TV Licence article Discussion

Nodrogski

I'm not sure that you're information on watching 'catch up TV' on a TV (ie using a smart TV or via a connected computer) is correct. Unless things have changed since the availability online of live broadcast services has emerged. The rule was always if you possess equipment that is capable of receiving and playback of live TV broadcasts, then you are liable to pay for the TV licence, and unless your watching DVDs/VHS tapes on an old analogue TV set incapable of receiving digital signals without a decoding set top box, I don't see how anyone who has a computer or smartphone can avoid liability for a TV licence if the rules are strictly adhered to. Having said that, I have no problem with the licence fee as it's well worth it to be able to watch programmes and films through advert free, albeit you get there self promotional stuff in between. There's nothing worse than having adverts break up a programme every 10 or 15 mins and continuously have to turn the volume down because the commercials are blasting out at two or three times louder. I believe the BBC to be good value for money at 40p/day for TV let alone all their online and other services.

adouglasmhor

Nodrogski wrote: »

I'm not sure that you're information on watching 'catch up TV' on a TV (ie using a smart TV or via a connected computer) is correct. Unless things have changed since the availability online of live broadcast services has emerged. The rule was always if you possess equipment that is capable of receiving and playback of live TV broadcasts, then you are liable to pay for the TV licence,.

No that was the general rule until the law was changed about a decade ago and even then it had qualifications. Do keep up.

Paul_Varjak

Cornucopia wrote: »

If it helps anyone see just how daft this whole thing is, the BBC has said that it is permissible to use a Freeview TV to listen to the Radio without a TV Licence. That is, to connect it to an aerial and tune it in.

I then asked under FOI what steps a person might take to show that they were only listening to the Radio.... and they wouldn't tell me. :mad:

Some 30 years ago I know that blind people bought black and white TVs so they could get a cheaper licence. Then some company came out with a sound-only TV, meaning that the blind people needed no licence at all.

Maybe you can even listen to TV using a freeview box today and not have to pay any licence?

Cornucopia

Paul_Varjak wrote: »

Maybe you can even listen to TV using a freeview box today and not have to pay any licence?

Yes - you can certainly do that. You simply connect the Freeview box (or Satellite) using audio cables only to your hi-fi (or computer speakers etc.)

Paul_Varjak

Cornucopia wrote: »

Yes - you can certainly do that. You simply connect the Freeview box (or Satellite) using audio cables only to your hi-fi (or computer speakers etc.)

I thought that was probabloy still the case and is backed up by the RNIB website.

However, when I just called TVL they said I would still need a licence because I would be receiving a TV broadcast! They tell me that they will confirm that in writing, so I will have great fun proving them wrong!

Cornucopia

Like all call centres, the quality of the advice you get depends on who you speak to.

neil9313

Stephen61 wrote: »

This is completely wrong. You require a TV licence if you own any equipment with a built-in demodulator circuit for receiving TV channels. Regardless if you watch live TV channels. Even if you never switch the TV on, if your TV has a built-in TV turner and is capable of receiving these channel you must buy a licence. If you use a computer and monitor screen without a built-in demodulator circuit, then you can watch catch-up TV for free.

Not true, nothing to do with owning a tv.

blackfive

Flyingmag wrote: »

"We would not want to reveal information useful to potential evaders"
1.They do not have a super sensor which can check if you're watching live television on a tv, laptop or anything else.
2. If you have a smart tv and can stream direct from the catchups they cannot detect that either.
3. Private firms do not have permission from HM Gov to carry and use monitoring equipment on behalf of the BBC, the BBC coul not even authorise this invasion of privacy, nor do they have the security clearance required to carry out such work. They have a list of names and addresses - That's it.
4. They can apply for a warrant, this is usually never given as you could turn off the live broadcast before they come back.
5. It is impossible to detect anything with a "van", this company rely on peoples ignorance of the act (not a law) to pressure and bully you into paying up.
6. This company use employees, they are not officers of the law, they are not connected to the government in any way, and they have no more right to be on your property at all.
7. Even if they were officers of the law they are not allowed into your property unless they believe a crime is being committed. The Licence is not covered by law, it is an act of Parliament. You could have any TV show playing you wanted if Police were there, they cannot enter your property.
8. If you are watching a movie on SKY and get a knock at the door, you don't have to tell them anything, it could well be a DVD you are watching, and judging by the amount of times films are repeated on SKY there's a good chance it is being shown around the same time !
9. If you have a SKY dish on the side of the house it means you are capable of watching live transmissions. However, SKY gives you access to lots of catchup tv, having the dish does not mean you are watching live tv.

Excellently put.
It proved they haven't any devices when I got accused their device had detected me using a television and it was still sealed in the delivery box!
Remember the publicity given to the detector vans in the past with a big contraption on the roof and all they contained was a printout of addresses without a licence. Today all they have is a laptop with the database installed.

neil9313

Nodrogski wrote: »

I'm not sure that you're information on watching 'catch up TV' on a TV (ie using a smart TV or via a connected computer) is correct. Unless things have changed since the availability online of live broadcast services has emerged. The rule was always if you possess equipment that is capable of receiving and playback of live TV broadcasts, then you are liable to pay for the TV licence, and unless your watching DVDs/VHS tapes on an old analogue TV set incapable of receiving digital signals without a decoding set top box, I don't see how anyone who has a computer or smartphone can avoid liability for a TV licence if the rules are strictly adhered to. Having said that, I have no problem with the licence fee as it's well worth it to be able to watch programmes and films through advert free, albeit you get there self promotional stuff in between. There's nothing worse than having adverts break up a programme every 10 or 15 mins and continuously have to turn the volume down because the commercials are blasting out at two or three times louder. I believe the BBC to be good value for money at 40p/day for TV let alone all their online and other services.

First post,

A BBC pr person?

blackfive

neil9313 wrote: »

First post,

A BBC pr person?

You're not along with that thought as I thought the same.