An NFC movie library for my kids

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overall reception

  • Strongly positive response; many want to replicate the project for their own kids or themselves.
  • People like the tactile “library” experience, finite selection, and kid-friendly autonomy without navigating complex UIs.
  • Several note it “feels like VHS again” in a good way.

Extensions & technical variations

  • NFC works well for deep-linking into Apple TV apps (Plex, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube).
  • Drawbacks for streaming: profile selection prompts, content removal making cards obsolete; suggested fixes include reprogramming tags or using a URL redirector.
  • Many alternative builds mentioned:
    • NFC or RFID jukeboxes for music/audiobooks (Yoto, Tonies, DIY TonUINO, Phoniebox, TapTo, SONOS/Spotify hacks).
    • QR-code versions using webcams; numpad-based jukeboxes keyed by playlist numbers; chip-card readers.
    • Tools like Home Assistant, ESPHome, Chromecast/catt, Infuse, Plex, Jellyfin (notable: Jellyfin lacks deep links).

Physical media vs streaming

  • Some argue a cheap Blu-ray/DVD player and discs would be simpler and already provide a tactile, finite library.
  • Others counter that small kids destroy discs and players, and ripping to a server protects originals and avoids unskippable ads and fragile media.
  • Physical media praised for true ownership, offline resilience, and language tracks; some have gone back to DVDs for these reasons.

Parenting, screen time, and UX

  • Many like that the system:
    • Curates a small set of options, reducing decision paralysis.
    • Avoids algorithmic feeds and autoplay designed for “engagement.”
  • Debate over strict time slots (e.g., 2×30 minutes) vs allowing kids to finish full movies; some see episodic viewing as fine for very young children, others think it harms attention span.
  • Screen-time policies vary widely (from 15 minutes on weekdays to only weekends); several stress modeling low phone use as parents.
  • Broader concerns about modern “hyperstimuli,” loss of tinkering, and kids treating devices as opaque appliances.

Product and broader implications

  • Multiple people say this “should be a product,” or see a niche for kids, schools, seniors, and people with cognitive impairments.
  • Others note practical barriers: licensing, DRM, long copyright terms, and hardware economics.
  • The thread repeatedly contrasts simple, robust old interfaces (VHS, tapes) with today’s layered, ad-driven, complex streaming UIs.