Your entitlement to a full refund or a replacement product only extends to the point at which you are deemed to have legally 'accepted' the goods purchased (i.e. you'd have had these rights if the TV had not worked as soon as you got it home or if it went wrong shortly afterwards). Now that you have legally 'accepted' the TV, the retailer may choose whether to remedy any fault by either repairing the set or by providing a free replacement. Irrespective of any warranty, your right to 'repair or replacement' lasts for at least 2 years from the date of purchase. (This is embodied in EU legislation). A recent UK court ruling, however, has provided a precedent which effectively states that your right to 'repair or replacement' (in respect of most types of electrical goods) is now extended to cover a period of 6 years from purchase.
To return to your question: You are not entitled to demand a new TV. You can only demand that the problem is put right (either by a repair or by a replacement set, at the retailer's discretion). You may also have additional subsidiary rights. (e.g. if you have to take the TV back to the retailer you can claim the costs of transport. You may also be able to claim compensation for the inconvenience of being left without a TV if it's taken away for repair).
If you're getting nowhere with the retailer you should contact the Trading Standards department for the area where the retailer is based (rather than your local office). The relevant contact details for complaints about Digital Direct are as follows:
Environmental Health and Trading Standard Services
Weston House
Weston Street
Bolton
BL3 2AR
Telephone : (01204) 336500
Fax: (01204) 336599
Minicom: (01204) 393286
E-mail :
[email protected]
Hoping this helps,
Chris