SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) – U.S. digital television recording pioneer TiVo announced that it had teamed with family-values groups to create a tool to shield children's eyes from adult programming.

TiVo allied with Common Sense Media and the Parents Television Council to create menus of television shows acceptable for children in a service dubbed "KidZone," the Alviso, California, company said in a statement.

While television-top TiVo boxes would allow children to record and see only KidZone programming, adults in the homes would be able to access any shows available, according to the company.

"We are enabling families to more easily find and display programming for their kids that reflects their family's values and interests," said TiVo president Tom Rogers.

"Families, public-policy makers and the media and entertainment industry have been grappling for decades with this critical and complicated issue of what our children can and should be able to watch on television."

While "V-Chip" parental-control devices filter programming based on industry ratings, the TiVo system suggests shows for families and allows parents to tailor choices, according to Rogers.

Access to shows outside the KidZone will be password protected, TiVo said.

"This is just what the TV marketplace needed," said Tim Winter, director of Parents Television Council. The council describes itself as a grassroots organization founded in 1995 "to insure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media."

KidZone service will be available to TiVo customers by mid-year, according to the company.