Do I need a TV licence if I never watch TV but play a games console on the TV?

Tom2015

My TV is stored in my cubard collecting dust I rarely use it unless my little brother comes around and then we link up 2 TVs and two video consoles and then play video games together.

The TV/2TVS then goes back in the cupboard till the next time he comes around.

I watch all my films cartoons etc on my PC on the internet.

My question is in the UK am I legally required to have a TV licence?

Because they are threatening enforcement, via that TV licence letter that keeps coming in the post. (ive always ignored it because I think its rude that they just presume I watch a TV and make threats about it and expect me to call up to update them etc to hell with them)

FatVonD

No, you don't need one for that usage, I believe there have even been cases where people have proven that they only watch non BBC channels and not had to pay it.

System

FatVonD wrote: »

I believe there have even been cases where people have proven that they only watch non BBC channels and not had to pay it.

Don't believe everything you hear. Who actually transmits the programs is immaterial because the TV licence and the relevant legislation deals with broadcasts from anybody including Sky stellite transmissions

sheramber

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one?WT.ac=home_plt_check

MrWillyWonka

FatVonD wrote: »

No, you don't need one for that usage, I believe there have even been cases where people have proven that they only watch non BBC channels and not had to pay it.

I always thought this was the case but recently found out this is not the case. A TV license is required for watching any channel even though the fees go to the BBC. At current non-live on demand TV does not require a license but the government are looking at closing this loophole.

System

A chunk of which is passed over to Arqiva who run the majority of the transmission kit in the UK. Independent TV also contribute their share.

sourcrates

OP maybe has no electricity to watch telly by now :

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5206776

FatVonD

Okay, apologies for the misinformation!

Tom2015

sheramber wrote: »

WT.ac=home_plt_check[/url]

awesome thanks bro, thanks every1 else, basically Im not getting TV as in its broard casting via TV or PC, I do have a TV and I do watch cartoons on my pc but they are from saved videos on a server not from live television so im fine.

I will let them pay for an enforcement officer and I wont let him in etc so they spend more money on me for nothing hahaha

[Deleted User]

do you have an aerial? if so id cut the connecting wire outside the house

andyfromotley

woodbine wrote: »

do you have an aerial? if so id cut the connecting wire outside the house

Nonsense, you do not need to do this, or remove sky dishes, or cut off plugs or any other rubbish at all.

You simply need to make sure that you do not watch or record any live TV. Its that simple, you do not have to prove that you do not do this. The private enforcement company has to PROVE that you do.

If you don't, tell the BBC that you don't and that you don't require a TV licence. (you don't even have to do this) but in general if you do they won't bother you for two years if you tell em.

Google TV licence resistance, there is tons of info out there about this and the tactics used to pressure people into paying.

If you genuinely don't watch or record live tv then don't buy a licence. If however you do and just don't fancy buying one that would be pretty dubious. (oh and illegal)