Method and apparatus for dynamically overriding a ratings limit during playback of a digital program

A method and apparatus for processing information stored on a storage medium involves accessing information stored on the medium during a play mode of operation, i.e., during playback, and processing the information during playback to determine whether a rating of a portion of the program being played back differs from a rating limit set for the apparatus. If a rating other than the rating limit is detected, a user is prompted to decide whether to override the rating limit for the portion of the program. Selection of override is followed by changing the rating limit to a new rating limit needed to permit playback of the portion of the program. Override may be conditioned upon the user first entering a password. Completion of playback of the portion of the program may be followed by return of the rating limit to the rating limit set for the apparatus prior to the override operation. The override "on-the-fly" mode of operation may be selectively enabled.