The long-delayed V-chip to block television programs

inappropriate for children should get a boost from the

FCC and could be in new TV sets by summer.

The FCC is expected to approve a set of standards used by

broadcasters and cable operators to rate all programs.

The commission also will bless a technical standard for the

hardware chip to be included in TV sets. More than two

years ago, Congress passed legislation to encourage the

development of voluntary TV ratings that could be read by

V-chips. The FCC was directed to determine if the standards

were acceptable.

(c) Reuters