Parental Controls and Cable/Satellite TV

Many families are realizing that ordering cable or satellite TV is imminent, given all the changes in technology that are occurring and will still occur in the future.  However, they are very concerned about exposing their children to adult content.  In case you are wondering about any vulnerabilities that satellite or cable TV leave unaddressed, then panic no more—both satellite and cable TV can block out adult content courtesy of parental controls.

Parental controls are mainly developed for use with digital systems.  They are able to block access to programs featuring adult subject matter, violence, sexual content, nudity or strong language.  The parent simply enables the digital system to block adult content and then chooses by what criteria he or she wants to block content.  The user will enter the administrative section and create a password.  Then whenever it’s time to alter the settings, the user logs in with the password to change it.  Obviously, you have to choose a password that a child could not easily guess.  Avoid birthdays, well know dates or easy number combinations.  Avoid writing the password down anywhere so that it cannot be discovered at a later date.

Know that you can take numerous approaches to blocking objectionable content.  Some cable or satellite systems allow users to block content according to rating, such as PG, PG-13, R or NC-17 or even Not Rated films.  Additionally, TV programs that are TV-PG, TV-14, or TV-MA can also be blocked according to rating.  However, for some households the rating itself may not be the primary issue.  You may wish to block content according to subject matter or perhaps one specific show by name. 

Furthermore, sometimes families are not just concerned with quality, but also concerned with quantity.  That means you can actually program your TV to turn off after so many hours of use.  This is ideal if you don’t like the idea of your children wasting a whole day watching cartoon programs.  There are also controls that allow you to block out entire channels or set limits on Pay-Per-Per View spending.  You can even filter your system to block access to TV channels with religious content. 

As a parent, you certainly have the right to monitor what your child is watching.  Consider cable or satellite television like a babysitter.  If you were to leave your child in the hands of a responsible babysitter, surely you would have rules established in order to protect your child.  Consider your new HD TV like a babysitter, and the cable box or satellite tuning device as your list of dos and do nots.  Remember that some companies offer step-by-step tutorials on how to set up the parental controls system whether online or even through an interactive demo that you can find on your cable/satellite help screen. 

This is just one of the many new age features that satellite and cable TV can offer you.  For more information visit your local cable or satellite provider and ask about specials going on in your area.