Is anyone else telly-free?

Austin_Allegro

I live abroad and don't subscribe to overseas TV services. Local tv is pretty awful (like the Fast Show's 'Channel Nine' sketches) so I just read my kindle, borrow DVDs from the library, or watch out of copyright films on Youtube. (You can access copyrighted films on the internet, but that's a bit naughty, so I won't tell you how). You can make your own 'clip' shows on Youtube by simply cobbling together all the sketches you like.

I can't get Iplayer here, unless I use a proxy server, and it seems very complicated to set one up; all the websites I look at about it start flashing signs saying 'warning, viruses, !!!!!!, death, murder' etc as soon as I go onto them!

If I lived in the UK I would definitely ditch my TV and just watch Iplayer.

Pink.

Hi FrugalLina,

We have an existing thread discussing the avantages and disadvantages of living without a TV that may help you to make your decision:

Is anyone else telly-free?

I'll add your thread to that one later to keep the replies together.

Pink

Stephen_Leak

If you do get a DAB radio (like I did, because, IMHO, TV is a load of mis-spelled ornamental fish), check the aerial. My FM/DAB radio/CD system came with just a wire aerial, which was less than useless. The transmissions were the classic "bubbling mud" noise and were actually slightly better without the aerial plugged in. Fortunately, I'm in a block of flats with an FM/DAB radio aerial on the roof and sockets in each flat. Also, I'm more than capable of sourcing an aerial lead socket and installing it into the back of my system (although this has junked the warranty, of course). The result is infinitely better. Some stations still have a few transmission problems, but this is because the system they decided to use for DAB wasn't very good to begin with and obsolete before they finally introduced it.

The TV Licence people do seem to have finally figured out that lots of people don't want or have a television. I filled in their online declaration that I don't have any broadcast receiving equipment and got a letter back from them, saying that they won't check again for 2 years. This is fair enough: things might change. They are more than welcome to check. I have nothing to hide. But, they will need a warrant and a police officer. They will be made welcome guests and I might even buy some chocolate digestives, but I will expect them to behave as such.

What worries me is that, one day, the internet will be legally classified as a "broadcast medium". Then, you will need a "broadcast receiving licence" (it isn't a "TV licence") for any PC with a modem or network interface. Be afraid, be very afraid.

FrugalLina

Thanks so much for the very informative replies, I now have a lot of thinking to be getting on with and your responses have really helped a lot.

I was without a TV for 3 years about 8 years ago and never forgot the awful letters I used to receive from the licensing company, it really got to me and made me very angry and although I appreciate our BBC very much and feel very fortunate we have it, the company that collects their fees let them down, IMHO.

London Dreamer, I was wondering about the broadband limit if I was to stream a lot on the laptop, I shall monitor it at first and see how much I use. Keeping the TV for watching movies would be a good idea, I could just disconnect the freeview box (which is a bit on the blink now anyway and partly what prompted my rethink).

SnowLeopard, I used to treasure powercuts when my son was little so the TV was off and I could read to him by candlelight and I love your picture of sitting around the wireless, lol! TV wasn't such a big thing in my house as we grew up and we read so much. My son is dyslexic and he developed a fear of reading which thanks be to JK Rowling, he got over. I shall give the nasty TV Licence people short shrift if they try to hassle me this time. I wonder if your kids would read more with a kindle?

Pigpen, I agree with your thinking wholeheartedly and I already use a normal (analogue?) radio in my kitchen and the radio stations I can pick up on the TV and iplayer online. Hmmm, I do have some reasonably good speakers round here somewhere, too.

Judi, I haven't tried Spotify yet, I shall have to give it a go - good reminder, thanks (and LOL at your hubby - I bet he blames you to his mates!)

Babyshoes, wow DAB radios do sound great, I think I would just want something simple if I went down that route. I am glad you mentioned that about accessibility to stations, I do live a bit out in the sticks and sometimes my freeview receiver doesn't pick up BBC radio stations, so that may be something I need to look into. I shall not let any of those licensing people into my home, by any means and I shall check out the info on the internet, indeedy.

Vax2002, I shall find out how to deal with them as I can be a bit of a soft touch, but I am determined not to let them get to me this time.

Paid in Chickens, that is me, just about 3 programmes a week and quite able to pick them up online. I am delighted to read from someone who has ditched it recently with the same amount of viewing as me - I am glad your kids are fine about it, they will be having a lot of fun with you anyway, by the sounds of it.

Austin, I didn't know you could get out of copyright films on YouTube, I shall look out for those! It is a shame for those overseas not being able to access iPlayer, it really is a handy service.

Oh, Pink-winged, I am sorry not to have found that thread, I did a search and duh, should have tried the word telly, silly me. Off to read it after I finish writing this!

So, again thanks everyone for your valuable input, I now have so much to think about and have decided to trial a whole month TV free, using the internet only and see how I get on. I shall keep an eye on my dowload usage to check that I wouldn't go over every month and if the month trial works, then the TV Licence will be cancelled. Yay!

Lina x

FrugalLina

Thanks Stephen, that is a lot of very helpful information about aerials and transmission issues.

I too am wondering if eventually we will be charged for downloading TV programmes in the future somehow

Stephen_Leak wrote: »

If you do get a DAB radio (like I did, because, IMHO, TV is a load of mis-spelled ornamental fish), check the aerial. My FM/DAB radio/CD system came with just a wire aerial, which was less than useless. The transmissions were the classic "bubbling mud" noise and were actually slightly better without the aerial plugged in. Fortunately, my home is in a block of flats which has an FM/DAB radio aerial on the roof and sockets in each flat. Also, I'm more than capable of sourcing an aerial lead socket and installing it into the back of my system (although this has junked the warranty, of course). The result is infinitely better. Some stations still have a few transmission problems, but this is because the system they decided to use for DAB wasn't very good to begin with and obsolete before they finally introduced it.

The TV Licence people do seem to have finally figured out that lots of people don't want or have a television. I filled in their online declaration that I don't have any broadcast receiving equipment and got a letter back from them, saying that they won't check again for 2 years. This is fair enough: things might change.

What worries me is that, one day, the internet will be legally classified as a "broadcast medium". Then, you will need a "broadcast receiving licence" (it isn't a "TV licence") for any PC with a modem or network interface. Be afraid, be very afraid.

[Deleted User]

My eldest has DAB radio and loves it I live less than three miles from her and under 40 miles from London and we cannot get a DAB signal for love nor money.we also cannot get freeview either Apparently where I live is a 'blank spot' between three different arials and no one nearby in the surrounding mile radius can get it I would love to be able to listen to it as I am a great wireless fan(even though I also have a t.v. )but until the powers that be recognize that we can't receive it we all have to lump it unfortunately .My eldest actually won a DAB radio which she sold on E*ay as she already had one (how annoying is that it wouldn't have even cost me anything) Grrr

FrugalLina

That is really poor show JackieO - what does your local MP say/do about it?

melanzana

I don't know if this is any help, but I have a combo DAB and Digital Radio called Magicbox. It's brilliant. The Digital Radio works off the broadband through the house wi-fi, so I can use it anywhere around the house. DAB is not great here in Ireland, so the digital radio is great, and the thousands of channels from all over the world are fantastic. I know I can get them on the laptop too, but I like the radio with the alarm, sleep timer etc. etc. It's not easy trying to go to sleep with a laptop on your belly!!

I also have wireless headphones that work from the laptop. Can't remember now where I got them, maybe the Skype shop, they are a bit on the expensive side, but tell you what, you can tune in your station, u tube, music on the laptop via broadband, and walk all over the house, I use them in the garden, brilliant.

I have a tv, but it's rarely on. Only if I have something skyboxed that I really want to see but can't be bothered watching at the time. Oh when it rains or snows, my recordings and me get on the sofa for hours though, so I can't say I am tv free, but selective.

Best of luck and enjoy your radio.

feedumall

I would have to choose dab radio over tv anytime,we love radio 4 ,and four extra,plays, comedys and the beloved archers ,baking on a sunday with the archers omnibus bliss

[Deleted User]

FrugalLina wrote: »

That is really poor show JackieO - what does your local MP say/do about it?

Basically Bu$$er all They are only interested when they want your vote