Learn how to set up Parental Controls in Windows Media Center for Windows Vista.
Windows Media Center has parental controls just like any TV does. You can set up Windows Media Center to block programming or movies with specific ratings.
Set Up WMC Parental Controls
- Navigate to Tasks and then select settings in Windows Media Center.
- Select General.
- Select Parental Controls.
- Before you can set up parental controls in Windows Media Center you have to give it a 4-digit access code. Enter a 4-digit access code 2 times.
Don’t forget this code. You’ll need it from now on to configure parental controls in Windows Media Center.
TV Ratings
Select TV Ratings in the parental controls settings section.
Turn on TV blocking by checking off Turn on TV blocking.
If you want to make sure no inappropriate programming passes through, check off Block unrated TV programs.
Set the maximum allowed TV ratings to your desired level using the + or – buttons.
Select Save when you’re finished setting up TV Ratings.
Advanced TV Ratings
You can fine tune the TV rating settings by clicking Advanced at the bottom of the TV Ratings section of Parental Controls in Windows Media Player.
Choose to allow or block specific types of content using the + or – buttons and select save to save the changes.
Movie/DVD Ratings
Select Movie/DVD Ratings in the parental controls settings section.
Check off Turn on movie blocking to turn Movie/DVD Ratings in Windows Media Center.
If you want to make sure no inappropriate movies pass through, check off Block unrated movies.
Next, set up the maximum allowed movie rating using the + and – buttons.
Don’t forget to select Save to save the changes.
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On most Vista computers I have used why doesn’t the “TV Ratings” blocking work as promised. I went around every computer in Future Shop, Best Buy, and my own home computers and there is no “TV Ratings” option.
MEdia Center doesn’t seem to read ratings contained in metadata xml files. Why is this? Is there any way to make this work?
I have the same issue. I have set rating and controls. The only thing I can think of is that is that its looking at a different attribute. I tried setting the parental rating value and that didn’t work either. I am sure this is just a matter of knowing flag to set. Would love see an article on parental control in the mag at some point.