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This thread is for the discussion of the UK's TV licencing, what the exceptions are, the loopholes, etc.
CauselessOne seems to be under the impression that if you have internet access then you subsequently must have a TV licence.
This notion is based upon
http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/index.jsp#link1
"You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, digital box, DVD or video recorder, PC, laptop or mobile phone to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV."
I stress the point that this only says that to paraphrase "a PC or laptop capable of receiving television programmes as they're being shown on TV, need have a TV licence" and as such, this means that a TV licence would only be required if a TV card was installed in the laptop/PC, because this was one of the only ways the signal could be received, via an aerial or so, and processed.
However...for example, from the BBC news site, I know how to stream BBC news from the site, live, and as such, this is all a bit of a grey area...
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Supposed exceptions:
http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/index.jsp#link1
You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, digital box, DVD or video recorder, PC, laptop or mobile phone to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV.
"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. "
http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/students.jsp
Here you'll find everything you need to know if you're watching TV at university - in halls or in a shared house.
"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.
- One of the reasons I stress the point of a TV card/aerial, a TV receiver, surely the internet does not count by that definition?
😕
...
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; and
* You have not installed it (e.g. connected it to an aerial or plugged it into the mains) to receive TV;
* Your permanent address (non term-time) is your parents' home; and
* Your parents have a valid TV Licence for their home.
...
http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/tvdealers.jsp
"TV dealers
You are required by law to notify us of all your sales and rentals
-
The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (as amended) states that you are required by law to tell us when you sell or rent any television set as well as many other items of TV receiving equipment.
This includes the sale or rental of any of the following items (whether new or second hand):
* TV set
* DVD or video recorder
* Digital box
* PC (including laptop) with TV card
* TV card
I merely put this part in, because it stressed the importance of the TV card... 😛
...
I decided to consult wikipedia and found this: http://tinyurl.com/4cr76o
Specific exclusions not requiring a TV licence are:
* digital box used with a hi-fi system or another device that can only be used to produce sounds[14]
* television set installed and used solely for some purpose other than watching or recording television programmes (e.g. closed-circuit TV monitor, DVD or video player or games console)
- How are you meant to prove that? 😕
"According to Ofcom, TV broadcasts over the internet are a grey area"
err
😕
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So, let's have a hypothetical situation, I have a laptop, it does not have a TV card, yet, some websites allow me stream live television, the BBC news site is one example, but the internet is a grey area...😕
Another situation, I have a TV, it's wired up solely for the use of a 360, supposedly I don't need a license, how can I prove it? 😕
Originally posted by duecerIt's not just the UK, it's everywhere the UK held/hold influence. In Ireland, we pay a telly license, which supposedly pays for our state television channels (RTE,RTE2) but does not pay for television worth watching.
you need a licence for TV? rediculous
RTE have not created a single programme worth watching. They replay re-runs of American and British programmes. Unlike the Beeb, they play ads. Why am I paying to watch re-runs and ads?
The tv license in Ireland is a scam.
Originally posted by st00p1dfac3I live in North Wales and can get RTE, granted, it's not great but it is free ...
It's not just the UK, it's everywhere the UK held/hold influence. In Ireland, we pay a telly license, which supposedly pays for our state television channels (RTE,RTE2) but does not pay for television worth watching.
RTE have not created a single programme worth watching. They replay re-runs of American and British programmes. Unlike the Beeb, they play ads. Why am I paying to watch re-runs and ads?
The tv license in Ireland is a scam.
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Originally posted by inthegreenroomTV broadcasted in America I should think.
It's broad generalized quotes such as this....which really exposes your
maturity level.
What exactly is American TV?
Anyway, we're going off topic, are you going to help me with my question or not?
Originally posted by Bad wolfWhat is the question exactly cos I'm sure that the tv police get involved if you don't have a tv licence. It would be a struggle to sit down and discuss with such an "official" ,as they are writing your summons, about the complexities of your situation. You haven't got a tv licence, you have to get one.
TV broadcasted in America I should think.
Anyway, we're going off topic, are you going to help me with my question or not?
A friend of mine doesn't own a television (and internet and DVD and anything else you can think of) She has a cat... She's constantly getting trouble off the licencing authority. Apparently life is impossible without the idiot box
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Originally posted by RoostyMerely, as things stand, is it true that I do not need a TV licence? Regardless of whatever stick I get from the authorities, and to be fair, the only way they check, is by checking on those who do not pay, I won't be paying for something I do not wish to use and won't be using, simple as.
What is the question exactly cos I'm sure that the tv police get involved if you don't have a tv licence. It would be a struggle to sit down and discuss with such an "official" ,as they are writing your summons, about the complexities of your situation. You haven't got a tv licence, you have to get one.
A friend of mine doesn't own a television (and int trouble off the licencing authority. Apparently life is impossible without the idiot box
I do however wish to use the internet, and use my 360, probably plugged into a TV of sorts...😕 see my problem?
Originally posted by Bad wolfBtw. If you are watching tv in your friends house or flat and they have no licence you will also be liable to prosecution. 😛
Merely, as things stand, is it true that I do not need a TV licence? Regardless of whatever stick I get from the authorities, and to be fair, the only way they check, is by checking on those who do not pay, I won't be paying for something I do not wish to use and won't be using, simple as.
I do however wish to use the internet, and use my 360, probably plugged into a TV of sorts...😕 see my problem?
My advice to you would be to tell the snoops to sling their hook when they come knocking at your door - do not let them in to see if you have a tv.
The other idea [if you stupidly intend to let them in] is to keep your tv in the box you bought it in and just take it out to watch the programs you want to see; then put it back. Hence you can claim it is not yours and is a gift for someone who's name you are not prepared to divulge.
As for tv cards, there is no way for them to know if you dont tell em.
The snooper vans have nothing inside them and so cannot detect anything, they are just part of the scare tactics. [so I'm reliably informed by bloke down the pub]
I think all the evasion will soon be more difficult when the country has fully changed over to digital broadcasts.
In other words you don't need to buy a licence. 😞
edit: Disclaimer; don't quote me on that. 🙁
Originally posted by BluevenusYou think that's bad? A bloke now has a criminal record for 5 years because his wheelie bin lid was open 4 inches. He got a fine and now when he applies for a job has a criminal record. Now the bin men are looking for any bin lid that is slightlly open and it gets reported and you get a fine and a record. The UK government will do anything for money!...... sad bastards!
It's only in UK asinine ideas like paying to watch TV are found...urgh! Even the thought makes me wanna puke.