The affordable solution for the DLP TV white dot problem

Solving the DLP TV white dot problem

White dots, white snow or sparkling stars on your DLP TV mean only one thing – a worn out DMD chip. The DLP TV white dot problem seems to happen after two to five years – usually when the warranty has expired

Certain brands seem more vulnerable than others to the white dot syndrome. Samsung and Mitsubishi DLP TVs have been plagued with the problems for several years now. Sony and JVC choose to take the TVs set off the market in response to complaints from disgruntled owners.

If you read the various forums offering solutions, you’ll see customers being given quotes of $600 and upwards for solving the white spot syndrome or replacing the DMD DLP chip. Fortunately, there are companies offering the offering the DLP chip for under $300.

Find this New Mitsubishi/Toshiba 4719-001997 DLP Chip 1910-6143W on Amazon.

MItsusbishi DMD DLP chip

DMD DLP chip

Causes of DLP white dot syndrome

At the heart of every DLP TV, no matter what the brand is the DMD chip invented in 1987 by Dr. Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments. This optical semiconductor contains an array of up to 2 million hinge-mounted microscopic mirrors, so small they measure one-fifth the width of a human hair.

The DMD chip receives the digital or graphic signal reflecting it onto the TV screen to produce the stunning images that have made these TVs a frontrunner for the consumer.  The mirrors themselves are made out of aluminum and mounted on a yoke with an axle that literally twists in the middle. The DMD micro mirrors switch on and off, either tilt towards the light or away from it.

This action creates the light or dark pixels on the screen and allows for a staggering 1,204 shades of gray.  At the same time, the DLP lamp generates white light that passes through a red, green, and blue color filter to the surface of the DMD chip creating millions of colors.

DLP white dot syndrome happens when one of these micro mirrors gets stuck and can no longer reflect the signal. The result is a white or black dot on the screen. As more and more mirrors become stuck, more white dots appear on screen creating an image that can’t be viewed.

The affordable solution

In order to address the issue, Texas Instrument has created a replacement DMD DLP chip that is affordable and readily available from recognized distributors. While part numbers may vary, the chip remains the same. The following part numbers are interchangeable:

Samsung DMD Chip 4719-001997
Samsung DMD Chip 4719-001985
Samsung DMD Chip 4719-001999
Samsung DMD Chip W1272-5003
Mitsubishi DMD Chip 276P595010
Board Number DMD Panel IC# 1910-6143W
Board Number DMD Panel IC# 1910-6145W
Board Number DMD Panel IC# 1910-6103W

Avoid an expensive repair bill and keep your customers happy by purchasing a DMD DLP chip for under $300.

The importance of authentic

It’s important that you install an OEM lamp and avoid a generic, compatible lamp.

Knock-off, compatible generic lamps may seem like a bargain in the beginning. They actually cost more in the long run since they can damage the color wheel and ballast mechanisms in your RPTV. They also give off poor light, are prone to messy explosions and actually have a shorter life.

We recommend purchasing from an Authorized Philips dealer such as Discount-Merchant.com to insure that you are receiving a genuine Philips brand replacement lamp. Beware of knock-off and counterfeit Philips lamps floating around in the market.

There are also health concerns associated with these lamps. Generic lamps are made with toxic substances that can compromise your family’s health. Read more about the dangers of Krypton-85.

When you purchase an OEM replacement lamps you’re guaranteed the best lamp for your RPTV.

Find this New Mitsubishi/Toshiba 4719-001997 DLP Chip 1910-6143W on Amazon.

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67 comments on “The affordable solution for the DLP TV white dot problem
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  1. avatar replacement lamp shades says:

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  2. avatar Demetria Boyd says:

    So I have a Samsung 72′ projected tv I got it from a friend and it has snow like dots all over it and I don’t know were to get the chip from or where to buy it I see it may cost a good bit but can you help?

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Demetria,
      Contact http://www.discount-merchant.com. You need a new DLP chip for your Samsung and discount merchants sells a variety of models. They can help you track down the right chip. When you get the chip, contact us here and we can help you install it. Good luck and stay in touch.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  3. avatar john packer says:

    we have a 60 inch mitsubishi dlp tv with the dreaded white dot syndrome. i understand that this can be fixed with a new dlp chip267p595010 from texas instruments. you also recommend using an oem lamp and avoid using generic. is the oem lamp a separate item from the dip chip and if so does that need to be replaced along with the dlp chip? thanks for your help.

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi John,
      They are both separate items. The new chip can be replaced without having to install a new lamp as long as the current lamp is not hit or hurt during the replacement of the new DMD/DLP chip. Check to see how many hours you have left with your current lamp and if it has reached end of life, you can replace them both at the same time. Both the chip and lamp can be found at discount-merchant.com and customer service can help you with any other questions. Let us know how it goes.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

    • avatar sharron carodine says:

      Will replacing the lamp help with the white spots on my screen other then the white spots tv works perfect

  4. avatar john packer says:

    i need replacement hinges for my under counter refrigerator marvel model 60arrss.

  5. avatar Barbara Jackson says:

    I have dreaded white dots plus my 65″ Mitsubishi is starting to have a problem turning on. Lamp was replaced a few months ago. Do you think it is it worth the expense to fix it? Thank you.

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Barbara,
      It is worth replacing the DMD chip since it will get rid of the white dots. The difficulty turning the set on may be a different altogether. You want to join our forum so you can ask the experts what they think.

  6. avatar CHRIS says:

    On a scale of 1-5 (5 being knowledgeable electronics person), how difficult is it to replace this chip? I’m wondering if it’s say, as easy as changing the processor on a computer mother board or, it it involves soldering connections on and / or, off.

    Thanks,
    cd

  7. avatar Manny says:

    Hi there, I have a Samsung 50 TV a friend gave it to us because of the white spots in the screen. I don’t know what to buy and where and what to replace to fix this problem.
    Model# HLT5076SX/XAA
    Serial# AHFM3CKPA00182R
    Version => PH01
    Can u guys help me find the right chip for this tv and the lamp please.
    How much do you think chip and lamp price? Is it worth to fix? I don’t want to spend money over $300 just get this fix. I rather buy a new tv for $350 to $400.
    Any advice? please. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Manny,
      I’ve asked one of our technical experts directly and here is his answer:

      This problem is actually very common in these Samsung RPTVs using DLP technology. What happens is that the DMD chip on the DMD board (sometimes called the DLP chip) begins to have malfunctioning micro mirrors displayed as dead or white pixels on your screen. This can either be from regular wear and tear over the years or from poor ventilation or lack of dusting / servicing. The part you need is listed at samsungparts.com, I don’t necessarily buy parts from them but I get the part numbers from their site.
      This link will send you to the complete list of consumable parts and accessories for your tv and what you are looking for is the “DLP chip” There are tons of guides on youtube for Samsungs, even if its not for your particular model they are much alike once opened. http://www.samsungparts.com/Products/Parts_and_Accessories/HLT5076SX/XAA/Default.aspx

      Hope this helps.

      Regards,
      Shelagh

  8. avatar curtisjnewell says:

    I had the lamp replaced, and now its the chip. This tv I have gives a great picture, with a new lamp, should anything else major come up after replacing the chip? Aren’t these dlp’s the best bang for the buck, maybe they aren’t anymore? Hasn’t the main things been the lamp replacement, and the chip, on the Mitsubishi 57734?

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Curtis,
      Usually when you replace the chip the TV starts to work like new. The other issue is something the color wheel/ballast goes but this is not as common. With a new lamp and new chip, the TV should be good for many hours of viewing. Keep us posted on how things are going.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  9. avatar Joe Rich says:

    I have a 65 WD65638 Mitsubishi I need an outer Screen–also picked up a

    samasung 55==KDFe551A20 it has white spots– I’m having an issue

    finding a screen–can you use plexi glass as substitute or if not can I

    swap the DLP chip—I think they’re inter-changeable.

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Joe.
      While the DMD chips are manufactured by the same company, the board specifications may be different. The screen are probably the same material. It would be a size and shape issue between the manufacturers. Join our forum to run these by our experts. http://www.fixyourdlp.com/forum/

  10. avatar Appliance Mecca says:

    Great info, is the chip soldered in or plug and play

  11. avatar Appliance Mecca says:

    Dmd chip sorry

  12. avatar Bo Schinski says:

    Many thanks for this posting.
    I just successfully swapped out my DPL chip with your help.
    Really, really appreciated.

  13. avatar steve okeefe says:

    I replaced my dlp chip a few days ago because of the white and black dot issue. Now, they are starting to come back…could i have purchased a faulty replacement chip? Or do you think something else is causing the problem?

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Steve,
      So sorry but this does sounds like a faulty DLP chip. If you paid under $230 for the chip, it’s a counterfeit and won’t fix the problem. Who did you buy it from?
      Regards,
      Shelagh

      • avatar steve okeefe says:

        I purchased it from Newegg, but it came from Union Electronic Distributors. I spoke to UED today and they hope to have more next week….i am going to exchange it when the new lot arrives. Am i chasing my tail?

        • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

          Hi Steve,
          Ask them if they are buying direct from Texas Instrument. This is the company making the actually DMD chip. It’s the same technology for all the DLP RPTV units with each manufacturer tweaking it for their particular product. You can check with Union Electronic Distributors has a good rep and they may have just a bad batch but do ask them if they are buying direct from the manufactured in USA and not from overseas. The board retails for $230 an if the price is lower than that chances are it’s counterfeit and really not worth your time or money.
          Let me know how things work out.
          Cheers,
          Shelagh

  14. avatar steve okeefe says:

    Thanks for all your help!

  15. avatar Hating white spots says:

    Hi, above you have a list of “interchangeable” part numbers. Are these all truly interchangeable? The Mitsubishi DMD Chip 276P595010 you have in this list is compatible with my TV but more expensive then one of the other model numbers you have in this list – W1272-5003. Before I buy can you help me and let me know if it will or will not work? Are these 2 parts truly interchangeable?? My TV is Mitsubishi model # wd-60735
    Below is the add:
    1272-5003W 4719-001981 New DLP Chip for Samsung
    1272-5003W 4719-001981 New DLP Chip for Samsung
    Samsung HLS6186WX/XAC PB02 – Samsung HLS6186WX/XAC PB03 – Samsung HLT4675SX/XAA – Samsung HLT4675SX/XAC PA01 – Samsung HLT5075SX/XAA – Samsung …

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Haftig,
      You need to buy the DMD chip that is listed for your model. It’s the same manufacturer but the specifications on the boards are different. Almost all the boards have the same price of $230. If it’s less, it may be a counterfeit and that can cause permanent damage to your TV.
      Cheers,
      Shelagh

  16. avatar Denise says:

    Can this happen to a plasma tv as well?

  17. avatar Bryan says:

    Tried running all numbers on chip no items found on discount merchant found Samsung TV with one set of numbers 1910-6103w the same screens blurry and off on the top and left hand side can it be fixed

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Bryan,
      Call discount merchant directly at toll free (800) 281-8860. They can help your locate the exact DMD chip board to use and will offer you tech assistance.
      Cheers,
      Shelagh

  18. avatar Annie says:

    I read this entire thread including the expert’s response. I’ve always wondered how you keep dust from getting inside when you dust the tv. I can’t believe that could be the problem. The unit is 8 years old and I expected it to last a lot longer. I also went to discountmerchant.com and it looks like they don’t sell the dmd chip, just the lamp – which could be at the end of its life, too, for all I know. I found my part #4719-001997 on the Samsung web site and don’t know where to get it for the best price, which is important. This tv weighs 70 pounds and I’m not excited about trying to muscle it around, lol.

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Annie,
      I would call Discount Merchant at 1-800-281-8860 and ask if they can source the correct DMD chip for your particular model. There has been a supply shortage lately but they are the experts and will be able to either order it for you or point you in the right direction. Dust can be a problem with these models only if they are not cleaned properly and the air filter gets clogged. That prevents the unit from cooling down and results in the lamp overheating. That’s when the problems start. Discount Merchant should be able to help you out. Good luck. Let me know how things work out.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  19. avatar cassandra says:

    Hello I have a 65 inch Mitsubishi tv with white spot can I contact texas instruments directly and can you recommend a creditable shop

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Cassandra,
      I don’t think Texas Instruments sells directly to the public. I would contact http://www.discount-merchant.com/ 1-800-281-8860 and ask about the DMD chip. They were selling quite a few in the previous years and will have an idea about the supply. You should also contact Mitsubishi and speak to a customer service supervisor. Many people have gotten the company to agree to supply the DMD chip for free and he customer pays for the technician to put in the chip at about $200 — roughly the cost of the chop. Stay firm with them because they will try and get you to pay for everything but this is a design flaw and they should over the cost of the new part. Hope this helps.
      Cheers,
      Shelagh

  20. avatar Joe Doe says:

    Got a 65 inch Mitsubishi that’s got the white dots. What’s the long term effect of not fixing it right away? Thx.

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Joe,
      The white dots will just continue to take over the screen until the picture is less and less visible.
      Depending on how many white dots you have, you can keep watching.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  21. avatar TimG says:

    I recently replaced the lamp in my Samsung DLP TV and now I have 3 white dots on the screen. Cause and affect seems to be the lamp replacement. I’m wondering if I need to replace the DMD chip or the lamp or both. Any suggestions?

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Tim,
      White dots are a failing DMD chip and aren’t connected to changing the lamp. If it is the DMD chip failing you will see the white dots start to multiply. Is the TV still under warranty? Sometimes the manufacturer will supply the replacement chip since this is a manufacturing flaw with it falling. Call you dealer and be insistent they cover the costs.
      Cheers,
      Shelagh

  22. avatar Bridget says:

    I just replaced the DLP chip on my Mitsubishi tv . I followed your instructions step by step . This I the second time doing it since I have two of these tvs . I plugged it back in and now I’m getting a blinking red light in the front but the tv . It goes through the light sequences then keeps turning off and no picture ? I had a picture before replacing the chip .I triple checked all connections on all the wires. I replace the chip because of white dots on the screen . Do you have any ideas what could cause this ? May I got a bad chip ? The manual said a blinking red light was the fans ? I checked the connections on the fans ? Any ideas ?

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Bridget,
      Have you cleaned the fans? Replacing the DMD chip is the thing to do when there are white dots on the screen. It may also be the color ballast. I think you need to consult a technician at this point. You can try joining our forum and ask the experts there. http://www.fixyourdlp.com/forum.
      Sorry I can’t offer anymore help.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  23. avatar Autumn says:

    Hello,
    I have a 73inch Mitsubishi TV Model WE-73c9 with a V41c chassee plagued with white dot syndrome. I am having a hard time finding the correct chip to rectify the problem. Don’t get me wrong I see plenty of options but none of them list my TV model. Do you have any suggestions?
    (Also, it may be WD-73c9, it was hard to read in the dark corner!)
    Thank you

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      HI Autumn,
      I am not familiar with teh WE-73c9 model so chances are it’s the Mitsubishi WD-73C9. This is a fairly common DMD chip that you can find for sale on Amazon ad ebay. We like Shop Jimmy http://www.shopjimmy.com/mitsubishi/wd-73c9 for a good price. Mitsubishi was also giving them to owners and sending their own technicians over to fix the tv where you pay the service charge. https://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/support/contact
      I would recommend contacting them and not taking no for an answers to get them to honor replacing the chip. It is a manufacturing problem on their part. Hope this helps and good luck getting the TV up and running.
      Cheers,
      Shelagh

  24. avatar Kimberly lowe says:

    I HV a Mitsubishi tv that has white dots on screen.i need to replace bulb n chip but can I use parts from another tv I hv laying around if not the same make n model

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Kimberly,
      Each manufacturer has their own specifications for bulbs and DMD chips. You can’t take parts from another TV to use unless it’s the exact same model, same year and same manufacturere. These DLP, RPTVs are more sophisticated than old analog TVs and the parts are very specific to each make and model. Sorry for the bad news.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  25. avatar josh says:

    I have a Samsung M#: HL61A750A1FXZA I bought super cheap because it had a few white dots, I used it anyway for over 6 months and they slowly progressed and black dots began to become visible. I’m now at the point of either fixing it or scraping it. My questions are… About How long will the life of the DLP chip be once replaced if given proper cleaning and ventilation? And does running a gaming PC through HDMI on this TV shorten the life of the lamp or DLP chip any more than normal?

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Josh,
      You should first try contacting Samsung to ask whether they are covering the cost of replacing the DMD chip. They are offering a one time courtesy replacement. I would try the Samsung chat line to start off with. The white dot problem is a manufacturing flaw and tbe new DLP chip should last the life of the TV because it is a replacement for the original flawed chip. To answer your seconed question: Running a gaming PC will not shorten th lamp life or DMD chip. The only thing you have to worry about with these TV is screen burn where you leave the game window open and on the TV causing the image to be burned onto the screen. As long as you are turning off your game and not leaving a screen open, it will not shorten the lamp life. Good luck with everything.
      Cheers,
      Shelagh

  26. avatar Rick says:

    Some videos don’t show any thermal compound on chip when attaching heat sink. Should this be used when installing new chip. I have MX-4 liquid compound, will this work.

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hey Rick,
      This is above my level of expertise. I know this compound is typically used with CPU chips, which are different from the DMD chip. We don’t show using it in out video and our technician would have shown that if it was necessary. I’ll pass this on to our expert over at the forum and see what he has to say.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  27. avatar Leon Bush says:

    Mitsubishi will furnish the chip and contact a repair center near you to replace for $200 total. I and many others have gotten this repair done. CALL Mitsubishi.

  28. avatar Thomas says:

    I have an 82” mitishibusi tv and I see white dots all over screen when tv is off any ideas

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Thomas,
      Oh, bad news. You have the white dot.. aka white death syndrome that these TVs suffer from. It’s the T-CON board that needs to be replaced to stop the white dots from multiplying. Depending on your neogtiaion skills you will need to contact the company and ask them to replace the part. Sometimes they cover the whole cost (if your TV is still under warranty), other times they pay for the technician or just the T-Con board. You need to be persistent with them. Start off calling the seller and then go up the chain with the company. Their customer service number is 1-800-332-2119. Good luck. So sorry about this.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  29. avatar Dwayne says:

    Hello. I have an older Samsung 67” projection TV, model number HL67A750A1F and I recently started getting the white dots throughout the picture. I assume this is a DLP replacement issue. How would I go about fixing and is it worth fixing? Thanks in advance

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Dwayne,
      The problem is with the DMD chip. It stops working and you get the white dot syndrome. Many people have had success replacing the DMD chip with a new one and the TV continues to work well. It’s about $250 to $300 for the new DMD chip. We have a tutorial on how to replace it: http://www.fixyourdlp.com/2018/03/20/stop-samsung-hl67a750a1fxza-white-dot-syndrome/
      You can also try and call Samsung to see if they will pay for the DMD chip since this it a manufacturer’s issue but that will take some time and patience to get them to pay. These TVs are considered older technology.
      If you still like the TV and feel that a $250 investment is worth fixing it, then I would say go ahead and get the chip and replace it. If you no longer love these TV though and want to upgrade then I wouldn’t bother.
      Hope this helps!
      Cheers,
      Shelagh

  30. avatar Rick Mizell says:

    Does the Samsung 67 DLP hl61a750a1fxza not have a lamp, just LEDS and only the DMD/DLP chip be the problem the black screen. It started with the dots and went completely out. You can hear the boot and the Samsung song but just a black screen.

  31. avatar Darwin says:

    Hy sheilah I have 65 Samsung dlp I replace the bulb days ago everything was good just yesterday now the TV is giving the channels on white and black was gron with it

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Darwin,
      If you have white dots on your screen it’s not the projector lamp that is the problem. Your DMD chip has gone and needs to be replaced before you will get your image returned.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

  32. avatar Rodrigo says:

    Hi! I have this white dot problem in my Mitsubishi DLP TV, two questions:
    1. In the article you mention to avoid buying chips under $300 and to contact discount merchant to asure buy an original Texas Instrument chip, how ever at the end of the article you mention a chip that is sold in Amazon for $259 do you recommend this Amazon chip? In the Amazon description says that the manufacturer is in fact Mitsubishi.

    2.- How do I know when replaced the lamp of my Mitsubishi DLP TV? How do I know how many hours has and how many has left?

    • avatar Shelagh McNally says:

      Hi Rodrigo,
      I believe Discount Merchant is not longer selling that chip. It is available at Shop Jimmy or Amazon. The Amazon chip is a good one. When it’s time to replace the lam the screen will lose its brightness and appear dim. You won’t necessarily have to replace the lamp when you notice the dimming but it’s a good idea to have your backup lamp ready. This model doesn’t have a lamp timer.
      Regards,
      Shelagh

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