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Methods for Bypassing Faulty VChips?

Posted by Cliff on from the liberating-your-picture dept.

corporal_clegg asks: "I bought a Sharp 27" TV a year or so ago to serve as a second TV and PS2 gaming platform. When I recently attempted to play a DVD through the game console, the VChip kicked in and presented a beautifully rendered black rectangle on the screen. No amount of menu manipulation on either the game console or the TV can remove the VChip blocking; both system menus report the VChip as disabled, yet it continues to block all programming: golf, kids shows, everything. This occurs if the game console is attached and operating or completely removed. Of course the operating manuals provide no help on addressing these issues, and the manufacturers' web sites are likewise useless. So the question is: does anyone out there in slash-land know how to identify and remove, bypass or hardware reset the VChip/ blocking technology? I am very comfortable working at the board level and would much rather crack my case and fix this problem myself than take an 80lb TV to a repair shop only to be charged it's replacement cost to address the problem."

4 of 51 comments (clear)

  1. DMCA violation? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Will giving out information on how to bypass the V-chip violate the DMCA?

    1. Re:DMCA violation? by Tom7 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      No, unless that information is also a circumvention device (like source code, perhaps).
      There are some laws on the books in some states regarding things like cable theft (sometimes slashdot calls these super-DMCA laws), that might, though.

  2. Ok, so he doesn't have a real problem by cgenman · · Score: 2, Interesting

    But it does pose an interesting technical question: how does one bypass the V-Chip? Assuming the V-chip only blocks audio and video transmissions, a simple bridge might suffice. However, the industry might have come up with a few more difficult technical hurdles, despite having to retain backwards compatability.

    Does anyone have a pinout diagram for a V-Chip? I can't seem to google one.

    --
    The ______ Agenda
  3. Revocation of Acceptance by mbstone · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) a buyer can revoke his acceptance of purchased goods if there is an undiscovered inherent defect that significantly impairs the value. (Google "UCC revocation acceptance" for more info.) Then, write to the mfr. and/or retailer citing the UCC and stating that you are hereby revoking your acceptance of the TV set, and you are hereby requesting a full refund and a prepaid RMA number. If after receiving the letter they do not accept return of the goods, take them to small claims court.