I just read your post again, and realized you are using the wrong power cable. As has been mentioned, the 820 uses a polarized figure-8 cable, which can only be connected one way. However, a non-polarized figure-8 cord can be plugged into the player, though it shouldn't be used, because the...
Are you certain you're using the power cord that came with the player?
I don't remember if it's a polarized one, in which case it can't be inserted the wrong way into the player. If it's not polarized, it doesn't matter.
Fortunately, I have an 820 sitting on the floor in my HT, and I can...