It wasn't a rumor, it was confirmed awhile back. Microsoft has made it a point to contact everybody with a model that can't read the new discs, and anybody out of the loop (like those that don't have Gold), would just have to make sure to contact Microsoft on their own time.
If Microsoft starts using a product that you will be forced to use in order to continue to play new games on your Xbox 360, they are obligated to replace your 360, or lose a customer completely. One is generally more profitable than the other.