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TV Detection
TV Detection
http://www.tvlicensing.biz/detection/index.htm
The frequency of the local oscillator is always 39.5Mhz above the channel received. In other
words; the leaking local oscillator signal tells not only whether a TV is switched on or not but it
also reveals what channel is being watched. The following formula gives an indication of the
channel watched:
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Detection
http://www.tvlicensing.biz/detection/index.htm
The [leaked] oscillator signal received is 793.75Mhz. According the formula the frequency of the
TV signal tuned into is as follow:
754.25Mhz = 793.75Mhz - 39.5Mhz
754.25Mhz is within the nationwide channel 56 [751.25Mhz - 757.25Mhz] which happens to be
BBC1
Example 2.
The [leaked] oscillator signal received is 841.75Mhz. According the formula the frequency of the
TV signal tuned into is as follow:
802.25Mhz = 841.75Mhz - 39.5Mhz
802.25Mhz is within the nationwide channel 62 [799.25Mhz - 805.25Mhz] which happens to be
BBC2
Noisemaker !
A TV is also pretty noisy at other frequencies; there is considerable radiation from the timebase
scanning coils. These are driven by a pulsed signal at 14.625Khz and so splatter characteristic
higher frequency harmonics into the ether. They can easily be detected with a long-wave radio
near the TV. The picture below shows three TV set-ups and their point of 'leakage'.
TV detection equipment
BBC Research & Development, Tadworth Surrey [a frequent visitor of this website] is involved
in the development of television detection equipment. The picture below shows a 1997
prototype hand-held television detector unit.
In the annual review report of March 2002 the BBC Research & Development department
claims the following on their latest technological achievements to catch TV Licence dodgers:
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Detection
http://www.tvlicensing.biz/detection/index.htm
"... The new equipment is controlled by a computer, which presents a very user-friendly
interface to the operator. The detection results and all relevant data are recorded automatically.
We have added a satellite based live map navigation system which helps minimise the time
spent travelling between sites, as well as an automated database showing receivable
transmitters at the van s location. The equipment can show which transmitter is being received,
and which channel is being viewed. The van will be in frequent contact with TV Licensing Unit s
database to check whether the viewer has a current licence. All of the equipment is contained
within the van without exterior aerials. This offers the choice of covert operation, or alternately
of high-profile operation simply by emblazoning the van with an appropriate logo. We are
working with BBC Technology to produce a fleet of vans with the new equipment; meanwhile,
the development and testing of a further detection method nears completion. Portable detection
equipment includes a handheld magnetic detector designed for use where van access is
impracticable, and a shirt-pocket equivalent for covert operation."
It is BBC Research & Development, in conjunction with Capita, to select a company to take
prototype equipment into production.
Click any of the pictures below addressing TV Detection vans.
The 50's
Modern TV
Detection van
TV Detection van
in action
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Detection
http://www.tvlicensing.biz/detection/index.htm
Then again...
The National Audit Office Report of May 2002 [PDF file, 792K] states the following on
detector vans: "the BBC is introducing new detector vans with enhanced capabilities to detect
when a television is in use. This will make it easier for enquiry officers to establish that an
offence is likely to be taking place, although they will still need to secure further evidence for
successful prosecution. Detection equipment has been used in conjunction with targeted
advertising to act as a visible deterrent."
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Detection
http://www.tvlicensing.biz/detection/index.htm
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