TV License

syklops · 13-10-2008 12:56pm #1

I bought a TV license last year when I bought a funky new telly (32" LCD) and it ran out a few weeks ago. I got a letter telling me to renew it, and I couldnt afford to renew it at the time(who can afford to spend 160 quid out of the blue, the same month as the ESB and Gas Bill?).

I have just received a letter called a Statutory Declaration telling me to declare whether I have a license or not. I have to return this within 14 days or I will get a fine. If I renew my TV license now, and then wait a week or so for it to come out, and then fill out the statutory form with the details, will I be ok?

I really do think the TV license is a load of Bollix and that the administration uses up the money you pay in the first place. No wonder they have no money left to show anything decent on RTE.

javaboy · 13-10-2008 12:58pm

Yeah I've a big telly too. No need to start a thread to tell everyone.

monkeyfudge · 13-10-2008 12:59pm

syklops wrote: »

I bought a TV license last year when I bought a funky new telly (32" LCD) and it ran out a few weeks ago. I got a letter telling me to renew it, and I couldnt afford to renew it at the time(who can afford to spend 160 quid out of the blue, the same month as the ESB and Gas Bill?).

It is possible to pay it in installments, you know?

stevoman · 13-10-2008 1:02pm

Look, we are in a recession. money is hard to come by, we get it.

Just go down to your local train station and sell your arse for money. Use the proceeds for paying your tv license!

monkeyfudge · 13-10-2008 1:03pm

javaboy wrote: »

Yeah I've a big telly too. No need to start a thread to tell everyone.

I've got a 42" LCD... but I was only able to afford to license 38 inches of the screen so I have to keep a bit of cardboard over the unlicensed bits.

faceman · 13-10-2008 1:04pm

syklops wrote: »

I got a letter telling me to renew it, and I couldnt afford to renew it at the time(who can afford to spend 160 quid out of the blue, the same month as the ESB and Gas Bill?).

Hint: its up for renewal every 12 months

Vain · 13-10-2008 1:07pm

Iv a great idea just pretend you don't speak english when they call to your door. Im almost certain they dont speak english is Barbados.. So say your from Barbados:pac:

blackbox · 13-10-2008 1:07pm

Sell it.

That's what you'd do if you had a big car that you couldn't afford to keep.

RossFixxxed · 13-10-2008 1:10pm

You can pay in installments.... You can go to the post office and get it handed to you over the counter.... Where's the problem?

Yore ma could sort it out.

javaboy · 13-10-2008 1:11pm

faceman wrote: »

Hint: its up for renewal every 12 months

If they had just said that instead of using confusing legalspeak like 'annually', it would have been a lot simpler.

blackbox wrote: »

Sell it.

That's what you'd do if you had a big car that you couldn't afford to keep.

+1

Jeebus · 13-10-2008 1:12pm

blackbox wrote: »

Sell yourself.

That's what you'd do if you had a big car that you couldn't afford to keep.

Fix't.

Run_to_da_hills · 13-10-2008 1:12pm

The Government might introduce TV licenses according to your the size of your telly in the budget :eek: €50 to 14" €100 to 19" €200 to €40" and €300 for 42" and bigger

oleras · 13-10-2008 1:13pm

monkeyfudge wrote: »

I've got a 42" LCD... but I was only able to afford to license 38 inches of the screen so I have to keep a bit of cardboard over the unlicensed bits.

50".... do i win ?

Xavi6 · 13-10-2008 1:13pm

No tv licences over here

javaboy · 13-10-2008 1:15pm

oleras wrote: »

50".... do i win ?

I've a projector. I win.

Hail 2 Da Chimp · 13-10-2008 1:16pm

Just throw the letter in the bin and say you didn't get it... Hey presto!

javaboy · 13-10-2008 1:17pm

Xavi6 wrote: »

No tv licences over here

Of course not. They're hardly going to expect you to pay a TV licence to watch shite like Home and Away and Neighbours are they? .....oh wait.

andrewdeerpark · 13-10-2008 1:17pm

My advice none of which is in anyway legally binding is:

Ignore the letter do not reply in any way
They will send another this time in a red color, ignore that aswell
In fact ignore all letters you should get a month or 2 from this strategy

If in an apartment block just don't pay, no speak english etc

If in a house then get a license about 2 months after the expiry date in someone elses name but the same address remembering not to backdate the new license

Now wait for the inspector and when he arrives show him the new license, sorted 2 months free telly... plus making them work for their money.

Alanstrainor · 13-10-2008 1:22pm

Get a video camera, record your microwave making some soup. Connect said video camera up to the t.v. When the inspector comes, flick on the video. "Eh, it's not a tv, just a giant flat microwave with a humongous bowl of soup inside it..."

Roadend · 13-10-2008 1:25pm

Tell them you'll start paying for the licence when they stop showing so much 5hit

muppetkiller · 13-10-2008 1:29pm

What's a TV License ?

Wreck · 13-10-2008 1:29pm

I was wondering, if you don't own a tv but do have a pc or laptop do you have to have a tv licence?

Biggins · 13-10-2008 1:31pm

muppetkiller wrote: »

What's a TV License ?

Its a bit like a dog licence but just try taking it for a walk.
...the looks I get down walking down the street with my TV on a lead!

javaboy · 13-10-2008 1:32pm

Wreck wrote: »

I was wondering, if you don't own a tv but do have a pc or laptop do you have to have a tv licence?

Apparently not but if it is used in conjunction with some other equipment to receive a signal (whatever the hell that means) then you do:

citizens info

Does anyone have a direct link to the actual legislation around TV licensing? I find it a bit stupid that a broken TV or a TV that is never used to receive broadcasts should have to have a licence.

javaboy · 13-10-2008 1:33pm

Biggins wrote: »

Its a bit like a dog licence but just try taking it for a walk.

I think he was referring to the fact that it should be licence not license. Or else he's a smartass who doesn't pay for his licence.

...the looks I get down walking down the street with my TV on a lead!

S+S forum is over thar-->

muppetkiller · 13-10-2008 1:34pm

Wreck wrote: »

I was wondering, if you don't own a tv but do have a pc or laptop do you have to have a tv licence?

Any device that's capable of receiving a signal I believe requires a Licence.
It covers Radio too.

syklops · 13-10-2008 1:34pm

I was daft to expect a serious response on this forum.

MOD: please move this to somewhere useful, and delete all responses as while not one was useful, none were funny either.

javaboy · 13-10-2008 1:37pm

muppetkiller wrote: »

Any device that's capable of receiving a signal I believe requires a Licence.
It covers Radio too.

It depends.

http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2008/08/10/story34988.asp wrote:

Some people take umbrage at having to pay €160 for a TV licence. If you are one of them, there is mostly bad news in the latest official clarification of the kind of electronic device that requires a licence by law.

In short, TVs always require a licence, whether they can pick up a TV reception or not. But it is sometimes possible to get around the legal licensing obligation at home and on holidays, mainly using one of the large array of electronic devices meant to simulate TVs.

The legal position, according to a literal reading of a clarification requested from the Department of Communications last week, is summed up in the following six points:

1. A home computer or laptop requires a TV licence if it is connected to a TV aerial and tuner, even once.

2. A television set, without an aerial, satellite or cable connection or other means of receiving a TV signal, still requires a TV licence; it is the TV box, and not the TV connection, which invokes the licence.

3. Watching RTE live over the internet does not require a TV licence on a computer, but does need a licence if viewed on an internet-connected TV set.

4. If a laptop is connected to a working Slingbox (which relays TV and video remotely), the premises in which that laptop is used requires a TV licence.

5. Any enclosed space where a TV is used requires a TV licence including a mobile home, caravan, motorhome, van, car or even a tent.

6. WatchingTVon a mobile phone does not require a licence.

Confused? No wonder. The line between what is a television and a computer is increasingly blurred these days. If you want to watch DVDs on a nice big screen, but don’t want to pay for a licence, a large computer monitor will get you off the hook.

But if you want a new monitor for your computer and are thinking of a cheap 21-inch LCD telly - by law, you will then need an annual TV licence, regardless of the fact that the TV monitor can’t receive a signal.

You will also apparently need a licence if you use one of the high-end media centre PCs currently on the market, should the PC be connected to an aerial, cable or satellite signal. This is also the case if you do not have a television, but connect remotely to your home cable or satellite connection via a Slingbox or similar device.

The anomaly here is that you need a licence for whatever premises you view the remote transmission from. This could result in multiple licences being required.

This being Ireland, the real measure of what counts is in the enforcement. This means that even the fanciest TV-connected computer needs to attract the attention of a working TV inspector. And you’re probably safe watching TV in your car, tent or motor home.

According to the government, further changes to the devices that attract a TV licence are expected in the upcoming Broadcasting Bill 2008.TheMinister for Communications has said he will outline in detail the devices to be exempted in secondary legislation to that bill. Let’s hope it brings a little more clarity.

AnonoBoy · 13-10-2008 1:38pm

Couple of points:

syklops wrote: »

I was daft to expect a serious response on this forum.

Yes. Yes you were.

MOD: please move this to somewhere useful, and delete all responses as while not one was useful, none were funny either.

That's a lie - some were quite funny. And also the Mods probably won't delete all the responses. (will they?)

Biggins · 13-10-2008 1:45pm

LOL Meeeaaaoowww

Its a nice day. You have to smile.

(we won't be tomorrow after the budget!)

SoupyNorman · 13-10-2008 2:00pm

syklops wrote: »

I was daft to expect a serious response on this forum.

MOD: please move this to somewhere useful, and delete all responses as while not one was useful, none were funny either.

Mistake No.1:

Being the model A citizen and Getting a TV license in the first place, Its like attaching a big flashing red homing beacon to the top of your head. For as long as your at that address they'll know where you are!

Start as you intend to go on...

I dont know the answer to your predicament but covering all the windows in tinfoil will help reflect plasma rays the TV signal detection mobile uses to confirm if there is a TV on in your abode.

Drax · 13-10-2008 2:03pm

From Citizens Information

A television licence is a certificate that states that you have paid the appropriate fee to the government

Each year, the government provides a grant to RTE (the national broadcasting organisation), which is funded by your television licence fee.

Does anyone know what percentage of the fee actually goes back to RTE? I thought it all went to RTE... but of course the government has to get something out of it.

monkeyfudge · 13-10-2008 2:05pm

Drax wrote: »

Does anyone know what percentage of the fee actually goes back to RTE? I thought it all went to RTE... but of course the government has to get something out of it.

5% now goes to the Sound and Vision fund that anyone including RTÉ (and me) can apply for.

jaycen · 13-10-2008 2:07pm

Oh the shock - out of the blue you need a tv licence if you've got a tv - never :eek:
lol.

Come on folks, someone's got to pay for Pat Kenny ya know.

120_Minutes · 13-10-2008 2:08pm

with the remaining 95% split between your a star/pat kennys legal fees/gerry ryans alimony/offie bills

Vain · 13-10-2008 2:08pm

You shouldn't have to pay it if you don't watch Irish tv channels..

Biggins · 13-10-2008 2:14pm

Vain wrote: »

You shouldn't have to pay it if you don't watch Irish tv channels..

Hear, Hear.

If you go into a sweet shop and get Milk Tray, you don't pay for Roses just because they are there too!

jaycen · 13-10-2008 2:17pm

Vain wrote: »

You shouldn't have to pay it if you don't watch Irish tv channels..

No, you should be paying the UK version in that case.

Honey-ec · 13-10-2008 2:20pm

jaycen wrote: »

No, you should be paying the UK version in that case.

Only if you watch the Beeb.

jaycen · 13-10-2008 2:22pm

Honey-ec wrote: »

Only if you watch the Beeb.

Or ITV, Sky, or any of the channels on the Sky packages - all are based in the UK and would then fall under the UK licence.

Biggins · 13-10-2008 2:26pm

Its crazy when you think about it.
Supposing you have sky sports... (and never watch RTE - I don't - maybe twice at year at most - if EVER, and never longer than 10 minutes, after that I am reminded just how bad RTE is)

Fair enough you pay for that.
...thats after you pay Sky for the monthly fee.
...thats after you pay the government for... well for what! We're not exactly give a choice.
We are just told the equivelent of "here take this, you have no choice ...now pay me for it!"
I thought that used to be called extortion! The Mafia was good at that. They just changed their name - they are now called the government!

So your paying basically three times over to watch your Sports (or film, etc) channel!

javaboy · 13-10-2008 2:29pm

Biggins wrote: »

Its crazy when you think about it.
Supposing you have sky sports... (and never watch RTE - I don't - maybe twice at year at most - if EVER)

Fair enough you pay for that.
...thats after you pay Sky for the monthly fee.
...thats after you pay the government for... well for what! We're not exactly give a choice.
We are just told the equivelent of "here take this, you have no choice ...now pay me for it!
I thought that used to be called extortion! The Mafia was good at that. They just changed their name - they are now called the government!

It's not quite a case of "here take this, you have no choice ...now pay me for it!" since you don't have to get a TV. Still it is annoying having to pay for something you will never use. Especially since they make no effort to make allowances for cases where the TV is clearly not used to watch telly e.g. certain business.

Biggins · 13-10-2008 2:32pm

Fine, someone invent me a device to block RTE by signal or alternative method.
I will be quite happy to use such a device. Why is my money going to RTE service when I don't use it, don't want it, and never will do in future?

I can see the point that its the TV that is being taxed - but why the tv?
Lets all tax radios, cycles, toy dolls, walkmans (the Irish government was actually considering this at one stage I kid you not), etc!
Just because you own an item, by the same thought process according to the government lets tax the buggers for having one of those items!

I have box that has a screen. I watch Sky sports and the film channel. Tax me on those - fair enough.
..but don't tax me on a TV then give my money to RTE! Give my tax money to the channels I actually watch!

Vain · 13-10-2008 2:33pm

Biggins wrote: »

Fine, someone invent me a device to block RTE by signal or alternative method.
I will be quite happy to use such a device. Why is my money going to RTE service when I don't use it, don't want it, and never will do in future?

When you hit about 60 you will be crying out for the rte news and the late late show..

javaboy · 13-10-2008 2:34pm

Biggins wrote: »

Fine, someone invent me a device to block RTE by signal or alternative method.
I will be quite happy to use such a device. Why is my money going to RTE service when I don't use it, don't want it, and never will do?

You would still have to get a licence AFAIK even with such a blocker.

I don't know but the thing is that if they removed the TV licence altogether, you'd probably just end up paying for it through taxes anyway.

Honey-ec · 13-10-2008 2:37pm

jaycen wrote: »

Or ITV, Sky, or any of the channels on the Sky packages - all are based in the UK and would then fall under the UK licence.

Nope. The BBC are the only recipients of the UK licence fee, same as only RTE benefit from ours, TV3 don't get a penny of it.

jaycen · 13-10-2008 2:40pm

Honey-ec wrote: »

Nope. The BBC are the only recipients of the UK licence fee, same as only RTE benefit from ours, TV3 don't get a penny of it.

How the monies are divided has nothing to do with it, if you can view any UK television station you should hold a UK TV licence (in theory).

Biggins · 13-10-2008 2:41pm

Vain wrote: »

When you hit about 60 you will be crying out for the rte news and the late late show..

Thanks but no. I'd rather be put down than put through that pain. Seriously.
I'm 40+ now and I hate, can't stand, abhor RTE.

Supposing a government rep turned up at your door and told you "you have a (Daimler) bike - we are going to give you a tax on it and then give that tax money to Harley Davidson"
...you'd be incensed enough I hope to ask "why Harley Davidson?"

Now change "Daimler bike" for "Ferguson TV" and "Harley Davidson" for "RTE"!

Super Sidious · 13-10-2008 3:03pm

If you watch tv on ur pc monitor/ laptop... do you still need a licence?

javaboy · 13-10-2008 3:08pm

Biggins wrote: »

Thanks but no. I'd rather be put down than put through that pain. Seriously.
I'm 40+ now and I hate, can't stand, abhor RTE.

Supposing a government rep turned up at your door and told you "you have a (Daimler) bike - we are going to give you a tax on it and then give that tax money to Harley Davidson"
...you'd be incensed enough I hope to ask "why Harley Davidson?"

Now change "Daimler bike" for "Ferguson TV" and "Harley Davidson" for "RTE"!

But it's not the same thing because the licence laws exist before you buy a TV whereas in your example they are suddenly springing it on you.

flynner13 wrote: »

If you watch tv on ur pc monitor/ laptop... do you still need a licence?

Apparently yes if it's connected to a TV tuner or receiver or if you use it to receive slingbox style TV over the internet.

Biggins · 13-10-2008 3:10pm

But it's not the same thing because the licence laws exist before you buy a TV whereas in your example they are suddenly springing it on you.

...but the tv's were created/existed before they invented the tax for it!

Why is my tax money going to a service I don't use?
Give my tax money to an actual service I do use!

TV License

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