A Canadian v-chip classification system will likely arrive concurrent with a u.s. system as a requested deadline extension for action on the v-chip is used to address a number of technical issues, including encoding methods, the development of a standalone v-chip box, and facilitation of a number of different classification systems.

The Action Group on Violence On Television, the pan-industry crtc-appointed body charged with creating a classification system has asked the crtc for an extension of its September 1996 deadline in order to arrive at a system, to address technical concerns, to conduct further testing and public consultation, and to allow a concurrent introduction of the Canadian and u.s. classification systems.

The crtc is expected to announce its decision on the extension as Playback goes to press, until which time agvot is not releasing details about progress on its classification system.

According to Alison Clayton, cochair of the agvot classification committee and organizer, on behalf of Rogers Cable, of two previous v-chip tests, agvot hopes to conduct another test in early January to resolve the technical concerns.

Previously, cable companies announced they were prepared to retrofit existing cable boxes with the v-chip which was the format used in the past three v-chip tests. Future efforts, says Clayton, will examine the use of a small, standalone box, unveiled in June by Toronto-based Tri-Vision Electronics. The box exists only as a prototype so far and no costs have been estimated for the unit.

The system must also accommodate the encoding of v-chip information on field two of line 21 of the vertical blanking interval, expected to be the North American v-chip standard.

Clayton says broadcasters will need new equipment for encoding on field two.

‘agvot’s technical committee is currently looking into what the broadcasters’ technical requirements for encoding in field two will be,’ says Clayton. ‘It won’t be that expensive.’ She estimates the cost to broadcasters at about $5,000 to $10,000.

The extension will also be used to ensure the v-chip can accommodate three classification systems: those for standard English-language programming, French-language programming and pay services. If the u.s. classification system, expected to be finalized in late January or February, differs from that of Canada, that system will have to be accommodated as well.