I have a Philips plasma TV model #50PF9731D/37 with a weird ambi-light issue. When I first turn on the set, the ambi-light functions on both sides. But after I introduce a signal (cable and PS3 use HDMI ports...XBOX360 uses component video) the ambi-light turns off on the left side. The right side still works normally. The picture and sound work flawlessly.

A universal remote will work with an older TV.
There may be some specific functions that are not available, but the basic functions will. If you have a cable box remote, you should be able to program it to turn the TV on and change the Volume,

It is at least worth looking at to make a decision.


Some general info:

I see so many here with no sound/nopicture issues:

ISSUES:

1. IF sound main fuse/s are good.
2. If no power or standby check main fuse, standby power supply and any signsof damage you can see---burnt parts etc.
3. almost all these sets the troubleshooting involves checking voltages on the main power board to narrow down theproblem.
4. Be safe and if you do not know what you are doing don't open the set.

Answers to issues:

1. RE:fuses---if a blown fuse is found get a good replacement(not the genericones like Radio Shack). Many fuses are special even aside from amperage--Don'tput a higher rated amperage fuse in the set for any reason.

2. RE: power supply in set: if total dead aside from main fuse the set uses astandby power supply that runs 7/24 and a main supply (some are combined andsome not.

Here aside from checking fuses you want to examine all the filter caps on thepower/standby to see if any are puffed up or buldged up in some fashion--Iattach a photo of a good one---top should be silver metal and PERFECTLY flatand have no brown material coming out on top or bottom.

What happens in the standby area is they use caps with too low a voltage rating(saves money) which causes them to fail in a year or two---the standby runs7/24 and the heat dries out the caps and they fail.

3. Trouble shooting consists of the above and then at some point you have to buyand try a board to see if it fixes it or not.

4. Safety first--no TV set is worth getting injured or even killed over.If set is opened at least look for puffed up and bad caps like in thisphoto.

Well walmart has em,so does Bestbuy, try looking there.For starters.

Open the back of the TV and check for blown, swollen capacitors. Usually 10v-3300ufd. There is one near where the 120v cable that powers the power supply, 350v-47ufd that might be bad too. The power supply sits in the center of the TV. Good luck!

Power supply board is dead.Replaced the power supply board will solved this problems.Tries Shopjimmy.com,Ebay.com to buy a refurbish power supply board for the replacement.

I would first check if there is an available firmware upgrade for your model .Upgrade requires you to download firmware from philips website.Then transfer it to a memory stick .Then use a memory stick reader to plug into tv for firmware upgrade.Other wise the set would probably need repair .Possible a bad SSB board or another issue

Remove the back from the set and look at the power board in the center of the TV. It will probably have one of more capacitors with the tops bulging out. Replace them with the same value part. Available from radio shack and almost any electronic suppliers.

Check the power board for caps with the tops bulged up. 3300uf 10v I think.

Power supply is bad

Go to:

http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/cpcontent.pl?scy=GB&slg=ENG&mid=Link_Software&cat=FLAT_TV_CA&sct=PLASMA_EXTRA_LARGE_GT43_SU&grp=TV_GR&session=20080227145903_84.71.25.77&ctn=50PF9731D/37&dct=FUS&did=ENG&file=/files/5/50pf9731d_37/50pf9731d_37_fur_eng.pdf