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