Expert: cleggsan - 10/25/2005

Question
GE,13TVR72,Man.Date:May 2000, Chassis # VDP13/VR21. 13" TV/VCR COMBO NO PRIOR PROBLEMS
The TV was on. My one year old was playing with the remote,pressing random buttons. The TV turned
off. Now when the power button on the remote or
the front panel is pressed. The green light on the front panel button flashes 4 times. No picture,no sound. I have tried leaving the TV unplugged for several (at least 12) hours.When TV
is plugged back into wall, The green power comes on,then there is a click anda click/hum(?). But
it still will not "turn on" when either power button is pressed.Just the power button flash.
Common problem? Time to trash?
ANY help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Thank You,
Gary M. Agner

Answer
Protection circuit has been activated. This is caused when a short circuit is detected somewhere among the several sections of the tv.  Reset is accomplished by unplugging the power cord as you have already done.  

The clicking sound is the power ON relay switcing OFF due to the protection circuit keeping the set off in order to avoid further damage to the unit.  Think of the protection circuit as an intelligent fuse.

To service it the protection circuit must be defeated and testing done to find out where the trouble spot is.  A common problem is the high voltage supply since it is one of the biggest power consumer.  But, it could be any number of other causes.

The age of the unit is not in its favor and most experts in the field would advise you not to pour any good money into its repair but to apply the funding to a replacement unit.

I don't recommend combo units; they are the least reliable products in the home - any brand. You will be better off with a separate tv and vcr or dvd player - with more flexibility, better features, much higher reliability and lower cost of purchase.  So, if you do replace, don't buy another combo unit!  

Let me know if you need more information.

Cleggsan