PS3 says "This Disc is Invalid 80029906"

[repete66211]

My latest email to Sony:

I received my 40GB PS3 as a gift in December 2008. I took very good care of the machine, but after regular use--Blu-rays and games mainly--it stopped reading discs of any sort. I thought I would check online to see if there were any solutions to this problem. It didn't take long before it became clear this laser failure is a problem common with the PS3.

Mechanical failures happen. However, when a specific failure is as widespread as the PS3's laser failure, the manufacturer should own up to the problem and, in good faith to its customers, offer relief of some sort. I do not begrudge Sony for making a profit with the PS3, but to charge $149 for fixing something that should never have broken to begin with is no way to treat a loyal customer.

For example, take the competition: The Xbox had a systematic failure (the "red ring of death") similar to the laser failure I and many others have experienced with the PS3. How did Microsoft respond? They extended the Xbox's one year warranty to three years in instances of the "RROD". I don't believe they did this out of kindness, but rather because competition demands it. What would have happened to Xbox sales if Microsoft didn't demonstrate that they are willing to stand behind their product? What does Sony's policy regarding the repair of failed lasers have to say in this regard?

In my opinion, I shouldn't have to pay $149 to repair a SYSTEMATIC problem, especially after only 16 months of use and especially for a device with a $400 price tag. Where would we be if everything failed after 16 months, due not to customer abuse but rather build and parts quality? Where would we be if repairing such failures cost 37% of a brand new model?

If Sony will not waive the repair cost all together you should at least assume some of the expense. I did not cause the failure, so I shouldn't have to pay 100% of the repair cost.

I appreciate your attention to this matter.

Here's the response:

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused you. If you are outside of the 1 year warranty period, or cannot provide a copy of your store receipt, you will be required to pay a fee of $149 U.S., plus applicable taxes, to have your console serviced no exceptions.