TV detector vans fact or fiction?
Discussion
If you fail to pay your TV licence, you will get a letter.
If you still dont pay, you may get a visit by BBC enquiring whether you are recieving TV programs, you tell them lies, obviously, and then they have to prove that you are recieving TV.
Then you start twitching the curtains every time a car drives by while watching corrie, to see if there's a detector van outside.
But then again i dont know of a single person who has been caught without a TV licence by a detector van,
Does any one?
Is there such a thing or is 80110ck5 ?
If you still dont pay, you may get a visit by BBC enquiring whether you are recieving TV programs, you tell them lies, obviously, and then they have to prove that you are recieving TV.
Then you start twitching the curtains every time a car drives by while watching corrie, to see if there's a detector van outside.
But then again i dont know of a single person who has been caught without a TV licence by a detector van,
Does any one?
Is there such a thing or is 80110ck5 ?
I've heard from a guy that used to borrow a 'detector van' from time to time: Total Fiction.
But it certainly got the neighbors curtains twitching when he drove it home for lunch!
The vans did exist... but the 'detection' capabilities were just a scare-mongering tactic to make sure people paid the license fee.
But it certainly got the neighbors curtains twitching when he drove it home for lunch!
The vans did exist... but the 'detection' capabilities were just a scare-mongering tactic to make sure people paid the license fee.
Fear and cobblers.The new handheld detector is linked to a set of headphones and beeps if an operating TV is inside a radius of 29ft. It means licensing officers can now target places previously inaccessible by cumbersome vans, such as homes in very remote areas and individual flats in blocks.
They pick up the signal from the local oscillator in your TV. When radio or television signals are transmitted the audio or video signal is superimposed on a 'carrier wave' - a process known as modulation. When you tune the set it is the frequency of the carrier you tune to. To retrieve the original audio or video signal it is necessary to demodulate the composite signal. That is achieved by 'mixing' it with a locally-generated signal of the same frequency as the carrier. Hence the need for a local oscillator. As the different channels use carrier waves of different frequencies it is presumably possible to tell which you are tuned to by measuring the frequency of the radiation emitted by the oscillator.
But on the other hand, you may believe all Gatsos are dummies....
They pick up the signal from the local oscillator in your TV. When radio or television signals are transmitted the audio or video signal is superimposed on a 'carrier wave' - a process known as modulation. When you tune the set it is the frequency of the carrier you tune to. To retrieve the original audio or video signal it is necessary to demodulate the composite signal. That is achieved by 'mixing' it with a locally-generated signal of the same frequency as the carrier. Hence the need for a local oscillator. As the different channels use carrier waves of different frequencies it is presumably possible to tell which you are tuned to by measuring the frequency of the radiation emitted by the oscillator.
But on the other hand, you may believe all Gatsos are dummies....
I remember seeing one years ago. Nowadays I think they use hand held detectors so they can detect you right outside your front door.
A number of years ago we got a visit, as our DD hadn't been going out.We had did have a valid paper licence and so all that happened was that we had to send them a cheque.
So yes I guess you can say there are detectors.
A number of years ago we got a visit, as our DD hadn't been going out.We had did have a valid paper licence and so all that happened was that we had to send them a cheque.
So yes I guess you can say there are detectors.
Ozzie Osmond said:
The new handheld detector is linked to a set of headphones and beeps if an operating TV is inside a radius of 29ft. It means licensing officers can now target places previously inaccessible by cumbersome vans, such as homes in very remote areas and individual flats in blocks....
Okay - I'm not going to argue with you on the issue of whether these hand-held scanners exist (you sound like you know for certain that they do!) I just thought, alot like the vans, they were just an elaborate prop... ...but in the instance of where I live... its a massive old house that has been butchered into apartments, if the guy with the hand-held isn't granted access to the hall ways, how does he know which rooms have a paid license TV in and which dont?
What I'm trying to say is: the building is a complex layout... he doesnt have a plan of which apartment is where within the confines of the outside walls... also its several stories high.
How does that work then?
When I was at uni. The TV license cames around and saw we had a TV on. We had previously not asnwered the door on his other occasions at 'Detection'. This time the curtains were open so he saw us. He said pay for license in the next 24 hours and wouldn't go to court. Paid Fine and that was it.. The adverts are just for show..
Ozzie Osmond said:
The new handheld detector is linked to a set of headphones and beeps if an operating TV is inside a radius of 29ft. It means licensing officers can now target places previously inaccessible by cumbersome vans, such as homes in very remote areas and individual flats in blocks.
They pick up the signal from the local oscillator in your TV. When radio or television signals are transmitted the audio or video signal is superimposed on a 'carrier wave' - a process known as modulation. When you tune the set it is the frequency of the carrier you tune to. To retrieve the original audio or video signal it is necessary to demodulate the composite signal. That is achieved by 'mixing' it with a locally-generated signal of the same frequency as the carrier. Hence the need for a local oscillator. As the different channels use carrier waves of different frequencies it is presumably possible to tell which you are tuned to by measuring the frequency of the radiation emitted by the oscillator.
But on the other hand, you may believe all Gatsos are dummies....
Which is great unless you have Virgin digital cable, it goes via shielded cable to the cable box in the loft where it is converted into HDMI and piped around the house as a digital signal. It is displayed on a video projector at the front of the house, which is again digital and the same for the other sets. If someone walks up the drive, the PIR sensor causes the the door bell to chime, and bings up the picture on the CCTV screens dotted around the place. Rule number one is never answer the door to anyone with a clipboard or anyone who looks 'dodgy'.They pick up the signal from the local oscillator in your TV. When radio or television signals are transmitted the audio or video signal is superimposed on a 'carrier wave' - a process known as modulation. When you tune the set it is the frequency of the carrier you tune to. To retrieve the original audio or video signal it is necessary to demodulate the composite signal. That is achieved by 'mixing' it with a locally-generated signal of the same frequency as the carrier. Hence the need for a local oscillator. As the different channels use carrier waves of different frequencies it is presumably possible to tell which you are tuned to by measuring the frequency of the radiation emitted by the oscillator.
But on the other hand, you may believe all Gatsos are dummies....
What was the TV license advert a few years ago? "You won't be our system!" Hmm, think I have
Tips for Avoiding TVL/BBC harassment
There are two schools of thought.
1 - No Contact
Simply ignore TVL/BBC. Their letters are computer-generated and sent out by the hundred-thousand. The purpose of these "official warnings" and threats of "imminent legal action" is psychologial rather than actual. Once this is realised, the letters cease to have any effect or credibility.
The same applies to street visits. If someone called at your door and asked to see whether you had a washing-machine or a food-mixer, would you let them in? Of course not, so why permit TVL/BBC to look for a TV, video or DVD player? People who work for TVL/BBC have no more right to enter private residences than people selling dusters.
Without entry, TVL/BBC have no sure means of knowing whether a house has equipment set up to receive broadcasts. That is why they rely on mass mailshots, declaring messages such as, "This is your final warning". They rely on householders' own reaction to these letters, and on self-incrimination during street visits. Without YOUR co-operation, TVL/BBC is impotent.
What about search warrants? Before a search warrant can be issued, TVL/BBC must satisfy the court that they have "reasonable grounds" for believing that broadcasts are being received at the unlicenced address. The simple absence of a licence does not constitute this, nor does the householder's refusal to communicate with TVL/BBC. To obtain a search warrant, TVL/BBC must offer the court positive evidence, such as seeing or hearing a television, or the householder's own admission. Without such evidence, TVL/BBC cannot apply for a search warrant, and without a search warrant, they cannot enter. So, they are back to square one.
The "no contact" method is therefore to ignore the letters and to keep the door shut to TVL/BBC visitors. A drawback of this approach is that TVL/BBC will keep coming, but the benefit is that it wastes their time and money: every £100 spent chasing "no contact" households is £100 less spent on the BBC itself. And that can only be a good thing.
2 - Implied right of access
For some households, letters and visits are not an option. Fortunately, there is a way to stop TVL/BBC approaches. Although houses and flats are private property, there exists an "implied right of access" to enable postal deliveries, newspaper rounds, etc.
This means that the pathway, doorbell and letter box may be used by visitors without the express permission of the owner. Invitiation to use them is implied. As a result of this, TVL/BBC can come up your path and ring your door bell. To prevent TVL/BBC approaching your property, write to them, stating that you have withdrawn their implied right of access.
There is no need to indicate whether you have a television, and you do not need to give your name. You can withdraw access in the name of "legal occupier". That will (should) keep their employees away, but it will not stop the delivery of TVL/BBC letters, since it is the postman who uses your letter box. So, inform TVL/BBC that you consider their written contact as harassment.
This combined approach - withdrawing the right of implied access and informing them that their actions are harassment - should prevent further contact. At least for a while.
Other information
The less TVL/BBC know about you the better, so here are some more ideas to keep them off your back:
i) Be mindful of what information you give retailers. Retailers are required to pass names and addresses to TVL/BBC of all customers who buy a television, DVD or video player. TVL/BBC then use this information to update their mailing database.
ii) If you move house, do not inform TVL/BBC. There is no legal obligation to do so.
iii) Important: make sure your TV is not visible through the window, or audible from the letterbox. While there is nothing unlawful about having a television without a licence, TVL/BBC will automatically assume that it is receiving broadcasts.
iv) TVL/BBC sometimes send letters by recorded delivery, requiring your signature. This enables them to confirm your identity and update their database. They also hope that signing for an "official warning" will give you a fright. So, ask to see where a recorded delivery has come from before signing. If it is from Bristol BS98 1TL, refuse it (keep a note of TVL's address by your front door for easy reference).
v) TVL/BBC sometimes phone people up. If a caller asks for you by name, ask who is phoning before confirming your identity. If the reply is "TV Licensing" or similar, replace the handset. Do not engage in conversation. If you give your identity, it enables TVL/BBC to update their database.
vi) Beware dirty tricks. For instance, a caller pretending to do a survey; "Have you got a music centre?", followed by, "Have you got a TV?", or "What's your favourite TV programme?" Always confirm the identity of the caller.
source
There are two schools of thought.
1 - No Contact
Simply ignore TVL/BBC. Their letters are computer-generated and sent out by the hundred-thousand. The purpose of these "official warnings" and threats of "imminent legal action" is psychologial rather than actual. Once this is realised, the letters cease to have any effect or credibility.
The same applies to street visits. If someone called at your door and asked to see whether you had a washing-machine or a food-mixer, would you let them in? Of course not, so why permit TVL/BBC to look for a TV, video or DVD player? People who work for TVL/BBC have no more right to enter private residences than people selling dusters.
Without entry, TVL/BBC have no sure means of knowing whether a house has equipment set up to receive broadcasts. That is why they rely on mass mailshots, declaring messages such as, "This is your final warning". They rely on householders' own reaction to these letters, and on self-incrimination during street visits. Without YOUR co-operation, TVL/BBC is impotent.
What about search warrants? Before a search warrant can be issued, TVL/BBC must satisfy the court that they have "reasonable grounds" for believing that broadcasts are being received at the unlicenced address. The simple absence of a licence does not constitute this, nor does the householder's refusal to communicate with TVL/BBC. To obtain a search warrant, TVL/BBC must offer the court positive evidence, such as seeing or hearing a television, or the householder's own admission. Without such evidence, TVL/BBC cannot apply for a search warrant, and without a search warrant, they cannot enter. So, they are back to square one.
The "no contact" method is therefore to ignore the letters and to keep the door shut to TVL/BBC visitors. A drawback of this approach is that TVL/BBC will keep coming, but the benefit is that it wastes their time and money: every £100 spent chasing "no contact" households is £100 less spent on the BBC itself. And that can only be a good thing.
2 - Implied right of access
For some households, letters and visits are not an option. Fortunately, there is a way to stop TVL/BBC approaches. Although houses and flats are private property, there exists an "implied right of access" to enable postal deliveries, newspaper rounds, etc.
This means that the pathway, doorbell and letter box may be used by visitors without the express permission of the owner. Invitiation to use them is implied. As a result of this, TVL/BBC can come up your path and ring your door bell. To prevent TVL/BBC approaching your property, write to them, stating that you have withdrawn their implied right of access.
There is no need to indicate whether you have a television, and you do not need to give your name. You can withdraw access in the name of "legal occupier". That will (should) keep their employees away, but it will not stop the delivery of TVL/BBC letters, since it is the postman who uses your letter box. So, inform TVL/BBC that you consider their written contact as harassment.
This combined approach - withdrawing the right of implied access and informing them that their actions are harassment - should prevent further contact. At least for a while.
Other information
The less TVL/BBC know about you the better, so here are some more ideas to keep them off your back:
i) Be mindful of what information you give retailers. Retailers are required to pass names and addresses to TVL/BBC of all customers who buy a television, DVD or video player. TVL/BBC then use this information to update their mailing database.
ii) If you move house, do not inform TVL/BBC. There is no legal obligation to do so.
iii) Important: make sure your TV is not visible through the window, or audible from the letterbox. While there is nothing unlawful about having a television without a licence, TVL/BBC will automatically assume that it is receiving broadcasts.
iv) TVL/BBC sometimes send letters by recorded delivery, requiring your signature. This enables them to confirm your identity and update their database. They also hope that signing for an "official warning" will give you a fright. So, ask to see where a recorded delivery has come from before signing. If it is from Bristol BS98 1TL, refuse it (keep a note of TVL's address by your front door for easy reference).
v) TVL/BBC sometimes phone people up. If a caller asks for you by name, ask who is phoning before confirming your identity. If the reply is "TV Licensing" or similar, replace the handset. Do not engage in conversation. If you give your identity, it enables TVL/BBC to update their database.
vi) Beware dirty tricks. For instance, a caller pretending to do a survey; "Have you got a music centre?", followed by, "Have you got a TV?", or "What's your favourite TV programme?" Always confirm the identity of the caller.
source
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