PC help: Licensed to view

You'll need a licence if your computer has a TV tuner built in

Q I have no television set and so no TV licence. I am thinking of buying my first PC, which I shall use mainly for word processing, occasional web surfing and emails.

I do not want to play games or edit video. How can I avoid unwittingly buying a PC that needs a TV licence?
Kendall Nicoll

A It’s easy to get confused over what licence is needed if I want to view digital media – including television. The only PCs that require a TV licence are those that come with a TV tuner built in, so they can watch programming that’s broadcast over the air, just like a television set.

If you see ‘TV tuner’ in the list of specifications, you will need a TV licence. If you don’t want one, look for PCs that don’t include this. If you’re buying in person or over the phone, emphasise that you definitely want a PC without a TV tuner.

Even without a licence or a TV tuner, you will still legally be able to watch video and audio on the BBC’s website, as well as on any other site – you don’t need a licence for this. That includes live coverage of some events.

If you find there’s something you want to watch, you could even use a service such as Channel 4’s 4OD to pay for and download a particular programme. This would not require a licence either.