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The v-chip (sometimes called
the Smart Lock, Auto Lock, Parental Controls, etc.) is a tool that
enables parents to automatically block programs by TV ratings. The
v-chip is a standard feature in all TVs 13” and larger, built after
January 2000. The v-chip works based on the TV ratings system.TV
ratings work top down, so, for example, if you want to allow shows
rated TV-PG and below, select TV-PG. Everything above this rating
–TV-14 and TV-MA – will be blocked.
You can also always block by content descriptors within an age group.
For instance, if you want to block programs that contain high levels of
violence in TV-PG, select TV-PG-V. It’s as simple as that.
Violence-rated shows above this rating – TV-14-V and TV-MA-V – will
also be blocked. In all cases, when you tune to a channel that is
blocked, a screen appears informing you of the block. Only the
household members who know the blocking PIN can bypass this screen and
view the blocked channel or program.
- Press the menu button on
your remote control.
- Select v-chip (sometimes
called the Smart Lock, Auto Lock, Parental Controls, etc.) and press
enter.
- Enter a four-digit PIN
(a.k.a. parental lock code) using the numbers buttons or enter the
temporary code found in your owner’s manual.
- Complete the following TWO
steps on your screen: Turn the v-chip on, then select the highest TV
rating you want to be viewed (in ascending order they are: TV-Y, TV-Y7,
TV-Y7-FV, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, and TV-MA).
- To deactivate your
parental controls, return to the v-chip menu, enter your PIN and select
off.
- If you only want to block
programs with certain types of content, turn on the content descriptors
(FV, V, D, S, L). Many TVs will let you turn these on and off at the
same time you select the age group ratings. Other TVs provide on-screen
instructions to tell you what button to press to move to the right
screen where you can turn content ratings on or off.
Important notes about the
v-chip:
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