Pixelization Makes Some Look at Television's Decency

          Pixelization allows shows to skirt decency issues by blurring nudity. Pixelization uses modern editing equipment in the post production (after taping) phase of television.  The technique displays a certain area of a photograph or film footage at a much lower resolution, obscuring everything from license plate numbers to human faces when necessary.  When television makers use pixelization merely to increase ratings it pokes fun at the standards of what is considered decent, and underscores a longer debate about what should be allowable on television.  This issue recently reached the United States Supreme Court, when justices struck down fines for ABC and FOX, which had aired partial nudity and swear words.  The broader issue is, of course, how far networks can push the boundaries of their content.  See also, www.hollywoodreporter.com.