TopTenREVIEWS

Filter out offensive language and play DVDs or VHS videos with the versatile DVD Recorder & VCR Combo. The combo player is manufactured by RCA and the TVGuardian technology is manufactured by Principle Solutions, Inc. You can’t buy this particular model from either of the manufacturers, but you can purchase it from the Family Safe Media website.

The TVGuardian technology does not work with the VCR part of the player—the filtering components only work with DVDs. The technology uses the closed–captioning signal encoded in DVDs to filter out objectionable language. Filtered language is muted and a cleaned–up version of closed–captioned text replaces the offensive word(s).

Features Set:

The TVGuardian technology in the DVD Recorder & VCR Combo will filter out over 150 words and phrases such as curse words and sexually charged dialog from DVDs—the filtering does not work with the VCR. However, the TVGuardian model 201 will work with VCRs, DVDs and television.

Universal Studios does not include closed–captioning on their DVDs, so look for the closed–captioning (CC) symbol on the DVD packaging.

Ease of Use:

Use the remote control to access the TVGuardian menu options that display on your television screen. From there you can set your preferred filter limits. If the player is in progressive scan mode, the closed–captioned text will not display, but the dialog will still be muted.

Ease of Installation/Setup:

Connect the DVD & VCR Combo unit to your television with the A/V cable included with the player.

Filter Accuracy:

Because TVGuardian uses the closed–captioned signal, offensive language is filtered with a 95% accuracy. Some cases of technical problems and human error with the closed–captioning system may allow some words or phrases to slip through, but this is not common. The filtered language is muted and a cleaned–up version of closed-captioned text replaces the offensive word(s).

Help/Support:

The RCA website has a large list of FAQs, but they will not return emails. The TVGuardian website also has a long list of FAQs and they will return your email within 24 hours. The Family Safe Media website does not have a list of FAQs, but they will return your email with helpful answers within 24 hours.

Summary:

The TVGuardian DVD Recorder & VCR Combo unit filters objectionable language 95% of the time, but only from DVD’s—the TVGuardian technology does not work with the VCR. You can find helpful information from the RCA and TVGuardian website and Family Safe Media will return your email within 24 hours.