https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/55922/response/164153... however is a FOI response from TVL (run by Capita IIRC) that "TVL uses detection evidence when applying for
search warrants". But "detection evidence" is not defined and probably means the guy in the van seeing a CTV connection/aerial/dish or looking through the window and seeing a TV???
If you buy a TV and plug it in but do not connect it to an aerial or satellite, you do not need a licence.
You need a TV licence to install or use a television receiver per the Communications Act 2003, Part 4, Section 363[1].
The definition of a "television receiver" in the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004[2] is:
"[…] any apparatus installed or used for the purpose of receiving (whether by means of wireless telegraphy or otherwise) any television programme service, whether or not it is installed or used for any other purpose."
And "receiving a television programme service" is
"receiving by any means any programme included in that service, where that programme is received at the same time (or virtually the same time) as it is received by members of the public by virtue of its being broadcast or distributed as part of that service."
TV Licensing have it more simply[3] as:
"If you watch or record programmes as they're being shown on TV or an online TV service, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. This is the case whether you use a TV, computer, tablet, mobile phone, games console, digital box, DVD/VHS recorder or any other device."
But:
"If you don't watch TV at all, or you only ever watch on demand or catch-up TV, you can tell us you don't need a TV Licence."
Sometimes they'll do a follow up inspection to make sure. But yes, thanks for correcting this common misconception. Although I can see why people still think otherwise as the change in the law from what gress said wasn't shouted from the rooftops when it changed :)
That's a myth. The current legislation [0] says you only need a license to watch programmes when "received at the same time (or virtually the same time)" as broadcast - it doesn't say anything about requiring one to have a device which can receive live broadcasts. If that's the case you would be required to have a TV license to own a PC, as they can also receive live broadcasts.
TVL have the largest civilian database in the UK. They got into trouble for using that database to run billboard ads - "3 houses in this street do not have a TV licence".
Nice find. That site explains the situation clearly: the vans exist, but don't do any "detecting". Instead they spend their time parking them in prominent places to perpetuate this myth. http://www.bbctvlicence.com/Detector%20vans.htm
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/55922/response/164153... however is a FOI response from TVL (run by Capita IIRC) that "TVL uses detection evidence when applying for search warrants". But "detection evidence" is not defined and probably means the guy in the van seeing a CTV connection/aerial/dish or looking through the window and seeing a TV???