This is how you avoid paying the TV licence !

[Ramius]

Yet another rip off in the UK

If you use a TV or any other device to receive or record TV programmes (for example, a VCR, set-top box, DVD recorder or PC with a broadcast card) - you need a TV Licence. You are required by law to have one.

A colour TV Licence costs £131.50 and a black and white licence costs £44.00.

You used to be able to get around getting one, by buying a TV card for your PC , but even that doesnt work anymore
As soon as you try to buy something that is capable of receiving a TV picture the dealer is required to take your name and address then pass it onto the TV License authority.

Not sure if you can still avoid it by using a TV than is powered by a battery. Caravans used to be exempt but not sure now.

It used to be used to fund the BBC, but now i believe its also used to assist Channel 4 (thats why Film 4 is now free to view).