Hi Gav,

I don't confess to be an expert on these things, and it looks like now you need some advice on exactly what the law says. Unfortunately I don't know where you can go for this information - but hopefully someone else does?

My gut instinct tells me that since it failed with 5 days, it should be classified by the manufacturer as DOA (dead on arrival), and it should therefore not be your responsibility.

My advice would be firm but polite with the company you bought it from. Maybe it is time for you to name them? Alternatively if that doesn't work then speak directly to their distributor. Simply insist that this is a DOA, and you will not bear any responsibility for it. Insist on a refund, and if they won't give it, then insist on a replacement set.

Once you allow them to repair it you basically accept the fact that you have been lumbered with the problem. It sounds as if they are trying to avoid you completely by sending you directly to the distributor / manufacturer.

Also check their AGB (conditions of sale) is there any provision in here?

I think they (and the distributor) may be trying it on, and seeing if they can get away with them. If you get a little tough on them they might think twice.

I would not recommend buying another one somewhere else and then trying to sue the original shop. The best you can hope for in this case is being stuck with two TVs!

I guess these days we are so focused on getting things cheaply that we forget about the fact that after sales service is important too. Media Markt generally aren't as cheap as the internet only places, but at least their return policies are good, and after-sales service is good. Ok, so the people that work there are often complete monkeys, but you don't need any pre-sales service from them anyway.

Mark