ClearPlay
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ClearPlay is an advanced parental control feature that allows filtering of regular DVD movies. ClearPlay is a technology that allows the users to skip over or mute undesirable content such as profanity, graphic violence, and adult content.
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[edit] How it works
A ClearPlay-enabled DVD player is required, along with what are called Filter files. These files (which were/are created by ClearPlay editors) will know where the possibly unwanted content is located, even to the exact frame. This allows the ClearPlay DVD player to block offensive or undesirable content during playback of the DVD. The choice is also made available to watch the film in its original form, by turning the filtering off.
ClearPlay allows users to customize what they want to skip. There are many categories of content that can be filtered and with different levels. Sexually explicit material/sexual situations, nudity, graphic violence, bloodshed and surprisingly many others including dishonoring your parents and even mushiness, for example, which can make some children feel uncomfortable. You will also see a list of possibly questionable content that ClearPlay can't or will not remove depending on the movie, scene and/or situation.
The methods of removing content also depends on the scenes and user settings. Users can select from four levels of filtering in each category. Although, if a user chooses to view a movie with closed-caption enabled, the closed captioning text is not filtered during the audio muting of the language, and the offensive text can still be read. (although in some cases, the scene might be removed entirely, depending on the user settings and the discretion of the filter editors).
The filter files interact with the player by way of what is called a Filterstick (a small USB flash drive which is included with the player). The Filterstick is connected to a pc, the files are downloaded to it through their website, and the Filterstik is then connected to the player. Firmware updates are also occasionally available for the player itself, by way of a similar method.
The Filter files are only available from ClearPlay as a monthly or annually subscribed membership. Unlimited access to the full library of movie Filters are then made available, which contains thousands of filters for various DVDs including most new releases. If filter files for a particular movie are not present, requests can also be made through their website.
A ClearPlay Blu-Ray player is also in the works, but is not currently available.
[edit] Copyright laws
Early in the development of the ClearPlay technology it was challenged in court by the MPAA on the grounds that it was a violation of copyright laws. However, in 2005, the United States Congress passed the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act that explicitly clarified the copyright laws to allow for someone to skip or mute the playback of a DVD in their own home as long as they are not modifying the original material.
[edit] Where to Buy
Go to Clearplay's website and enter coupon code: BVEST to get free shipping and a discount.
[edit] See also
- Canadian Home Video Rating System
- CleanFlicks
- Content-control software
- Lewis Galoob Toys, Inc. v. Nintendo of America, Inc.
- Motion picture rating system
- Parental Advisory
