Well, the display capacitor would be suspect. It can cause all sorts of odd behavior, but it doesn't seem like it could cause everything. Have you tried starting the player with -i?

Matthew

AH HA! Turns out the fuse mentioned in that FAQ entry is indeed blown. No continuity, while the other two fuses are fine.

Looks like I'll have to scrounge up one of those fuses, and Tony, you might want to add these symptoms to that FAQ entry once this is fixed... if it indeed fixes it.

Replaced the fuse (after botching the first attempt by breaking off the tip of the new fuse... thank goodness I know myself well enough to always order spares!).

Empeg is good as new. PHEW! So Tony, if you get a chance you might want to add these symptoms to the FAQ.

Remind me again after the weekend...