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Using the TV/VCR Features
Parental Controls and V-Chip
Age-Based Rating
TV-MA
TV-14
TV-PG
TV-G
TV-Y7
TV-Y
The Parental Controls menu allows you to program your TV/VCR so that
children cannot see certain programs.
The first three choices in the Parental Controls menu involve a feature inside
your TV/VCR called 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. In other words, it lets you program your TV so it will not
display certain programs. Once you block programs, you or other adults are
not limited to only parent-approved programs; you can "unblock" programs
by entering a password.
The V-Chip inside your TV/VCR comes turned "off," so if you choose not to
implement it, you can just ignore it.
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 (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 is not approved for viewing," when
you turn to that particular channel. 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 not been given a rating, and programs that are considered "unrated"
because no code has been sent by the broadcaster.
The age-based ratings and content themes you can block are listed in the table
below.
Description and Content Themes for Age-Based Ratings
Mature Audience Only. This program is 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).
Parents Strongly Cautioned. This program 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).
Parental Guidance Suggested. This program 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).
General Audience. Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. It contains
little or no violence (V), no strong language (L) and little or no sexual dialogue (D) or
situations (S).
Directed to Children 7 years and older. This program is 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.
All Children. This program is designed to be appropriate for all children. The themes and
elements in this program are designed for a young audience, including children from ages
2-6. This program is not expected to frighten younger children.
TV/VCR Features
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