So far it's 50 pages into it and this appears to be a real problem. Granted, the one actual video post I saw was from someone claiming to use a Japanese ps3, living in Japan, when the update is supposedly for N. America/Europe...
Kotaku has reported on the problem with a new update: Sony Pulls PS3 2.40 Firmware After Reported Problems
So this is getting really bad. I'm the first one to defend the PS3, I wouldn't buy any other console, but I won't deny that Sony has made some serious mistakes along the way neglecting the consumer, especially ones who have been loyal to the Playstation for over 10 years now.
I heard manually installing it is the best way to go, but I think i'm just going to wait until they re-release a safer 2.4