TV licence query

moneysavingkitten

I have moved in to a new place, but I don't yet have a TV. Someone has offered me an old TV and I wouldn't mind having one, so that I can play PlayStation and watch my DVDs.

I don't really want to have to pay for a TV Licence because I can only afford TV or internet and I would rather have internet than TV.

I don't have the internet connected either yet though.

What happens when you declare you don't want watch TV? How can you prove you don't watch TV if your flat already has an tv aerial socket and you have a TV in there?

If I tell them I only play PlayStation with my TV, when I get the internet connected, will I need to tell them that I watch on demand TV as well? I can imagine I will watch the odd programme then, but I have no need to watch live TV.

scotsbob

Don't tell them anything, you are not obliged to answer any of their letters.

If they eventually come to your house you are under no obligation to let them in. You don't have to prove you don't watch TV, they have to prove that you do.

Mancunian

if u have 'any' receiving equipment then u legally need a licence.

Even if u had an old vcr in the house and NO tv you still need a licence.

Even if u watch tv on your computer (tvCatchup.com) or mobile phone they say u need one! hahaha but this is more of a grey area as they would have to prove u are watching tv?!

and as ScotsBob said you don't have to open the door if don't want.

Mancunian

just found this:-

http://www.radiotimes.com/blogs/509-doctor-digital-do-i-need-a-tv-licence/

Q If I only watch TV programmes via catch-up services such as the BBC iPlayer, can I stop paying for my TV licence?
Alan Gray, London SW19

A In theory, yes! You need a licence to watch programmes as they are being broadcast, so watching channels that are streamed live online requires a licence (BBC News and BBC3 are available this way, and BBC1 will be within the next 12 months). But catch-up services aren't covered by the law. What you actually watch is what's crucial: whether or not your receiving equipment could be used to watch programmes "live", if you do not in fact do so, you don't need a TV licence.

You may ask: will the licensing authorities believe me? How do I prove it? This is a slightly grey area. People who own a TV set but claim not to receive any channels (eg they only use it to watch DVDs) can detune the set and/or remove their aerial. TV Licensing recommends this, but it's not compulsory. In the case of someone who watches only online TV catch-ups, there is no equivalent to detuning anyway - so, as the law stands, you're in the clear.

cajef

Mancunian wrote: »

if u have 'any' receiving equipment then u legally need a licence.

Even if u had an old vcr in the house and NO tv you still need a licence.

Sorry but that is absolute rubbish, this comes up time and time again on these forums, if you do a search you will find that you do not need a licence simply for owning any equipment that is capable of receiving broadcasts unless it is actually used to watch or record live transmissions as they are being broadcast.

DUTR

moneysavingkitten wrote: »

I have moved in to a new place, but I don't yet have a TV. Someone has offered me an old TV and I wouldn't mind having one, so that I can play PlayStation and watch my DVDs.

I don't really want to have to pay for a TV Licence because I can only afford TV or internet and I would rather have internet than TV.

I don't have the internet connected either yet though.

What happens when you declare you don't want watch TV? How can you prove you don't watch TV if your flat already has an tv aerial socket and you have a TV in there?

If I tell them I only play PlayStation with my TV, when I get the internet connected, will I need to tell them that I watch on demand TV as well? I can imagine I will watch the odd programme then, but I have no need to watch live TV.

Can you not get them to donate you a monitor instead?
I hardly watch TV and went years without a licence, for the stress and bother , I just bought the licences in the end

Kurtis_Blue

Mancunian wrote: »

if u have 'any' receiving equipment then u legally need a licence.

Even if u had an old vcr in the house and NO tv you still need a licence.

Even if u watch tv on your computer (tvCatchup.com) or mobile phone they say u need one! hahaha but this is more of a grey area as they would have to prove u are watching tv?!

and as ScotsBob said you don't have to open the door if don't want.

Simply incorrect, in every statement.

Licence required for watching or recording live broadcast, NOT for being able to watch or record live broadcast.

OP you dont need a licence and whilst you may get lots of letters after you advise them of this fact don't worry, just come back here for more advise if required.

Dont talk to them at the door AT ALL, except to politely tell them to leave your property immediately, you can even remove their right to knock if you so wish.

pineapple

On this site it suggests that if your equipment is capable of showing live tv, you do need a licence.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_world/communications/television_licences.htm#who_needs_a_television_licence
QUOTE
'However, the television set must be incapable of receiving all live broadcast programmes'.
Whatever - my understanding is that they need a warrant to enter your house and you are not obliged to say ANYTHING should the tv gestapo turn up on your doorstep.

Impet_Limpet

pineapple wrote: »

On this site it suggests that if your equipment is capable of showing live tv, you do need a licence.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_world/communications/television_licences.htm#who_needs_a_television_licence

If you read the sentence there more carefully though it says You need a TV Licence to use any television-receiving equipment to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on TV.

Kurtis_Blue

pineapple wrote: »

On this site it suggests that if your equipment is capable of showing live tv, you do need a licence.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_world/communications/television_licences.htm#who_needs_a_television_licence
QUOTE
'However, the television set must be incapable of receiving all live broadcast programmes'.
Whatever - my understanding is that they need a warrant to enter your house and you are not obliged to say ANYTHING should the tv gestapo turn up on your doorstep.

No it doesnt:


"You need a TV Licence to use any television-receiving equipment to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on TV."

"A television licence allows the person named on it and any member of their household to use one or more television sets or video recorders."


Edit: ahh I see the part you mean, may well be true:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/21/part/4