What Is A V-Chip
This term has become a buzz word for any discussion evolving
telecommunications regulation and television ratings, but not too many reports define the
new technology in its fullest form. A basic definition of the V-chip; is a microprocessor
that can decipher information sent in the vertical blanking of the NTSC signal,
purposefully for the control of violent or controversial subject matter. Yet, the span of
the new chip is much greater than any working definition can encompass. A discussion of the
V-chip must include a consideration of the technical and ethical issues, in addition to
examining the constitutionally of any law that might concern standards set by the US
government. Yet in the space provided for this essay, the focus will be the technical
aspects and costs of the new chip. It is impossible to generally assume that the V-chip
will solve the violence problem of broadcast television or that adding this little device
to every set will be a first amendment infringement. We can, however, find clues through
examining the cold facts of broadcast television and the impact of a mandatory regulation
on that free broadcast. "Utilizing the EIA's Recommended Practice for Line 21 Data
Service(EIA-608) specification, these chips decode EDS (Extended Data Services)program
ratings, compare these ratings to viewer standards, and can be programmed to take a variety
of actions, including complete blanking of programs." Is one definition of the V-chip from
Al Marquis of Zilog Technology. The FCC or Capitol Hill has not set any standards for
V-chip technology; this has allowed many different companies to construct chips that are
similar yet not exact or possibly not compatible. Each chip has advantages and
disadvantages for the rating's system, soon to be developed. For example, some units use
onscreen programming such as VCR's and the Zilog product do, while others are considering
set top options. Also, different companies are...
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