TVGuardian
(Closed Caption Decoder for Composite or S-Video )
 

Input: RCA type jacks, S-Video, Digital Optical Audio, and Digital Coaxial Audio
Output: RCA type, S-Video, and Digital Audio, or RF out.

 Three CC choices: On Always, On Mute, and Off.

Below are many Frequently Asked Questions concerning TVGuardian. The following information is extracted from the TVGuardian manufacturer's documents. Just click on the questions or browse them all.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How does TVGuardian work?

How many words does it filter?

Why does TVGuardian mute the phrase instead of just the profane word?

Does my TV need a closed-caption decoder for TVGuardian to work?

What does Closed Captioned mean?

Is the closed-captioned text displayed all the time?

What inputs and outputs are available on TVGuardian®?

What is included with the unit?

What are the physical dimensions of the TVGuardian?

How can I connect my DVD Player and VCR to TVGuardian®?

Does TVGuardian® work with all TV Shows, Videos and DVDs?

Does TVGuardian® work with TV/ VCR or TV/DVD Combo units?

Does TVGuardian® work with DVD Players?

Does TVGuardian® work with all DVD Movies?

Does it support HiFi Stereo and/or surround sound?

Does TVGuardian® filter 'god' when used as an expletive?

Why doesn't TVGuardian® detect every offensive word?

How is TVGuardian® different from the V-Chip?

Q: How does TVGuardian work?
TVGuardian® uses TVG® patented technology from Principle Solutions, Inc. to decode and monitor the hidden closed-caption text which is made available for the hearing impaired. Each word is checked against a dictionary of more than 150 offensive words and phrases. When a foul word or phrase is detected, TVGuardian® automatically mutes the offensive language. You can even set TVG® to show you the silenced phrase in text form, but without the offensive words. Simply set the CC Mode to On Mute or On Always and phrases like "move your @#$" will be muted and "move your tail" will be displayed. You don't miss a thing.

Q: How many words does it filter?
TVGuardian uses a sophisticated algorithm to detect and mute offensive words.  It's nearly impossible to determine how many words it filters because it examines each word or phrase for the root of the curse word.  For example, the dictionary entry ``sh**" detects anything with ``sh**" as part of the word or phrase.  There may be dozens of variations of the curse word root, even some that we would never think of, but the TVG algorithm catches even the unusual usage.

TVGuardian has two filter levels.  The Strict level takes the ``better safe than sorry" approach.  It will look for all offensive words including exclamatory uses of God, Jesus and Christ.  The Moderate level allows some milder words such as crap, butt and sucks.  This mode also allows most uses, except for obviously offensive ones, of God, Jesus and Christ for viewing programs with a religious theme.

Q: Why does TVGuardian mute the phrase instead of just the profane word?
TVGuardian® mutes the entire offensive phrase instead of just the word and displays the modified text, by design. It's too easy to fill in the blanks in your mind when only a single word is muted. Displaying the profanity free text version of the muted phrase makes your eyes focus on the text instead of the lips. The TVGuardian® method makes it more difficult to know what word caused the mute.

Q: Does my TV need a closed-caption decoder for TVGuardian to work?
No. TVGuardian has everything it needs to filter out offensive language. As a matter of fact, TVGuardian can be used as a stand alone closed caption decoder.

Q: What does Closed Captioned mean?
The closed captioned signal is a hidden text signal that is embedded in the video signal of most broadcast television programs and DVD and VHS movies, and is made available for the hearing impaired. A closed caption decoder is required to view this text.

Q: Is the closed-captioned text displayed all the time?
Actually, TVGuardian® has three (3) CC settings for your convenience.

·    ON ALWAYS displays continuous closed-caption text. When the filter function is on and an offensive word/phrase is detected, TVGuardian will mute the audio and replace the text with a more appropriate text phrase.

·    ON MUTE displays the edited text on your television screen only when TVGuardian® has detected and muted an offensive phrase.

·    The third setting turns off the display of closed-caption text.

Q: What inputs and outputs are available on TVGuardian®?
TVGuardian Model 201 supports two inputs including S-Video, Composite Video, HiFi Stereo Audio (RCA type), Digital Coaxial Audio, and Optical Digital Audio. Model 201's output includes S-Video, Composite Video, HiFi Stereo Audio (RCA type), Digital Coaxial Audio, Optical Digital Audio as well as the optional RF output. TVGuardian 301 supports one input: Composite Video or S-Video and HiFi Stereo Audio (RCA type)or Digital Coaxial Audio. Output includes Composite Video or S-Video and HiFi Stereo Audio (RCA type) or Digital Coaxial Audio.
 

Q: What are the physical dimensions of the TVGuardian?
The physical dimensions for Model 201 are 11"x7.5"x2". The physical dimensions for Model 301 are 5.75"x4.375"x2.5"
 

Q: How can I connect my DVD Player and VCR to TVGuardian®?
TVGuardian Model 201 has two inputs available. Simply connect one device to Input 1 and the other device to Input 2. There is no need for Audio/Video Switch Box unless your system has more than two devices. TVGuardian 301 has a single input. To use multiple devices without having to disconnect one to use the other, you will need to purchase an Audio/Video Switch Box. This will allow you to switch between multiple sources (DVD Player, VCR, etc.) by pushing a button. An Audio/Video Switch Box can be found at most electronics stores.
 

Q: Does TVGuardian® work with all TV Shows, Videos and DVDs?
TVGuardian works with virtually all pre-scripted TV shows and DVD and VHS videos. TVGuardian will not work with live programs, such as news, sporting events, talk shows, and day time dramas.

Q: Does TVGuardian® work with TV/ VCR or TV/DVD Combo units?
No. TVGuardian must be able to read the closed captioned signal before it reaches the TV. This is not possible with the TV/VCR or TV/DVD Combo units.
 

Q: Does TVGuardian® work with DVD Players?
TVG® works with most DVD players. If your DVD player is equipped with "Progressive Scan," you must turn this function off for TVG® to work properly. Progressive Scan has been discovered to strip the closed captioned signal from the video signal, therefore rendering TVGuardian® ineffective.
 

Q: Does TVGuardian® work with all DVD Movies?
TVGuardian works with most original DVD movies. However, some companies do not put closed captioning on all of their DVDs. Please look for one of these Closed Captioned symbols on the back of the DVD case:

This is a generic symbol and can be used by any company.


This is a registered trademark of the National Captioning Institute (NCI) and is only used for productions that are captioned by NCI.

Q: Does it support HiFi Stereo and/or surround sound?
TVGuardian® Models 201 and 301 will mute all digital audio formats. However, there may be a slight delay when the digital audio is unmuted. If your surround sound amplifier causes an excessive delay that is bothersome, you may want to use an analog audio connection. Your TVGuardian® set top box will not selectively mute the center channel.

Q: Does TVGuardian® filter 'god' when used as an expletive?
When the Religious wordset is turned on, TVGuardian filters all vain references to deity. To watch a religious program, you may want to turn this wordset off.
 

Q: Why doesn't TVGuardian® detect every offensive word?

·         The program you are watching is either not closed captioned or the captioning is not synchronized with the audio (live TV, news, sports, talk shows, daytime dramas using roll-up style of captioning). You may either switch the channel and then switch it back to the original program, or turn off your VCR/Cable Box and then turn it back on again.

·                  -  The program is being filtered, but there are captioning errors (words left out, misspelled,
                  not synchronized with the audio, or the closed captioning is corrupt).

·                  -  The word is not in the TVG® dictionary.

·                  -  The TVG Mode is not on a strict enough setting.

Q: How is TVGuardian® different from the V-Chip?
The V-Chip is an automated on/off switch. It is based on a ratings system that is broadcast with the television signal. If a program's rating exceeds the allowed rating set by the parents, the V-Chip blocks the entire program. Since the V-Chip is based on the broadcast ratings system, it does not work on movies played on a VCR or DVD. TVGuardian fills a void left by the V-Chip. Most parents who do not want their children to watch a certain program will simply not allow it. Other programs, however, may be suitable for children, except for the language. TVGuardian solves this problem. And since it reads the CC signal, it will work on most movies played on your own DVD player or VCR.