TV Licence without reception

oranabana

We have just moved into a new flat and have noticed that we have no means (other than cable) to get a tv signal. Although there is an aerial cable coming into the flat, it does not provide a signal.

Now, we are not keen on TV, so it does not bother us, but we are watching a lot of DVD's and videos in general. So, even though the equipment is capable of receiving a TV signal, it does not.

Where do we stand in terms of licencing?! We had a few reminders, but seeing as we are not watching any TV at all (its physically not possible at present - unless they come and sort out reception, which we not bothered about).

Any ideas, real life experiences much appreciated. Living in London, N4.

derrick

If your equipment is capable of receiving broadcasts,then you are required by law (criminal) to hold a T.V. Licence,however if you can demonstrate that you cannot receive these broadcasts,then you do not need a licence.
Can you receive broadcasts if you use an indoor ariel? this counts.
You could ring T.V. Licensing on 0800 551550, don`t use their 0870 number,the freephone number gets you to the same place, and ask them,you do not need to give your name and address,just tell them it is a general enquiry.

You do NOT have to let the T.V. Licence inspector into your property,unless he has a warrant.

oranabana

Thanks Derrick,

(very quick response too, I love this forum...)

We have tried to get a signal with two types of aerial. One is the cable that dangles on the inside of the wall = nothing. The other is using a indoor aerial (albeit the straight type, looks like a radio aeriel and came with a Philips TV set). Again the result is that there is no signal reception beyond a very (75 %) grainy image, where the sound comes trhough occasionally, but the image generally remains b & w.

How do we demonstrate this to whom?! Do we call them to come and see for themselves or do we wait till they call again?!

In the meantime, will call the 0800 no and see what they have to say...

Much obliged
Thanks

derrick

DON`T let them in,they have no right of entry and if they decide you can receive broadcasts,you will be liable for a CRIMINAL record and fine.
Use the 0800 number Mon- Fri office hours and get an explanation direct

jockettuk

i contacted the them on behalf of our local playgroup who wanted to play videos whilst the children were coming in to entertain them for abt half hour a day at the most .. they said if the tv was capable of receiving progarammes then we had to have a tv licence, even if the signal was bad it was still capable of receiving. the playgroup had theres disabled from receiving programmes and only able to play videos/dvds. yrs ago i had a colour tv that could only play black and white i showed the bloke this when he came to check on why i didnt have a licence and he okd that but i didnt contact them only when they came round to check on me ..

my dad sent his reminder back to them saying he didnt have a tv, after my mum died didnt stop them sending one out every yr though

Freebie_Hunter_2

Look at it the other way...

The only way they can catch you is if they can detect you recieving a TV signal.
If the aerial isn't plugged in then you're not recieving a signal.

No signal, no detection.

derrick

Look at it the other way...

The only way they can catch you is if they can detect you recieving a TV signal.
If the aerial isn't plugged in then you're not recieving a signal.

No signal, no detection.

To a point you are right,but the law is, if your equipment is CAPABLE of receiving,then you need a licence,it is up to you to sort out the ariel.

Personaly I disagree with the licence fee and am only stating the law,so be careful,and don`t forget if you get prosecuted,it gives you a CRIMINAL conviction

culpepper

if you are not receiving signals you dont need a licence.
The licence is to receive signals.
They would have to catch you receiving them to fine you and as you dont do it, they cant.
We had no tv for 6 years.We had an old surveillance monitor and watched videos from blockbusters on it using a video player but as we didnt receive a signal ,we didnt need a licence.We did have an aerial connected to our house but we didnt have any equipment connected to it,it was there from the previous owners.
You can write and tell them you have no tv connected or receiving signals.
They always sent us reminders even though I wrote each year.

dougk_2

If your TV has a built in receiver you MUST have a licence - whether or not you see a picture is neither here norr there. If you wish to watch DVD's then I suggest you use a PC or xbox/ps2 etc that is connected to a monitor that cannot receive signals.

If you have a video recorder and no TV you still need a licence as this can receive a signal (video playback only machines don't).

Better to be safe than sorry. If an inspector calls (with a warrent) and you have a TV or VCR then you risk being fined as you have the device.... you DO NOT have to be caught viewing it.

m00nie

dougk wrote:

If you have a video recorder and no TV you still need a licence as this can receive a signal (video playback only machines don't).

so if you had a video recorder and a black and white tv would you need a colour license? ?

pin

Just been on the TV Licencing website (http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/index.jsp). Under "Do I need a Licence" it says: "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".

Under the FAQ section the question is asked "What if I only use a TV to watch videos/DVDs/as a monitor for my games console? Do I still need a licence?" The answer to this is: You need to notify us in writing that this is the case and one our Enforcement Officers may need to visit you to confirm that you do not need a licence.

Please write to us including your name, address and the reason you believe that you don't need a licence at:

TV Licensing
Bristol
BS98 1TL"