The V-chip The anti-violence chip, or V-chip, is a technological invention that allows parents to block television that they deem inappropriate for their children to watch. Most television shows include a rating established by the broadcast industry. This classification is coded into the programs and the V-chip technology reads the coded information and blocks the correct broadcasts. Parents can program the V-chip to block certain shows based on their ratings using the remote. As of January 1, 2000, the FCC now requires all new televisions 13 inches or larger to include the V chip. TV manufacturers say the V chip will add less than a dollar to the cost of producing a television. If you want a V-chip but don't want to buy a new TV, get one ...