UK TV Licence? Loophole?

drinkcaffeine

I'm just about to renew my TV licence but I heard a rumour that if you don't watch live TV and watch it at least one hour after it's been broadcast you don't need a TV licence.

This would suite me as there isn't much I watch on TV apart from the odd program I could grab off the web ... I spend most of my time on my PC

and does this only apply for the bbc? as the others are funded using advertising?

pcombo

"Everyone in the UK who watches or records TV as it is broadcast needs to be covered by a TV licence. This includes TV on computers, mobile phones, DVD/video recorders and other devices."

Sadly its covered by the scum bags.

drinkcaffeine

so are you saying i need a tv licence to have a pc in my house?

even if i dont have a TV? lol that's crazy .... surely they cant do that?

or do you mean pc's with capture cards ?

ps.
im seriously considering giving up watching any tv ... but what about my ps3 ???
that would be seen as a capture device ???

is there any honest way i can do this without fore fitting all of my tech ?

pcombo

you need a licence to watch programs live on your computer or record.

But you dont need a tv licence for torrents.

drinkcaffeine

awesome dude i might give it a go for 6/12 months see if i can live without it

... but do i still need one if im in possession of a tv? as i need this for my ps3

moronic50

If you use your PC to watch live broadcasts (over the internet or via a built in antenna) then you have to buy a TV license. However if you only watch programs on BBC Iplayer then you do not, though this is something the BBC are reviewing. Bear in mind that in the event of the tv detection people come around you have to prove that you are not watching live television broadcasts.

Similarly for tv's the rules are if you use it to watch live broadcasts you have to pay for a license. If however you use a tv only to watch pre-recorded stuff, say DVD's or to play on a games console then you don't have to pay. Again you would have to prove this to the tv detector people if they ever came around and you have to notify the tv licensing body that you're doing this. of course they try and make it sound like you have to pay but play by their rules and you can avoid stumping up the cash.

Hope this is of help.

pcombo

you only need a licence if your using equipment such as skybox, freeview box. to view live channels, So unless you have playTV and its connected to ur PS3, You should be fine.

dogmaryxx

As long as you don't watch or record television programmes as they're being broadcast on any device no TV Licence is required.

Just let them know by completing the online declaration form.

gordon2

Just not renew your licence and when you start getting letters ignore them.

When the nice man from the TV licensing place turns up on your doorstep let him in and show him you have no TV then he will go away.

drinkcaffeine

woot well thats my tv licence sorted hehe thanks you guys you've been most helpful

wealdroam

If you want a bit of light reading, have a read of this...
http://www.bbctvlicence.com/

There's even a DVD you can buy.