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Using the TV’s Features
Chapter 4 23
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Parental Controls and V-Chip
The first three choices in the Parental Controls 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.”
Note: Parental Control settings are not available for DVI, CMP1 or CMP2 inputs.
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 is not approved for viewing.
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 are listed in the following table.
V-Chip TV Rating
The V-Chip TV Rating lets you decide which TV programs can and cannot be viewed.
To set TV programming limits:
1. Choose Parental Control from the Main menu. If Parental Controls have previously been locked,
you must enter your password.
2. Press OK to continue.
3. Highlight and select V-Chip TV rating.
4. Once you get to the V-Chip TV rating limit screen, use the arrow buttons and OK on your remote
to change the status of a TV program rating or content theme from View to Block.
5. For TV rating limits to take effect, lock Parental Controls by accessing the Lock parental controls
menu.
The following sections give you more details about how to change the status of TV program limits.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
Age-Based Rating
Description and Content Themes for Age-Based Ratings
TV-MA
TV-14
TV-PG
TV-G
TV-Y7
TV-Y