new disc format

[sh0ck76]

Xbox 360 System Update Preview -Updated
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.

rumor is its only adding 1gb more to the xbx disc

its too late now they just close it,i was able to put my application, hope i can get in..

[Wonderpill]

I'll Let you know how it goes... I'm a Beta tester for the New Dash... and they are sending me a special copy of Halo: Reach to test it... SWEET.

[^APEX^Oneder]

I can't do the betas for the dashboard updates because I play on 3 xboxes. And if I log on to another one it will lock that one out till the dashboard update goes live. Looking forward to hearing if there is anything substantial though. Keep us posted.

[sh0ck76]

i think i got pick..omega what kind of message did you get?

[Wonderpill]

Well... I got an update last night, followed by another update, now I have XBOX BETA as an option right above MY XBOX.

I can't click the first box in the beta, But it says they have not decided who will get the download and who will get it from the disc.

MS usually takes about 4 days to ship from Redmond, so When they are ready, we will probably not even have to wait a week til they say what to do.

[sh0ck76]

yeah i got all that, they gave us the private forums this morning, now im waiting to get my disc.. ;D

[Wonderpill]

I got my disc on monday... I thought it was something I ordered from ebay...

Its an xbox case, with what looks like a backup disc, no case art, no disc art, it just says NOT FOR RESALE...

its very basic, but the game is there and it works... I have no clue if the game itself has any more data than the original game disc, or if it is just formatted with extra blank space written on the disc.

I personally didnt notice anything different, but I only played the game for a minute.

[sh0ck76]

the onlything i notice was the game look sharper, more colorfull, also the hackers claim these disc have10gb..besides two pauses from the campaing, everything works for me..

[Wonderpill]

I have a problem with doors opening in the campaign.

Also it seems to cause errors in loading on other games as well... for whatever reason, Mortal Kombat lags certain loading screens which should fly by, but the disc just keeps retrying.

I also Have my Halo disc installed... Not sure what EXTRA content they put on the disc for reach, but the only difference I noticed is the doors not opening.

[Wonderpill]

well... it looks like they are doing this to prevent games from being copied... not for adding extra storage space...

In order for a game to be copy proof... they would have to create a file on the disc, (the centermost portions would work best) that is functional, not just dead space like the Dreamcast.

By using a disc format that would be more data than a standard DL DVD it would really thwart people burning discs.

The issue that still remains, is people that install the whole game to the hard drive, and then use a Eprom to tell the system the correct disc is in the drive...

I don't think that Piracy is completely outdone... but chances are, it will be a while before Hackers can get their hands on equipment, and writable media that is cost effective... Who is going to pay $10-20 for a blank disc, and think that they can make a profit, when when you can buy a legit version, for a few bucks more, and not worry about going to jail.

I personally will never steal something I can get caught for on a daily basis... I will however steal food... try and get that back.