At the same time, the Commission approved a program ratings system developed and now used by most of the television industry. An age-based ratings system was announced in December 1996. One major cable network, BET, does not use any ratings system. Congress continues to monitor implementation of the V-chip closely. This report will be updated if needed.
Some companies plan to offer devices that can work with existing TV sets.
Using a remote control, parents can enter a password and then program into the television set which ratings are acceptable and which are unacceptable. The chip automatically blocks the display of any programs deemed unacceptable. Use of the V-chip by parents is entirely optional. The law urged the television industry to develop a voluntary ratings system acceptable to the FCC, and the rules for transmitting the rating, within one year of enactment. Many in the television industry are opposed to the V-chip, fearing that it will reduce viewership and hurt advertising.