Freeview radio and tv license - offical view

chrissochris

well I have built a pc radio using Windows Media Center and a (tv) tuner and not only deselected the tv channels in media center but also deleted them from Media Centers database using a utility called Guidetool so the only way to get them back would be a recan. This must be the best way to listen to radio as you have the tv like epg.


I think part of the problem is that they people we deal with are not technical people? just grunts as some may say? Even so since its a criminal act to offend I think their service is pathetic?


I am tempted to complain to the BBC themselves for such an obtuse answer.Its their agents when all said and done

Cornucopia

A complaint might be useful in that the BBC may provide useful info and/or official confirmation of what you were told by the BBC/TVL call centre.

There is a long list of issues with BBC/TVL and Licence enforcement, and this is another to add to the list.

BTW, your setup sounds fine. BBC/TVL are never authorised to examine computing equipment, anyway (although if your card is visible externally, that could be an issue).

chrissochris

the tv card is an internal one use pci-express slot


what puzzles me is why the BBC who presumably control what Capita does in investigating dodgers don't give the culprit on the door step as it were the chance to buy a license there and then, rather than prosecute? All they want is for people to pay the license right? That's what they say on their friendly blog ( I am not allowed to post the url as a newbie here )
"Enforcing the TV Licence – busting some of the myths" by Pipa Doubtfire,
Head of Revenue Management.
"It is only fair there are consequences for people who deliberately evade but we’d always prefer people pay for a licence, and only prosecute as a last resort"


It seems the BBC proper don't want to get their hands dirty and want to keep the moral high ground and let some one else do what ever it takes, even if it belongs in the gutter?


this is what that blog says about visits -
"
Who is taken to court?

When a TV Licensing enquiry officer visits a property, and finds TV equipment being used without a valid licence, they will take a statement from any responsible adult living at the address. It’s that person who may then be prosecuted"


so what should do you do? don't make a statement of any kind ?!?

VisionMan

Cornucopia wrote: »

I asked TV Licensing a while back what the distinction was between a TV and a TV solely playing radio over Freeview, and they would not tell me. They have a tendency towards unhelpfulness.

Indeed they do. One goes to them looking for help and they then don't provide any. Its poor.

chrissochris

well I have contacted the BBC direct thru their complaints page - see what they have to say, basically pointed out they are ultimately responsible for the terse reply over explaining the license rules breaking which is a criminal offence.

esuhl

Cornucopia wrote: »

3. Use a set-top box, so that it can be connected to an audio-only playout device (computer speakers, bluetooth player, hi-fi etc.) using audio-only leads. Once in use, there is no display device attached. You can also use this solution to listen to TV audio, if you wish.

I think, legally, the reference is to devices receiving a TV signal -- so, in other words, you could still be fined for using a video recorder or set-top box, even if there was no TV/monitor connected.

I don't know, but I thought that listening to radio over Freeview would require a TV licence because... essentially you're tuning in to a TV station to listen to a radio broadcast. Technically, a picture is being transmitted, even if it is just the station name on a black background, and even if you don't have a TV/monitor connected.

Cornucopia

esuhl wrote: »

I think, legally, the reference is to devices receiving a TV signal -- so, in other words, you could still be fined for using a video recorder or set-top box, even if there was no TV/monitor connected.

This setup (of a receiving box linked using audio leads only) is recognised as valid without a Licence, and it has been since such boxes started to become available. If you are looking for a legal "hook" to hang it on, check for the Rudd defence, which essentially says that ambiguous installations can be rendered lawful if there is an obvious lawful purpose for them.

I don't know, but I thought that listening to radio over Freeview would require a TV licence because... essentially you're tuning in to a TV station to listen to a radio broadcast. Technically, a picture is being transmitted, even if it is just the station name on a black background, and even if you don't have a TV/monitor connected.

No. And we now have that confirmed by TV Licensing.

The picture that appears behind a Radio station is not transmitted as TV, anyway.

People are right to be cautious, as BBC-TVL field staff often give little ground in their endless search for commission payments (and that's putting it politely).

silverwhistle

chrissochris wrote: »

this is what that blog says about visits -
"
Who is taken to court?

When a TV Licensing enquiry officer visits a property, and finds TV equipment being used without a valid licence, they will take a statement from any responsible adult living at the address. It’s that person who may then be prosecuted"


so what should do you do? don't make a statement of any kind ?!?

Well, not let them in. In your case and mine if they claimed they'd seen signs of a TV in use they'd be lieing, and I wouldn't be minded to let such a person into the house. Do they have CRBs, sorry DFS clearance?

Cornucopia

Whilst that's their typical high-level message, buried a little deeper, both legally and on their website is the information that:-

- Anyone can decline to admit BBC-TVL staff on to their premises. A reason is not required.

- Anyone can decline to be interviewed by BBC-TVL staff. A reason is not required, and there are other rights including the Right to Silence and the Right to legal advice.

VisionMan

This is a very grey area. A fact which my respected friend Cornucopia often rightly points out.
If one doesn't wish to pay the TVL fine, but I don't believe the iPlayer will let one use it without typing 'yes' to having a TVL. But to listen to BBC radio, one doesn't need to. As theres a superb app out there called the Radioplayer -

http://www.radioplayer.co.uk/discover/a-z/a-c

No sign up required.