Imagine my surprise as I went to turn on my PS3 for the first time in several weeks for family movie night. My PS3 power light went from green, to yellow, to blinking red. Yellow Light of Death! Rats!
I did a few google searches and basically decided that the system was dead. I called Sony technical support and explained to the lady on the other end (“Jewel”) what was wrong with my beloved PS3, and she immediately said that there was nothing she could troubleshoot over the phone; I needed to send in my system. I never considered that there may be a cost associated with this repair …
We talked about what happened with my last repair – I lost years of PSX and PS2 saved data because the Sony repairs pretty much guaranteed that my HDD would not be recognized. Complete BS, but I have already written about that song and dance last year.
After a few more minutes of talking about options, “Jewel” indicated that she was happy to take my credit card number and for $150 repair my 60GB CECHA01 system, or replace it with one of the newer models.
I explained that the system was repaired June 25, 2009. She kindly told me that the repair was only good for 90 days. I told her that it was complete BS that a $150 repair was only good for 90 days.
I also explained to “Jewel” that I have been a fan of PlayStation products for years – since the launch of the PSX – but this was really too much to take.
She understood; there is nothing she can do for me.
Speechless. It is one thing for a PS3 to die after playing for hours on end, but it is another thing altogether for the system to die without me helping it along.
I am tempted to give up all together on Sony, but the PS3 is a great Blu-ray player, so part of me thinks I should get another despite my reservations. Of course I am not going to have another original 60GB system with hardware backwards compatibility, but I digress.
Maybe I will just invest in a new Blu-ray player and a decent PC gaming rig, because at this minute I am completely pissed at Sony, their lack of service, and their unwillingness to help out a longtime supporter of their PlayStation brand products.
I suppose I could also look into a do it yourself YLoD repair endeavor, but I am not necessarily handy trying to fix electronics. Another option may be to see if my AMEX Gold card offers some sort of additional warranty support.
Very disappointed in Sony.
