Parental Controls and V-Chip

Using the TV’s Features

The choices in the US V-Chipand Canada V-Chipmenus involve software inside your TV (referred to as V-Chip) which allows you to block TV programs and movies. TV programs can be blocked by age-based ratings, such as TV-MA, which is explained on page 30. If available, TV programs can also be blocked by content, such as adult language (L). This is explained on page 30. Movies can only be blocked by age-based ratings. This is explained on page 31.

Once you block programs, you can unblock programs by entering a password.

By default, the software inside your TV is turned off or unlocked. For instructions to lock V-Chip, see below.

Note: Parental control settings are not available for HDMI1, HDMI2, CMP1, or CMP2 inputs. These settings must be set in the connected device's parental controls.

How V-Chip Works for USA and Canada

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 blocked. Change channel or press OK to enter your password and temporarily deactivate the parental controls.

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 an Exempt rating, and programs that are considered unrated. Go to page 44 for the US and Canada ratings explanations.