Mar 30, 2011 06:15 GMT  ·  By

Xbox 360 owners from the USA can now sign up for a new edition of the System Update Preview program, which, this time around, will help Microsoft test out a new disc format technology.

Microsoft has been relying heavily on its legions of Xbox 360 owners by running system update preview programs in recent years, effectively beta stages in order to test out new features that will eventually be rolled out for Xbox 360 owners all around the world.

While usually this program entailed testing out new features or user interface designs, this time around, Microsoft will be using the preview to try out a new sort of Xbox 360 disc format.

"We are conducting an open call for US based participants for a public preview to help us prepare for an updated Xbox 360 disc format," said Xbox Live community manager Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb. "This is an important update as we continually strive to improve our products and we could not do so without the help of our great Xbox community. As part of the preview program, you will receive a copy of Halo: Reach along with other possible rewards."

In order to sign up for the system update preview, you first need to be an Xbox 360 owner in the USA, as Microsoft can't afford to send out the new discs all around the world, and, preferably, have an Xbox Live Gold membership, because it will give you a priority over Xbox Live Free members.

If you fit the requirements, you need to visit the Microsoft Connect site, sign in with your Windows Live ID, which is connected to your Xbox Live Gamertag, and then complete a survey that will help Microsoft determine if you're fit for entry into the preview program.

The company says it will select multiple thousands of participants, so there a lot of chances to make it into the program.

This new disc format technology is set to be an improvement over the regular DVDs used by the Xbox 360, which can only fit around 8GB of data. In comparison, the PlayStation 3's Blu-ray disc can fit around 50GB.

This resulted in quite a few new games coming on two discs or more for the Xbox 360, including the likes of Mass Effect 2 or Final Fantasy XIII.

Expect more details about the disc format in the following months, after Microsoft completes its system update preview program.