The V-Chip
Using Parental Controls
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: