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Conference metalx::playstation

Title:Sony Playstation
Notice:Playstations now $149osite of Workstation?
Moderator:METALX::SWANSON
Created:Tue Sep 12 1995
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:118
Total number of notes:1094

114.0. "Load Time Problems With Older PSX's" by BRAT::FORTIN_C (Worked the Bars & Sideshows.....) Wed Apr 23 1997 17:29

    Hi
    
    I have an older model PSX (w/ a 5XXXXXXXX Serial Number) and
    I often have difficulty loading some of my games.  Tomb Raider
    takes an annoyingly long time to load and at times, Resident
    Evil will not load at all.  Has anyone else had this problem
    or heard about it?
    
    Also, what course of action would you take?  I really don't want 
    to lay out $150 for a new one but these games that have trouble loading 
    or cannot load at all takes the fun out of it.
    
    Any input will be appreciated.
    
    
    CF
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114.1METALX::SWANSONVictim of ChangesWed Apr 23 1997 18:0421
Do you get choppy FMV sometimes?

If so, you have the "known playstation problem" that Sony refuses to acknowledge.

If you call them up, they'll tell you your CD's must be scratched, or
you have your Playstation plugged into an extension cord, instead of RIGHT
into the outlet... (I can't believe they believe anyone will fall for that).

They charge like $100 to repair it... This is what I've heard, I have not
had the problem myself.

If your FMV plays choppily, then it sounds like you have one of those older
playstations with the problem.

A quick fix ?... turn your playstation upside down and try it!  I'm serious!
That is supposed to make the problem go away because the problem is caused
by the laser not coming up high enough to meet the CD when it goes to read it.

Again, "so I have heard".

Ken
114.2METALX::SWANSONVictim of ChangesWed Apr 23 1997 18:0421
Do you get choppy FMV sometimes?

If so, you have the "known playstation problem" that Sony refuses to acknowledge.

If you call them up, they'll tell you your CD's must be scratched, or
you have your Playstation plugged into an extension cord, instead of RIGHT
into the outlet... (I can't believe they believe anyone will fall for that).

They charge like $100 to repair it... This is what I've heard, I have not
had the problem myself.

If your FMV plays choppily, then it sounds like you have one of those older
playstations with the problem.

A quick fix ?... turn your playstation upside down and try it!  I'm serious!
That is supposed to make the problem go away because the problem is caused
by the laser not coming up high enough to meet the CD when it goes to read it.

Again, "so I have heard".

Ken
114.3Playstation gone badPCBUOA::CONSALVODFri Apr 25 1997 11:563
    This is true I had the same problem w/the laser..If you turn it upside
    and it does work better. I brought mine back to the store and got a new
    one.    Hope this helps!!!!
114.4*#&@#()! SonyBRAT::FORTIN_CWorked the Bars & Sideshows.....Fri Apr 25 1997 13:076
    
    I noticed that when I turned it upside down or at least moved
    it around it worked better.  Thanks for the help...looks like
    I'll need a new one if I feel like dropping the cake for one.
    
    CF
114.5SUBPAC::SKALSKIA reclined state of mindFri Apr 25 1997 14:3715
    
    
    -1		Not sure where you'rew located but, if you have the box
    		you could try an exchange at Walmart or Toys r Us.
    		Both have very liberal return policies and niether will
    		press for a reciept if simply doing an exchange.  I've
    		done it many times,  I just got this unit blah blah blah 
    		as a gift blah blah blah can I exchange it for the same 
    		blah blah blah.  OK no problem.  Of course right now is 
    		a bad time with the shortage of systems on the market.
    
    
    								Shark
    
    
114.6DeFraud the Store - Sounds Good to me :-) BRAT::FORTIN_CBound For a Star With Fiery OceansFri Apr 25 1997 15:0710
    
    
    -.1
    
    I live in Massachusetts.  That sounds like a very good idea
    to me.  I'll give it a shot this weekend.
    
    Thanks
    
    CF
114.7Take full advantage of themPCBUOA::CONSALVODFri Apr 25 1997 16:1410
    Defraud the store why not Wal-mart and all the other big chains put the
    little guy's out of business. So we mine as well take full advantage of
    these store's. I do the same thing all the time I'ts like having a
    lifetime warranty on things as long as you keep the box you can return
    anything. I'm on my third Sony myself First one had the laser problem,
    the second was just getting old so I decided to get a new one. I use to
    work for a company that had a shrink wrap machine you should of seen
    the returns I pulled off w/ the games. Buy a game play it till your
    sick of it wrap it up and go get a new one it's like renting for
    free!!!
114.8SUBSYS::VIDIOT::PATENAUDEAsk your boss for ARRAY's...Fri Apr 25 1997 19:262
unbelievable.
114.9SUBPAC::SKALSKIA reclined state of mindFri Apr 25 1997 20:0814
    
    
    		I wouldn't call it defrauding the store.  The big retail
    		chain will ship said unit back to the manufacturer and
    		recieve credit for it.  The consumer gets a new WORKING 
    		system and Sony eats the cost which is what they should
    		have done in the first place by giving people free
    		upgraded units in exchange for the defective early serial 
    		number systems.  As far as repackaging used games goes,
    		if'n you don't get caught, more power to ya.  
    				   ------
    
    
    							Shark
114.10METALX::SWANSONVictim of ChangesFri May 02 1997 17:3227
I found this on the Playstation newsgroup, and I thought it might be of
interest.

    "If anyone is concerned with the validity of Usenet claims about
    skipping FMV, which Sony has always maintained to be hogwash, let me
    encourage you to visit WWW.PSXPOWER.COM.  They've been covering it
    extensively for quite a while now.  They're the website for a national
    magazine.  The existence of the FMV Skipping phenom. is no longer in
    dispute, Sony, get a clue and start making amends."


Also, I just read on the newsgroup that Sony says you should unplug the
playstation when done using it because the power switch only cuts off DC to
the components inside, NOT the AC going to the transformer (which will suck
up a little bit of power all the time, and generate heat too).  Apparently
the heat is what messes up the laser I guess.

I wonder who's bright idea it was to have power going to the transformer all
the time!  

FWIW, mine is usually plugged in constantly and I've had no problems so far.

Knock wood!  :')


Ken

114.11Warm PSX WOTVAX::rasmodem8.reo.dec.com::laneiImperial Aerosol KidSun May 04 1997 13:467
Yeah, my PS is always plugged in too - I have noticed it getting warm.
I've had no major problems as yet - and if it does start skipping I find that 
standing it on something so air can get to the underside of the PS helps.

Oh yeah, my machine was bought in October 1995.

Ian