Is there really anything of use inside them?

malcyb · Sun 03 Jul, 2005 16.33

I'm talking about TV detector vans. Are they the biggest hoax since sliced bread? Or is the equipment or whatever it is in them of any use?

Dr Lobster* · Sun 03 Jul, 2005 16.42

My guess would be that their use is purely psychological, as is the statistics on the BBC Licensing website.

Although I don’t doubt the technology exists, the propaganda on the website seems deeply contradictory.

Why have a feck off great big van, when all you need is a hand-held detector?

It makes no sense – why not have a fleet of under-cover cars instead of overt vans?

This is a rather unsophisticated scare tactic.

I remember Jamez had a threatening letter or something from the licensing agency – what happened there?

Aston · Sun 03 Jul, 2005 16.53

I'm certain that the vans do have detecting equiptment inside.

There was an article in Ariel a while ago about the brand new fleet of vans equipt with the most up-to-date kit. It also had a look at the previous vans of past decades.

Jamez · Sun 03 Jul, 2005 21.04

Dr Lobster* wrote:
I remember Jamez had a threatening letter or something from the licensing agency – what happened there?

I moved out 2 weeks ago, so now I'm free from prosecution!

Orry Verducci · Sun 03 Jul, 2005 22.14

Good for you Jamez (fight the system). I don't understand how the van picks out a certain TV and not other houses?

cdd · Sun 03 Jul, 2005 22.41

According to the cant on the TV Licencing page, the van is for a general area scan and the handheld can pinpoint to the house.

But isn't the game over if you have some kind of digital television provider, anyway?

Neil Jones · Mon 04 Jul, 2005 23.31

cdd wrote:According to the cant on the TV Licencing page, the van is for a general area scan and the handheld can pinpoint to the house.

But isn't the game over if you have some kind of digital television provider, anyway?

No because nothing actually changes, you still use your actual television that the detectors pick up on to view the pictures. It doesn't matter if you're on Sky, Freeview, Cable or otherwise.

Remember that you need a TV licence to be able to watch TV, regardless of what channels you actually watch on whatever medium. So in every which way, if you have a telly, you need a licence.

Jamez · Tue 05 Jul, 2005 02.36

Well I know for certain I WONT be getting a licence if I move into the apartment I went to look at today.

You need a security swipe card to get into the building, and the apartment I looked at was on the 3rd (out of 4 floors)

Not much chance of unwanted TV Licence people getting to me up there!

Lorns · Tue 05 Jul, 2005 18.06

Jamez wrote:Well I know for certain I WONT be getting a licence if I move into the apartment I went to look at today.

You need a security swipe card to get into the building, and the apartment I looked at was on the 3rd (out of 4 floors)

Not much chance of unwanted TV Licence people getting to me up there!

Oooh i wouden't be so sure Jamez. There is always at least 1 do-gooder who will let them in.
Seriously now, you are better off paying it by D.D or T.V license stamps at the post office.

Trust me Jamez, buy the license. The aggravation really isn't worth it. I'm speaking from experience here.