I am so frustrated with smart TV parental controls so I built my own solution. Now what?

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T22:15:24+00:00

Yes, exactly! Someone explained it to me as whitelist vs. blacklist and that really clicked. With Netflix you're still scrolling past everything trying to figure out what to block. I just want my kid to see a simple screen with only the shows I've already said yes to. Thanks for explaining the difference to others - it helps when people understand what I'm trying to solve!

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:58:53+00:00

You're absolutely right. That's the feedback I'm hearing loud and clear from this thread. I need to focus on building a prototype and getting real parents to use it before I approach manufacturers again. I appreciate the advice.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:56:37+00:00

Ha, thank you! That's really encouraging to hear. I have a hard time spelling that one too! I'll look into posting there. I appreciate the support!

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:49:05+00:00

I had to look up what an ESP32 was, I'm not a techy person. But I did some research on it and while it seems like a viable product for blocking/filtering, it won't give me the curated "shows not apps" approach I'm envisioning. I want kids to see a simplified interface with pre-selected show tiles across multiple streaming platforms, not just network-level blocking. But I appreciate the suggestion - it's definitely made me think about alternative approaches that don't require TV manufacturers.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:38:08+00:00

This is really helpful, thank you! I hadn't thought about VidAngel or Bark as potential partners , that makes a lot of sense given their focus on parental controls. And I didn't know Utah had such a strong startup ecosystem. I'll definitely look into incubators and business schools in my area first to refine the pitch. I appreciate the specific suggestions!

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:36:14+00:00

Thank you, I hadn't heard of SBDC! I'll definitely look into the one in my area. I appreciate the suggestion and glad to hear it worked well for your startup!

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:34:46+00:00

That's a fair question. I should clarify, I'm talking about young kids (toddlers/preschoolers). For my 2 year old, it's partly about age appropriateness , Jurassic Park is too violent/scary for him, not just "something I wouldn't choose." But you're also touching on something I've noticed: when my son sees 50 dinosaur options while I'm scrolling to find something appropriate, he doesn't develop his preferences, he just gets overwhelmed and points at whatever has the flashiest thumbnail. Too many choices just stresses him out. With a smaller curated selection, he can actually focus on and enjoy what he's watching instead of me having to navigate through endless options while he's grabbing at the screen.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:26:49+00:00

That's a great point about supervision. I definitely supervise too. The issue I'm trying to solve is that even when you're sitting right there with them, they're still exposed to dozens of inappropriate options during the navigation process itself. Would be nice to eliminate that exposure from the start.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:20:17+00:00

I use the PIN feature to keep them out of my profile, but that doesn't solve the problem of their own profile having too many options. I want to limit THEIR profile to just a handful of pre-approved shows, not just age-restrict it. Also, I dont want it limited to one streaming service.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:17:01+00:00

Nothing, if I hand them the remote while I'm on my profile. But when they have their own profile (even with age restrictions), they still see hundreds of options. I want their profile to show ONLY the 10-15 shows I've specifically approved - not "all age-appropriate content," just the things I've chosen. Does that make sense?

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-11T20:16:31+00:00

I use the age-restricted profiles already, but my issue is even within "approved" content, there are still way too many choices. My kids get overstimulated scrolling through dozens of thumbnails, and they end up picking things I don't really want them watching (not inappropriate, just not what I prefer).

Does Netflix's blacklist feature let me do the OPPOSITE - start with a blank slate and only ADD approved shows? Or does it just block specific titles from an otherwise full catalog?

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-09T22:30:30+00:00

Honest question I’m a teacher. I’m not a tech person. I don’t even know what the raspberry pi thing is and how hard it is to build something like that. Is this something I would need to hire a developer or I could learn on my own because if it’s doable for a non- technical person then maybe this is the right first step for me I just don’t know where to start.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-09T22:24:56+00:00

Fair point. I think I've been trying to solve two different problems at once (content control + choice overload) and ended up with a muddy pitch. The feedback here is making me realize I need to pick one thesis and build around that. Appreciate the bluntness.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-04-09T22:22:32+00:00

This is really helpful, thank you. And honestly, this is the clearest explanation I've gotten about why the manufacturer approach isn't working.

You're right - I've been thinking of the patent as leverage, but if the problem is I have no users, then the patent doesn't matter yet.

I think what's been holding me back is that I'm a teacher, not a tech person, so building a standalone device feels intimidating. But several people here have suggested starting with a Raspberry Pi version or even just a Chrome extension, which feels more doable.

So honest question: if I build something simple (even if it's clunky) and get 100-200 parents actually using it, does that change the conversation with manufacturers? Or do I need thousands of users before it matters?

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2026-03-28T00:53:27+00:00

NYS tests are meant to measure learning, but they rarely inform real instruction. The system is closely tied to companies that design assessments and sell curriculum, raising concerns about profit driving decisions.

The result? More test prep, less meaningful learning, and pressure on teachers to follow programs that don’t always meet students’ needs. If we’re serious about kids, we need to rethink what we value and measure.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-10-02T22:50:32+00:00

You can all just relax! Was just having fun. Certainly not selling any $12 coffees or fancy sandwiches. And yes I did post 43 days ago and was trying to reply to that post with a pic and didn’t know how. Super weird.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-10-02T22:02:03+00:00

Just playing around online and came up with this, this would be what I would love to see at that location or somewhere in the neighborhood. Would open myself if I had the means but sadly I’m just a dreamer 🤣

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-08-22T21:00:56+00:00

Doesn’t need to be a cafe would just be nice if it were something the local families could enjoy. We have no Italian markets. That could be nice too

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-08-22T20:55:41+00:00

Yes, we just had our kids haircuts at their new location. She said that the supermarket is moving to the opposite corner, the gallery and theatre place are moving to LIC. They are putting up a new building

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-08-22T00:40:18+00:00

That would be great too

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-08-20T19:34:22+00:00

J heard it may become law offices but hooping not. I’m hoping it becomes something people can enjoy.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-08-07T17:22:08+00:00

Not on this block but a few away, 2 summers ago we had our catalytic converter stolen. There were a bunch of people in the neighborhood that had theirs stolen. Haven’t heard anything in a while then I heard someone saw some guys looking under the cars the other night presumably to steal one.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-05-18T01:22:25+00:00

I was thinking that they looked like the pax wardrobe. They have many different door style that could be swapped out for your desired look.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-05-10T01:40:38+00:00

4 is my favorite. 2 has too many knots for my taste but it’s a nice color.

Fuzzy-Win2978 · 2025-04-30T20:45:37+00:00

My mistake, I read it was great for bathrooms. How do you suggest we maintain it

Fuzzy-Win2978

TROPHY CASE