|
Screenblock™ Questions and Answers
Is Screenblock safe?
Yes, Screenblock has been fully tested and has
ETSI EN 301 489-3 V1.2.1 (2000-08) certification.
Why do I need a Screenblock when my TV
has an off-switch?!
An ‘off’ switch is also an ‘on’ switch that can be pressed as soon as
you’ve left the room. Screenblock allows you to be in control – even
when your back is turned. Viewing times are set in stone so the kids
just have to accept them. Research shows parents are often surprised how
easily children grow accustomed to the device and accept what they can’t
change. There is also the benefit that when Screenblock kicks in there
is no one to shout at!
What if I have more than one
television?
You will need one Screenblock for each television and computer you wish
to protect.
I don’t have any desire to ban
television altogether.
Screenblock is not a device invented to stop children from watching TV
altogether. It is meant to reduce the amount of time they spend watching
and persuade them to become more selective; watching only the programmes
they really want to watch rather than watch everything just for the sake
of it. Screenblock encourages children (and the family as a whole!) to
plan their viewing time and not just watch whatever’s on. Screenblock
gives you, as a parent, total control.
Does it offer more than a basic timer?
Yes. Firstly, it locks out any unwanted tampering to protect your
restrictions 100%, utilising a special parent key which works by a radio
signal and is needed to alter the settings. Time can be set in specific
blocks and an LCD display counts down the time in 15-minute blocks
allowing children to bank their time and use it effectively. Also
special encrypted time cards, based on football’s red and yellow card
system, allow viewing times to be altered depending on the child’s
behaviour. For example, a red card will end viewing immediately while
yellow will reduce the daily allowance by 15 minutes. Alternatively, a
blue card will add an hour to that day’s viewing allowance.
What about when I want to watch TV?
Screenblock settings can be overridden at any point with the parent key,
to allow you free access while the kids are out playing or doing their
homework.
Having to even consider buying a
product like this makes me feel like a bad parent.
No parent can expect to be on patrol 24hrs a day especially if the child
has a television in his or her room. With Screenblock you can rest
peacefully in the knowledge that your child isn’t up at night watching
unsuitable programmes or vegging out after school while you’re at work.
Will Screenblock interfere with my
satellite settings or TV tuning?
No, Screenblock only controls the power to the TV and as such, cannot
interfere with your settings.
May I record programmes on my video
recorder outside TV watching hours?
Yes, Screenblock only interrupts the power to the TV, not to the video
recorders. If however, you have a combined TV and video recorder
then it is not possible to record programmes outside TV watching hours.
My Screenblock isn't using up the
allowance (ie top LED not flashing)
This is normal if in Override. However, some TVs or computers can
fool the automatic power sensing circuit and you may have to manually
set this yourself. Click here for
details.
How does Screenblock know if I'm
watching TV?
The power flowing through Screenblock to the TV is carefully monitored
by circuitry within Screenblock. It can tell the difference
between the power being used in watching TV, standby TV and TV off.
How may I tell when I can next watch
TV?
Press the On button and the display will give the time that the TV may
next be watched.
How do I turn the TV on for the rest of
the day?
Present a tag to the display and press the On button.
What does the On button do?
If the On button is illuminated, then power is available to the TV. If you
press the On button when it is lit, it will disconnect the power from
the TV.
If the On button is flashing, then power is not available to the TV.
If you press the On button when it is flashing, it will connect power to
the TV.
If the On button is not illuminated, then power is not available to the TV. If
you press the On button when it is off, it will display the next time
the TV may be watched.
What does the Allowance button do?
Press the Allowance button and the display will indicate the time
allowance currently set into Screenblock.
What does the Override button do?
Press the Override button and the override time
will be displayed. This is the time that the TV will come on
unconditionally, for example in the evenings for parent viewing. The Override time
can be changed by pressing the +/- buttons (in setup mode). If the TV is
in a child’s bedroom, you probably will want to turn this feature off.
This is done by pressing the Override button a single time (in setup
mode) and the Override light will go out.
Can Screenblock be fitted to a
computer?
Yes, but it is important to fit it to the power supply of the screen.
However, as screens are not fixed cord devices (all TVs have a fixed
power cord that cannot be removed), older children may be able to bypass
Screenblock by fitting a new power cord to the screen. To combat
this we are currently designing a power cord that when plugged into the
monitor, locks into place and effectively turns the screen into a fixed
cord device. This special power cord may be unlocked by an
authorised user. It will be available from December 2002.
If I've fitted Screenblock to a
computer, will I lose all my data if Screenblock ends my viewing time?
No, Screenblock only will turn the screen off, the computer will still
be on and all data will be safe. It is important to fit
Screenblock to the screen of the computer rather than the main unit.
If Screenblock is fitted to the main unit, data loss may occur.
May I change
the brightness of the display?
Yes, unlock Screenblock with the keys and remove the lid. The + and
– buttons will now lighten and darken the display.
Are the keys different on all
Screenblocks?
Yes
What happens if I lose my key?
If you have lost the keys and wish to remove the cover you may buy a
replacement cover and set of keys. Order part sb1.cvr.uk, the pack contains a cover and
keys together with instructions as to how to remove the existing cover
and fit the new one.
How do I enrol a set of tokens?
The set of tokens are a unique set and will
only work with the Screenblock they came with. They will not work
on your neighbour's Screenblock! If you want to enrol your tokens
on another Screenblock, simply remove the lid of the Screenblock (using
the key) and present any one of the tokens. A message will come up
on the screen confirming that the additional set of tokens have been
enrolled. Up to 64 sets of tokens may be enrolled like this. To
de-enrol the tokens, you must perform a
reset. When this is done
all memory of all tokens are removed and you are free to enrol up to 64
new sets.
What is the difference between the tags
(fobs and the watchproxes)?
The fobs and watchproxes are functionally identical but are packaged
differently. The fob is designed to go on your key ring. The
watchprox is fitted to your watch.
What happens if I lose my tokens (3
cards-
red, yellow, green, 2 fobs & 1 watchprox)?
If you lose your tokens, you may buy replacement sets. To enrol a
new set of tokens, you will need the keys to remove the cover of
Screenblock. Order part sb1.tok.uk.
May I buy spare tokens (3 cards-
red, yellow, green, 2 fobs & 1 watchprox)?
You may buy additional sets of tokens. Up to 64 sets may be used
with Screenblock. To enrol an additional set of tokens, you will
need the keys to remove the cover of Screenblock. Order part
sb1.tok.uk.
How do I de-enrol tokens?
Resetting Screenblock will
de-enrol all tokens.
Are all tokens unique?
Yes, tokens come in unique sets. The tokens you get with each
Screenblock are already enrolled. You may enrol up to 64 further
sets if desired.
What's a Green card?
A Green card will add 15 minutes to the daily allowance if presented to
the display.
How do I reset Screenblock?
Unlock Screenblock with the keys and remove the lid. Press and hold
down the ‘On’ and ‘Override’ buttons for 5 seconds. The unit will give 4
bleeps to confirm the reset. Turn Screenblock off and then on. In this
state, all settings are lost except the time. Screenblock will have to
be setup again by enrolling the tokens and setting the time allowance.
(see instructions).
How do I set up many Screenblocks in
one house?
If you buy two or more Screenblocks, we advise that you just work with
one set of tokens. The set of tokens you
select will already be enrolled in the Screenblock they came with.
Set aside the tokens from the other Screenblocks and
enrol just this one set of
tokens on the other Screenblocks.
What are Time Allowances?
These set the times that the TV may be watched. We have provided a
choice of 30 time allowances. A typical time allowance would allow
the TV to be watched for 3 hours from 7.00am to 7.00pm. The parent
selects which time allowance is most suitable. The allowance
currently selected in Screenblock may be seen by pressing the Allowance
button.
Can I make my own Time Allowances?
Yes, allowances 31 to 39 are variable and you can enter your own
times and viewing durations. Instructions on how to do this are in
the instruction booklet.
How do I get into setup mode?
Present a tag to the display and Screenblock will go into setup mode.
This is indicated by the lights flashing. It will automatically
exit setup mode in 15 seconds or if the tag is presented again.
Does Screenblock differentiate between
weekdays and weekend days?
No.
How may I turn Screenblock on permanently?
Select time allowance 30.
How may I turn off Screenblock
permanently?
Select time allowance 29.
Can I change the firmware version?
The firmware is the program that runs Screenblock. We post new
versions of the firmware as bugs are found and new facilities added.
These may be obtained from our download page.
You will need a cable to connect your PC to
Screenblock.
<<< End >>>
| 
