"-=jd=-" wrote:

We should simply have a mandatory
(required by law) "Tag" inserted in the
Closed-Caption stream that classifies
the content of programming and/or
ads. Then we could build a box
(standalone or integrated) that by end
user selection mutes, blanks or
otherwise screens the objectionable
content? (snip)


The biggest problem I see with that is it would give the television
industry a virtual green light to show whatever they want throughout the
day, while claiming there are "protections" for those who don't want to see
it. If that happens, there will be no decent programming left to watch.
Think about television now. If one wanted to block out so-called "adult"
material in movies, shows, and commericals, that blocking device would be
blocking out material most of the day. And I assume only a blank screen
would be shown while that blocking device is actively blocking content.

Instead, there is a much simplier, and I think acceptable to all,
solution - restrict so-called "adult" programming to fixed hours throughout
the day with it automatically blocked until a user-programmable code is
entered into the existing cable or satellite boxes. If no code is programmed
or entered into the box, the so-called "adult" segments remain automatically
blocked. And each segment must be unblocked individually, with "adult"
content returning to a blocked state at the end of each segment.

Cable and satellite boxes already have this capability (not that unlike
"pay-per-view"), so there would be no need for Gore-like chips in
televisions or anything else on the part of the consumer. Instead, it would
be left to the television industry to truly rate their programming and local
cable companies to fit that "adult" programming into the "adult" segments
(with severe punishments for those cable companies who fail to do so).

By the way, "adult" programming would include any show or commercial
featuring real, simulated, or cartoon-like, sex, nudity, adult language,
adult products (including intimate hygiene products, lingerie, or intimate
apparel), extreme close-ups of the human body, or intimate behavior which
might be considered out of place in a conventional store or restaurant.

This system would easily allow everyone to watch this programming whenever
they want (no censorship), while allowing everyone else to scan the channels
without worrying what might be on any specific channel they stop on.


Dwight Stewart (W5NET)

http://www.qsl.net/w5net/