Some parents choose to only allow children to view pre-recorded programs. Devices, such as the DirecTV DVR (digital video recorder - see Satellite TV TIVO), make it possible for parents to record and play only the shows they feel are appropriate for their children. But there is a way to monitor and use Parental Controls for what's on live satellite TV or cable. Parental controls permit you to monitor and limit what your children are watching on cable or satellite TV.

How do Parental Controls Work? When a show comes on that has been established as not permissible to watch, a pin number or code is required to override the parental control. Some digital cable and satellite TV providers, like DirecTV, offer advanced parental controls, such as limiting by time and ratings.

Other systems, like analog cable, are not as sophisticated, but most providers allow you to at least block channels. Your TV itself may also offer some form of parental controls. Most televisions 13 inches or more manufactured after January, 2000 come with a V chip. The V chip allows you to block programming based on TV ratings.

Limit Pay Per View: Most satellite TV and digital cable providers will allow users to set limits on pay per view. One option is to block all pay per view purchases unless the correct pin number is entered. DirecTV offers an even more sophisticated approach. This satellite TV provider allows you to place a limit not only on pay per view purchases, but on the actual dollar amount spent for pay per view. "Limit by Time" is a great feature that satellite TV provider DirecTV makes available.  Basically, it is a limit on allowed viewing time. You can set a time limit for viewing each day. Once that time limit is met, the viewer will need to enter the pin to watch additional satellite TV. This feature also clocks the number of hours and minutes that have been watched in a day already. "Limit by Ratings" allows you to limit your children's viewing by established rating systems. With DirecTV, you can use the MPAA ratings system to establish a maximum rating allowed for viewing. You may, for example, not allow your children to view any movies with a rating higher than PG. Some digital cable providers allow you to limit using the TV Ratings system. "Limit by Program Title" with DirecTV allows you to target specific titles. If you know of programs or movie titles that you don't want your kids watching, DirecTV has the ability to block these shows. "Limit by Channel" is a feature that keeps children away from content geared toward adults. DirecTV and others providers allow entire channels to be blocked from viewing. In most cases, that channel will be blocked at all times unless you enter the appropriate pin.

It's Easy: Using parental controls may not seem like something you may have time to fool with, but cable and satellite TV providers make it easy. For example, DirecTV features the "Locks and Limits" function which may be accessed with the menu button on your satellite TV remote. DirecTV allows you to set your controls in the areas of ratings, viewing time, pay per view dollar limits, and channels. The options offered for kids on satellite TV and cable can be great. The whole family can enjoy a variety of entertaining and educational programming. Parental controls from providers like DirecTV can help you make sure that your kids are viewing only the shows that are best for them.