Using the TV's Features
Parental Controls and V-Chip
The choices in the USA V-CHIP menu involve software inside your TV (referred to as
V-Chip) which allows you to block TV programs and movies based on violence, sex,
or other content you may believe children should not view.
Once you block programs, you can unblock programs by entering a password.
By default, the software inside your TV is turned "off." For instructions to turn on
V-Chip, go to page 24.
How V-Chip Works
V-Chip reads the program's age-based rating (TV-MA, TV-14, etc.) and content
themes [(Violence (V), Adult Language (L), etc.)]. If you have blocked the rating
and/or content themes that the program contains, you will receive the message
This channel has not been approved for viewing. Change channel or press OK to
enter password and temporarily deactivate the Parental Control.
Broadcasters are not required to provide content themes, so programs received
with no content themes will only be blocked if you block their age-based rating.
You can also block out programs that have been given a rating of Not Rated, and
programs that are considered unrated. The TV age-based ratings and content
themes you can block follow:
USA V-Chip Rating System
TV-MA (Mature Audience Only) Specifically designed to be viewed by adults and
may be unsuitable for children under 17. It contains one or more of the following
content themes: crude indecent language (L), explicit sexual activity (S), or
graphic violence (V).
TV-14 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) Contains some material that many parents
would find unsuitable for children under 14. Parents are strongly urged to exercise
greater care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children
under the age of 14 watch unattended. This program contains one or more of the
following content themes: intensely suggestive dialogue (D), strong coarse
language (L), intense sexual situations (S), or intense violence (V).
TV-PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Contains material that parents may find
unsuitable for younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with their
younger children. The program contains one or more of the following content
themes: some suggestive dialogue (D), infrequent coarse language (L), some sexual
situations (S), or moderate violence (V).
TV-G (General Audience) Most parents would find this program suitable for all
ages. It contains little or no sexual dialogue (D) or situations (S), no strong
language (L), and little or no violence (V).
TV-Y7 (Directed to Children 7 years and older) Designed for children ages 7 and
above. It may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the
developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality.
Themes and elements in this program may include mild fantasy violence (FV) or
comedic violence, or may frighten children under the age of 7.
TV-Y (All Children) Themes and elements in this program are designed for a young
audience, including children from ages 2-6. It is not expected to frighten younger
children.
18
Chapter 3
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