Setting the parental control V-Chip level

V-Chip is an electronic filtering device built into your TV. This tool gives parents a great degree of control over broadcasts accessed by their children. It allows parents to select programs judged suitable for child viewing while blocking ones judged not suitable. It does so automatically once you activate the V-Chip feature in your television.

V-Chip and Status are not selectable from the menu if you do not first configure your secret number.

The U.S. has two rating systems for viewing content: TV Parental Guidelines and movie ratings.

■TV Parental Guidelines work in conjunction with the V-Chip to help parents screen out inappropriate television shows from their children.

■Movie ratings are used for original movies rated by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) as watched on cable TV and not edited for television. The V-Chip can also be set to block MPAA-rated movies.

■The “V-Chip (DTV only)” will be selectable when a new rating system can be downloaded via digital broadcasting in the U.S.

Voluntary movie rating system (MPAA)

To select MPAA ratings:

Select V-Chipin the Parental CTRL menu, and press OK. Then select MPAA, and press OK. Adjust the item.

The setting automatically enters Block for any ratings below your selection.

Example: If you select PG-13, this automatically blocks the higher ratings R, NC-17, and X.

Voluntary movie rating system (MPAA)

MPAA rating

Description

 

 

 

 

G

General audiences. All ages admitted.

 

 

 

 

PG

Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

 

 

 

 

PG-13

Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

 

 

 

Age

R

Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian (age varies in some

 

 

jurisdictions).

 

 

 

 

NC-17

No one 17 and under admitted.

 

 

 

 

X

X is an older rating that is unified with NC-17 but may be encoded in the data of older

 

 

movies.

 

 

 

n

Voluntary movie rating system only uses an age-based rating.

58HP MediaSmart HDTV User’s Guide