There I was buying a new PC in PC World (yes I know but someone has to keep it running!) when it struck me that when I have to buy a new one in two years time (that's modern technology for you)..will I have to submit my details to the TV Licensing authority?
With the recent BBC announcement that I can watch a simulcast of BBC 1 (to supplement my diet of BBC 3 and the News channel (whatever it is called this week)) as well as the various ITV offerings and ultimately Kangaroo, I could in theory get rid of my 42in plasma and confine myself to my mac laptop. Seriously though this does begin to question where the Beeb is going with this, and the implications for the licence fee itself. With a current remit to reach as many TV licence holders as possible (as after all they have funded the material) , there is a leap of faith that the numbers of people who will watch this material without having bought a licence will not be material.
"You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, digital box, DVD or video recorder, PC, laptop or mobile phone to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV" Source TV licencing website (June 2008).
Fine as that stands, but lets say the UK broadband networks becomes large/fast enough to support HD streams...still need a TV? A large LCD without a tuner, powered by a media PC...do you need a TV licence? Even the second generation of the IPhone (over 3G) should start to provide watchable (obviously not sitting room quality) experiences..again..another call to Bristol required? Is there some complex back engine database that checks when you buy the IPhone you have a valid TV licence?
Does this begin to see a move away from a structured licence into a centrally funded PSB for news, educational and children's programmes, leaving the field open for commercial organisations to provide the remaining entertainment. This could be supplemented by "sponsorship" of certain types of programming (so the WWF sponsor the next David Attenborough nature-fest).
Just a thought
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