6
V-Chip and Parental Controls
The Parental Controls menu allows you to program your TV so that
children cannot see certain programs. When you select V-Chip Parental
Controls, you will be prompted to enter your password if controls are
locked, or to remember to lock controls if unlocked.
The first three choices in the Parental Controls menu involve a chip
inside your TV (called V-Chip) which allows you to block TV programs
and movies based on violence, sex, or other content you believe
children should not view. Once you block programs, you or other
adults can unblock programs with a password.
When turned “on,” the V-chip reads a code that most broadcasters
send with programs. That code tells the V-Chip the program’s age-
based rating and content themes. If you have blocked the rating or
content themes that the program contains, you will receive the
message, “This program is blocked. Change channel or press DISPLAY
to enter password.” when you tune to that program.
Broadcasters are not required to provide content themes or age-based
ratings. Rated programs received with no content themes will only be
blocked if you block their age-based rating. You can also block movies
with a rating of “Not Rated” and “unrated” TV programs.
The TV age-based ratings and content themes you can block are listed
in the table below.
TV Main Menu
1 Picture Quality
2 Screen
3 Channel
4 V-Chip Parental Controls
5 Time
0 Exit
The V-Chip inside your TV comes turned
“off,” so if you choose not to implement
it, you can just ignore it.
The Menu System
Selecting V-Chip Parental Controls
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:
graphic violence (V), explicit
sexual activity (S), or crude indecent language (L).
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:
intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong
coarse language (L), or intensely suggestive dialogue (D).
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:
moderate violence (V), some sexual situations (S), infrequent
coarse language (L), or some suggestive dialogue (D).
TV-G
General Audience. Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. It contains
little or no
violence (V), sexual situations (S), no strong language (L) and little or no sexual dialogue (D)
.
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.
Description and Content Themes for Age-Based Ratings
Age-Based
Rating
