TV licensing threats

MataNui

It doesnt take too much research to find lots about detection methods. I did say that he detector vans were not a myth and that they did work. At the time they DID also have handheld devices that would have worked. I ALSO said these methods rely on the use of VHF/UHF signals in analogue TVs and cannot be used on digital.

Interestingly TVL have had a long running partnership with capita to develop methods of detecting if a TV is being used. There is a document somewhere online (i came across it the other day) that states the main area of detection they are working on is based on analyzing light emitted from a TV screen. The document states that by analyzing the light (direct and reflected from surfaces outside the house) they can tell if a TV is being used, what room it is in and if it is a live TV program. If you do much reading on the subject (and i have done a bit lately just to be more informed) the consensus among people who really do know what they are talking about is that IF they have anything based on that theory then its not going to stand up in court.

As i said there is plenty of info out there if you know where to look and have a moderate understanding of electrical engineering.

Cornucopia

The fact that they cite "latest GPS satellite technology" is a bit of a give away that their answer is not what it purports to be. There is no possible application of that technology in the detection of TV reception. It simply locates the user to co-ordinates or on a map.

Useful, therefore to ensure that a doorstepper is at the address given by the database, but not for anything else.

wiogs

iKennett wrote: »

if a TV detection van was used to identify someone using a TV in a way that requires a licence and said person was taken to court; would the evidence have to be disclosed in open court? Hence we would all know?

I've actually just today opted not to continue with a TV Licence having spent the last few weeks trying it out. I'm using the usual catch up applications on a Roku box but not receiving a TV programme as it is being broadcast on TV.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/about/foi-policies-AB17

No Licence Needed Policy



I have an old analogue ariel on the propoerty (unused obviously) and a satellite dish with the old STB stored away in the garage. Ultimately both will be removed once I can find someone that can do it at a reasonable price.

No such thing as an analogue aerial, same as there is no such thing as a digital aerial.

wiogs

MataNui wrote: »

It doesnt take too much research to find lots about detection methods. I did say that he detector vans were not a myth and that they did work. At the time they DID also have handheld devices that would have worked. I ALSO said these methods rely on the use of VHF/UHF signals in analogue TVs and cannot be used on digital.

Interestingly TVL have had a long running partnership with capita to develop methods of detecting if a TV is being used. There is a document somewhere online (i came across it the other day) that states the main area of detection they are working on is based on analyzing light emitted from a TV screen. The document states that by analyzing the light (direct and reflected from surfaces outside the house) they can tell if a TV is being used, what room it is in and if it is a live TV program. If you do much reading on the subject (and i have done a bit lately just to be more informed) the consensus among people who really do know what they are talking about is that IF they have anything based on that theory then its not going to stand up in court.

As i said there is plenty of info out there if you know where to look and have a moderate understanding of electrical engineering.

That nearly made me laugh out loud.

MataNui

wiogs wrote: »

That nearly made me laugh out loud.

Yep, And given the response to kayak about gps blah blah and the fact they admit that no evidence from detection equipment has been presented in a case. I think its more than safe to assume that at the moment at least they DONT have any reliable way to detect a TV in use other than the bloke standing at your window and watching it.

Cornucopia

Which is probably very effective, and needs nothing greater in the way of technology than a Radio Times.

(Other TV listings magazines are available).

The issue is not whether it might, theoretically work under lab conditions when there's a full moon and an R in the month.

The issue is whether it is routinely used, and whether it is used in Court.

The answer to both those questions is no. If there were detectors out and about, the interweb age means that there would be sightings, videos, etc. etc. And the BBC has told us that detector evidence has never been used in Court.

And that's interesting, because it means it's not used in Court NOW, and it also wasn't used in Court back in the day when it might conceivably have had a chance of detecting via the TV's RF emissions.

MUTTL

Hi All,
Sorry I don't have the time to read everything on here about my chosen subject(If I did, I wouldn't need a TV....Lol).
So, can I just ask 2 questions please?
1)If I cancel my monthly DD for £12.99 for TV licence, Can I record a terrestrial programme(such as Newsnight), and then watch it back, half an hour later?
2)If I cancel my monthly DD for £12.99 for TV licence, Can I still watch my Sky programmes as and when they are on(Live)??
Thanking you all.

Kayak10

wiogs wrote: »

No such thing as an analogue aerial, same as there is no such thing as a digital aerial.

I can only presume your are quite young unlike myself
Up to a few years ago ALL tv was received via an analogue aerial Then we all ( who watched LIVE tv ) went over to digital there was a period where unless you changed your tv or and aerial u needed a converter box.

Kayak10

wiogs wrote: »

No such thing as an analogue aerial, same as there is no such thing as a digital aerial.

So as NOT to be accused of " misinformation " I've just looked it up and found this being part of a report on the BBC news site

UK analogue TV signals will end on 24 October 2012, Digital UK has said.

The last place to enjoy the 80-year-old transmission technology will be Northern Ireland.

Afterwards, people who do not subscribe to satellite or cable services will have to buy digital televisions or set-top boxes to continue viewing.

Kayak10

MUTTL wrote: »

Hi All,
Sorry I don't have the time to read everything on here about my chosen subject(If I did, I wouldn't need a TV....Lol).
So, can I just ask 2 questions please?
1)If I cancel my monthly DD for £12.99 for TV licence, Can I record a terrestrial programme(such as Newsnight), and then watch it back, half an hour later?
2)If I cancel my monthly DD for £12.99 for TV licence, Can I still watch my Sky programmes as and when they are on(Live)??
Thanking you all.

I'm sure some on here will have fun trying to correct me yet again but the answer is NO to both The only way to avoid paying is watch non live tv ie catch up I'm sure you can find a way to record what you want but if you do it from a live broadcast you need a licence
As you " don't have time to read through this thread " I started it and it's got completely defragmented as my ORIGINAL thread was to do with the ever increasing aggressive letters TVL send out especially to those with a current licence