With the UK preparing to turn off the analogue TV signals between 2008 and 2012 and move over to a digital only system there is a lot of confusion. For example in this country you have to pay the BBC a TV licence fee per household per family. This is law, and really not a licence but a tax. If you don't pay then you face a fine or prison time.

Any device that is capable of receiving television signals means you need to get a licence. However, if they turn off the signal, then there is no signal to receive.  Physically impossible to watch EastEnders!  Therefore why do we still need to buy a TV licence?   If we don't purchase any digital equipment then we are incapable of receiving any television broadcast signal. The BBC has attempted to answer this on their site:

Question: As someone who is not prepared to spend money buying a set-top box (I have only just got a television, and will be perfectly happy not to use it for live programmes), would I have to pay a licence fee for my television once the switchover has happened, if I am only going to be using it for watching videos/DVDs?
Jo, Bristol, UK

Digital Doctor: You will still need a licence if you have any equipment capable of receiving television transmissions, including a TV, video recorder, set-top box, or a computer with a TV card.

But this answer doesn't cover the question. Many a scam has been tried to get out of paying their TV tax, but this one is probably the one that is going to have to take a test-case in court to see the validity of it.