Control

One of cable's key features has long been control. Cable not only offers a wide array of programming choices, it also gives parents a number of options in order to control the flow of programming into their homes.

Depending on your set-top box and television set, there are different alternatives available that let you block out specific programs or entire channels.

Parental Controls

If You Have a Digital Set-Top Box
In addition to delivering hundreds of channels, digital cable lets you manage those channels with sophisticated parental control capabilities.
Channels You can select one or more channels to block. Once you do, the channel(s) will be blocked at all times unless viewing is authorized by the use of a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you create.

Programs You can select the individual programs you want to block by date, time and channel.

TV Ratings You can block all programs that have received a certain TV rating(s). Be aware that some programs, such as live sports events, newscasts and public affairs programs have not been assigned ratings.

MPAA Movie Ratings You can block all films that have received a certain movie rating(s). Premium channels like HBO and Showtime air unedited movies that carry the original MPAA movie ratings.

Adult Titles in Program Guide Listing Your electronic program guide displays all program titles. Using the parental controls, you can hide titles that are targeted to adult audiences.

Some Examples Generally, the key to using the parental controls of a digital cable set-top box lie in a familiarity with the cable remote. For an overview of a remote, visit here or for information on a Comcast remote, visit here.

Specific instructions for the use of the parental controls on your digital set-top box can vary, but here are a few examples so that you can familiarize yourself with the process.

Set-Top Box Sample One

Example of how to block/unblock programs and create/change your pin.

Set-Top Box Sample Two

Example of how to block programs.

Example of how to restrict Pay-Per-View.

Example of how to unblock programs.

Example of how to create/change your PIN.
If You Do Not Have a Set-Top Box, But Your TV Comes with a V-Chip
If you don't have a set-top box, your TV set may provide control features. All television sets 13-inches or larger manufactured after January 2000, and some sets sold after July 1, 1999, contain technology called the V-Chip. The V-Chip technology utilizes the industry's TV ratings system to block programs that may be of concern. If you bought your television in 2000 or later, it is likely to have a V-Chip. This device electronically reads a signal embedded in the programming and enables parents to choose the programs that they deem appropriate for their family.

The V-Chip can block by ratings which are both age- and content-based. You may be familiar with the icons that appear at the beginning of television programs in the lower right-hand corner of the TV screen for the first 15 seconds of the program.

The V-Chip works differently from set to set, depending on the manufacturer. The set-up process for your V-chip can be found in the on-screen menu options or in the set’s instruction manual. It is controlled through your TV set's remote.

Learn more about the TV ratings system and V-Chip.
If You Do Not Have a Set-Top Box and if Your TV Set is Not Equipped with a V-Chip
If You Do Not Have a Set-Top Box and if Your TV Set is Not Equipped with a V-Chip, your cable operator can provide a means of filtering out unwanted channels.

If you do not have a set-top box, your cable operator may be able to install a filter on the cable equipment outside your home that will block unwanted channels. This filter, often referred to as a "trap", completely blocks a specific channel until the device is removed. Only a limited number of channels can be blocked out at the same time. Please check with your local cable operator for more details.
Contact Your Local Cable Operator
Click on your cable company below to go to your company's website, which should have more specific information about parental controls.

Control

Parental Controls

Set-Top Box Sample One

Set-Top Box Sample Two