Program ratings for television

How television works
Most of the programming, including networks such as CNN, Discovery Channel and MTV, come to your cable or satellite company from communications satellites. Programming originates from the network source and is encoded and transmitted to a satellite that is designed to receive and transmit broadcast signals. The programming signal, is amplified and retransmitted to receivers, then sent to you through your provider's network. "Off air" programming is the programming you can receive with an ordinary antenna: network television, like ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, local affiliate broadcasts, and PBS. Cable and satellite companies amplify them, and send them to your TV through their "head-end" or distribution center. Satellite providers typically only carry “off-air” programming in larger markets. From your provider's head-end, channel signals are transmitted to your neighborhood via cable or microwave signal, or some combination of both -- depending on which provider. Cable companies primarily use coaxial cable or fiber-optics, a cable line that runs into most homes, is designed to carry signals over distances, and branches off from a main "trunk" cable into "feeder" cables that carry signals to each street. The final connection is made with the "drop" cable, which plugs into your TV or VCR. Your satellite provider relies on line-of-sight transmitting programming signals to a small dish receiver placed and aligned on your property to receive the transmission.

After the programming signal reaches your home, equipment may be required depending on your provider. A converter is used when the tuner in the television is not cable ready or when you want to receive channels that are scrambled (Premiums and pay-per-view services and events). For all satellite customers, equipment will be necessary. For cable customers, if you are capable of tuning in to all the channels that you would like to view and hear, then you only need to connect a cable to the television.

Program ratings for television

TV ratings were established to aid consumers to determine which programs are appropriate based on age, sex, violence and/or language. The following is a definition of the rating scale.

TV-Y All Children
This program is designed to be appropriate for all children. Whether animated or live action, the themes and elements in this program are specifically designed for a very young audience, including children 2 through 6.

TV-Y7 Directed to Older Children
This program is designed for children age 7 and above. It may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality. Themes and elements in the program may include mild fantasy or comedic violence, or may frighten children under the age of 7. Therefore, parents may wish to consider the suitability of this program for their very young children.

TV-Y7 FV Directed to Older Children - Fantasy and Violence
For these programs where fantasy violence may be more intense or more combative than other programs in the TV-Y7 category, these are then labeled TV-Y7-FV.

TV-G General Audience
Most parents would find this programming appropriate for all ages. Although this rating does not signify a program designed especially for children, most parents may let younger children watch this program unattended. It contains little or no violence, no strong language, and little or no sexual dialogue or situations.

TV-PG Parental Guidance Suggested
This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger children. The theme itself may call for parental guidance and/or the program contains one or more of the following: moderate violence (V), some sexual situations (S), infrequent coarse language (L), or some suggestive dialogue (D).

TV-14 Parents Strongly Cautioned
This program contains some material that parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Parents are strongly urged to exercise greater care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended. This program contains one or more of the following: intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong coarse language (L), or intensely suggestive dialogue (D).

MA Mature Audience
This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. This program contains one or more of the following: graphic violence (V), explicit sexual activity (S), or crude and indecent language (L).