No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Hi,
I've just got a great package upgrade with Virgin, but while checking the contract details a day after the sales call, I noticed the mention of the Virgin TV 360 box. This was never mentioned on the call, but I did say that I don't pay a TV license, nor do I want to as I only watch Netflix.

I phoned Virgin today to have the TV part removed from the package, but its actually more expensive to not have the TV package.

The question I'm asking today is,
Can I never unbox this Virgin TV 360 box, and continue to have it included in the package, and still continue to not pay the TV license?

Thanks in advance,
Ben

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Yes

If they knock just say no thank you and close the door.
No evidence means no warrant. If VM inform them and they get a warrant let them in but say nothing just show them a box. If they do persist just say you pay so you can use the on demand on your phone

You only need a TV licence if you watch live TV or use iplayer

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Thank you, that sounds good to me. I also wasn't aware of the on-demand app, I'll definitely be giving that a look

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

However, the Virgin Media Ts&Cs require you to have a TV licence if you take their TV service. You are getting the benefit in price of your contract so should abide by your contract and pay for a TV licence.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Narc hahaha

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Indeed. They've got a good deal and, for the sake of about £3 a week I'd pay it to prevent any hassle from Virgin or TV Licencing and to be able to freely obtain the benefit of what I'm paying for.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Or have any equipment capable of recording live TV, which would include the TV 360 box.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Its not capable if its unplugged, still in a box.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Although not much use for watching Netflix either in that state. ;)

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

You dont need it to watch Netflix, and the OP obviously doesnt either, since they were not expecting it.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

The OP did state that they were leaving the TV 360 in the box but Jaymoss advised that "You only need a TV licence if you watch live TV or use iplayer. The OP then suggested "Thank you, that sounds good to me". To which I commented "Or have any equipment capable of recording live TV, which would include the TV 360 box".

I think it is pretty obvious that the box would have to ba connected. I seriously doubt that Capita's enforcement teams will insist on unboxing stored equipment. I could ask them if you like. :D

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

That is totally incorrect

You have to watch or record live TV not just own property that can facilitate it or it would include a PC a Laptop and mobile a tablet ect

If they raided you and it was plugged in of course they could argue you use it

This is the OPs question
My reply was to his question
as you can see my reply to that question is 100% correct as I state show them the box referring to the unboxed equipment the OP mentioned in his question. I also mentioned On Demand on his phone at no point did I advise anything about plugging the box in did ?

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Another example of how VM's pricing structure is bonkers. No TV? That'll cost you more...

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Yeah they can't force a landline down ya throat now so they have to try something else

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

You'll only get caught if you let yourself get caught, they can not enter your property without a warrant unless you let them in and a warrant is extremly rare.
There is no such thing as a tv detector van.
They can not ask your internet provider for your details as you've not been convicted and they can't convict you unless you allow them inside your property or slip up by dropping yourself in it.
Never ever sign anything if they ask.

However if you are watching or recording live tv or watching/ downloading things on iplayer. then pay the licence fee as you should do.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Your comments referred to them not being able to watch Netflix if they did so.
I simply pointed out they were obviously not using it for Netflix, nor expecting to use it, since they were not expecting the box at all.
:sleep:

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Does the 360 continually record TV in the background for delay TV?

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Only when not in standby - like the V6/TiVo. But I think only the current channel.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

So if it's being used for anything at all, it will be recording live TV by default and require a TV licence.

Best not to use it at all, but for the sake of £3ish a week after getting a good deal from Virgin, personaly i'd avoid the visits, letters etc and buy a TVL and obtain the benefit of what i'm paying for.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

If you read the OP he clearly asks about keeping it in the box anyway

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

All current VM, Sky and BT recording kit record the currently active channel.

A lot of Smart TV's with a disc in the USB will do too.

But, as said above, the OP doesn't want to use the tv box.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Yeah, if it's never unboxed there isn't a problem. It just seems daft not to avail oneself of the facility for the sake of £3 a week though, but everyone and their needs are different.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Thanks for the thorough discussion everyone. I do think it's mad that it's cheaper for me to accept the TV Box from Virgin. I will keep it in its box, sealed if possible, and and I'll continue to not have a TV license as I never watch iPlayer or stream live TV

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

A licence is required not just to record live tv but to install equipment capable of recording it.

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/about/...framework-AB16

So there you have it. :D

---------- Post added at 20:18 ---------- Previous post was at 20:11 ----------

Absolutely not, my comment referred to them not being able to watch Netflix on the TV 360. Many other devices are available for watching Netflix which are not capable of recording live tv. As, I am sure, the OP and, pretty much, everyone else on here will be aware.

---------- Post added at 20:22 ---------- Previous post was at 20:18 ----------

Indeed but that is how product "bundles" work. It would cost me more to opt for a lower broadband speed, you are correct, it is mad.

Re: No TV license, but cheaper to include TV package
 

Which is exactly what I said, twice now. :dozey:
You seem to want to argue just for the sake of it.

Regardless, this has run its course now, Closed.