Frequently Asked Questions Q

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between TVGuardian® 301 & DVD Players with TVG service?
DVD Players with TVG® patented technology work perfectly, but only filter language from DVD movies played in the DVD player. TVGuardian® Model 301 filters offensive language from DVDs, VHS movies & Television programs. In order to filter offensive language from your favorite TV shows you will need TVGuardian® 301

Q: How does TVGuardian work?
TVGuardian® monitors the hidden closed-caption text in the background while you watch TV. Each word is checked against a dictionary of more than 150 offensive words and phrases. When a foul word or phrase is detected, TVG® automatically mutes the offensive language. As an option a profanity-free version of the phrase may be displayed during the mute.

For example, "Get the F- out of here!" would be muted and "Get out of here!" would be displayed during the mute, or, in the Strict setting, “Move your A#$!” would be muted and “Move your tail!” would be displayed during the mute. Then the text would be erased, the sound would be turned back on, and you would continue watching as usual. You won’t miss a thing – except the offensive language, of course.

TVGuardian has OFF, Tolerant, Moderate and Strict filter settings.

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: 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: Is the closed-captioned text displayed all the time?
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 - the most popular setting, it displays the edited text on your television screen only when TVGuardian® has detected and muted an offensive phrase.
OFF - never displays closed-caption text.

Q: Why does TVGuardian® mute the phrase instead of just the offensive 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: How is TVGuardian® different from the V-Chip?
The V-Chip is an automated on/off switch. It blocks the entire program based on the programs rating. Most people want to enjoy the entertainment. They just want it cleaned up a bit. TVGuardian cleans up the language in the background, while you watch. There are many movies and TV programs that have foul language and nothing else offensive. TVGuardian® solves this problem and expands the viewing options for your family.

Q: Does TVGuardian® filter 'god' when used as an expletive?
TVGuardian does have a special setting to filter offensive uses of religious references. When the Religious word set is turned ON, TVGuardian® filters all vain references to deity. When watching a program with a religious theme, you may want to turn this word set filter to OFF.

Q: Does TVGuardian catch all offensive words and phrases?
TVGuardian® is very accurate. It does catch 100% in many movies and TV programs, but it will miss a word from time-to-time if an error exists in the hidden closed captioning. On average it has better than a 95% accuracy rate.

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: Does TVGuardian® work with all DVD Movies?
TVGuardian® works with most DVD movies. However, Universal studios does not put closed captioning on their DVDs. There are a few other rare exceptions. However, TVG will filter these same movies when shown on VHS, or on cable or broadcast TV.

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: What can Technical Support do for me?
Principle Solution's Technical Support Personnel can do the following for you:

If you have tried and have not succeeded in hooking your TVGuardian up, Tech Support will be happy to assist you.
Tech Support can help you to determine the cause of a perceived problem with TVGuardian.
Tech Support can issue Return Merchandise Authorization(RMA) numbers and give you return information.

Q: Is there a TVG® version for the computer?
Currently, there is not a TVG® for the computer.

Q: Will TVG® work outside the United States?
TVG works on the NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) system only. It will work in Canada, but not elsewhere. We have been considering a TVG for the PAL video system that is used widely around the world, but do not yet have a PAL version.

Q: How do I connect TVGuardian®?
Bring your cable or satellite into the receiver or VCR. Connect the VCR output to the TVGuardian® input. Connect the TVGuardian® output to your television input. Please see the manual for more detailed instruction. NOTE: TVGuardian® will not work with TV/VCR or TV/DVD combination units.

Q: What inputs and outputs are available on TVGuardian 301?
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 is included with the unit?
Model 301 includes two RCA type cables, one power converter, one user manual, and one warranty registration card.

Q: What are the physical dimensions of the TVGuardian®?
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® 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 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 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.