[Madame Cholet]

well said Ice thats why i only watch about three programes a week.

[madcat]

I'm pretty sure this was a ruse to garner my details for the TV Licence bods as I can't believe it's a legal requirement to provide this information, or maybe I'm wrong.  It's not as if I wouldn't buy a licence I just don't like them presuming I'm a criminal.

No ruse - that is what it is for.   Call it joined up government???   

[Junie]

The TV Licence is payable if your set is capable of receiving a signal, so unplugging the aerial does not count as it is still capable. 

It may be interesting to ask the question whether you have to pay for an analogue TV if the only signal you receive is digital and have no satellite or cable, as it is not capable of receiving a signal and should not longer be subject to TV licence.

[arugula]

I'm ok as long as i don't watch live stuff. Just curious to find out if Iwill get threatening letters. I'm just going to keep my portable to watch dvds on with no arial plugged in.

So if you got rid of the portable TV for watching DVDs and played those through the computer instead....?

[Junie]

The last time I purchased a tv I was incensed that I had to provide my personal details to the shop assitant on a form that could be taken by anyone and be used for who knows what.  I told them it was a gift but was told that I would only be able to buy the TV if I provided details of my name and address.  I did give them a name and address in the end but it was fictitious.  I'm pretty sure this was a ruse to garner my details for the TV Licence bods as I can't believe it's a legal requirement to provide this information, or maybe I'm wrong.  It's not as if I wouldn't buy a licence I just don't like them presuming I'm a criminal.

It's been a requirement for years!
About  25 years ago I had a Saturday job in a TV Repair centre and part of the admin was to make sure all the "Green Forms" were completed fully including postcode before being sent off to TV licencing.  If my memory serves me correctly though I think you had to say it was a gift - but yes it is a legal requirement to give all the correct information.

[JayG]

I think it's worth the licence fee just to be able to watch programs without ads (they really get on my nerves when they keep interrupting a good program, although more often than not these days they are more entertaining than the stuff in between!) 

[Ice]

The BBC is full of ads for its own programmes etc.

[michellela]

I'm pretty sure this was a ruse to garner my details for the TV Licence bods as I can't believe it's a legal requirement to provide this information, or maybe I'm wrong.

It's been a requirement for years!

No ruse - that is what it is for.   Call it joined up government???   

Oops, I see.  The lady must have thought I was a muppet in that case.  If they track me down I'll explain and hopefully they will understand.

It's funny because I pay more for extra channels and services through Virgin but I'm not bitter about that because it's a choice I've made rather than something that's been thrust upon me.

[JayG]

The BBC is full of ads for its own programmes etc.

True! (thanks for reminding me!) 

[Junie]

The BBC is full of ads for its own programmes etc.

True! (thanks for reminding me!) 

Bur it is at least not every 15-20 mins through a programme!, they really irritate me too -
I had no qualms paying licence in UK for the bbc, We pay french licence here and that is all adverts too and REALLY bad programmes, but I persevere to improve my french!

[evie2]

I didn't know you had to have a license to watch dvd's on a tv if you weren't watching terrestrial stations

What about tv in caravans?

[mumofstig]

you can only watch in holiday caravans if you have one at your home address.
Residential caravans obviously need their own ones 

[Madame Cholet]

I finally got a definative answer from the licencing office I e-mailed them from thier website and they replied with a phone number. I had to inform them that I no longer needed the licence and they read me a statement which said that I only needed a licence to watch any live tv though any device.

So as long as you only watch i player retrospectively and watch pre-recorded stuff you are ok. They also said they may visit and inspect.

[digalotty]

only another 29 years ten

[homer]

we have not had a TV licence for years. We used to get threats etc. but refused to be brow beaten.
You only need a licence if you watch TV programmes as they are being broadcast.

Look at the Licencing Authority web page and keep or print the page that states why you need a licence and if you get a visit show them the page.

We are constantly being asked " So what do you do" our reply "everything else"

Homer.