Apparatus and method for parental control using v-chip plus+ and master password

Abstract

A method and apparatus for exercising access control over television programs using a parental control user interface that has different functions is provided. The method requires a password to enter into a master mode for obtaining access to all the functions of the parental control user interface. Once in the master mode, the user may enter a criterion for blocking a television program from being viewed or recorded or the user can override an already blocked television program. If a user, not in the master mode, attempts to watch or record a program that meets the blocking criterion and the program does not meet the overriding criterion, a prompt is provided to the user to enter the password. Upon entering a correct password, the program is unblocked.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method for blocking advertisements, the method comprising:
 receiving an electrical signal including an electrical advertisement signal representative of an advertisement and an electrical media content signal representative of media content;   identifying an advertisement characteristic of the electrical advertisement signal and a media content characteristic of the electrical media content signal; and   activating a blocking circuit, in response to detecting that the advertisement characteristic violates parental control criteria, to prevent the display of the advertisement on a display device.