Why Do TV Recordings Need a PIN?

 If you've ever tried to watch a recorded 12, 15 or 18-rated programme during the daytime and been asked for a PIN, you might wonder why.

Is it an Ofcom rule? Is the broadcaster blocking the programme? Or is there something in your TV or set-top box causing it?

The answer depends on which type of PIN protection is being used.

Your TV's parental controls

Most modern Freeview, Freesat, Sky and PVR receivers include parental control settings.

These can be configured to require a PIN before programmes with certain age ratings can be watched. Depending on the equipment, you may be able to set restrictions for 12, 15 and 18-rated programmes and choose when the PIN is required.

This is a feature of the receiver or TV platform, rather than an Ofcom requirement.

If parental controls are disabled, or the age restrictions are changed, the PIN prompt will normally disappear.

What about recorded programmes?

This is where some viewers get confused.

If you've recorded a 15-rated film from BBC One, ITV, Channel 4 or Channel 5, there isn't an Ofcom rule saying you must enter a PIN to watch that recording during the day.

If your receiver asks for one, it is normally because your own parental control settings are protecting the recording.

The receiver doesn't care whether you're watching the programme live or from a recording — if you've enabled age restrictions, they can apply to both.

Ofcom has another type of PIN protection

There is, however, a completely separate system called Mandatory Daytime Protection (MDP).

This applies to certain subscription television services.

MDP allows qualifying pay-TV channels to show programmes containing stronger content before the normal 9pm watershed, provided the programme is protected by a mandatory PIN.

Unlike the parental controls on your own receiver, this protection is required by the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and cannot simply be switched off by the viewer.

Further reading and information available here