Computer license?

IceDragon · 10-09-2007, 09:43 AM

Just received one of the myriad threatening and insulting letters that drop though the door on a weekly basis from the TV licencing apparatchiks. Usually they end up in the bin with the rest of the rubbish but this one stood out.
Apparently if you have no television, I don't have one I prefer to read about the rubbish that's on it Rather than watch it, you need no television licence.
But among the items forbidden by the state to those who don't pay the entertainment tax are a video or DVD recorder, A set top box, which I don't have and "A computer."
Has the TV licence become a computer license? A walking past a TV shop and happening to glance at the window licence? A reading about what happened in East Enders in the newspaper licence?

Ian C · 10-09-2007, 11:35 AM

You have to have a licence for a video or receiving DVD recorder or a set top box, even if you have no telly.
As for a computer licence, this would only apply only if you have a TV receiving card fitted.

You can't expect the numpties to comprehend too much can you.

P.S. I'll rephrase that computer licence. It's a receiving licence.

Westcountryman · 10-09-2007, 12:33 PM

Hm, didn't realise about VCRs and DVD recorders, thanks for the heads up.

On another note, my TV has in-built VCR, does this mean I need a license, even if the TV isn't tuned?

John Carter · 10-09-2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernUKIP

On another note, my TV has in-built VCR, does this mean I need a license, even if the TV isn't tuned?

You need a TV licence *only* if you're using the equipment to receive/record TV shows as they air. Doesn't matter what kind of equipment you have.

Westcountryman · 10-09-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Carter

You need a TV licence *only* if you're using the equipment to receive/record TV shows as they air. Doesn't matter what kind of equipment you have.

Excellent. I only need a TV for my consoles, not interested in receiving live TV at all.

John Carter · 10-09-2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernUKIP

Excellent. I only need a TV for my consoles, not interested in receiving live TV at all.

Just make sure it looks like you can't receive on it too. Maybe solder a cap on the co-ax input or something so you physically can't plug a cable in. That'll make for a better time when the TVL fascists knock on the door.

Wait. Haven't we had this conversation before?

Westcountryman · 10-09-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Carter

Just make sure it looks like you can't receive on it too. Maybe solder a cap on the co-ax input or something so you physically can't plug a cable in. That'll make for a better time when the TVL fascists knock on the door.

Wait. Haven't we had this conversation before?

Probably. I'm not keen on soldering a cap on it, might put something less permanent like masking tape over it though. I intend to de-tune all the channels and won't have any aerials, what more do they want.

IceDragon · 10-09-2007, 02:16 PM

Thanks for the info folks, Just received the usual threatening letter. Wanted to clarify things. It's like the Nigerian scam, Capita is hoping that a certain percentage of people, usually old and easily intimidated, will just pay up after receiving the letter to make their hate mail scam profitable.

10-09-2007, 09:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
IceDragon Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,048	Computer license? Just received one of the myriad threatening and insulting letters that drop though the door on a weekly basis from the TV licencing apparatchiks. Usually they end up in the bin with the rest of the rubbish but this one stood out. Apparently if you have no television, I don't have one I prefer to read about the rubbish that's on it Rather than watch it, you need no television licence. But among the items forbidden by the state to those who don't pay the entertainment tax are a video or DVD recorder, A set top box, which I don't have and "A computer." Has the TV licence become a computer license? A walking past a TV shop and happening to glance at the window licence? A reading about what happened in East Enders in the newspaper licence?

10-09-2007, 11:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ian C Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 695	You have to have a licence for a video or receiving DVD recorder or a set top box, even if you have no telly. As for a computer licence, this would only apply only if you have a TV receiving card fitted. You can't expect the numpties to comprehend too much can you. P.S. I'll rephrase that computer licence. It's a receiving licence. Last edited by Ian C; 10-09-2007 at 11:40 AM. Reason: added PS

10-09-2007, 12:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Westcountryman Uber Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The Westcountry. Posts: 5,922 Party: None	Hm, didn't realise about VCRs and DVD recorders, thanks for the heads up. On another note, my TV has in-built VCR, does this mean I need a license, even if the TV isn't tuned? __________________ Manus haec inimica tyrannis ense petit placidam sub libertate quietam - "This hand of mine, which is hostile to tyrants, seeks by the sword quiet peace under liberty."

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10-09-2007, 02:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
IceDragon Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,048	Thanks for the info folks, Just received the usual threatening letter. Wanted to clarify things. It's like the Nigerian scam, Capita is hoping that a certain percentage of people, usually old and easily intimidated, will just pay up after receiving the letter to make their hate mail scam profitable.