V-Chip

Effective January 1, 2000, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) required all new TV's (13 inches+) to contain V-Chip technology. V-Chips allow parents to control and block content they do not want their children watching.

Virtually all current television programs are given a rating based on a system created by the broadcasting industry. Each rating is V-Chip encoded and allows parents to block specific shows or channels with certain ratings, via TV remote control.

If you need assistance in setting up the V-Chip, you will need to contact the manufacturer of your TV for the instructions on V-Chip operation. You will know if your TV is V-Chipped if it has the V-Chip option displayed somewhere within the menus.

There are also external set-top box versions available for parents with older TV's that would like to utilize a V-Chip, but do not already have one built in. Computer systems that include a TV tuner and a monitor 13+ inches are also required to integrate V-Chip technology.

The V-Chip Rating System

Back in '96, The US Congress solicited the broadcasting industry for a voluntary ratings system for television content, which became known as 'TV Parental Guidelines'.

The V-Chip rating system, as it exists today, was ultimately established by the National Cable Television Association, Motion Picture Association of America, and National Association of Broadcasters.

These V-Chip ratings appear in the corner of the TV screen for the first 15 seconds of each program, and are assigned to all TV programming (except unedited premium cable channel movies, news, and sports).

The six possible V-Chip ratings are:

• TV-Y (All Viewing Audiences);
• TV-7 (most appropriate for kids, 7+);
• TV-G (suitable for all ages, although not necessarily a kid's show);
• TV-PG (parental guidance is suggested- may not be suitable for younger children;
• TV-14 (parental guidance strongly recommended; definitely not suitable for younger viewing audiences);
• TV-MA (Mature Audience- adult content targeted at mature audiences only).

Ratings of TV-PG, TV-14, and TV-MA often times also include one or more of the following flags: V- violence, S- sexual situations, L- language, or D- suggestive dialog;

You can discover more information at FCC: V-Chip: Viewing Television Responsibly.

If you'd like to make a complaint concerning a rating- you can reach the Monitoring Board at (202) 879-9364 or on their web site, The TV Parental Guidelines.