if instead of a tv, you only have a desktop computer, do youstill have to pay for a tv license?

[pukkapatch]

because you can watch tv programmes online. watch dvd's on the screen etc.
but you dont have a telly. so is that legal?

wondering as i realised teh other day that i personally never ever watch live tv anymore

If it doesn't have an ariel I think you're ok.

fine, I think

"Under the Communications Act 2003, you need a television licence to receive or record television programmes."

Yes, you need a licence.

You pay the licence fee to receive BBC channels. I don't think you can receive BBC tv on a pc can you? Or am I wrong?
If you can't then you wouldn't need a licence, imo

I think it's the having a piece of equipment that is capable of receiving a television signal that makes you liable for a licence. Watching on the internet does not count.

You def need a licemce

really, you only watch telly via those crappy little legal download thingies?

but anyway, yes you need a license I think.

martin says you still need a license

If you have an actual television set but don't watch tv on it you would still need a licence. If you only have a computer monitor that is not capable of receiving a tv signal then you are ok.

ok, so I'm wrong then - sorry

This BBC article explains it all. If you can watch TV broadcasts on your PC then you need a license.

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5081350.stm

here

Hmm, it gets complicated here

I think you are ok so long as you are not watching programmes at the same time as they are on TV iyswim.

But I'd not bother anyway myself if it really is only on the computer.

oh, that's intersting. those links suggest you don't need a license as long as you don't watch telly when it is being broadcast (i.e. you can watch the official BBC catchup download tihngies afterwards). the trouble is, they're rubbish.

no, unfortunatley we have two tv's, and sattelite package with everythign under the sun in it. (dh likes it) but we have sky plus, and i never ever watch live tv anymore. always record first and then watch so i can forward the ads.or i wasthc some programmes online. heroes. the kids wahtc simpsons. and the desktop has a dvd player.
was just wondering if i could do away with the telly completely.

recording on sky plus would definitely require a tv license (because you are recording the broadcast as it happens). it doesn't matter if you watch that live or not.

If you have the equiptment to watch or record live broadcasts you need a license.