HLT5075SX/XAA DLP White Dots Repair/Exchange/Replace?

4-5 weeks ago my Samsung DLP Model# HLT5075SX/XAA started experiencing its first random white dot near the edge of the screen. I quickly did some research and then contacted Samsung Customer Service. I received a ticket number and was told I would be contacted by a Samsung Certified Repair person for a one time replacement of a chip...That's Great!

A week or so later the repair man comes (at this time we now have 3 dots near the outer edge of the TV) and replaces the chip puts everything back together and the TV doesn't work at all. He takes it apart and realizes he damaged the color wheel (a $260 part) and informs me that they would take care of it. Again...Great!

A few days later I am informed by the repair shop that I need to contact Samsung to get a new ticket number and extension to the warranty so they can purchase the part. I proceed to call and get the run around between these two companies until finally I speak to a Samsung rep that actually reads my report history and sees that the damage was caused by Their repair person. This was a hassle and I only got somewhere because I kept calling until I got the right person. It does matter who you get, some are more helpful than others. I receive yet another ticket number. (sigh, this is getting frustrating)

Two weeks pass and finally the repair guy calls with the part, a color wheel. He does his thing...takes the TV apart, puts it together, turns it on and nothing happens...He repeats the process and does something to the color wheel thinking maybe he had it in wrong...turns it on and nothing happens. He reports it to his supervisor and they decide to put in a request for a replacement/exchange on the TV unit.

A few days later I get a call from Samsung asking if my TV was repaired and I reply "no" to her surprise and proceed to explain that He did come but was not able to repair the TV. She did not know this and adds it to the report of mine that I'm sure by now is an inch thick. She gives me yet another ticket number. This time I am waiting to hear if they will repair, replace, or exchange my TV. (missing my TV at this point and getting more frustrated but hopeful)

Three - four days later I receive a call saying that my request has been granted. Not sure what that means I wait patiently and then begin trying to get information 4 days later after not hearing anything.

A week later (Today) I receive a call giving me two options for replacement since my TV is no longer available and they don't want to sink money into trying to repair it. My options are 1) a Plasma 51" Model # PN51D550C1F OR 2) a LED 55" Model # UN55D6000SF. This would be GREAT news except for one thing...I was given a COST for each. The Plasma is $850 only 150 less than BEST BUY on sale and the LED is $1250 only 250 less than BEST BUY.

I originally paid $899.98 on Amazon for my DLP in 2007. Yes, it is four years later...but I was perfectly happy with my working TV.

I feel taken advantage of.

I only purchased this TV 4 years ago...I even faxed the Samsung rep my receipt today with my current ticket number attached. She said that my TV was being prorated... I'm waiting to see if the receipt makes any difference.

I had a perfectly good TV...It was operational and worked well for our Wii, Netflix, etc and the few (3) white dots didn't cause too much frustration being on the edge of the TV. I simply thought that I would have the faulty chip replaced since there was the opportunity to do so free of charge. I wasn't in the market to buy a new TV.

Now I feel that Samsung, through their contracted repair person, KILLED my TV and Expects ME to pay for a new one...Does that sound right to you?

Samsung...you need to do better than that. I had the highest of regard for your company and have even purchased and considered other items from you but this causes me great concern...shaky ground not knowing what to expect and if your other products will have the same end and leave me high and dry...

Why should I accept your offer when I can simply spend that same amount of money and possibly get a better product from a competitor?

If you care to win back a faithful customer my current Ticket # is 4112223644.

Eric