Chapter 3 23Graphics contained within this publication are for representation only.Using the TV’s FeaturesParental Controls and V-ChipThe Parental Controls menu allows you to program your TV so that children cannot seecertain programs, channels, or use the front panel controls. The first three choices in theParental Controls menu involve software inside your TV (referred to as V-Chip) whichallows you to block TV programs and movies based on violence, sex, or other contentyou may believe children should not view. In other words, it lets you program your TV soit won’t display certain programs.Once you block programs, you or other adults can unblock programs by entering apassword.By default, the software inside your TV is turned “off,” so if you don’t want to use thisfeature, you can just ignore it.How V-Chip WorksV-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 contentthemes that the program contains, you will receive the message This channel is notapproved for viewing.Broadcasters are not required to provide content themes, so programs received with nocontent themes will only be blocked if you block their age-based rating. You can alsoblock out programs that have been given a rating of Not Rated, and programs that areconsidered 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 maybe unsuitable for children under 17. It contains one or more of the following contentthemes: crude indecent language (L), explicit sexual activity (S), or graphic violence (V).TV-14 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) Contains some material that many parents wouldfind unsuitable for children under 14. Parents are strongly urged to exercise greatercare in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under theage of 14 watch unattended. This program contains one or more of the followingcontent themes: intensely suggestive dialogue (D), strong coarse language (L), intensesexual situations (S), or intense violence (V).TV-PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Contains material that parents may findunsuitable for younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with theiryounger 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. Itcontains little or no sexual dialogue (D) or situations (S), no strong language (L), andlittle 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 skillsneeded to distinguish between make-believe and reality. Themes and elements in thisprogram may include mild fantasy violence (FV) or comedic violence, or may frightenchildren under the age of 7.TV-Y (All Children) Themes and elements in this program are designed for a youngaudience, including children from ages 2-6. It is not expected to frighten youngerchildren.