While I could use it, I loved my time with my Playstation 4. It was slick, responsive and clean, despite a lack of top-notch launch software. That was when I could use it. Now, it’s just sitting beneath my television, humming along, unable to communicate with the outside world. I’ve got a faulty HDMI port, and while it’s much too early to tell with such a small sample size, it looks like this might become a headache for Sony's PS4 over the next few days.
Similar problems have cropped up with retail units at both IGN and Kotaku, as well as a few other users. While there are bound to be some problems at launch, three media outlets receiving faulty systems does not bode well. In my case, a friend and I both noticed that the plug seemed to resist the port on the PS4, and neither one of us felt inclined to muscle it in enough to make it fit. Eventually, a little weedling and it slid in comfortably. I played some Killzone in New York, and then some Knack, Resogun, Contrast and more Killzone back at home. Good times had by all.
Here’s the Statement Sony provided to Forbes:
“A handful of people have reported issues with their PlayStation 4 systems. This is within our expectations for a new product introduction, and the vast majority of PS4 feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are closely monitoring for additional reports, but we think these are isolated incidents and are on track for a great launch.”
It was when I tried to make use of the vertical stand that I ran into problems. I turned it off, turned it up on its side, turned it on, and then saw nothing but some flashing white static. I turned it off again and tried to reboot it in safe mode. Nothing. Now the static appears to be all I get — a few flashes when it turns off. A very helpful tech support guy and I went through the checks — different ports, different cables, etc. Still nothing. I’m back tinkering and will update with any progress.
It’s slightly different, but still similar, to the problems reported by Kotaku and IGN. What’s unclear is if this is within normal parameters for launch hardware, or if it will be a trend once the machine hits the market. What’s clear is that three faulty media units is bad news for Sony.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2013/11/14/some-ps4s-shipping-with-faulty-hdmi-ports/?partner=yahootix..and another report:
http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/sony-looking-ps4-hardware-troubles-212729826.html
