My dvd/vhs player won't turn on. All I know is that it's not the socket.

If your unit is totally dead set, the problem is in the power supply board. Check first if the AC power is coming to this board. Check also the internal fuse continuity using a multimeter. If your unit is totally dead set, the problem is in the power supply board. Check first if the AC power is coming to this board. Check also the internal fuse continuity using a multimeter.

Intermittent symptoms may caused by bad solder joints(cracked,dried,cold solder) in the power supply section. Loose connection from cable connector is another factor, you must pull-out the connectors from the power supply board and in the main board and then re-insert and ensure the connections. Check also the power cord for internal open wire. This was caused by frequent pulling and bending. You may wiggle the cord while in testing to see if it will react. Faulty electrolytic capacitor in the output of the power supply section will do the same symptoms. There are few of it in this board, if you can't test it using the multimeter, you may replaced all with same capacitance and working voltage which is printed on its body itself. Intermittent symptoms may caused by bad solder joints(cracked,dried,cold solder) in the power supply section. Loose connection from cable connector is another factor, you must pull-out the connectors from the power supply board and in the main board and then re-insert and ensure the connections. Check also the power cord for internal open wire. This was caused by frequent pulling and bending. You may wiggle the cord while in testing to see if it will react. Faulty electrolytic capacitor in the output of the power supply section will do the same symptoms. There are few of it in this board, if you can't test it using the multimeter, you may replaced all with same capacitance and working voltage which is printed on its body itself.