What are my statutory rights on this? (Freeview Recorder Purchase)

I am not a lawyer, but I don’t think there is much you can do. You should have taken it back within the 28 day return period. You can take it back and try to get a refund, but be prepared to be denied as they probably won’t be required to oblige. For future information, unless the sky rained all over your electronic device or you live in an extreme environment (like subzero Antarctica or the Sahara Desert), the weather probably has absolutely no effect on the functionality of the device.

What state are you in?

Maybe check the manufacturer website or if there was a limited warranty slip that came with the product. Those often are of a longer period than 30 days for electronics (e.g. a 1-year warranty). If not, contact their customer service department and see what they have to say-you never know.

exactly what @sndfreQ said, the shop you bought it from may have washed their hands of you but the manufacturer probably hasn’t, I would start by calling the shop, they may well point you in the right direction.

If you are in the UK then the law is on your side. Anything you purchase, by law, has to function for what is deemed to be a reasonable amount of time for the item. If it doesn’t then you are well within your rights to return the item for a full refund.

@ModernEpicurian thank you