Compare the Profanity Filters

Perhaps you have heard of the different Profanity Filters now on the market. We have evaluated them and have compiled the following chart to help you choose the one appropriate for your needs.

Use This Chart To Compare Profanity Filters

*The “Curse-Free TV” filter is a branded version of the TVGuardian Model 101.

TV Guardian
Model LT

TV Guardian
Model 501

TV Guardian
Model 201

TV Guardian
Model 301

TV Guardian
DVD Players

TV Guardian
Model 101

ProtecTV

Filters the profanity by monitoring the closed-caption signal embedded in the video signal. The source must have closed-caption signal to filter.

Hooks between the TV and VCR/DVD/Satellite Receiver or Cable Tuner.

Works with most TV shows and movies.

DVD Only

When an offensive word is detected, the filter mutes the sound for the closed- captioned phrase (not just the word).

When the filter mutes the sound it displays the muted sentence on the screen with a replacement word.

Acts like a smart remote control to quickly use the remote control signal (IR) to mute the sound when foul language is detected.

When the filter mutes the sound for the offending sentence it ‘xxx’ out the offending word. Only if you have the closed captioning turned on, otherwise, it will not display anything.

Allows for control of the closed-captioning display.
On/Off OR only when it is filtering the sentence.

On-screen menus for Parents, Kids, Family and Other.

Sensitivity Settings

Strict, Moderate, Tolerant and Off

Strict and Moderate

None

Has the ability to control certain word groups and types.

Religious, Sexual References, Hell & Damn (may be toggled on and off)

None

Has the ability to be turned OFF to disable the filtering without having to disconnect the device.

Button Controlled

On-screen menu controlled

Button Controlled

On-screen menu controlled

Physical switch

None

Audio Inputs

No Audio Connections Required

Two HDMI
Two Optical Audio

Two Inputs
RCA HiFi Stereo (L/R),
Or Digital Audio
(Digital Coaxial)

None

One Input
RCA HiFi Stereo (L/R)

Audio Outputs

No Audio Connections Required

Two HDMI
Two Optical Audio

Three Outputs
RF (Coaxial),
RCA HiFi Stereo (L/R),
Digital Audio
(Toslink & Digital Coaxial)

Two Outputs
RCA HiFi Stereo (L/R),
Digital Audio
(Digital Coaxial)

Two Outputs
RCA HiFi Stereo (L/R),
Digital Audio
(Toslink & Digital Coaxial)

Two Outputs
RF (Coaxial),
RCA HiFi Stereo (L/R)

Video Inputs

No Video Connections Required

Two HDMI

Two Inputs
Composite Video (RCA),
S-Video

None

One Input
Composite Video (RCA)

Video Outputs

No Video Connections Required

Two HDMI

Three Outputs
RF (Coaxial),
Composite (RCA),
S-Video

Two Outputs
Composite (RCA),
S-Video

Three Outputs
Composite (RCA),
S-Video & Component Video

Two Outputs
RF (Coaxial),
Composite (RCA)

Two Outputs
RF (Coaxial) OR Composite (RCA)

Warranty

1 Year Limited Warranty

90 Day Limited Warranty

None

30-day Satisfaction Guarantee when purchased from Family Safe Media.

Phone Technical Support

Yes

Out of Warranty

Discontinued
Out of Business

None of these models support TV or Movies downloaded over the Internet, otherwise known as streaming video.

Order Now

Discontinued

Editorial:

Pro:
The TVGuardian LT (stands for Lite) is a good, low-priced option.

This model works great with the latest technology, including HDMI and digital audio connections.

It acts like a smart remote control using the TV’s remote mute signal to mute the sound when it detects foul language.

The yellow video cable connection is still required to detect the closed-caption information.

Please Note:
This unit does NOT pass through the video. It does NOT display replacement words on the screen like the other models do.

Pro:
The TVGuardian is good at what it does and is our choice for filtering profanity.

This new model has more features than all the previous models. Including on-screen menu control with a password feature. Plus more choices on word control Plus HDMI and Digital Audio support

The yellow video cable connection is still required to detect the closed-caption information.

Pro/Con:
This model worked great for analog TV, not the current digital TV standard.

Pro:
This new model has the same features as the TVG Model 201 (left column) but without the RF Modulator, Digital Optical Audio and has an extra input.

If you have a TV with video inputs and you don’t have a home theater system, you will be fine with this TVG Model 301.

Pro:
It is so nice to have the features of a DVD player and the protection of the TVGuardian.

Take a look at the portable version to take it on the road for those family trips.

On-screen menu control with a password feature. It can even lock down movies that exceed your rating limit.

Plus more choices on word control. Plus Digital Audio, S-Video, and Component video support.

Pro:
Some people like this filter the best. They say it is better at filtering profanity.

Con: Setup instructions are not as complete for people that have a lot of audio-video equipment. No S-Video or Component. Some of these features are offered in the new TV Guardian Models 201 & 301 (Left Columns)

Most people turn off the filter while watching a religious show because it cannot tell the difference between a good reference to God or a bad one.

Pro:
The installation guide is very complete. The hardware is well built

The ProtecTV filters 400 words, reportedly more than the TVGuardian, but how many offensive words are there?

Con: It doesn’t display the closed-captioning when it is filtering profanity — only displays if closed- captioning is turned on for the entire movie.

Strange definition of 400 offensive words. It filtered “kill” and “dead”, but missed “pissed”.