TV Licence article Discussion

zagfles

Deleted_User wrote: »

They would only be prosecuted if they let in and give the TVL goon their details.

Or I guess if the projector display could be seen from outside!

Cornucopia

zagfles wrote: »

So a battery powered device which receives the broadcast can then relay it to a mains powered device to display it? Find that a bit surprising? Bit of a loophole if you can have a battery powered receiving device which can relay to a mains powered display device?

I agree - I think that the Projector is probably something of a grey area.

This is all based on the content concerned being either "live" linear channel streaming, or BBC iPlayer content.

If the content is commercial catch-up/video on demand then a Licence is not required for any of the scenarios.

The main offence concerns watching/recording without a Licence. TV Licensing would generally interview the first adult that they encounter who is actually committing the offence, or who admits to it. On which basis, anyone/everyone who is watching without a Licence is committing an offence, but TVL policy is only to prosecute one of them.

If B, C, or D were relying on A's parents' Licence, and there turned out to be a problem with it, then that obviously creates a potential problem.

zagfles

Cornucopia wrote: »

If B, C, or D were relying on A's parents' Licence, and there turned out to be a problem with it, then that obviously creates a potential problem.

But in what circumstances do you think they can rely on A's parents' TV licence? When A is in the kitchen with them? When A is in the flat? When A's device is being used? Or any time even if A is out?

Cornucopia

zagfles wrote: »

But in what circumstances do you think they can rely on A's parents' TV licence? When A is in the kitchen with them? When A is in the flat? When A's device is being used? Or any time even if A is out?

AFAIK, the exemption applies to a member of the original household. Therefore, I would expect that that person ("A") needs to be present, and the battery-powered equipment needs to belong to them. I suppose another person could lend them the equipment, though. It could also require A to be actively watching, but that seems like overkill, and their presence ought to be sufficient.

I suppose we could take the narrower view that the exemption applies solely to A, and that other people are not allowed to view over A's shoulder. Again, that seems unreasonable.

JimmyTheWig

I would say that it has to be A who is watching it, with the others incidental to the situation.
A says to B "I'm going to watch EastEnders in the kitchen if you want to watch with me" is legal.
B says to A "Shall we go and watch EastEnders in the kitchen" is illegal.

Of course, A could record stuff on battery power then anyone could watch it a couple of hours later, even if plugged in.

If the battery powered laptop connected to the mains powered projector is allowed then it's a loophole. I believe the intention was to allow portable watching.

Cornucopia

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

B says to A "Shall we go and watch EastEnders in the kitchen" is illegal.

D'you really mean this? I think it takes the scenario into the question of intent which isn't an issue for minor offences.

JimmyTheWig

Cornucopia wrote: »

D'you really mean this? I think it takes the scenario into the question of intent which isn't an issue for minor offences.

I do. Or, at least, that would be my interpretation of what is allowed, bearing in mind that I don't really know how the law works. To me, that is B watching TV and B doesn't have a licence. The fact that A is also watching is incidental to the situation.

Cornucopia

The relevant text from the Licence Ts & Cs says this:-

Use of TV equipment powered by internal batteries anywhere by you and anyone who normally lives with you at the licensed place.

On which basis a strict interpretation would be that it applies to the person who lives at the Licensed premises ("A") only. It would make a fascinating test case if TVL were to try to prosecute someone watching over A's shoulder. Common sense suggests that A does not have to watch in a secure room, but also doesn't preclude that B commits an offence by watching over A's shoulder.

It makes the suggestion above quite useful (download first, under battery power and then play back with anyone/everyone watching, on mains-powered equipment if preferred).

JimmyTheWig

What if A doesn't like his housemates? Puts his laptop in the kitchen tuned to live TV and goes out of the house for the afternoon. Then no-one else can legally go into the kitchen!!

Cornucopia

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

What if A doesn't like his housemates? Puts his laptop in the kitchen tuned to live TV and goes out of the house for the afternoon. Then no-one else can legally go into the kitchen!!

The law (and one's housemates) can be a hoofed mammal of the horse family sometimes.