Computer - Television - license

littleowl

With my television license due for renewal in the near future I am wondering whether I can do without it.

It has become increasingly obvious over the last year that I rarely watch more than one programme a night - plus the news. This does not seem to me to be a good return for the cost of television license fee (and I can listen to the news on the radio - much nicer!) Without getting into a debate regarding the paucity of programme offerings by all the channels, and with the advent of BBC iplayer et al, perhaps it is possible to eschew the license altogether?

I can watch iplayer, 4OD etc on the computer but can I also watch them on a television set? It really doesn't matter to me whether I watch in real time or the day after. However, I don't particularly want to sit at my desk in an evening to watch recorded programmes. I would prefer the comfort of a sofa in the living room.

So- is there a way that I can watch programmes on the television streamed from the computer the day after they are aired? If so - would that mean I would not need a television license?

carlislelass

don`t you need a license for a radio?

Domokun

To answer the second question, confirmed from the BBC in Jan:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2008/01/iplayer_does_not_require_a_tv_1.html

As for wireless streaming from your computer to TV, it's possible I believe, but probably more expensive than a years' TV license.

littleowl

Domokun wrote: »

To answer the second question, confirmed from the BBC in Jan:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2008/01/iplayer_does_not_require_a_tv_1.html

As for wireless streaming from your computer to TV, it's possible I believe, but probably more expensive than a years' TV license.

So no license is needed for streaming after the programme is broadcast, yes, I know that

Is there a way to watch on a television set?

littleowl

Domukon
Can you explain the costs involved?

vyseyboy

carlislelass wrote: »

don`t you need a license for a radio?

I don't think there has been a radio license since way before I was born. It was done away with, since it would be so hard to enforce.

Domokun

Sure. There may be other ways, but this is the best I can think of. This really is a big game of "which connection do you have?"

Your video card for your computer might have a suitable output already, if not then you will need another (100 quid maybe?) with a component (3 coloured cables, can't say I've seen these) output, an s-video output (Far more likely). You're then going to need an audio and video sender device, I know that TESCO do one for about 30 quid, though it is unlikely to be of any quality. This device can send the video and audio wirelessly, though again I am unsure of the quality, especially between floors. This will then need hooking up the reciever device to your television. note that this will give you no controll over the computer from downstairs, assuming you're in two different rooms with the PC and TV.

If you're in the same room, or can move a laptop next to the telly, you're in luck if your laptop and TV have an Svideo port each (modern TVs should, my sony does), or a DSUB (laptop definately will, TV might). You can then connect them directly with an inexpensive cable.

BBC iPlayer is available for the Wii also, if you have one

There are almost certainly other options here, there generally is with audio/video because of the number of brands, and customers' demand for choice.

littleowl

Domokun wrote: »

Sure. There may be other ways, but this is the best I can think of. This really is a big game of "which connection do you have?"

Your video card for your computer might have a suitable output already, if not then you will need another (100 quid maybe?) with a component (3 coloured cables, can't say I've seen these) output, an s-video output (Far more likely). You're then going to need an audio and video sender device, I know that TESCO do one for about 30 quid, though it is unlikely to be of any quality. This device can send the video and audio wirelessly, though again I am unsure of the quality, especially between floors. This will then need hooking up the reciever device to your television. note that this will give you no controll over the computer from downstairs, assuming you're in two different rooms with the PC and TV.

If you're in the same room, or can move a laptop next to the telly, you're in luck if your laptop and TV have an Svideo port each (modern TVs should, my sony does), or a DSUB (laptop definately will, TV might). You can then connect them directly with an inexpensive cable.

BBC iPlayer is available for the Wii also, if you have one

There are almost certainly other options here, there generally is with audio/video because of the number of brands, and customers' demand for choice.

Hmm - a lot there to think about - thank you. I am talking about the same room although the computer (Mac) is distant from the television set. However, I hope to get a Macbook Pro soon so that may make it possible.

Domokun

Which connectors do you have on the back of the TV, please? Please name (or describe in detail) everything on the back there. Alternatively give a model number and I'll look it up.

littleowl

It is not 'state of the art' I'm afraid. It is a Sharp LC-20SHIE connected to a Sky dish - no contract - just because the signal here is terrible and won't work with an arial.
There are five round connectors - audio out, video etc etc. I feel that this is probably way too low-tech?

Domokun

Good news. According to this you have a dsub input on the back, should look like this:
.

That means direct and good quality connection to your mac.Cheesy video tutorial here.