Where can I get more information on TV Ratings and the V-Chip?
For additional infomation visit the FCC's web site at www.fcc.gov/vchip Or contact the FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 1-888-CALL-FCC.
What are the TV Parental Guidelines?
The TV Parental Guidelines have two parts: an age-based rating that indicates the age group for which a particular program is designed, and a content-based rating that lets you know if the show contains higher levels of sex, violence or adult language. The age-based ratings are similar to those used to rate movies, except that the TV Parental Guidelines also include two ratings for shows specifically designed for children: TV-Y, for all children; and TV-Y7, for children 7 and older.
How do the ratings work with the V-Chip?
The V-Chip is technology built into a TV set that "reads" the rating for a particular TV program. Once you decide which TV ratings are inappropriate for your children, you can use the V-Chip to block out programs with these ratings.
Can I use the ratings without a V-Chip?
Even without a V-Chip, ratings offer useful information for parents who may be concerned about the age-appropriateness or content of a program. By understanding what the different ratings mean, and finding out how different shows are rated, you can use the ratings to guide your children's viewing habits.
How do I program my V-Chip TV set?
Once you understand what each of the ratings means, programming a V-Chip TV set is a matter of following step-by-step directions. All new sets will include V-Chip programming instructions in one or two places: (1) an on-screen menu that displays set-up options once the TV has been turned on, and (2) a written instruction guide that is included with the operator's manual for the new TV.
Which TV manufacturers offer the V-Chip TV sets?
As of January 2000, all TV manufacturers in the United States included V-Chips in TV sets 13 inches and larger.
