TV License Inspectors

esuhl

patman99 wrote: »

TV detector vans cannot pick-up non-crt sets.
The way the detector works is by looking for frequency 'disturbance' caused by the circuitry inside the old crt units.
As modern Plasma/LED/LCD sets don't have this, they are invisible to the 'man in the van'. This is why whenever you buy a TV or device to attach to a TV, the seller has a legal obligation to take your details and pass them on to TVL.

In the days before LCD/plasma screens, I'm sure TV Licensing maintained that they could tell the difference between a TV and computer monitors. If that's true, it can't be the the CRT itself that's being detected - presumably it's the tuner.

I'm no electrical engineer, but I can't quite get my head round the fact that, in order for detector vans to work, TVs would have to transmit a fairly strong signal in order to be detected and pinpointed. And if TVs indiscriminately leaked a lot of EMI, then I'd expect that to affect any cordless/mobile phones, radios, wireless access points, etc. that were nearby...

Azari

esuhl wrote: »

In the days before LCD/plasma screens, I'm sure TV Licensing maintained that they could tell the difference between a TV and computer monitors. If that's true, it can't be the the CRT itself that's being detected - presumably it's the tuner.

I'm no electrical engineer, but I can't quite get my head round the fact that, in order for detector vans to work, TVs would have to transmit a fairly strong signal in order to be detected and pinpointed. And if TVs indiscriminately leaked a lot of EMI, then I'd expect that to affect any cordless/mobile phones, radios, wireless access points, etc. that were nearby...

With CRT units there is a very precise emission at around 15khz which emanates from the horizontal scanning coils. It's much too low a frequency to affect radios and mobile phones. It's also very dependant on the screen resolution which is why they could distinguish between TV operation and computer monitors. (But not between TV reception and watching a VCR).

With the advent of LED/Plasma, this signal is no longer present and the reason they will not explain the technology is because if the did it would become well known for certain that they could not detect modern TV operation. At the moment it's no more than supposition, despite the dogmatic statements made by some.

tinkle

I recently bought a tv from tesco and didnt need to fill in any forms. Like the other person, i also paid by credit card and used my club card. Surely tesco are not allowed to pass on my details they hold from my clubcard to tv licensing?

Swipe

tinkle wrote: »

I recently bought a tv from tesco and didnt need to fill in any forms. Like the other person, i also paid by credit card and used my club card. Surely tesco are not allowed to pass on my details they hold from my clubcard to tv licensing?

Not only are they allowed to, they are legally required to. If no clubcard, they have to ask you to fill in a form.

RobertoMoir

Azmataz wrote: »

I've no doubt that a lot of it is psychology. But having nothing to hide, I don't mind demonstrating that fact. If it takes them coming inside and having a poke around, they are welcome to. My personal opinion is that I'd rather have an inspector visit than put up with all those nasty letters from TV Licensing.

Obviously its your choice, but I don't see why its that hard to "put up with" junk email from these kinds of people as long as your bin is in good working order.

Azmataz

RobertoMoir wrote: »

Obviously its your choice, but I don't see why its that hard to "put up with" junk email from these kinds of people as long as your bin is in good working order.

It's not hard. But it is an annoyance. If I can remove that annoyance by offering them the evidence when they visit, then I'm not about to go all cloak and dagger and evade their questions.

[Deleted User]

Azmataz wrote: »

He courteously explained that he didn't need to investigate further, as his monitoring equipment had not picked up anything.

That doesn't make sense?

That'd be like the DVLA driving down your street, looking for untaxed cars, checking yours, finding it's taxed, then knocking on your door, to tell you they won't be bothering you.

[Deleted User]

QuackQuack wrote: »

Apparently in order to prosecute the inspector needs to see the equipment operating so he asked if he could come in. The blind man said, "Yes, as soon as I can see some identification".

He could just link his STB to an audio amplifier and listen to the sound through that.

[Deleted User]

Azmataz wrote: »

Nope. There was nothing there to sign. Here's how the conversation went:

timbstoke wrote: »

My last conversation with TVL went thusly:

My last visit went:-

THEM: "Mr Bedsit"?
ME: "Who's asking"?
THEM: "Are you Mr Bedsit"?
ME: "Who's asking"?
THEM: "TV Licensing" (flashing his ID Card)
ME: "GOODBYE" (closing the window).

Whole encounter took < 30 seconds.

anderson24

TV Licensing goons have no powers at all, I've been returning their vile letters for years. There is no legal requirement to respond to their letters nor answer any of their questions when they come knocking.

Just close the door in their face and get on with your life! :beer: