h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Apart from the constant mis-spelling of the word "licence", I think that the information is innaccurate. As I recall, you are covered on your parents' licence if you have a portable telly and don't plug it in. Of course, this may cost a bit in batteries...

The other tip I heard about was to hide it in your wardrobe. When they come round with the detector van, you are not obliged to let them in. Think of them as daytime vampires. Can't come in unless you invite them... Not legal, but cheaper. I'm not going to be doing this...

If you don't let them in, I imagine that only makes them certain you've got a tele. And I think they can come back with a search warrant if they can be bothered.

I never said it was a *good* idea... It might save on batteries though. The only real way IO cabn think of to save money legally is to get a licence when you go there, then get the cash back for the summer months.

That or don't have a telly.

Or you could do that...

Does anybody know if there is a legal difference between a television, and a PC with a television card (analogue)? I’m going to university this year and taking my computer with me, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I *think* though I'm not sure, you need one for those too. Probably best ask the TV license people.

Ok, it's probably better to ask and possibly pay than to live in fear of them knocking on the door. Incidentally, does anybody know how the TV detectors work? How do they know you have a tv?

I know this is probably a bit late for Xaphan, but anyone else reading this might like to know. You need a TV licence for *any* TV reception equipment, which includes PCTV cards.

As for the question of their mysterious detection equipment, I actually haven't the foggiest. It's always bugged me as well. I mean, TV reception is a passive exercise; your aerial just sits there and reads the airwaves, it doesn't actually *do* anything active, or send any signals *out*. Anyone else know the answer?

I don't know, but from somewhere I've got the idea that they detect the operation of cathode ray tubes, in which case LCD and plasma screens will pass under the radar. Mind you, if you've got the money to buy one of those, then why can't you fork out for the licence?

I looked this up, you only need a tv license if you use a tv for 'live streaming'. This basically means that watching tele on a television screen requires a license, as does using a computer to receive the television broadcast but using Iplayer normally to 'catch up' on programmes is exempt (so long as you don't use iplayer to livestream bbc 1 live etc) As to how one might prove you aren't livestreaming without a tv license, I have no idea.