to pay $150 or £125 in order get faulty 60gb replaced.

Also... I have e-mail on this account from UK fellows saying they had their OOW launch system replaced for free. And the £5 month replacement contract wasn't the case for this guys either.

[SoapShoes]

I can see your frustration as two just died on you but do you see millions or even 10,000s of people on google or youtube with this problem? No? Well then it's not a big problem in accordance to how many were sold. Is it happening more than it should? Who knows, but the reason that there is an appearance of lots of 60 gigs dying is that the people with working ones don't make youtube videos saying, "My 60 gig is working"...

Don't let your personal problems/emotions fool you into believing that it's a widespread problem.

[Noctis Aftermath]

Just trade it in dude, get the slim its smaller, generates less heat and uses less power also quieter, unless of course you NEED BC that badly.

[Enate]

No I only paid for one because the other one in the house is my older brothers. His was the one that yellow lighted first an I was gonna help him pay for his to get repaired while we played mine. Then two days later bam mine yellow lighted. I don't think there is a moment where a 23 year old wanted to cry more then when I saw my PS3 yellow light two days after my brothers. So after that to answer your question no I only paid my 149 but my brother is gonna have to pay for his own now, I've got upcoming games to buy.

Estranged

believe me I know its not the biggest problem in the world but it is still a well know issue primarily with the 60gb versions. I would have hoped something could have been done to reduce the price due to my particular circumstance or something. Hell I've probably sold going on a about a hundred plus PS3's from word of mouth an that won't stop. It still gives me the best experience around an amazing exclusives which is why I'm sitting here looking for the UPS lady now :)

BTW on a side note 3 other people on my friends list all 60gb models yellow lighted within two weeks before mine an my brothers.

[MGOelite]

lol sony just full on b!tch slapped the bbc, oh well might as well have another site to hate on ps3 exclusives

[PostApocalyptic]

I just watched the BBC show and it was ok... I mean, they didn't really claim that it was a critical mass issue affecting millions UK consumers. But rather a small number of owners.

But the Sony Letter to the BBC was a beat down! I mean, damn!

And for what its worth...the fix was pretty simple. Makes me wonder if this was a lemon problem with some of the 60GB version that were affected by ventilation conditions over the years.

[Meus Renaissance]

0.5% suffer YLOD? Whilst I agree with Sony's stance on this whole thing, 0.5% is unbelievable judging from the amount of issues this has caused. It is the primary fault someone with a faulty PS3 could have so to suggest that around 10,000 people total have had this problem is a bit unrealistic to be kind

[Denocao]

I would like to see that 0.5% (if this # is right to begin with) specified by models... I bet 0.4% (lol) would be the 60gb launch model.

Edit: As much as I want Sony to do better than MS this generation I still think they deserve to be bashed for not taking good care of their customers on TV. Maybe that could be the wake up call for Sony. You never know.

Edit II: @ estranged: "Don't let your personal problems/emotions fool you into believing that it's a widespread problem."
I will save and paste your phrase back to you when you cry here about putting down $150 fix your 60gb. (Sarcasm)
As I can see around it is a matter of a short time until your ps3 dies. I really don't want this to happen to you because it sucks. Good luck.

[Jdoki]

Meus, there's a saying which fits perfectly here...

"Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics"

The wording is 0.5% of PS3's fail with YLOD

That says absolutely nothing about the actual overall failure rate - only those with the YLOD. It's genius wording in the Sony letter because it directly addresses the allegation with out having to reveal the true failure rate (which seems well within industry standards anyway). In the process it creates the positive perception that the PS3 has only a 0.5% failure rate.

Lol, it's genius.

[mirroredderorrim]

The letter was elite. The man covered all bases that needed to be covered without having to resort to an engineering level conversation. Lol.

[Godmars290]

Its no different than the PR claptrap from MS. Not to be taken at face value.

[Chubear]

It is nothing like MS. MS will flood out PR babble to say "NOTHING IS WRONG WITH OUR PRODUCT! NOTHING IS WRONG WITH OUR PRODUCT" and offer whatever incentive for this watchdog group to back off a bit.

Sony, in this letter, is pretty much saying "Don't know why you seem to have targeted our product but just to give you a heads up. Report your facts but know we are watching. If you distort the facts in any manner we will send down the bann hammer and sue your arses thereby messing up your reputation. Thank you and good day"

[TotalPS3Fanboy]

"We obviously have all the records of all the PS3s we repaired. Divide all those failed PS3 that we repaired by the total number of PS3 we sold in the UK and you will only get a 0.5% failure rate. We have this evidence, and we can prove it in the court, and we will see you in court if you try to slander us.

PS - We'll sue your arse off if you so much as get one fact wrong."

[Redempteur]

But quite long ...

They had a lot to say i'm aware of that .

Imo consumers need be aware of the Ylod ..but as they said ,many problems lead to this result... and it's NOT at the same level as RROD

[Persistantthug]

I myself, bought my PS3 2 years after it launched because I know that first and sometimes, even second runs of products often come with bugs and higher failure rates. On top of that, said product usually is more expensive and will often be less practical to use (in PS3's case, less games to play).
However,The one thing that PS3's first runs did, which bucks the usual and general trend, is it came with MORE features.

The bottom line...whenever a new product gets put out, Cellphones, TV's, Chips...practically anything...Just let the buyer beware.

[mirroredderorrim]

You are correct, sir. Early adopters are the beta testers of the hardware world. (imo)

[Chubear]

Don't even think you guys know what the hell you're talking about. Good products are good products weather they're day one or other wise.

By your own logic, you would never have a chance to even own a PS3 cause if everyone was like you and stayed away from launch products then the company would fail. The product will be looked at as a failure and ended thus YOU can't buy it at all or probably would say something like "Meh, no one bought that on launch, must be a crap product. I'm not going near that thing"

Think man, think.

[Denocao]

Lesson learned.

[UnwanteDreamz]

I would be mad as hell if my PS3 died and there was a chance of it being due to hardware issue that should not have existed. Taking that into account anyone adopting new tech when it releases runs this risk. If you think that this is BS I suggest you look into the studies done on the failure rates of home electronics.

This is nothing new and while I may not agree with the situation I don't see why we should drag them over the coals for doing what has been done for years.

Do you have any idea how many failures have to be reported to a car manufacturer before they do a recall on a part from a $30,000 vehicle?

Example: The Ford Taurus has a poorly desinged transmission. After about 4 or 5 years the pump fails and sends shrapnel throughout the transmission. This happens alot but do you think Ford pays for the replacement if the car is out of warranty? Nope and a transmission will run you about $2,400 after labor.

[Persistantthug]

But understand, as a consumer, my first and foremost concern of responsibility.....

Is to MYSELF. As a consumer, it's my job to protect myself.

I've sold enough products (Former GOOD GUYS employee) to know that if you buy something when it first gets introduced, you are taking a risk. Personally, I don't like to take risks with my electronic purchases, and for good reason.

Playstation 1's apparently were more failure prone than the later editions, and so were Playstation 2's. Now, Playstation 3's.

As someone said, first runs are essentially the beta's. From the hundreds of different products I've seen and sold....It's more true than not.

[Godmars290]

But that's why I waited a few months to get mine.

The RRoD started turning up day and date of launch. By contrast, YLoD didn't become a notable issue until a year after. If hardware is sound its going to prove itself in the first three months. Neither the PS3 nor 360 made that mark, but MS twice changed the 360's warranty before settling on an unheard of 3 year. With yet another extension because of the E7 or whatever error report. Where Sony has yet to do anything after following MS's example up to a year warranty.

Yes its the same PR claptrap when they defend their product, but they have less to stand before than MS. If you catch my drift.

[timestoby]

lol@verbal beatdown hahaha.

[mrv321]

STOP HAMMER TIME!

[dragonelite]

Wow wall of text crits you.

Dam sony are you so afraid that it will destroy your image.
You already have a army so big on the internet theres no worries but console has there faults okey rrod is way more commen then ylod but still 10% is 3 times market standards.

[BBCnewsrocks]

did you even read the article?

Sony pulled out FACTS, while Watchdog determined that there is a manufacturing defect because of THREE broken units.

[BBCnewsrocks]

Wow, Sony really know how to show who's boss.

Anyway, I've never had a problem with Sony. 3 PS2s and Launch model PS3 have all been fixed by Sony while out of warranty... for FREE.

[Enate]

In that case I need to know who you spoke to because I don't have $300 just laying around to fix two PS3's.

[BBCnewsrocks]

I called sony (uk) customer service and told them about my problem, they offered to fix them for free. I guess i've just been lucky.

[Denocao]

That's how things should be done in US as well.

[monkey nuts]

The thing is though the complete and utter knob head that is Ian Lee used to be in M$'s pocket aswell as being an out spoken fan of the 360. Now this douche is fronting the slot on watchdog about the YLOD. He must think christmas has come early. I ain't disputing the fact that sony should do something about the ylod/ fees, my launch 60gb recently died so I know what it can be like. But Ian Lee? Give me a break.

I should just point out that I hold nothing against Mr.Lee because he supports the 360, I've owned one since launch. He's just an annoying wanl<er.

[Ninjamonkey]

Watchdog used to be quite good but with the return of the weakest link lady and some others its starting to become more of a comedy than a factual show which I used to really enjoy.

Also this letter will change NOTHING. At the end of the day watchdog do not care about these companies. Do i think their accusations are correct? 3 years on and a perfectly working ps3 says no for me.

That letter was spot on. It covered everything and showed just how much watchdog intend to spin their findings, not only that but try to mock sony with their own DIY ps3 repair service.

And the sony representitive wont change much. That lady will not let him speak or defen, in these shows they always resort to dumb repetition of catchy phrases or questions and chances are they will do everything to make that representitve look like a fool...

[Christopher_Walken]

Now that is what I call a full on legal beat down.

[mirroredderorrim]

60 gig launch, here. Still works. No issues. Since the Fall hit, the ambient room temps are down and so is the phase of fan power. Usually hits phase 2 after a few hours and goes no further.

I clean mine with a shopvac AND an air-compressor at low settings to pushout excess, using the shop vac again to suck out the stuff loosened by the compressor.

Been doing this forever. My PS3 stands verticle and has a fan blowing behind the entire console. (for me, this seems to be the best way to keep the unit cool) I say that because during OUR high temps in California (sometimes hitting 105-107 here, where I live specifically)
The unit would not get too warm with the fan blowing from behind the unit, squarely hitting the bottom of the PS3, at about 1 and a half feet away.

I have a vertical fan hitting the PS3 with an air flow that goes off to the right/left side, helping to push away excess heat, keeping it from lingering near the vents, and causing an 'aura' of heat to surround the console.

I can get very scientific when it comes to taking care of my things.
Also, I fold at home and have left my console on for months at a time.

-M

[Enate]

That's the one thing that did change was the location of my PS3. It is normally in my room where I have a ac window unit blasting most of the time. Though do to the fact that our water heater busted an its above my room the bathroom an my brothers room the water damage spread to the 3 rooms an we had both of our PS3's in the living room instead. Though I know friends who keep theirs on the floor an no problem I guess this was just bad luck on my part.

[thecremeegg]

I think the point watchdog are trying to make is that charging someone £128 to fix their one year old £400 product is just wrong, not the failure rate per se.

[Christopher]

I'd like to know where they got 1 year-old 60GB PS3s considering the issues experienced are primarily relevant to the original 60GB models and not any of the ones produced thereafter.

[Sir Ken_Kutaragi]

I KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Dear xBot"!!! ;-D

[mirroredderorrim]

The higher I would place my PS3, usually when I had my PS3 in a high place, it would be warmer than it was now. I keep my ps3 about 8 inches off the ground. It sits on a miniature pirate chest. LOL.

I find it cooler when you get closer to ground level.

Edit: @Below
I know heat rises. But when taking a console into consideration along with my ambient temps, I didn't think it would be a problem.
However, after testing to the best of my knowledge, it proved that my console belonged on the ground, by my own judgment and by common sense.

+Bubble for recognizing my situation, though.

[JonnyBigBoss]

Heat rises....

[Christopher]

But, my Mom always said that I'd let the cold air out if I left the door open, not the other way around... *confused*

:p

[koehler83]

Nice. Good read from beginning to end.

[Sir Ken_Kutaragi]

Iain Lee the guy on the 'Watchdog' Program is a XBOT!!!
(If he is the one doing it tonight still)

LOOK -

http://tech.uk.msn.com/gami...

:-/

[PostApocalyptic]

Iain Lee does freelance work for Microsoft...ugh. I smell a fish!

http://tech.uk.msn.com/gami...

http://www.n4g.com/ClickOut...

[ColossiSlayer]

1. State that I will start numbering my statements, because it instills fear in the reader.
2. Anecdotal & Demonstrably are now in my vocabulary.
3. Sony will sue, if someone tries to "REALLY" talk $#!t about the PS3.
4. Ray McGuire is "sincerely yours" and a legal letter writing BEAST, his nickname should be Hank McCoy.
5. Where the hell is my MAG beta code?!?
sincerely yours,
ColossiSlayer (My PSN)

[bjornbear]

.

[JonnyBigBoss]

That was a pretty long and elaborate e-mail...

[bjornbear]

BBC just got OWNED.

PS3 is quality, no refuting =)

[zoks310]

Lain Lee, a Bot, is the one hosting the show tonight, obviously his views will be very biased towards Sony.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

"Iain currently writes for the MSN gaming column and records monthly podcasts"

It all makes sense now, Microsoft is sick and tired of Sony hardware reliability and are paying or at least funding the BBC efforts to tarnish Sony's PS3 reputation by exaggerating YLOD claims in hope that the news will help slow sales of the PS3 in the UK this holiday.

http://tech.uk.msn.com/gami...

[Arsenal4Ever]

Wow Owned!

[gmrfm]

I've updated the original article. For those who want to see the show, you may be able to see it through the BBC iPlayer.

go here -> http://hurwi.net/blog/?p=28

It has a step by step guide of how to watch the iPlayer in a different country.

Hope it helps.

[Bullseye]

First off, my PS3 failed after only four months, my 360 lasted over three years without a problem!So PS3's do break! On the other hand, Sony repaired my PS3 very quickly indeed. Anyway, that aside,why do many of you assume Sony's figures are more reliable? Thing is, when people report a failed unit they very rarely know or understand why it has failed and consequently how the failure is written up, isn't always correct.Also, Statistics are notoriously ambiguous so, maybe Sony are in fact, trying to cover something up! Although that's unlikely, I don't see why most of you automatically assume Sony is being the honest one. Listen to both sides, consider the information given, and then,trust neither side! I have no experience of Sony's OOW service, but in warranty repair was, for me, faultless.However, £128.00 for an OOW repair,almost makes it worthless since a new unit isn't that much more expensive when you consider you get another years warranty with a new unit.

[Jamaicangmr]

Normally i don't even bother reading long articles but that read like a good book. The letter just kept getting better and better and now am impressed that i read the whole thing. lol!

I love how facts where provided to refute BBC's lame test and speculation.

Great Job, i can only hope the BBC takes ajusts accordingly. Wouldn't want a legal thing to come of this.

[foreverflame]

YLOD is the new RROD and only possible by the cell and the PS3 gpu limitation's.Jump in

[Optical_Matrix]

with a 54.2% failure rate the 360 continues to be the worst piece of videogame hardware ever created. Coupled with a lackluster software lineup, it continues to turn away new HD Console adopters. Jump out. Play Beyond.

[ZBlacktt]

If you really think this is a issue and not some BS crap. Then I feel for you, really. I take it you didn't take the time to read the beat down reply to BBC from Sony?

[shad0w70]

To the people supporting Sony's BS.. I feel sorry for your children & the world that they are going to have to live in all because of your juvenile fanboyizim. What You are all saying is that, it's perfectly acceptable for these large corporations to just rip us consumers off! Pathetic & sad to say the least.

[Rmagnus]

For your children if you are ever gonna get laid considering your failure to even understand the issue and the article at hand.

[mmj]

Xbox 360 is the most poorly built piece of consumer hardware in the history of electronics and PS3 gets dragged onto BBC Watchdog? how much are Microsoft paying them?

[Keowrath]

My PS3 died last year when MGS4 came out (MAN I was SOOOOO gutted! Seeing as I bought the machine for it!) I phoned Sony knowing that I bought the thing on Ebay so didn't have an official reciept and it was over a year since I had bought it let alone the original owner. My failure was a drive failure, wouldn't read blurays at all, films or games.

I phoned Sony on a Sunday afternoon, they took the serial, told me to remove the hard drive and had me a shiney new 60gb delivered on the following tuesday morning. I was straight back to Snake and MGS4 (Thank god!)

One of my mates had his fail last week. He bought his before mine. Phoned Sony, same result. He got a 60gb back within 2 days. His failure was a completely dead PS3. Free replacement within 48 hours.

Sure we're disappointed with the failures but I couldn't be happier with how I was treated by Sony to get the situation resolved.

[Godmars290]

While they have every right to examine any issues with the PS3 and how Sony corrects them, the timing of report, when the console is seeing a popularity resurgence and has a new refined model out, *is* more than a bit suspicious.

When did the RRoD report come in? When reports of it were at its height?

[jack_burt0n]

Watchdog is useless, what have they done about RRoD? nothing, they just try to get viewers because the ps3 is currently the must have item.

Its not about injustice anymore, just ratings LOL bbc has so few worthwile shows.

great if sony sues, the bbc is in a financial state.

[cmrbe]

that needs to be address it should be brought to light. Me i have a 60 gig launch model that has worked perfectly fine except a few game freez since i bought it so i can't really comment on this.

However, i have come across 1 or two people that has had DRE. I advaise those that had these problems to bring it to light and especailly to Sony's attention.

You will do PS fans, gamers and Sony a big dissservice if you hide any issue you have with the PS3 hardware.

[Karum]

Just curious here matye but what is this DRE you speak of? Not a term I've heard before is all!

[GarandShooter]

Disc Read Error

[Cajun Chicken]

I hope they looked into the more diabolical numbers of RROD and E-17.

But anything bad that affects the consumer should be investigated, if the YLOD doesn't happen to many, quite simply it wouldn't be on Google. I myself have never had a problem, knock on wood.

Just typical that Watchdog is doing it during a launch of a new model, not really fair, TBH. I don't know what the BBC gets for stopping PS3 sales.

[Karum]

Watchdog just got raped.

Are they seriously trying to make an allegation of a manufacturing defect based on the testing of 3 faulty machines? I find that to be absolutely ludicrous.

[artsaber]

And I got a launch 60GB PS3 repaired/replaced for free a few months ago. I was worried that I would get a dumbed down version, but nope, they sent me a new shiny 60gb launch version PS3. I couldn't be happier with the ease of my replacement experience.

BBC got pwned entirely by that letter. It was a very impressive piece of correspondence, I would discourage BBC from airing that segment. The PS3 is about to make Sony very rich by owning BBC on the side.

[stonecold3]

i had one problem with ps3 was with blu ray picture was jumping when i was watching a movie sent back to sony australia and told them and hte rep said take it back from shop where i brought it from and rang up a few days later they couldnt fix hte problem got a refund and got hte ps3 motorstorm budle with ressistence fall of man and its been working for 2 years 6mnths straight the last ps3 i had was with sonic with music was glitchy and sonic didnt speak as hte music was crumbling a bit

[THC CELL]

looks like my tv license money will be going to sonys bank

well im happy with that... if it was microsoft bank i can tell them to shuv it cause i dont watch tv (tv is evil as u witness watchdog)

[gamerzBEreal17]

sony we get it your smart you dont have to make us open a new page and look up evry word u say lol

[ZBlacktt]

Sony lawyer team just crushed BBC, lol. Damn that was a long reply back to BBC. Just asking them to please mess with us and we will F**k You up!