TV Licence article Discussion

Jemma-T

I see people say you need a licence to watch BBC programmes. That's not my understanding nor is it what TVL say on their site.

If it's a 'live' programme yes but if it's streamed non-live (ie catchup) from iPlayer or anywhere else on the BBC site then you are allowed to watch it for 'free'. This is also confirmed often when you go to their news pages as the main news shows (shown live) have a warning and a link to TVL. But if you go back 30 minutes later the show is no longer 'live' and there's no warning.

Obviously, if you watch live or record live television (all TV is 'live' as it's transmitted live from a transmitter I'd say) then you need a licence. Either that or don't answer your door.

Swan_2

Jemma-T wrote: »

I see people say you need a licence to watch BBC programmes. That's not my understanding nor is it what TVL say on their site.

If it's a 'live' programme yes but if it's streamed non-live (ie catchup) from iPlayer or anywhere else on the BBC site then you are allowed to watch it for 'free'. This is also confirmed often when you go to their news pages as the main news shows (shown live) have a warning and a link to TVL. But if you go back 30 minutes later the show is no longer 'live' and there's no warning.

Obviously, if you watch live or record live television (all TV is 'live' as it's transmitted live from a transmitter I'd say) then you need a licence. Either that or don't answer your door.

yes, this issue comes up time & time again, you'll find numerous threads relating to it & people arguing about what you're allowed to legally do with your telly/pc/laptop etc without a licence, even though as you say, the information is on the TVLA site in plain English (for a change :rolleyes:) for all to see

I know it's been posted before, but I think it bears repeating for the benefit of those who might have missed it earlier in the thread

copied & pasted from the TVLA site ...

'Do I Need A TV Licence?

You must be covered by a valid TV Licence if you watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV. It makes no difference what equipment you use - whether it’s a laptop, PC, mobile phone, digital box, DVD recorder or a TV set - you still need a licence.

You do not need a TV Licence to view video clips on the internet, as long as what you are viewing is not being shown on TV at the same time as you are viewing it.

If you use a digital box with a hi-fi system, or another device that can only be used to produce sounds and can't display TV programmes, and you don't install or use any other TV receiving equipment, you don't need a TV Licence.'

chris_spackman

If i watch tv catch upon Virgin doi need to pay the fee as i do not get a chance to watvh tv what with work etc.

sarahwilliams_2

I am having to pay £27.90 monthly direct debit for my tv lisence.... i dont inderstand why......????

derrick

sarahwilliams wrote: »

I am having to pay £27.90 monthly direct debit for my tv lisence.... i dont inderstand why......????

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/waystopay/directdebitintro.jsp#link1

Stevie1

sorry! wrongly posted!

silvercar

My son is at uni watching TV through his laptop only when it is disconnected from the mains. I understand that he doesn't need his own TV licence as he is covered by my licence at his non-term time address.

He has had a letter addressed to "the occupier" to his address at uni halls.

For a non-confrontational life, is he better off binning the letter or replying? Bear in mind that the TV licence people don't even know his name at this stage and he will be moving out in June.

derrick

silvercar wrote: »

My son is at uni watching TV through his laptop only when it is disconnected from the mains. I understand that he doesn't need his own TV licence as he is covered by my licence at his non-term time address.

He has had a letter addressed to "the occupier" to his address at uni halls.

For a non-confrontational life, is he better off binning the letter or replying? Bear in mind that the TV licence people don't even know his name at this stage and he will be moving out in June.

From TV Licensing; -
"Every student using a TV receiver at university to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV (including a PC or laptop) needs to be covered by a valid TV Licence. It's the law and there's no excuse for not being licensed. "

However it also says; -
"Your parents' TV Licence won't cover your use of any TV receiver in student accommodation, except in the following rare and limited circumstances:
.....You only use TV receiving equipment that is powered by its internal batteries;"

So if it is used whilst disconnected from the mains it should be OK without a licence, I do remember that it used to be!

You could always ring them on freephone; - 0800 3282020 and ask them directly.

elliediz

i have paid my tvl for the past eleven and half years. My tv reception is so bad I have to have cable (virgin in fact). I have spoke to the tvl people who have past me on to someone else who said nothing to with them - so gave up. We have freeview box upstairs in the bedroom but everytime an motorbike goes past we end up with little boxes on the screen jumping all over the place - do you think i would qualify for an discount - haha dont think so

derrick

elliediz wrote: »

i have paid my tvl for the past eleven and half years. My tv reception is so bad I have to have cable (virgin in fact). I have spoke to the tvl people who have past me on to someone else who said nothing to with them - so gave up. We have freeview box upstairs in the bedroom but everytime an motorbike goes past we end up with little boxes on the screen jumping all over the place - do you think i would qualify for an discount - haha dont think so

From the back of the TV licence; -

"Do you have interference on your TV?
Please report the problem to the Office of Communications at https://www.ofcom.org.uk Please note, your TV Licence does not guarantee a good picture"


Discount from TV Licensing:eek: no way