[electronjohn]

Originally Posted by StellarTV

Sounds like you've already reached a solution, but for the record these sets have notoriously bad DMs (Digital Modules). The DM is a seperate computer module (off to the far left, looking at the rear of the set) that's basically full of dry electrolytic capacitors. These sets commonly exhibit this type of problem, as well as the dreaded 'blinking led' symptom where the set will shut down with a steadily blinking power led. The DM is tough to work on as it's assembled in layers and the circuit board is multilayered itself which makes solder removal difficult.

Then I'm glad I didn't decide to dig into the thing

Did salvage the very nice 4-4 1/2" 2-way speakers from the set...gonna use them in a pair of small cube speakers I built a long time ago. Should sound quite nice.