RCA F32350 - Manuel (Page 15)

Using the TV’s Features
Chapter 3 13
Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
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.”
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 follow:
TV-MA – 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).
TV-14 – 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).
TV-PG – 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).
TV-G – 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).
TV-Y7 – 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.
TV-Y – 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.