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Most basic and standard cable
systems provide a set-top box that will let you block programs by
channels. Some also let you block by ratings and time. If you want to
block programs by TV ratings but can’t do this with your cable system,
you can turn on your TV’s v-chip.
Standard Cable:
- Select Parental Controls in
your cable settings menu [it’s often under Control Program Viewing on
the main menu].
- Select control viewing by
ratings, channels and/or times and then select what you would like to
block. A lock symbol will appear.
- Enter a four-digit PIN
(a.k.a. parental lock code) using the numbers buttons and reconfirm the
password.
- Press select on the
Activate Parental Controls screen to turn the controls on.
Digital Cable:
Digital cable allows you to
block and restrict content by channel, TV rating, MPAA movie rating,
Pay-Per-View, time and individual program. Some systems even allow you
to control how long your kids can watch.
The steps for setting Parental Controls may vary from provider to
provider. Most providers will walk you through the process with
on-screen prompts. In general, the steps are as follows:
- Go into the settings menu
and scroll to Parental Controls.
- Select block TV ratings or
block: movie ratings, individual programs, channels and/or times. Then
highlight and select the ratings, channels, programs or times you want
to block. Most digital cable TVs will show a lock sign or a list of the
blocked shows.
- If you only want to block
programs with certain types of content, turn on the content descriptors
(FV, V, D, S, L).
At this point, you will need
to set a PIN and turn on the parental controls. Different digital cable
services require these steps in different orders. If it is not clear
how your service works, check with your cable provider.
Setting the PIN:
- Enter a four-digit PIN
(a.k.a. parental lock code) using the numbers buttons or enter the
temporary code, often 0000. You may need to press A to save your entry.
Turning on the Parental
Controls:
- Exit to the general
settings menu again and select Activate Parental Controls or Block: PIN
and change the setting to Yes from No (or On from Off, or Enable from
Disable).
- Hit accept to turn on the
Parental Controls or return to the settings menu and select Turn on
Parental Controls.
To learn more about the steps
specific to your service, contact your cable or satellite provider.
No Cable Box:
If you don't have a cable box,
you can ask your cable company to block a channel for you. For more
specific instructions, contact your cable or satellite provider.
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