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 microprocessorthat 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 ofthe new chip is much greater than any working definition can encompass. A discussion of theV-chip must include a consideration of the technical and ethical issues, in addition toexamining the constitutionally of any law that might concern standards set by the USgovernment. Yet in the space provided for this essay, the focus will be the technicalaspects and costs of the new chip. It is impossible to generally assume that the V-chipwill solve the violence problem of broadcast television or that adding this little deviceto every set will be a first amendment infringement. We can, however, find clues throughexamining the cold facts of broadcast television and the impact of a mandatory regulationon that free broadcast. "Utilizing the EIA's Recommended Practice for Line 21 DataService(EIA-608) specification, these chips decode EDS (Extended Data Services)programratings, compare these ratings to viewer standards, and can be programmed to take a varietyof actions, including complete blanking of programs." Is one definition of the V-chip fromAl Marquis of Zilog Technology. The FCC or Capitol Hill has not set any standards forV-chip technology; this has allowed many different companies to construct chips that aresimilar yet not exact or possibly not compatible. Each chip has advantages anddisadvantages for the rating's system, soon to be developed. For example, some units useonscreen programming such as VCR's and the Zilog product do, while others are consideringset top options. Also, different companies are using different methods of parental ...
