How do television detectors work ?

In summary: No, it's not representative of Europe in general. It's specific to the UK because they have to pay for the license for the TV.
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username
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How is it possible that TV detector's work like the ones used by the TV licensing vans, is it by measuring the TV broadcast signals power loss ?
 
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  • #2
http://www.tv-l.co.uk/tvlic/penalties/detection_tvvans.html
http://www.sciencenet.org.uk/database/Technology/Original/t00033d.html

Isn't broadcast television free to the receiver in the U.K. as it is in the U.S.A.?
I've never heard of an unlicenced broadcast reception. (Satellite or cable sure, but broadcast?)
 
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  • #3
Here in the UK you have to buy a license each year for the broadcast receiving equipment.A colour TV is more expensive than black and white TV, to top it all off we only get two advertising free channels, the other three have lots of adverts :(
 
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  • #4
Was your original question about pirating the signal directly from a news van? They use different frequencies than your tv tuner. They're microwave. Thats why they have the long supports - they're highly directional.
 
  • #5
Originally posted by russ_watters
Was your original question about pirating the signal directly from a news van? They use different frequencies than your tv tuner. They're microwave. Thats why they have the long supports - they're highly directional.

No. I thought that as the TV receives the broadcast signal and creates a picture out of it, this would result in the broadcasts signal strength being diminished (which could be detected). But I stand corrected.
 
  • #6
Originally posted by username
Here in the UK you have to buy a license each year for the broadcast receiving equipment.A colour TV is more expensive than black and white TV, to top it all off we only get two advertising free channels, the other three have lots of adverts :(

I never knew that. Live-and-learn.
Is this representative of Europe in general? (You don't learn these things staying in hotels.)
 
  • #7
i think he means

how can they tell if you're pirating programs. Well your converter or television set uses an intermediate frequency and the frequency converter circuit produces that frequency and the other difference frequency. And the van has a reciever which can detect the other difference frequency and tell what channel you are watching.


It's an old trick that was used for detecting radio recievers during WWII.
 
  • #8
Does that mean that computers with a TV card can not be detected? Or does the TV card itself have the intermediate 39MHz frequency as well? If you keep your computer's casing closed shouldn't it shield it from signals from the detector van?
 

FAQ: How do television detectors work ?

1. What is a television detector?

A television detector is a device that detects the presence of a television signal and determines if a television is being used to receive broadcast programming. It is also known as a TV detector or a television license detector.

2. How do television detectors work?

Television detectors work by detecting the presence of a specific frequency signal that is emitted by television sets when they are turned on. This signal is then transmitted to a central database, which records the information and determines whether or not a television license is required.

3. How accurate are television detectors?

Television detectors are very accurate, with a reported accuracy rate of over 95%. They are programmed to detect specific frequencies and can differentiate between a television signal and other electronic devices, such as radios or computers.

4. Can television detectors work with any type of television?

Yes, television detectors can work with any type of television, including traditional CRT sets, LCDs, and plasma screens. They can also detect televisions that are connected to cable or satellite services, as well as those that are used for streaming services.

5. How are television detectors used for enforcement?

Television detectors are used by enforcement agencies to identify households that are using a television without a valid license. The information collected by the detectors is cross-checked with the database of licensed households, and if a match is not found, the household may be subject to a fine or legal action.

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