General Chat

Does anyone know if you have to pay to watch TV on your computer. Also what website do you use to have this service?

Betty

Well, my flatmates at uni last year didn't get TV licenses for their rooms. They said they didn't need to as they got their TV through the internet and that works as a loophole, but I'm not sure about websites to do it etc.

Hi Kate,

I have a TV licence, and sky etc but had seen in the paper that you can't view TV on your computer without a TV licence. What you were saying about Students well this was in the local paper and on the internet.

Every student using a TV receiver at university to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV (including a PC or laptop) needs to be covered by a valid TV Licence. It's the law and there's no excuse for not being licensed.

I just wondered what the website was and if you were charged to view.

Betty

In my personal opinion, I think my flatmates just didn't want to pay for the license - it was like the form you fill in round about October so you get a voting card. Such things did not interest them.

As you say, I thought any TV receiving equipment meant you had to get a license. I wonder if it would be the Sky website you get it through, or perhaps one of the internet providers.

I think you'll find that the tv licence also cover reciving Radio stations and wether you get your channels throuh sky, Virgin,or a satelite in your garden,You still have to pay.

Any more ideas about what website you can view TV programmes on and if they charge and how much etc.

I have googled but they all look American!!

Betty

You can watch video clips of the news by Googling news.

I had to buy a thingy that you stuck into the usb slot, and then attach it to an aerial.. worked ok on a little indoor one, but can't get all channels.. good for the terrestrial, and a couple of others. I haven't plugged it back in since I moved my computer downstairs, so don't know if the little aerial works down here, yet. Some pc's and laptops are all wired up for it, but mine wasn't!!

Not a lot of help, that, Betty, was it!!

Love

Daff xxx

Hi Daff,

Thanks for the info!!!

I have heard of people who view TV on their PC but I am not sure if its UK as well as Americal television.

There is a lot of Americal channels offered on various websites but you have to pay to view them.

Don't know about UK television though. And if there are any websites.

Betty

I watch tv on my PC through a slingbox.

Am watching in Paris atm.

Cost £180 for box and is set up at home in aberdeen through wireless Internet connection. All you need then is broadband for your PC or laptop anywhere in the world.

Jen

Hi Jen,

I don't have a laptop just a PC at home but wondered how much it cost to view TV on my PC. Also wanted to know is it American television or Brittish TV.

Betty

Hi Betty
Am watching Grampian! lol
But like I said it's not straight forward. If I had the slingbox at home plugged into the sky I could watch all those channels too.

Just to summarise, You need a slingbox (£180 from Dixons) and a wireless Broadband connection at home. Then a PC or Laptop with broadband connection wherever you want to watch. don't think this is really what your wanting but it's great for me being abroad alot. Actually you could still watch tv on your PC at home with a slingbox but still need wireless connection.

Betty, I've got the five main UK channels, plus a few add ons.. some go a bit dodgy if the weather is bad, although not the 5 main ones so far. I can make them quite small in the corner of my screen, so play on the computer and watch my favourite progs at the same time.. all the bits cost about £40 all together, but I went for the cheapest, in case it didn't work, but it seems to be fine.

I'm not sure what a slingbox is, but that sounds interesting.. Jen does you pc or laptop need to have specific *extras*, or can any old pc/laptop get it?

Love

Daff xxx

Oh, thanks Jen.. our posts crossed!!

Love

Daff xxx

No extras Daff just the broadband wireless connection at home and a PC with broadband wherever you want to watch. (be that at home or abroad) Oh and the slingbox of course. I was a bit doubtful when I heard about it but works fine!

Hi Jenny,

Sounds alot of money and I don't have wireless connect to PC either so I don't think it would be any good for me anyway.

Daff,
I like the sound of yours but how did you set up TV on your computer then and whats all the bits that cost £40 then. Please don't go all technical on me with your reply as I won't understand it.

Betty

you can watch QVC -shopping channel,
Rosxx

Thank you Jen, I can feel a visit to Dixons coming on, lol.. I am a bit of a sucker for techno stuff.. got loads that I haven't worked out how to play with yet, as the destructions may as well be written in Chinese.. I haven't a clue what they are trying to say! But they give me a better buzz than buying shoes, these days!!

Love

Daff xxx

Probably not worth it Betty if you just want to watch at home, Daffs way would be better for you.

Worth it for me 'cos French TV is cr*p ;o)

lol I know what you mean Daff. Shoe shopping has lost it's appeal ever since the bungeon arrived....lol

If I can do it...anybody can. I had a problem with that my Phone point and my tv were not in the same room but managed to find wireless ethernet plug to sort. The guy in Dixons was useless!