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In preparation for watching recordings without a TV licence, I detuned by unlugging the aerial lead and scanning for channels. This was so that if someone from TV Licensing were to visit, they could see that my TV, two Auras and an FVP-500T, as well as showing no signal, had no channels available.
However, when watching recordings on the Auras, the ‘no channels available’ message remains in the middle of the screen throughout. On the FVP-5000T, it disappears as soon as the recording begins playing.
The only solution I could think of was to tune the Auras only as far as the first channels were added, about 20, then stop. Then I marked the channels hidden in the channels list, unplugged the aerial lead again, and the recordings problem was solved.
Is there a way of removing all the channels without the ‘no channels available’ message remaining throughout Aura recordings? It may not be strictly required to completely detune, but ideally I’d rather have no channels on the system at all if that were possible.
I understand that many people regard the TV licence as well worth the money and are suspicious of those who do not have one, thinking they may simply be evading payment which is legally due. I’m certainly not an evader, nor do I suggest that anyone else should forego the benefits of the licence.
Slight tweak, for anyone else who may have this issue – to keep easy access to recordings via the recordings button near the top left of the remote, I had to keep one channel (I chose a radio one) unhidden.
My understanding is, the TV or set- top MUST BE INCAPABLE of receiving a signal, to do this the receivers would have to have the tuners removed, just unplugging the aerial is not good enough, the unit is still viable.
Frank Leigh – 7 hours ago » when watching recordings on the Auras
What do you mean by “recordings”? If they are recordings made from channels’ broadcasts, you will still need a licence.
Luke – 31 mins ago »
Frank Leigh – 7 hours ago » when watching recordings on the Auras
What do you mean by “recordings”? If they are recordings made from channels’ broadcasts, you will still need a licence.
I think so too. If the OP recorded it “off air” it needs a licence. If all “recordings” are from YouTube or similar then no licence, but you would probably fall foul of copyright and piracy laws.
TIM-SUE – 2 days ago »
My understanding is, the TV or set- top MUST BE INCAPABLE of receiving a signal, to do this the receivers would have to have the tuners removed, just unplugging the aerial is not good enough, the unit is still viable.
Although the 2004 Act stated otherwise, in practise the device does not need to be disabled from receiving a signal. That has been the situation since at least 2010. The TV licence website used to say that it was easier to identify if you were not using TVs, and aerial receivers, if the aerial socket was disabled. But it recognised that some would be using it for the “radio” broadcasters, and therefore even if the owner knew how to disable the signal reception that it would not always be appropriate for the owner to do so.
In 2025 there are various internet devices that could be used to view streams that need a UK TV licence.
I found by chance that after switching between the two Auras, sometimes a few times, the “no channels available” message disappeared.
The TV and three recorders are all disconnected from the aerial cable, which has been put away, and after subsequent scanning for channels, now all show “no channels available” when first turned on.
I can now watch my large collection of old recordings, made with a TV licence, without a TV licence.
I should have added that I listen to the radio on the TuneIn app on my Now stick (which I also use for catch-up TV), so I don’t need an aerial connection at all. It just makes me feel more relaxed to have everything detuned.
Just pay the license fee it’s only £14 a month.
(Admin edit: Joking or not, derogatory comment removed)
Freedom of choice. Worth respecting.
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