Menu features
32
Setting TV Guidelines and Movie Ratings
The first three choices in the Parental Controls menu involve software
inside your TV (dubbed 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.
When Parental Control is turned On, the software reads a code that most
broadcasters send with programs. That code tells the software 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 rating is blocked.” 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
been given a rating of “Not Rated,” and programs that are considered
“unrated” because no code has been sent by the broadcaster.
The TV age-based ratings and content themes you can block are listed in
the table below.
Closed Caption: Off
CC on Mute:
Off
Power Restore: On
Audio:
Mono
Parental Control
Special
Select
Adjust
Exit
Age-Based
Rating
TV-MA
TV-14
TV-PG
TV-G
TV-Y7
TV-Y
Description and Content Themes for Age-Based Ratings
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), no strong language (L), or sexual situations (S), 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.
Parental Lock: On
TV Guidelines
Movie Ratings
No Rating: Unblock
Ext. Source: Unblock
Change Password
Parental Control
Select
Adjust
Prev.
