The V-chip :: essays research papers

The V-ChipWhat is a V-chip? This term has become a buzz word for whatsoever discussion evolvingtelecommunications regulation and telly ratings, but not too m whatsoever reportsdefine the refreshing technology in its fullest form. A basic definition of the V-chipis a microprocessor that can decipher knowledge sent in the vertical blankingof the NTSC signal, purposefully for the control of violent or controversialsubject matter. Yet, the span of the new chip is much greater than any workingdefinition can encompass. A discussion of the V-chip must include aconsideration of the technical and ethical issues, in addition to examining theconstitutionally of any law that might concern standards set by the USgovernment. Yet in the space provided for this essay, the focus go forth be thetechnical aspects and costs of the new chip. It is impossible to generallyassume that the V-chip will solve the violence problem of broadcast televisionor that adding this little device to every set will be a first amendmentinfringement. We can, however, find clues through examining the cold facts ofbroadcast television and the impact of a mandatory regulation on that freebroadcast. "Utilizing the EIAs Recommended devote for Line 21 DataService(EIA-608) specification, these chips decode EDS (Extended DataServices)program ratings, compare these ratings to viewer standards, and can beprogrammed to take a variety of actions, including complete blanking ofprograms." Is single 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 thishas allowed many different companies to construct chips that are similar in so far notexact or possibly not compatible. Each chip has advantages and disadvantages forthe ratings system, soon to be developed. For example, some units use onscreenprogramming such as VCRs and the Zilog ingathering do, while others are consideringset top options. Also, different companies a re using different methods ofparental control over the chip.Another problem that these new devices may incur when included in everytelevision is a space. The NTSC signal includes extra information space known asthe subcarrier and Vertical blanking interval. As explained in the quotationfrom Mr. Marquis, the V-chips will use a certain section of this space to sendsimple rating numbers and points that will be compared to the personalitysettings in the chip. Many new technologies are being developed for smart-TV ordata broadcast on this part of the NTSC signal. Basically the V-chip willseverely limit the bandwidth for soaring performance transmission of data on theNTSC signal. There is also to be cost to this new technology, which will be