VG247

Microsoft has opened registrations for an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program in the US to prepare for an “updated Xbox 360 disc format”.

The firm is looking for US-based participants for a public preview to help the firm prepare for an updated Xbox 360 disc format which will help the firm “improve” it’s products.

As part of the preview program, folks will receive a copy of Halo: Reach along with other possible rewards.

To get in on this, you must visit the Microsoft Connect site and sign in with the 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.

Here’s more information from Major Nelson:

• 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.

A disc format to help "Improve" their products in what way? All i can think about is increasing storage capacity or am I missing the picture?

wow HDDVD coming!!!!

just kidding

Has there been recent R&D in the DVD realm to increase capacity of double layer discs or a way to add layers and current drives just need a firmware update?

I need to look into this! The possibilities if true would be amazing! Just doubling the space from ~6.8gb to ~14gb would be plenty to keep all but the biggest RPG's on 1 disc for the remainder of the gen and help squeeze out more power in the assets they can pump into the game.

You'd think if it was something as small as that, it wouldn't need a firmware update, would it? I guess if they changed the security method and it now uses something smaller then all current drives would need the update to look for the new security type.

Hmmmm, 2GB would still be helpful.

Can the 360 get a firmware update to play 360 only blu ray type discs or is that strictly hardware only?

i feel confused...

Copy protection probably.

i remember reading something like that years ago, they where able to have 1000's of layers really close together. they made a few, but they required a whole new optical disc reader and I doubt microsoft would upgrade everyones xboxs.

i'll see if i can find where I read it.

edit: think this is what I read don't know where i got the layers from.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/23/mempiles-teradisc-fits-1tb-on-a-single-optical-disc/

i would assume its something that will be used on their next gen console also. they need a better disk format and it would hurt them quite a bit to have to pay sony bluray royalties. seems like they want to start using proprietary disks like nintendo has been.

i can see why they dont want to bite the bullet and pay royalties, but it'll be difficult to be the center of the living room if you cant play movies and bluray is where movies are headed.