What signals do TV detector vans pick up

A. TV signals are sent out between 500 and 800 MHz frequencies, depending on which channel is being transmitted. However your TV set tunes this frequency to an intermediate frequency of around 39 MHz, so that any channel can be received without having to alter any of the components each time. The receiving TV radiates some of these intermediate frequency radio signals.

TV detector vans send out signals at this same intermediate frequency which makes any tuned on TV in the area resonate, increasing the strength of the intermediate frequency that they’re sending out, making it easier for the vans to detect them.

Q. Are detector vans effective

A. Yes, they use very sensitive antennae that can pin point and pick up individual TV set’s signals, the vans can even tell which channel you’re watching. Although of course TV retailers are legally obliged to supply the licensing body with the names and address of anyone buying a TV which narrows things down significantly for TV detector vans.

Q. Is there anyway I can avoid being detected watching my TV

A. Yes, if you cover your TV in metal it will interfere with the signals being transmitted by it that the van picks up. Although such a drastic move would also interfere with your viewing pleasure too!

Q. Why do I need a license if I just own a VCR

A. Because a VCR needs the same signal receiving equipment as a TV in order to record programmes. If you removed this from your VCR and TV and just used them for watching pre-recorded videos, you wouldn’t need a TV license.

Q. What about if I use my PC, with a TV card

A. You still need a license. A TV card is a receiving device, the same as the one in you VCR and TV and it can easily be detected too.

Currently the situation regarding someone watching TV via the Internet on their PC is that they’re covered if they have a standard TV license.

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by Lisa Cardy