What is NVIDIA Shield TV?
The Nvidia Shield TV has established itself as a fantastic streaming video player for geeks in the last four years. Although it didn’t have the quality of an Apple TV, Fire TV, or Roku set, it offered a lot of cool features for users, such as the option to use it as a Plex server or — with a cheap dongle— a smart home hub
Today, Nvidia has upgraded Shield TV with a new design, a lower initial price, a much-improved controller, and a truly remarkable AI upscaling feature that sharpens HD videos on 4 K TVs. At a cost of $150, it’s still a pricey media streamer, but the additional features will make it worthwhile to non-nerds.
There are still some signs of the Shield’s inner geekiness. Having the most out of Shield TV needs some digging around menus, and Android TV’s fundamental tech continues to feel like ongoing work. Although it’s easier to sell to a wider audience than the old Shield was, it’s not a clear winner over other high-end streamers, including Apple TV 4 K, Fire TV Cube, and Roku Ultra. Read full Nvidia shield tv review 2022.
Nvidia Shield TV Features:
FAST, REAL FAST: The new improved NVIDIA Tegra X1 + chip makes SHIELD better than the previous generation by up to 25 percent.
DOLBY VISION·ATMOS: The combination of Dolby Vision HDR display with Dolby Atmos sound turns the television into an engine for entertainment.
A.I UPSCALING: Upgrade HD to 4 K video using AI technology. Crisper, smoother video upgraded to real-time 4 K resolution.
4K HDR: Everything in 4 K HDR. All your favorite shows are of the highest quality possible. Period.
Nvidia releases Android TV 11
Rumors of a new Android TV 11 upgrade in beta testing began to surface in October, prompting a flurry of speculation. NVIDIA made the decision in December 2021 to provide recovery images for its future update, which has already been formally announced. The recovery images were only available for a short period of time. Now, NVIDIA has finally dropped Android TV 11 for Shield.
As of right now, the upgrade is officially known as the “Shield Experience 9.0.0,” and it has been given the official designation. Among the additional features included in the Android TV 11 are an improved Gboard keyboard, which requires the very same one-time permissions as those required for smartphones and tablets, as well as support for such aptX codec as well as wireless headphones according to NVIDIA.
The New Nvidia Shield TV Remote
The other big upgrade to the current Shield TV is the remote control. Gone is the unnecessarily thin profile of the previous Shield, which slid easily between couch cushions; instead, there is a triangular shape that is easy to grip and has some heft.
Perhaps better, Nvidia removed the old remote touch-sensitive volume control strip in favor of the physical power & volume controls, while also introducing specific forward & rewind keys. There’s also a programmable top button that can unlock applications, access the Settings menu, shut down the volume, turn on/off HD Upscaling, & more. Most users may have a concern with the large Netflix button at the bottom, but you can unofficially remap that one as well.
The Shield remote also features backlit buttons that have been there on cable remotes for years but have not yet transferred to streaming devices. You’re also going to find tiny raised ridges on remote play & microphone controls, so you can navigate your way without taking your eyes off the screen. This remote control’s interface is not perfect — I still haven’t got along with the vertical arrangement of Play / Pause, Fast Forward & Rewind Keys — However, it is still one of the best streaming remote controls I’ve ever used.
Nvidia Shield Tv & Nvidia Shield TV Pro Review: Which One to Buy?
Nvidia Shield Tv: A Compact & Modular Redesign
NVIDIA Shield Android TV | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player High Performance, Dolby Vision, Google Assistant Built-in, Works with Alexa
$142.17 in stock
1 used from $242.00
Pros
- Ingenious, modular design
- Fantastic Updated Remote Control
- Remains the best experience of Android TV
- Enhanced AI Upgrade is fantastic
Cons
- Can run into problems with a few Android games
- Not friendly to newbies out of the box
NVIDIA Shield TV upgrade is its special tube shape and remote redesign This is a simplified and lightweight streaming system with enhanced processing power that still delivers the best experience you can get on Android TV.
Nvidia Shield TV Pro: A Subtle Revamp
NVIDIA Shield Android TV Pro | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player High Performance, Dolby Vision, 3GB RAM, 2X USB, Works with Alexa
$189.62 in stock
3 used from $169.99
Pros
- Same sleek design on the Shield
- Additional RAM, & double the storage on board
- External Storage Can be used through USB Ports
- The one that you want for Plex and Gaming
Cons
- Lower internal storage compared with older Pro model
- Costlier than the tube
- Not sufficient new features to justify the upgrade
The Difference
| Shield TV
|
Shield TV Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Price | $149 | $199 |
| Processor | Tegra X1+ | Tegra X1+ |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB |
| MicroSD | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | No | Two |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| GeForce gaming | Yes | Yes |
| AI upscaling | Yes | Yes |
| AAA gaming | Yes | Yes |
| SmartThings | No | Yes |
| Plex server | No | Yes |
| GRAB YOUR DEAL | GRAB YOUR DEAL |
NVIDIA has made things much clearer this time around with a completely redesigned Shield TV that provides a spec boost over the older models in a curvy, sleek tube designed to take up hardly any room behind your screen. Nor is it a stick or a dongle, so it should easily fit between any TV shelf and wall. We assume the Shield TV is the most interesting product which is likely to appeal to more regular users who just want to plug something into their Television and get to watch.
The Pro series, however, has kept the very same edgy look as earlier Shield TV models. It can be programmed for managing smart devices as a SmartThings controller &Â there are two USB ports for linking external storage, keyboards, or an OTA antenna. It also provides the full array of gaming services &Â features from NVIDIA alongside 16 GB of internal storage and speed upgrades of up to 3 GB RAM. This is the alternative built for more serious tech enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering and gadget accessorization.
It is worth emphasizing that both versions are still fantastic for gamers & support the entire library of games from NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW service & GameStream, but you may run into some difficulties on the Shield TV (non-pro) trying to run games from the Google Play Store which need 3 GB of RAM. This means you are better off sticking with the Pro model if you wish to download & play games like Doom 3 or Portal right on your Shield TV.
What can you do with Nvidia Shield TV?
1) Play Your PC Games in a different room
You will need a PC fitted with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card to use the power of your gaming PC in a different room (e.g. living room). The NVIDIA SHIELD TV and your GeForce GTX compatible gaming PC will then have to be linked to the same network. You can wirelessly link the SHIELD TV to your router though it is recommended to connect via Gigabit Ethernet for the best experience. GameStream supports the 4 K (3840x 2160) and HDR resolutions. You can start configuring GameStream when both your gaming PC and NVIDIA SHIELD TV are linked to the network
You can activate GameStream on your SHIELD TV by following the steps below; download &Â install GeForce Experience on your GeForce GTX compatible PC. GeForce Experience may be already enabled on your PC if NVIDIA GeForce Graphics Drivers were installed.
- When enabled, open the GeForce Experience and sign in (or create an account if you haven’t already done).
- Then go to Settings-> SHIELD & enable GameStream. This ensures that your PC is GameStreaming ready
- Open NVIDIA Games app on your SHIELD TV &Â select My Library-> Set up GameStream.
- A prompt log-in will appear–only sign in using the same information as used in the GeForce Experience.
2) Play Together Locally
NVIDIA SHIELD TV, along with GameStream, offers multi-controller access to local multiplayer games. SHIELD TV also supports many other non-SHIELD USB or Bluetooth devices, but the use of the SHIELD Controller is preferred for the best experience.
3) Smart Home Hub
If you want to use the SHIELD as a smart home unit, the lightweight bundled remote features an embedded microphone that allows Voice Search to communicate quickly with Google Assistant (not yet available in Australia). The lightweight remote control is good for communicating with Google Assistant if you are too far away from the SHIELD TV or do not want to use the game controller. You could ask questions about the weather, monitor the internet (e.g. Spotify), order dominos, and more with Google Assistant. You can also track your Nest surveillance cameras and control your smart devices, such as your thermostat, lighting, speakers, and more.
4) Stream Films and TV Online
NVIDIA SHIELD TV allows 4 K HDR video output alongside Dolby Atmos and DTS-X audio output. 4 K HDR video can be used by services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video -obviously non-HDR content is also supported. In addition to the above-listed media apps, Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube, Crunchyroll, Sling, etc. are also available alongside local TV streaming services like those of tenplay, 9now, SBSondemand, 7plus, ABCiview, and much more. Note that some local TV networks can include using the built-in Chromecast. YouTube 360-degree views can be viewed and interacted on the NVIDIA SHIELD TV, using the SHIELD Controller.
Also Read, – Best Android TV Box
5) Cast from Your Mobile Devices
Need not panic if your Android TV does not support a media app, as the NVIDIA SHIELD TV comes with an integrated Google Cast Feature. It helps you to watch Cast apps on a large screen from your smartphone or tablet to the SHIELD TV.
NVIDIA SHIELD TV is available in two models–the cheaper version comes with the SHIELD Console and Remote which is ideal for consuming media, while the SHIELD Controller is included in the more expensive option. If you want to take advantage of GameStream, Steam Big Picture, or play any kind of game on the NVIDIA SHIELD TV, then purchase the version that contains the SHIELD Controller. Should you want to diminish the footprint of the NVIDIA SHIELD TV unit, a vertical stand is also available. You will buy additional SHIELD Controllers individually, allowing you to play games with friends and family on the SHIELD TV.
NVIDIA Shield Android TV | 4K HDR Streaming Media Player High Performance, Dolby Vision, Google Assistant Built-in, Works with Alexa
$142.17 in stock
1 used from $242.00
Features
- Fast. Really Fast. SHIELD TV takes media streaming to a whole new level, powered by the NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, SHIELD TV is the world’s most powerful Android TV streaming media player and has been upgraded to Android TV version 11
- Dolby Vision - Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling
- 4K HDR Content. Get the most 4K HDR content of any streaming media player. Watch Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and Google Play Movies & TV in crisp 4K HDR, and YouTube, Hulu, and more in 4K. Stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.
- GeForce NOW Cloud Gaming. GeForce NOW instantly transforms SHIELD TV into a powerful PC gaming rig. Play over 1000+ titles and nearly 100 of the biggest free to play games. The new GeForce NOW RTX 3080 membership unlocks GeForce RTX 3080 gaming servers in 4K HDR, the shortest wait times and longest session lengths, with RTX ON including ray tracing and DLSS graphics for supported games.
- Voice Control. The built-in Google Assistant is at your command. See photos, live camera feeds, weather, sports scores, and more on the big screen. Dim the lights and immerse yourself in your favorite show or music using your voice. And control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Amazon Echo.
NVIDIA SHIELD TV is the ultimate streaming media player for the modern living room. Enjoy a cinematic experience with the highest quality 4K HDR entertainment, thousands of apps, thousands of games, and the Google Assistant built in. SHIELD TV is a high performance streaming media player, now up to 25% faster with the new Tegra X1+ processor. Enjoy Netflix, Prime Video, and Vudu in stunning 4K with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. Upscale HD video to 4K in real-time using the power of AI and the Tegra X1+ processor. Cut the cord with apps like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and PlayStation Vue. Cast your favorite apps to your TV with Chromecast 4K built-in. Use the built in Google Assistant to see results on your TV, control playback on your favorite shows, share your photos, see your Nest cam, display your calendar, check the traffic, play the latest songs, dim the lights, and so much more, all with your voice. Control SHIELD hands-free with Alexa and Echo or with Google Home. The all-new SHIELD remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated backlit buttons, voice control, Bluetooth control, an IR blaster to control your TV, buttons for power, volume, fast-forward, rewind, play/pause, plus a user-customizable button. Plus, never lose your remote with a built-in remote locator. Connect a game controller (sold separately) for access to AAA gaming with GeForce NOW, NVIDIA’s engineering breakthrough in cloud gaming. Instantly transform your SHIELD TV into a GeForce-powered PC gaming rig. With hundreds of supported titles and features like cloud saves and cross-play on laptops and desktops, you can pick up a game from wherever you left off. Level up to SHIELD TV and never look back.
