Content censor lock

A device commonly used in TV screens and media players on some planets. The system is designed to recognise and filter out content unsuitable for minors. In some places this is done by using simple black boxes to cover scenes of violence, or blanking the screen entirely. However, on Nix (where the system originated) most broadcast signals which contain potentially disturbing material have a second video stream attached which is substituted unless a responsible adult viewer uses their thumbprint to enable unlocked mode.

For scenes censored due to violence, the censored version may have blood and gore digitally removed, or may substitute a less realistic cell-shaded version of a scene. For potentially inappropriate nudity, scenes may be occasionally re-shot with more clothing. In the case of explicit sex scenes, which would be very hard to remaster, the lock may entirely prevent the channel being selected or display a prompt for age verification.

As well as on broadcast TV, the system is now being trialled by some download sites including Transnet Publication.