Rating Television the High-Tech Way

Responding to public concern about sex and violence on television, Congress is considering legislation which would require television broadcasters and TV manufacturers to implement a ratings system technology known as the V-chip. (The “V” stands for violence.) Other proposed names include the choice chip.

Proposal: An amendment to a broad telecommunications reform bill, would require TV manufacturers to install a special chip in new sets 13 inches and larger, adding anywhere from $5 to $50 to the cost of a TV.

System: Broadcasters and cable operators would be required to create a universal rating system, designating whether programs are violent, contain nudity or offensive language, or are otherwise unsuitable for children.

Signal: Programs would be transmitted with a special electronic code designating the rating. The code would be sent in the “vertical blanking interval,” the unused portion of the TV spectrum signal that separates channels.

V-chip: Parents would consult a ratings guidebook and, using a remote control, program their sets to block certain shows. In theory, parents could block out all or some adult-themed programming. For example, violent programs could be blocked, while those containing nudity could air. Once instructed to block a certain show, the V-chip would black out the screen.

Time frame: The television industry would have a year to come up with a ratings system, after which the Federal Communication Commission would intervene and appoint a panel to devise standards.

Limiting What They See

Under one method being developed in Canada, viewers could screen out content based on three categories: violence, language and sexuality. Within each category, viewers could select a level of content they decide is appropriate. The viewer control, right, has PG rating set for Level 1 on violence and Level 2 for sex and language.

View level Rating V (violence) L (language) S (sexuality) 0 None None None None 1 G Comedic V Mild L Mature themes 2 PG Mild V Strong L Suggestive scenes 3 A14 Strong V Coarse L Brief nudity 4 A18 Graphic V Vulgar L Full nudity 5 R Gory V Foul L Sexual activity

Source: Electronic Industries Assn., Times reports, wire reports. Researched by DAVID NEIMAN / Los Angeles Times