Wii Video Tearing/Speckles?

[fldash]

I don't play my Wii very often. I bought it as a party device. I did however setup WiiConnect 24 and have had it on/hooked up since the 19th when I got it.

Yesterday, I started playing Wii Tennis and was seeing that the video was doing weird things. Almost like what it looks like when the video card on a PC gets too hot or is going out or something. It wasn't really tearing, it was hard to explain, maybe I can take a video of it with my camera, but I'm not sure you'd be able to see it.

It was noticeable a lot on the replays when the action slowed down but I didn't really notice it in play. It was EXTREMELY noticable when the YOU WIN/YOU LOSE text was up. You could clearly see something like weird vertical black lines with fuzz around them.

My Wii is well ventilated and my house is normally on the cool side anyway (because of all the electronics, I keep it cool).

I also noticed similar issues in Wii Bowling.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm using the component cable and none of the video issues exist in the Wii menus or on the Wii Forecast Channel which is very nice/clear looking on my 40" LCD HDTV.

Thanks!

[tomfoolery]

try turning off progressive scan if you have that on maybe? try putting it in 4:3 and then back to wide screen also. Not sure if that will do anything but it's a start I suppose.

[fldash]

Turn off progressive scan on the Wii? I have changed my TV settings a little, but because all the Wii menus are clear without any sign of the issue, I decided it was definitely an issue with the game system itself. I haven't tried another game (I have Madden/Rayman) to see if it happens in those titles as well.

[jasongst]

Turn off progressive scan on the Wii? I have changed my TV settings a little, but because all the Wii menus are clear without any sign of the issue, I decided it was definitely an issue with the game system itself. I haven't tried another game (I have Madden/Rayman) to see if it happens in those titles as well.

Can you hear the fans spinning? It's also possible that you have a poorly seated heat sink somewhere. Personally I'd call Nintendo so they can replace it.

[fldash]

Hmm, haven't payed attention to see if I can hear the fans spinning. I will see if I can. I know that I can hear the DVD drive making noise when a game is playing and the sound is off. Sometimes it sounds a little 'funky'. ;)

[Layd Dly]

mine did that once only in Zelda. eventually went away after a while of playing. I was in a dungeon so i didnt want to shut it off an drestart it. mine is also well ventilated.

[bonzo0684]

This has nothing to do with progressive scan being on or off. I have the very same problem with my Wii...

It started about a week ago while playing Zelda. There's speckles/dots that appear over the screen, especially when you look into the sky, etc. I believe it has to do with the video hardware/GPU overheating and generating these "artifacts." It is true that this may be from a poorly seated heatsink. Which sucks cause I'll probably need to send in my Wii to Nintendo to have it repaired.

I tried just about everything to fix this problem aside from taking the Wii itself apart and checking things out. Not about to void any warranties, also I don't have that special screwdriver for Nintendo's special screws.

Oh well I guess...I wish there was a simple solution to this.

[fldash]

They have this item, I wonder if it would help?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=164891&c=1&cm_re=sub%20marquee-_-Wii%20Chill%20Station-_-Wii%20Chill%20Station

[fldash]

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/4382/img0265it0.jpg

That's what it looks like... On the 'YOU WIN' or 'YOU LOSE' graphics, it's ridiculous bad. I'm going to try to get a picture of it.

[bonzo0684]

Yup, that's the same problem I have. If you think that's bad though, play Zelda...

In certain areas those specs are all over the screen and it's impossible to ignore them.

I'm somewhat tempted to checkout that cooling device, but something tells me that's not going to fix it.

[fldash]

Here's a better version...

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/812/img0270cs5.jpg

[Vinny]

I don't think those are artifacts... it looks like it might be interference from something. Have you tried it with another TV? Or with some other games?

[Wolfpup]

They have this item, I wonder if it would help?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=164891&c=1&cm_re=sub%20marquee-_-Wii%20Chill%20Station-_-Wii%20Chill%20Station

No. If it's artifacting, the hardware's defective. A console should never need additional cooling (unless the basic design is flawed, but I doubt it, and if so you shouldn't get the system).

[bmulligan]

Do you use a component switchbox? If so, what type ?

[fldash]

No, I don't use a component switch box.

[fldash]

It was working fine before and nothing has changed. Being a PC gamer, I know artifacts when I see them and they are definitely artifacts.

I don't think those are artifacts... it looks like it might be interference from something. Have you tried it with another TV? Or with some other games?

[bonzo0684]

I'm probably going to send my Wii into Nintendo next week sometime. Hopefully the repairs won't take too long...

[fldash]

I just got off the phone with Nintendo. They are shipping me a replacement unit and then I'll stick mine in the box and ship it back. So an advanced replacement. They are also shipping it UPS BLUE (which means 2 day service). If it goes out today, I'll have it Friday.

Incredibly easy.

Now, is there anyway to copy all my Mii's to an SD card or will we have to recreate them?

[jasongst]

I just got off the phone with Nintendo. They are shipping me a replacement unit and then I'll stick mine in the box and ship it back. So an advanced replacement. They are also shipping it UPS BLUE (which means 2 day service). If it goes out today, I'll have it Friday.

Incredibly easy.

Now, is there anyway to copy all my Mii's to an SD card or will we have to recreate them?

I'm not sure about that. If you send a Mii to a friend, does it include all the accomplishments? If so, you could find a friend to use as a backup for all your Miis. Heck, you could even send your Miis from the old Wii to the new Wii since you'll have them both there together.

[fldash]

Good point jasongst. I thought I read the controller could hold up to 10 Mii's. If so, I'll just copy them to my two controllers and move the Wii Sports save to an SD card and see if that works.

[dallow]

Problem with the GPU, I've seen similar pics in other threads.

Guess this problem is more common than I thought, on Nintendo, et tu?

[dallow]

More pics from another user:

http://s1974.home.comcast.net/wii_dots.JPG
http://s1974.home.comcast.net/wii_dots2.JPG

[fldash]

Wow, that's a lot worse than mine. At any rate, Nintendo makes it easy to get a replacement regardless and so although it's an issue, they make it a non-issue.

More pics from another user:

http://s1974.home.comcast.net/wii_dots.JPG
http://s1974.home.comcast.net/wii_dots2.JPG

[maigoyume]

wow that definitely sucks, glad my wii hasn't had this problem

[dallow]

It gets worse as you play it more.
So if you start to see specks like that, replace right away.

[fldash]

Got the new console in the mail today via UPS. Two days after I called them. Moved my Miis to each of my remotes and swapped out the consoles. Moved the Miis to the new console. Super easy. Stuck my old Wii back in the box and placed the label they sent in the package on it. Will drop by UPS store later. Nintendo couldn't have made it any easier...

I just hope my new console doesn't get the graphic issue.

[Ramune]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Hunter_R/Wiiproblem0001.jpg

The problem should be readily apparent. I called Nintendo Customer Service, and the answer I was given was something about a magnetic device within the Wii that was causing the problem and to leave the system and the TV off for a day (the lady didn't seem real sure of herself), and to call back the next day if the problem didn't resolve itself.

Now, I've tried other tvs and cables, so who knows, she could be right (although, what about the fact that both were already off for a day when I turned it off yesterday...), but obviously people are getting different responses than I am.

Think I should call customer service again? I'll admit that I could not describe the problem particularly well. I wish I could email the picture or something.

[chimpian]

anyone get green blocks while playing? It happened quite often in red stell when iw as playing but i didnt see it anywhere else. Could this be only in that one game ie poor programming or should i give Nintendo a call?

[Squall835]

anyone get green blocks while playing? It happened quite often in red stell when iw as playing but i didnt see it anywhere else. Could this be only in that one game ie poor programming or should i give Nintendo a call?

Yeah, I had the green block problem with COD3. I'm getting my system replaced as well.

[dallow]

Yikes, now I have to worry about seeing green blocks?

[Layd Dly]

What happens to the VC games if i get another console through Nintendo?

[chimpian]

im gonna give nintendo a call and see whats what

ill post afterwords and let you guys know

[chimpian]

What happens to the VC games if i get another console through Nintendo?


i think you can back up your vc games to an sd card.

ive never done it but ive read it on here a few times.

do a quick search and you'll find something.

[daroga]

What happens to the VC games if i get another console through Nintendo?You can't opt for the fast replcament then. You'll have to send in your console for repairs, and they'll get it back to you fixed, adn with your VC games on it.

[dallow]

i think you can back up your vc games to an sd card.

ive never done it but ive read it on here a few times.

do a quick search and you'll find something.

You can back them up but they won't play on another machine.
And you can't re-download them on a new machine.

You have to send your console, and get that one fixed.
Or go through a hassle of getting Nintendo to set up your new Wii with your account. some crap like that.

[Layd Dly]

You can back them up but they won't play on another machine.
And you can't re-download them on a new machine.

You have to send your console, and get that one fixed.
Or go through a hassle of getting Nintendo to set up your new Wii with your account. some crap like that.

thats exactly what i don't like about their VC, at least the 360 i can just take off the hard-drive, i don't want to have to send it in and then wait.

I don't see why they cant just put a copy on the new console, or after you at least send your console back in to verify what was purchased to provide a code, free download link, replacement points to some how replace the software you purchased.

[Squall835]

That definitely does suck, but I decided to get mine replaced anyway and just eat the $20 I've spent on the VC. I'd rather have a new console than one that's "fixed" and could possibly have the same problem pop up again.

[Layd Dly]

That definitely does suck, but I decided to get mine replaced anyway and just eat the $20 I've spent on the VC. I'd rather have a new console than one that's "fixed" and could possibly have the same problem pop up again.

Yup, it just means i wont buy VC games. maybe in a year and i know my machine is in good working order. Im not going to keep pissing money away for games they are makin 100% profit on and people have to re-buy.

[rodeojones903]

I'm glad I have not had any of these problems with my Wii, but it seems that Nintendo's hardware is getting worse and worse between this and the DS lite issues people have had. Atleast their CS is great and they help get it fixed/replaced.

[gimmepilotwings]

Yup, it just means i wont buy VC games. maybe in a year and i know my machine is in good working order. Im not going to keep pissing money away for games they are makin 100% profit on and people have to re-buy.

All you have to do is call Nintendo, inform them of the situation, and they will allow you to download the VC games on the new console.

[daroga]

Hmm, I hadn't had any trouble like this, and now, playing Wario Ware, I've got some issues popping up. I guess I'll have to keep an eye on it and see if it gets worse or not.

People that suffered from this problem, was it always in the same places in the same games? I only notice it at very specific (and seemingly random) spots in Wario Ware.

[Squall835]

Not for me. It always popped up in random places throughout whatever game I was playing, but it was the same symptoms.

[zaxo]

Mine has done it with all 3 of my games, on my parents' tv over Christmas as well as my own, and with both composite and component cables. It hasn't been as bad as the pictures other people have posted but I think I'm going to call Nintendo tomorrow and get it replaced. On another note.... I've had problems with the screen color. It almost looks like somebody held a magnet to the screen. The upper left corner gets a bluish hue and the upper right corner gets a yellow/orangish hue. It began happening shortly after I got my wii and it only happens while or soon after I use the wii. It shows up and then goes away again within minutes. It's really puzzling. Any ideas??

[Layd Dly]

mine is usually the most visible in Zelda, also the first game it showed up in, but has also been in wii sports. it may be in the others just not noticed, but it gets pretty bad in Zelda.

[daroga]

Interesting. I'll keep my eyes open. For now, it's not enough of a concern to be without the Wii for a week or more (have VC games on there). Did anyone ever notice them in VC games, or in GC games?

[zaxo]

mine is usually the most visible in Zelda, also the first game it showed up in.
Same here

Also... I haven't played a GC game in the wii. As for virtual console games, I only have the old Super mario bros. game and NES Tennis and I don't remember noticing the specks in them, but I could be wrong.

[dallow]

If you guys are actually seeing this like this, please get them replaced.

The problems only get worse, it's a problem with the GPU.
You'd see the same symptoms on PCs with overclocked/overheating graphics cards.

[chimpian]

All you have to do is call Nintendo, inform them of the situation, and they will allow you to download the VC games on the new console.

have you done this? i just got off the phone with a rep and they said you lose the games.....

ah fuck it im just gonna send it in for repair
i want my vc games

[Techdojo]

I had the same problem - initially I thought it was the cheap component cable I brought, but since then I've tried two Wii's on the same TV / cable setup (no issues), I've tried my Wii on different TV's with both component / composite in all screen res's etc and it's definately a problem.

I know of one other person with the same issues,

It happens on all my games to varying degree's although it does get worse the longer the unit is left on (I usually leave mine horizontally in standby mode connected to Wii-Connect 24, also I have a USB WiiMote charger stand plugged in), and the unit does get quite warm at the bottom.

I'll ring Nintendo's UK customer service and see if I can get the unit repaired / replaced.

Thanks for the help.

Jon...

[karmapolice]

Im just wondering how long those of you have had your Wii's that have been having this issue, and do you turn it off when you are done(red light) or leave it on stand by (yellow/orange)?

[DrJoe]

Hey guys,

I've got this problem on my unit. I'd assumed it was because of the low res nature of the Wii, and the large size of my screen (56" 16:9). I see it on most games, ittermitantly. It looks like a "rip" in the video -- typically on static backgrounds.

Can someone explain what the problem is, what Nintendo does to fix it, and how I should explain the problem to Nintendo? I'm in Korea on business now -- my trip was extended a week -- and my girlfriend's son is playing it while I'm away.

My Wii was a Christmas present from my girlfriend -- she isn't going to believe there is something wrong with it -- she thinks I am a video snob.

Thanks,

Joe

[dallow]

You just call Nintendo and describe the problem.
You'll need the serial number of the unit.

They'll email you a FedEx Shipping thing and you just mail it to them free of charge.
They should send it back to you via 2 day shipping.

I'm sending my Wii back tomorrow for this problem.
I just took a video, it might be different from what you get but same principles:

Well that sucks, youtube is down for maintenance so my video will have to wait.

[DrJoe]

dallow,

Please post the link when you get the video up on you tube. I'd like to see.

Does anyone know what the problem is caused by? Was there a defect in manufacturing?

Thanks,

Joe

[maigoyume]

mine had the exact same problem, i believe it was caused by leaving wii connect 24 on (had a launch Wii), luckily nintendo headquarters is a 30 min trip from my place so i just headed over and they replaced it right when they booted it up

[dallow]

dallow,

Please post the link when you get the video up on you tube. I'd like to see.

Does anyone know what the problem is caused by? Was there a defect in manufacturing?

Thanks,

JoeMy Wii suffers from a rash as you can see.
Especially at the midway point, you'll the dots just popping in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg33i_tirVM

In Wii disc games, like SMG, it becomes flickering pixels of different colors. Always in the same spot on the screen.

[Wolfpup]

How long did you have yours? Thankfully mine hasn't done this, though I am suspicious about my disc drive (made some weird noises during Super Mario Galaxy, and I think may have quit reading once).

[dallow]

It's a launch Wii.

And it only first developed the problem around the time Sin & Punishment came out on the Wii.
I sent it to Nintendo and now the problem is back again.

[Vinny]

It's a launch Wii.

And it only first developed the problem around the time Sin & Punishment came out on the Wii.
I sent it to Nintendo and now the problem is back again.

Sounds like it's an artifact problem. Since you already sent it to Nintendo, I think they give you a new warranty from when you send it in for any repairs or replacements. Sad to say, you have to send it in again most likely...

How long did you have yours? Thankfully mine hasn't done this, though I am suspicious about my disc drive (made some weird noises during Super Mario Galaxy, and I think may have quit reading once).

That's funny... mine does the same thing during SMG but the game never shows any signs of a problem. It runs perfectly fine.:-k

[dallow]

Yeah, I've called them and I'm sending it again today.
At least they gave me free overnight shipping.

[DrJoe]

I'll have to look and see if it is always in the same place.

My Wii was purchased in mid-December and has been lightly used since Christmas -- I noticed the problem a after a few weeks when I moved the Wii from our bedroom 32" LCD HDTV down to the 56" hometheater set in the basement. I did get a warranty extension by registering online -- how long is the extended warranty good for?

Joe

[dallow]

An extra month.

[maigoyume]

its actually an extra 90 days, so roughly 3 months

https://my.nintendo.com/consumer/opr_promos.jsp

[Wolfpup]

...
That's funny... mine does the same thing during SMG but the game never shows any signs of a problem. It runs perfectly fine.:-k

Well, I *think* it only had a real problem once. It's been a while so I don't remember for sure. But it was (always?) making a lot of seeking/grinding/disc adjustment type noises between levels. I think after ejecting it one time and putting it back in carefully it kind of went away got awhile. Still makes me nervous though. I've noticed the load time can be slightly longer when it's making noises the worst (which isn't to say the load time is bad at all...just that SOMETHING is going on with the disc).

[DrJoe]

I finally got around to calling Nintendo about my system.

I mentioned that while this pixellation problem had occurred on my system from the start, I first heard about it as a potential video card program on an online forum-- BOOM! her attitude changed. An online game forum begame a "propoaganda site" in her words multiple times.

She suggested the following:

1) The video system can be reset by setting the system to 480i using the composite cables that came with the system and switching back to the component cables.

2) This is a common problem with un-licensed component video cables and that IU should try it with licensed video cables (stamped with the Nintendo logo) before submitting the system for a repair.

3) There really could be a problem with the video card.

I'm fairly certain my cables are "unlicensed". I wonder if I can buy & return a set of licensed cables to verify this? I am skeptical that the cables could possibly matter.


Joe

[espy605]

I finally got around to calling Nintendo about my system.

I mentioned that while this pixellation problem had occurred on my system from the start, I first heard about it as a potential video card program on an online forum-- BOOM! her attitude changed. An online game forum begame a "propoaganda site" in her words multiple times.

She suggested the following:

1) The video system can be reset by setting the system to 480i using the composite cables that came with the system and switching back to the component cables.

2) This is a common problem with un-licensed component video cables and that IU should try it with licensed video cables (stamped with the Nintendo logo) before submitting the system for a repair.

3) There really could be a problem with the video card.

I'm fairly certain my cables are "unlicensed". I wonder if I can buy & return a set of licensed cables to verify this? I am skeptical that the cables could possibly matter.


Joe

Test with your composite cables, the one that came with the system.

[Wolfpup]

Yeah, good idea. Personally I like buying licensed stuff, but that will rule out the cables. I love it, we're "propaganda" now. Geez, no one's even saying there's a widespread issue with the system!

[ylikone]

I purchased my Wii in fall of 2007 and a few months ago started noticing this video artifacting problem. I inititally thought it was due to the cabling, so I purchased new cables... but no help. Put the original cables back on. The problem only got worse over time. Since I purchased my Wii at Costco (who have a 1-year no-hassle return policy), I just backed-up my game saves to SD and returned the Wii and got a new one. Video problems gone. But be warned, it is not the easiest thing to convince Nintendo to give you back your wiiware/vc downloads... but it is do-able... just make sure you keep a note of the serial number on the original system.

Nintendo support acted like they hadn't heard of this problem and that perhaps a small handfull of people have experienced it. Googling and looking on youtube I would think it slightly more than a handfull. Nintendo trying to do damage control?

[Wolfpup]

I wonder if it's anything worse than normal for a GPU. Might actually be, since I don't remember any issues like this for the Gamecube. If anything, the Wii should be MORE robust, since it's using the same basic GPU, only manufactured 5 years later.

[tmda]

I also purchased my Wii in fall of 2007. I noticed this video artifacting problem after I got Wii Fit and initially thought it was a problem with the game. Once I started noticing it on the Wii menus I got worried. I was using component cables (official Mad Catz) so I tried swapping them out with the composite but the problem was still there. The 'tearing' got progressively worse over time.

I called Nintendo support and after a few minutes of walking through the problem (they suggested it might be a problem with my TV scaling the image) they said I'd have to return it for repair. I'll be out my Wii for a week or two, but overall not a big deal (so far).

I took some video of the problem;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SwrntlVdq0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sikeriHqcf8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWR_JmXlmPo

[Wolfpup]

Nice job with those videos! Should help people know what to look for. So far so good with mine (although I haven't used it really since Galaxy).

[Layd Dly]

Im glad mine was still under warranty when i got them. its been great ever since i got it back though.

[Wolfpup]

Excellent!

Oh hey, I see they've ALREADY done a gamer card thing for the Playstation 3. Good grief was that fast. I was sort of expecting a few months or SOMETHING to go buy, not like 24 hours :D

I almost care slightly more about trophies than about a gamerscore (don't really care about either) just because I'll have something to stick up in my room within Home once that launches. A pile of trophies on the floor...or something ;)

[Layd Dly]

Excellent!

Oh hey, I see they've ALREADY done a gamer card thing for the Playstation 3. Good grief was that fast. I was sort of expecting a few months or SOMETHING to go buy, not like 24 hours :D

I almost care slightly more about trophies than about a gamerscore (don't really care about either) just because I'll have something to stick up in my room within Home once that launches. A pile of trophies on the floor...or something ;)

well its not official sony, but its the first one i found and seems pretty good, you have to add your own trophys however since sony doesnt have any of it online yet like xbox.

[Wolfpup]

Oh, gotcha. I quit posting my Xbox thing in my sig once I started getting negative comments about how I must be terrible to play with since I only have 3 stars. It's like "dude, I don't play online..."

[tmda]

Just to follow up... I received my repaired Wii yesterday. The repair order said the mainboard was replaced. Works great now, no problems with the picture. It took 9 days to ship it and get it back (sent it out on a Monday, received it back the next Wednesday). All my saves were intact, but all my downloaded/installed channels (like Wii Fit channel, Nintendo channel, etc) and purchased games were gone and had to be re-downloaded (at no charge). Wii Points were still there, too.

Overall an inconvenience but not a big deal.