Sony Computer Entertainment of America SCEA Sony Playstation 3 Firmware 3.01 Breaks hardware, Sony charges $149 to fix hardware broken by fimware update. Foster City, California

Prior to upgrading the Playstation 3(PS3) to firmware version 3.01 from 2.80, the PS3 performed nominally.  It was capable of playing PS3 games, Blu Ray discs, PS2 games.

After upgrading to firmware version 3.01, the PS3 would no longer read any disc loaded, no matter game title nor format.  It no longer plays DVD, Blu Ray, or PS2 games. 

After calling Sony support, and a quick over-the-phone troubleshooting, it was determined that the only way to truly troubleshoot was to ship it to Sony in a pre-paid box, for $149 fee.  I was told there's no way to prove that the Firmware update was the cause, and that there was no way around the fee.

Even though the PS3 was working prior to the update, after speaking with Supervisor Louis (Employee #3694) at Sony's Foster City location, the malfunctioning Blu Ray player was a "Co-incidence."

This excuse would be acceptable were it not for the hundreds of posts on Sony's own Playstation 3 forums, Engadget Blog, amongst many internet sites where PS3 owners have complained of the same problems only after upgrading to the 3.01 Firmware.

If Sony's firmware broke the out-of-warranty hardware, Sony should be responsible for fixing the hardware.  In any other industry (automotive, health, home), this is the case.  If a dealership caused harm to a vehicle, the dealership is responsbile for its repair.  Sony does not consider this to be their responsiblity.