Netflix have released blueprints for “The Netflix Switch”, a big button in a 3D printable housing for binge watching your favorite TV shows.
One press of the big button, and it will dim the lights and activate Netflix on your TV. Further modifications can make it silence the phone and order takeout pizza.
The switch prototype was revealed this week at the 2015 World Maker Faire in New York. Netflix have since published instructions for the big button online, so you can make your own at home.
Naturally, 3D printing plays its part in creating this brilliant button. The prototype has a custom wooden enclosure, but all the parts are available as 3D model files, and can be modified and manufactured in any material you choose.
If you feel you could have the Netflix Switch in your home and still manage to do everything you need to during the day, then creating your own shouldn’t be too hard. That is, if you are comfortable with a soldering iron and have a solid understanding of electronics and programming.
Netflix Switch already available as an STL file
People have already taken to the internet and converted the Netflix Switch measurements into STL files, so anyone can 3D print the whole casing. Creating your own 3D printed enclosure can give your Netflix Switch a more personalized look.
If you don’t have access to a 3D printer to make your enclosure, there are different services like 3D Hubs which could also work for you. These work by finding a local printer who can do the job, but for a fee.
Alternatively, check out the ALL3DP Printing Price Comparison service, where you can make sure you’re getting the best price from leading services like Shapeways, i.materialize and Sculpteo.
The Netflix Switch is a great idea to present coding and technology in imaginative ways. Netflix is even requesting suggestions for extending functionality, like queuing up specific shows and sending you virtual hugs when you’re alone on a Saturday night.
Perhaps you would even be able to program the button so that it knows when you’ve had a bad day and can begin that 30 Rock marathon as soon as you sit down. One can dream!
License: The text of "Netflix Switch: Build your own Enclosure with 3D Printing" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.