What is a V-Chip and how does it work?
The V-Chip is a device that blocks television shows based on their ratings. This chip reads information that is encoded in the rated program and blocks programs depending on the rating set on the television. Program rating information would be transmitted along with the television program, and be decoded by a chip in every television. This chip would compare the rating code with the code set in the television. If the code is higher than the present value, the TV signal would then be blocked and a black screen would appear. This device allows parents to block programs based on two different rating systems, the TV Parental Guidelines and the Motion Picture Association of America movie ratings. How does it effect us? V-Chips requires extra circuitry, more design and extra parts adding up to an additional forty dollars to the price of a television set. Forty dollars is a big amount for an item that may or may not be used in your home and once it is redesigned, it could even be more costly.
