V-Chips Unlikely To Be Available In TV Sets Until 1999

The so-called V-chip, which would block certain programs from TV sets, has been hailed as a key to parental control of the television. The technology was applauded by many early last year when the federal government demanded its creation.

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“There is no V-chip,” says John Simley, a spokesman for Zenith Electronics, the nation’s No. 2 television brand.

In fact, it could be two years or more before they show up on most new TV sets, say federal authorities and industry experts.

Interest in the V-chip is resurging with the new proposal for TV ratings. A ratings agreement between various groups was announced recently by Vice President Al Gore.

The new system would be more specific than the current one. For instance, the ratings would include initials at a show’s beginning to note whether the program has sexual content or vulgar language. The new ratings would be shown on a corner of the TV screen beginning Oct. 1.

But what would give parents real power over what appears on a TV is the V-chip.

Instead of having to check a show’s rating, the V-chip could be permanently programmed by parents to block out any show having a certain rating. Of if a parent wants nothing to be shown on a TV after 9 p.m., that could also be done with the V-chip.

Reprogramming the chip can be easily done, if a parent chooses.

But parents won’t have that clout anytime soon. Before TV manufacturers can install the chip, the Federal Communications Commission will go through a lengthy process to approve both the ratings system and the technological standards of the V-chip.

FCC officials said recently the process may not end until spring 1998. And manufacturers say they will need time after that to get the V-chips produced and installed.

After the FCC acts, “we would see some sets with the V-chip within 12 months after that,” said Jonathan Thompson, vice president of the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association.

Prices on some new TV sets will be affected by inclusion of the chip, said Thompson. Sets with screens between 13 and 27 inches will have “a modest price increase,” although it’s now impossible to put a dollar figure on that, he said. Larger sets will see little or no price difference because they already have sophisticated circuitry that can be easily updated for V-chip functions, he said.

TV owners who want to add V-chip capabilities without buying a new TV may have an option. Some firms are planning to offer set-top boxes that will add the functions of a V-chip.