V-Chips Control Children's TV Programming

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Children’s TV Programming At Home (NAPSA)—While parents want eB. to protect their children from offensive or inappropriate TV pro- gramming, many don’t know that the tools they need may already be right in their living room. Every TV 18-inches and larger built since 2000 contains a V-chip, which can block individual channels or programs depending on content. This technology lets parents, not broadcasters, determine what is appropriate for their chil- dren to see and hear on TV. Most television shows now include a rating, as established by the broadcasting industry. The rating icon is displayed in the upper left hand corner at the start of the program and succeeding hours if the program is longer than one hour. This rating also is encoded into the programs, so the V-chip technology can read the encoded information and block shows according to parental presets. Using the remote control, parents can program the V-chip to block certain shows based on their ratings. Because programs are rated by episode, ratings may vary from week to week and be blocked accordingly. To use the V-chip, follow the directions using the T'V’s on-screen menu. Each brand and model may have somewhat different procedures, but noneis difficult. There also are written instructions in the owner’s manual. The V-chipis activated by using a password or code. Any change requires the user to know the code, therefore children will not be able to change the settings. Although cable and satellite set-top boxes have their own parental controls, each TV hasits own so it’s possible to block pro- grams or channels even if the TV signal is received overthe air. The V-chip also can be used to block uncut and unedited movies that run on premium channels using the MPAA rating system. A new Web site from the Con- sumer Electronics Association, www.ce.org/vchip, provides con- sumers with information about how to utilize the V-chip built into their home TV andprovides additional resources for parents. Did You Know? e All TVs 13-inches or larger built since 2000 contain a V-chip. Parents can block programs even withoutcableorsatellite. e TV ratings are displayed in the upperleft corner at the start of the program. e Passwords preventchildren trom changing V-chip settings. Uncut and unedited movies on premium channels also can be blocked.

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