05/10/2009 - Licence needed to watch TV via PCs
British businesses that duck the TV licence have been warned that premises must be fully paid up, whether staff watch on a television set or via a computer.
Watchdog organisation TV Licensing has warned that if machines used to watch television are plugged in, they are considered "installed" and under the influence of the company. If a mobile or laptop is being used, it is covered by a home license. Catch-up services - like ITV player, the BBC's iPlayer and Channel 4's 4oD - can be used without paying the tax.
The licensing authority warned its detector vans contain extra-specially strong 'secret' technology. Its site claims: "Some aspects of the equipment have been developed in such secrecy that engineers working on specific detection methods work in isolation - so not even they know how the other detection methods work."
Anyone selling a TV is also required by law to inform the authority of the address of anyone buying or renting the product. A spokesman for TV Licensing said it was unable to give figures on businesses caught without licences because it does not keep separate records.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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