Universe Services
Two BYU graduates are teaming up to introduce the TVGuardian. TVGuardian, also known as TVG, is a parental control device that automatically detects and mutes virtually all profanity, and other offensive language from broadcast television and video movies.
TVGuardian easily connects between a television, and cable box, VCR, satellite receiver or DVD. It is designed to work alone, or it can complement V-Chip technology. V-Chip technology blocks the signal of any program that contains a rating code that exceeds an allowable rating code selected by the parent. The United States government is requiring manufacturers to provide the V-Chip in at least half of their product models wig a picture screen of 13 inches or greater by July 1, 1998.
The remainder of the models would be required to contain blocking technology by July 1, 1999. With the V-Chip, viewers either see the program or they don't. TVGuardian, on the other hand, does not depend on the rating code. It is an automatic editing device that simply mutes out offensive language from broadcast television programs or video movies, while a viewer is watching the show.
The company cites the following example. If viewers are watching 'Men In Black' without TVG, they would hear 66 uses of profanity; TVG automatically eliminates 65 .
'We've documented 13 uses of offensive language in Steven Spielberg's film 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,' said Rick Bray, inventor and president of TVG. 'All but one word is blocked with TVG. Even the popular family television series 'Home Improvement' has occasional uses of profanity.'
Consumer feedback on the product indicates that use by adults is high among those offended by strong language or profanity directed against religion. 'The use of God's name in vain really offends me,' said one female consumer interviewed. 'And, I can do without all the profanity in movies today. It adds nothing to the story for me.'
The device has tolerant and strict filter settings, and an off switch accessible by lock and key in case parents want to use TVG for their children, but not for themselves.
In addition to muting audible language, TVG displays profanity-free full closed-captioning. For example, the ever popular action film dialog 'Oh She-!' would be muted with the closed caption reading 'Oh Crud!'
'Educators who have seen our product believe it would be a useful device in public schools,' said Mike Seals, an executive with Principle Solutions.
TVGuardian is available from Martin Hale Marketing Communications, LLC located in Provo, UT. Martin Hale is a partnership owned by, Jared Martin and Terry Hale. Jared graduated from BYU with B.S. in Business Management and Terry graduated from BYU with a B.A. in Marketing Communications. Readers can find out more about TVG by visiting the Web site at www.editedmovies.com or by calling Martin Hale Marketing toll free at (800) 828-4514.