Mitsubishi DLP RP WD-65734 - white spots

Hi Lauren,

We did have to replace the bulb 2 months ago but understand that that comes with the "territory."

Thanks. Few ever say that. This scenario, lamp purchase followed shortly thereafter by a repair, is about the only thing I don't like about lamp based micro-displays...

I did a little "googling" and it looks like this was/is a big problem with Samsung TVs- and in fact, Samsung fixed this for free.

Please provide a link. If Samsung did so it is not due to any official policy and I know that because this just came up for a friend and under odd circumstances this question was asked to group of pros in this industry; someone said it was so yet when pressed that turned out to be a mistake and the responder was referring to the class action lawsuit on the light tunnel.

This failure can happen for any DLP RP although it is not any more or less common than any other potential failure. It is a failure of the DMD imaging device and more white spots are on their way.

Unfortunately for Mits, the DMD is not available separately and this will require replacement of the light engine which will be expensive.

Mits may be willing to help but you will be asked to get an estimate from an authorized service center and fax a copy of that to them. A fair bargain is you pay labor and they will cover the part. Another possibility is splitting the repair bill. I currently have a customer treading down the same path but the outcome is unknown at this time.

I find it very hard to believe that the life-span of this TV is 3 years.... I feel that it should last much much longer than that.

Bear in mind that there are far more perfectly satisfied than not. The internet is not the best measure of a product since the majority of information is about problems, not how happy people are. In the end, it is all in the luck of the draw how long your product will last. I can't tell you how many times a customer has told me how wonderful some old TV is and how it never required service only for me to recognize how many of those I have repaired for a specific problem they never appeared to have.

Everything breaks, new and old! Buying a new product is not a guarantee that it will not break.

Samsung had the "white dot" issue on one or two DLP models that were built during a certain time frame, I believe caused by a batch of bad DMD chips, as Richard said. They at first refused to fix those that were out of warranty, but later changed their minds and did so. The problem usually didn't show up until the TV was about 2 years old. All you had to do was call their customer service and say you have the "white dot" problem and they would ask a few questions about your model and symptoms, and then would schedule a repair for free. That is what I did with my mom's HLS DLP anyway. The repair didn't take very long and only involved replacing the smallish chip and not the whole light engine. Has worked great ever since. Maybe Mits builds theirs differently. The problem was actually white AND black dots, depending on which direction the mirror was stuck. The dots were about 1/8 inch diameter.

I tried to find a more official announcement, but this is the best I could do:

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-366380.html

Maybe you could use Samsungs' fix to beat Mits over the head.

Thanks for your responses. I get that people don't online and rave about their working TV, but are quick to hop on and post when there are problems.... but it seems like this is a common problem....

So get this. My brother has the Mit WD-65733, bought less than 30 days after I purchased mine... so his is also three years old. And guess what- he got his first white dot yesterday. I almost fell out of my chair when he told me.
I am calling Mit today, as soon as they open. I am also going to the local store where I purchased mine. (Bjorn's here in San Antonio.) They are known for their great cust. service and I'm hoping they can possible help me out is some way.

PS- up to 8 dots as of yesterday.

SO- After calling Mit. several times w/ no resolution (just them saying they would call me within 1 day) they FINALLY called. Offered me the Mitsubishi WD-65738 (which is just the newer version of what I own) for $500. I've found it as cheap as $1250 online. I'm debating. Yes, I'm out of warrenty so this is not a terrible offer. I'd probably take it if I hadn't just spent ~$150 on a new bulb. I asked if they would lower the price to $400... we shall see. They said they would call me back in 1 day. lol.
Just wanted to update. Any thoughts?

I would probably take their offer and try to sell a "slightly used" lamp on eBay. The Samsung users came up with a DIY procedure for replacing the DLP chip (if that is in fact the faulty part in your case), but it is still a fair amount of money for the part with no guarantees. For $500 you get a new TV and are rid of the problem. No emotions, just cold logic.

-also, if your present lamp fits the new TV, you could keep it for a spare/replacement.

So they accepted my offer of $400 + tax.. plus no delivery fee and they will take my old TV away at no charge. Over all I am very pleased, especially considering I was out of warranty. They say I'll have my new tv within ~2 weeks. I'll update once it arrives.

Did you have toget the authorized ervice diagnosis beofre you negotiated he TV? Did you have the WD-65733 model?

Did you have toget the authorized ervice diagnosis beofre you negotiated he TV? Did you have the WD-65733 model?
Yes, I had to get a quote. I have the WD-65734.

My brother has the WD-65733 and has 2 or 3 white spots... he is going to begin the "process" next week.

Are the new models supposed to be better, and without the white dot issues?

Amazing, I just found this thread. EXACTLY the same narrative as lauren0319

We have a Mitsubishi 65734 purchased black friday 2007 from Tiger Direct, recent lamp replacement, white spots (stuck mirrors) beginning to pop up, one new one every day or so.

The set was serviced once before. It developed light "smudges" on the screen. Just out of warranty of course. I have to give a shout out to Mitsubishi though, they authorized replacement of the entire light engine at no charge. Excellent customer service. I was surprised and impressed!

I just got off the phone with Mitsubishi, they were sympathetic and the rep seemed like she had knowledge of the problem and started a new case - but didn't make any commitments of course. So I called my local service shop, they are coming out next week. I am hopeful.....

We do like our "old" set, but definitely wouldn't turn down credit towards a new one....

my fiance and I recently ran into the same problems you underwent with the version of tv your brother has, wd65733. Mits is offering us a wd-65638 for $700, whereas you say you were offered the 65738 for $500?? Really? If true, should I or could I bring this post up to counter them and have them make a better offer because I think you would agree that is BS to offer a better tv for less to us. I just called them today and I am trying to talk it over with my fiance before we call them back about what we would rather have, any advice?

YES bring this up. GL!

They offered WD-65738 for $500, total ($300 TV $200 Ship) to replace my 4.5 YO WD-65734 that has light engine issues. Figure in $100 for the service call to get writeup for Mitsu, and $110 for the lamp I replaced 4 months ago. So $710 out of pocket.

I took it, I think very fair. Tiger is $1400. So 50% off a new TV that to replace one we used for 4 years, 4 months.

I seriously have to give kudos to Mitsubishi, do other manufacturers do this kind of thing?

Looking forward to spankin new HDTV

I had similar problems with Mits DLP. Bought Diamond model 65 inch with 3D in Jan 08 I think but returned it to BB in couple of weeks because of a weird golden pixels/artifact problem.

A month later I found a great deal on a 65734 from Tiger Direct. Bulb went out in 6 months and replaced under warranty. Then after year warranty ended by a month (like an idiot I bought a 90day assured satisfaction pkg instead of extended warranty) a white dot appeared. Luckily it was only one and low far left side of screen so it wasn't horrible. I called and complained but they said it was out of warranty.

I was upset but you could ignore it. Then a second and third dot appeared, and before long they mated like rabbits to form what I can best describe as a constellation map on any dark screen, and horrible case of black dots as well on a light screen. Everyone's face looked like they just came out of a smokey fire or a coal mine and all their pores were filled with soot!

Called Mits customer service and after a "authorized service call" they offered to replace with a $500 fee and upgrade me to a wd65738.

Better than nothing I thought although money is really tight right now. Had to take delivery midweek so I didnt have time to really check it out when they delivered it, but I was able to confirm that it worked before they left.

I thought I had a beautiful new DLP. Then I realized that what they told me was an upgrade (734 to 738) is going to be a pain because the 738 doesn't have Net Command. Which means my early version of HDMI Harmon Kardon receiver connected to my xbox, ps3, Tivo, and dvd and HTPC cant be controlled by tv remote.

Called and complained and they said that feature is now found only on the 838 diamond series, although the rep that I talked to said that the 738 had all the good features of the 734 plus extras!

Worse yet, today I had to check a pdf diagram that was stored on the pc that is connected to the tv as a HTPC. Since the diagram is mostly white with line drawings, now I see there is a big black smudge in what appears to be inside the screen when viewing on solid white background.

I dont know if it is a screen deformity, or smudge on mirror or the backside of screen. It is about the size of a half dollar. Best I can describe it looks like blown up finger print like you would make at the bank when you dip your thumb in the sponge containing the ink/dust. And then some one dragged their index finger through the smudge to clean it. So you end up with a faint grey-black half dollar sized ( ) smudge on screen.

Calling them on Monday with a new complaint.

I, too, am super frustrated with my WD-65734...I have nearly 1000 white dots and I've just been living with them continuing to take over the screen over the last couple of months! I've started the process by leaving a message at the Mitsubiushi Consumer Relations phone # 1-800-332-2119, then select 5 to leave a message. We'll see how long this takes to remedy!

I also feel double burned on this because since this was such a huge purchase for me 4 years ago, so I purchased a 5 year extended warranty with the TV. The company was called REPAIRTECH. Sometime in 2009 they went out of business, so when I tried to contact them for this problem, the phone # was disconnected. Very disappointing.

I'll try to post an update as I progress thru the Mitsubishi service process.

I have the same issues. My set was bought May 2008. My 2nd light engine has failed Feb. 2011. When first light engine failed I paid the service charge and Mitsubushi, to their credit, Fixed the set for free. This time I had to Still pay for a service charge even though it had exactly the same symptoms ( white spots)! After the service tech agreed it was the light engine again Mitsubishi best offer was to sell me a new Mitsubishi set at $200 less than amazon.com. With the $104 I paid for the unnecessary service call would save me a whopping $96 on another questionable set. I declined.

The set had a great picture until the white spots started showing up. And I never had to change the lamp. The set wasn't use that often I guess? But paying $700 for each year of use for a television is too rich for my blood.

My situation is as near to Lauren and the others situations, only with a 57734. Bought it from Tiger Direct near Christmas 2007. My first lamp went out in March and I replaced it very easily.

Last Friday night I noticed a few white spots on the TV, and it's gotten worse daily, with countless numbers of white spots on the screen.

It's been a great TV up until last Friday. What number did everyone call because I was thinking "I'm going to have to put out for a new TV". Hopefully this issue has come up enough for Mitsubishi that they'll work with me.

Thanks for any replies!

You can contact Mitsubishi at 800-332-2119. You will need to fax them a proof of purchase receipt and at their request a repair estimate. Do not expect a refund on the repair estimate. Good Luck!

You can contact Mitsubishi at 800-332-2119. You will need to fax them a proof of purchase receipt and at their request a repair estimate. Do not expect a refund on the repair estimate. Good Luck!

Thanks for the response.

I'll never buy another Mitsubishi product, let alone television the rest of my life. Lesson learned.

After several weeks and now with "snow" (or blizzard) on the TV (yes, I'm that old!), with cable no less, the best that Mitsubishi will do is pay for the part. I pay the $275 service that it's going to take to have the part replaced. Who knows how long I'll be without our family's main TV.

I suppose I was too hopeful having read that people were getting new TV sets for essentially what I'll be paying for a service call for a TV that will likely have more problems of some kind in the near future.

As others have posted here, one doesn't pay over $2000 for a television that will last 3 years. If I had that kind of money, I'd have the biggest plasma set and not worry about it.

But for anyone considering buying a Mitsubishi television... let the buyer beware. My advice: DON'T do it. Get a Sony. I have one in my music listening room (a couple years older) and never had one problem with it.

Buy a Mitsubishi and the problems will happen. Don't waste your money.

I am sorry you ,too, have discovered Mitsubishi in shameless. My wd65733 now sets collecting dust in the basement, while the Samsung bought at the same time is still going strong. Don't keep silent! Tell everybody who will listen not to buy Mitsubishi.

I am sorry you ,too, have discovered Mitsubishi in shameless. My wd65733 now sets collecting dust in the basement, while the Samsung bought at the same time is still going strong. Don't keep silent! Tell everybody who will listen not to buy Mitsubishi.

I made a point, probably twice, to let them know that I would be posting my bad customer service experience on as many forum sites and as many other sites, obviously as well as all of my family and friends. I came here immediately to post my experience, and have told at least 3 members of my family.

The guy seemed to be chewing gum while I was talking to him and I finally asked him. I told him that I hoped the call was being recorded, because Mitsubishi sells defective products for $2k-3000, and they only last 3 years. I didn't have the energy to try to take it to a higher level (supervisor) or whoever I could talk to, so I told the guy with as much controlled anger as I could think of logically saying. I didn't want to be "angry guy" so they could write me off as a "likely always angry" customer.

It appears though before they had the influx of people with problems that they took much better care of early problem sets with new comparable televisions. Now, they pay for that "$700 part" while making me pay for an overpriced service call through one of their contractors.

In the end, I will never buy another electronic device from Mitsubishi and wil tell anyone who brings up that they're considering buying a television to avoid Mitsubishi at all costs. Anything but Mits. Buy a Sony. I think initially they were concerned about a class action lawsuit, but the power of the experienced word is more powerful than someone with no opinion. So, I'll save as many of my friends, family and acquaintances to avoid Mits at all costs.

I have a Mitsubishi 65908 and my TV would not power on today. Green light blinks for a second and then goes out. I've done some internet research and it appears this is a common problem.
Can you (or anyone) send me the repair instructions for this.

It may be a circuit board or power supply problem. I have no experience with that particular problem. I suggest you web search, check out your manual, check out Mitsubishi's web site, and ,alas, NOT buy another Mitsubishi. Good Luck!

Mitsubishi DLP RP WD-65734 I have owned 5 mits tv with never a problem ,,,until now. I joined the white dot club a little over a week ago. Estimate, proof of purchase submitted & got a ref # today. Should get a call in the next day or two. Will post results.

I've also experienced the dreaded White Spots on my Samsung 46 inch DLP TV.
Checked out all the forums and came to the conclusion (after calling Samsung - who weren't interested in fixing my TV for free - well it is almost 5 years old), that I should buy a DLP chip and fix it myself.
Best price was at Shopjimmy - just google them.
It arrived 2 days later and I set to.
Not too dificult - just make a sketch of where all the ribbon cables go that you have to remove from the Light Engine board that then pulls out.
You'll find that Samsung used tape between the chip and the heat sink which is odd, as Silicone paste for that purpose is a much better heat conductor. Scrape off the old tape and clean up well before using the Silicone paste.
Put it all back together - after also changing the bulb (I had a spare waiting to go in for the last 3 years anyway).
Best to wear latex gloves when working near these bulbs and chips - avoid any skin acid on sensitive parts. You'll probably need a couple of pairs.

Plugged everything back in and switched on.
WOW - I have a new TV!
Bright colours, great picture, and maybe another 5 years of use to come.
Cost - about $140 for the chip inc shipping, plus about the same for the bulb.
You can also find better instructions by doing some searching online through forums.
Good luck. It's worth the effort.