Actually its not wrong if you go and look at BBC site, if you have the ability to record live TV you also have the ability to watch it live so example a Cable Sub or Sky Sub so you need a license period (you would cancel like me if you do not watch).
The BBC could argue the fact every TV has a Freeview box and no doubt you have an old Arial on the roof but if its plugged into the TV when they come in and see it your buggered even if you have not watched it in years, some peeps used to detune and unplug in the older days before single connection to source like Scart/HDMI.
From tv licence' own site:
http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one
You need to be covered by a TV Licence to
- watch or record live TV programmes on any channel
- download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand.
This applies to any provider you use and any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.
Think you don’t need a TV Licence?
- No TV and not using a computer, laptop, phone or other device to watch live TV on any channel or any BBC programmes on iPlayer?
- Empty property or unoccupied address?
- Covered by another licence?
Nowhere here does it state that you have to have a licence for hardware that can record but is not in use. It specifically states you need one to "watch or record..."
You can also have an aerial attached to any device, as long as it's not in use.
Yes, they may try to claim that someone is using it, but that does not mean that it is & is neither proof nor evidence.
Still waiting for your reply about the whole freeman rubbish
