Broadcasters and those controlling gateways and navigation systems can do much to help by providing information about the nature of the material people are tuning in to and the tools to ensure they can gain access to the best and protection from the worst. PVRs often have a connection through a telephone line to the service provider's computer database that can record viewing preferences and store 14-30 hours of programming on a hard disk. There may be a need, however, for some form of control of viewing automatically recorded programmes, in order to avoid children inadvertently watching adult programmes. The regulator will be responsible for the maintenance of this Watershed and will need to ensure that it is not eroded. Given the increasing flexibility of equipment to allow viewing outside pre-determined schedules, however, rating systems are also likely to become more important.
Some systems are already in place.
The regulator should work with broadcasters and service providers to encourage the development of such systems and to ensure that they are easy to understand and use.