What does a V-chip do and how does it work?
As of 1999, all new television sets (over 13 inches / 33 cm) sold in the United States have to contain a V-chip. The “V” stands for “violence,” and the goal of the chip is to allow parents to choose the level of violent TV programming that will be allowed into the home. The idea behind a V-chip is simple. TV shows have a signal embedded in them that gives the show a rating, and the chip can detect these ratings. The ratings that the FCC has settled on look like this: • TV-Y – All children can watch; zero violence or sexual content • TV-Y7 – For children 7 and over • TV-G – For general audiences; no sex, violence or inappropriate language • TV-PG – Parental guidance suggested • TV-14 – Suitable only for people over 14; some sex or violence • TV-MA – Suitable only for mature audiences; may contain graphic violence or sexual situations A parent can program the TV with a rating, and the TV will block all shows above that rating. So
