TV License UP AGAIN!

Paul_Herring

spaceage wrote:

However, just having a TV in the house means you must have a license.

False. On two counts:

1) If you have no TV's in your house tuned in (i.e. you aren't receiving a signal) you don't need a licence.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/index.jsp#link1

2) If you don't have any TV's in the house, but you have a computer card capable of receiving signals, you require a licence.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/tvdealers.jsp#link1

Additionally, if you have no TVs or capable PC Cards, you /may/ /still/ require a TV licence:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/06/24/tv_licence/

Basil_Fawlty

Really? I didn't realise that, thanks!

I'm considering a USB TV Card for my laptop but in their literature it also states that if your TV can be powered by internal batteries then a licence isn't required.

intel

Just to Clarify YOU DO need a TV licence with a PC TV Card

Before you ask, if you're using a PC card to watch UK broadcast TV, you'll need a TV licence - The TV Licensing site states: "If you use a TV or any other device to receive or record TV programmes (for example, a VCR, set-top box, DVD recorder or PC with a broadcast card) - you need a TV Licence. You are required by law to have one".

From http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/index.jsp

Basil_Fawlty

Aren't I covered by my parents' licence while I'm away?


No. Unless your TV is powered by internal batteries, such as a pocket-sized TV. If you think that this is the case, please call us on 0870 241 5973 to check that you are eligible for cover on your parents' licence.


http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/students.jsp


Reckon this extends to laptops, being powered by their batteries? It's a conflict with the one about PC cards. Is it a LOOPHOLE??

ManAtHome

I think this applies if you are resident at your parents address - covers you for occasional use outside the home (or licensed premises - LOL)..

superscotsman

Searcher wrote:

Are you sure about that? I was under the impression that the major bulk if not all of the licence fee went to the BBC (about £5bn at the moment)

Of course you were under the impression. That's the impression they want you to get. The government also gave people the impression that you paid your national insurance premium and the money was salted away for your retirement instead of blown on fripperies.

superscotsman

Paul_Herring wrote:

False. On two counts:

1) If you have no TV's in your house tuned in (i.e. you aren't receiving a signal) you don't need a licence.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/index.jsp#link1

2) If you don't have any TV's in the house, but you have a computer card capable of receiving signals, you require a licence.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/tvdealers.jsp#link1

Additionally, if you have no TVs or capable PC Cards, you /may/ /still/ require a TV licence:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/06/24/tv_licence/

Be careful here. The law is full of pitfalls. For instance you might have a monochrome TV, but if you have a VCR as well, you could be eligible for a colour licence. Don't let them into your house under any circumstances. Better safe than sorry.

humfer

superscotsman wrote:

Of course you were under the impression. That's the impression they want you to get. The government also gave people the impression that you paid your national insurance premium and the money was salted away for your retirement instead of blown on fripperies.

Agree agree. The original purpose of the BBC was for a national service. It is so far removed from that now thats it not funny. It should be 1 or 2 channels and 1 or 2 radio stations providing unbiased news, weather and basic documentaries. It should not be competing for market share and using its unfair guaranteed income to play the market. I don't know how many 1000's of people are employed by the BBC but it is basically as subsidised job creation programme. Oh and one final point - how many TV licences do you get with the £20 million they are paying Jonathan Ross?

tomstickland

russellandkatrina wrote:

How on earth can you say that the BBC is free from adverts? Between each programme there's a good few minutes of plugs for their services

You can actually watch an entire program on bbc without any intrusive adverts.

Anwen_2

Basil_Fawlty wrote:

Aren't I covered by my parents' licence while I'm away?


No. Unless your TV is powered by internal batteries, such as a pocket-sized TV. If you think that this is the case, please call us on 0870 241 5973 to check that you are eligible for cover on your parents' licence.


http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/students.jsp


Reckon this extends to laptops, being powered by their batteries? It's a conflict with the one about PC cards. Is it a LOOPHOLE??

Unless you are a university student, it's not relevant. It only applies to students who are still basically living at their parental home but stay in halls of residence or a rented flat or whatnot near the university during termtime.