What is V-Chip

[Maq.H]

One of our reader wanted to block some of TV channels on his Television so that his children won't be able to see. Someone has suggested him to go with V-Chip. Sp he posted here asking for some details about V-Chip.

Here is the answer whoever wanted to know what is V-Chip. The FCC has adopted rules requiring all television sets with picture screens 33 centimeters (13 inches) or larger to be equipped with features to block the display of television programming based upon its rating. This technology is known as the "V-Chip."The V-chip allows parents to block television programming that they don’t want their children to watch. Most television programs are now assigned a rating according to a system established by the television industry. The rating is encoded with the program so that, using the remote control, parents can program the V-chip to block from viewing shows with certain ratings. If you lose your remote or need help programming the V-chip, contact the manufacturer of your television for a replacement remote or for instructions on how to operate the V-chip.

The V-Chip works in conjunction with the television industry’s unified ratings system to block out programming parents deem inappropriate for their children to watch.

The television industry designed the ratings system to give parents more information about the content and age-appropriateness of TV programs. These ratings, called the TV Parental Guidelines, are modeled after the familiar movie ratings which parents have known and valued for nearly 30 years . They are designed to be simple to use, easy to understand. The ratings apply to all television programs, with the exception of Sports and News, and appear in the corner of the television screen at the beginning of a program, in TV programming guides, and on each network’s website in conjunction with online programming listings.

[Michael Sabin]

The V-Chip is an electronic chip which works in conjunction with your television, VCR, or cable box.You can usually tell whether your television has a V-chip by looking at the packaging. If you no longer have the packaging, V-chip equipped televisions will have the V-chip option displayed on the menu. If you want a V-chip but do not want to buy a new television, you can get a set-top box, which works the same as a built-in V-chip. Personal computers that include a television tuner and a monitor of 13 inches or more are also required to include a V-chip.

The TV Parental Guidelines Audio Books can be used in conjunction with the V-Chip – a device built into most new television sets – to allow parents to block out programs they do not want their children to see. The V-Chip electronically reads the TV programming ratings and allows parents to block programs they believe are unsuitable for their children.

[Shikhar]

V-Chips allow parents to control and block content they do not want their children watching.Almost all current television programs are given a classification which is based on a system that the broadcasting industry is created. Each classification is encrypted and V-Chip allows parents to block specific channels or with certain classifications, through the remote control of TV shows. It is merely an automated on/off switch, while TVGuardian is an automatic editing device. In order for the V-Chip to work, a ratings system must be broadcast with the television signal or video.