If you have cable television, you know there are a wide range of opportunities available in terms of shows, movies and content. If you're a parent, you probably don't want your child to have the same viewing options that you do. Since it's hard to watch them every second of the day, many parents rely on some sort of cable filtering device to keep unwanted content away from the eyes of their children.
There are a number of blocking and filtering products available. Here are a few ways to child proof your cable television service.
The V Chip
Every television these days comes with the V Chip embedded in it. All you have to do is activate it using your television remote and set it to block content that has ratings you don't wish your child viewing. You can set the V Chip to block specific content ratings or to block certain types of content within a rating. For example, you could choose to block everything rated Y-7, or you could allow Y-7 programs but block those which are rated Y-7 FV, which stands for Fantasy Violence. Be aware that older kids may figure out your V Chip password and turn off the protection, or even reset the TV so that the chip is disabled. The chip can't block programs that don't have ratings, so sports and news programs will always get through.
Your Cable Box
Cable TV companies allow you to block content with your converter box by preventing the channels you choose from being shown. Some will allow you to block specific programs while keeping the rest of the channel available, useful if you like the movies on a channel but not their adult-oriented original series. The method for blocking channels varies depending on the type of cable converter box you have, but most systems let you set a password so that you can override the block. Kids can't beat this one by resetting the cable box (only the person listed on the cable bill can do that), but they might figure out your password.
TVGuardian
This is a box that connects between your TV and your DVD player, muting objectionable words as they are detected. It comes in different models and has different sensitivity settings, including "Strict," "Moderate" and "Tolerant," that offer different levels of filtering. The technology works by scanning closed captions for inappropriate words, so only DVDs with closed captions (and DVD players that can decode closed captions) will work with these devices. They also can't prevent graphic images from showing up on your TV.
Weemote
The Weemote is a children's remote. You can program it to only go to the channels you specify, so the child can have control, yet the content is limited to the channels you have deemed appropriate. There is also a version with DVD controls. As long as your child can't get at the regular remote control, you're all set. Older kids may be able to use buttons on the TV to get around this device.
Channel Choices
When you're signing up for cable or satellite TV, ask about program packages that keep objectionable content to a minimum. Most providers now offer family packages that give you lots of educational channels and few channels with objectionable content. Remember that some of those kids' channels, such as The Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, are loaded with commercials and programs filled with merchandising that you may find inappropriate.
When it comes to child proofing your cable TV service, not having some channels in your home is the best way to keep them away from kids.
Remember that whatever you choose to use to child proof your cable, your personal control of their viewing time and content is most important of all.
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