Abstract: A technique for selectively inhibiting television receiving apparatus from displaying those television channels which are not authorized for viewing, such as unsubscribed television channels and channels with programs which satisfy predetermined content ratings criteria. Television channel information associated with television channels that are receivable by the television receiving apparatus, such as rating data representing the contents of the programs on the television channel, is obtained. A rating code representing the content ratings criteria of those channels which a viewer wishes to inhibit from being displayed also is obtained. When either channel up or channel down buttons are operated by the viewer, the rating data associated with the next television channel is compared with the rating code to determine if that television channel satisfies the predetermined content ratings criteria.

Abstract: A technique for selectively inhibiting television receiving apparatus from displaying those television programs which satisfy predetermined content ratings criteria. Television program information associated with television programs that are receivable by the television receiving apparatus during a selected time interval, such as channel data representing the channels on which the television programs are received and rating data representing the contents of those programs, is stored. A rating code representing the content ratings criteria of those programs which a viewer wishes to inhibit from being displayed also is stored. When a desired channel is selected by the viewer, the stored rating data associated with that channel is compared with the rating code to determine if the television program transmitted on that channel satisfies the predetermined content ratings criteria.