I’ve been a shield owner since the original release back in 2015. The nvidia shield tv is the best in class when comes to media streaming devices that is the most important point that needs to be made at the start of this review. I base that statement not on opinion but fact. I could write five pages of features and abilities this device is capable of that the nearest competitor can’t touch. I would make the comparison the nvidia shield tv reminds me of time when you saw people with large satellite dishes in their back yard bragging about how they could watch tv stations from all over the world for free compared to their neighbors who were force fed whatever their cable provider would sell them. Even though i have mixed feelings about this release i need to make that clear. Now with that in mind i’ll list the most important issues in this review you should know before buying. First – this is an important long term issue that can’t be fixed with any software update the shield tv pro 2019 is hdmi 2. 0b is at the end of its life cycle and when i saw this it did make me cringe because i know this device is not future proof. Recently vizio has announced their entire lineup of tvs for 2020 will have hdmi 2. 1 and many in the industry consider vizio a budget brand. I’m a home theater enthusiast and i understand the importance of having hdmi 2.
I still own the 2017 model, which looks the same. I upgrade because this is my most important device in my home theater setup (besides the speakers and amp). I use it for all streaming apps like netflix, prime, plutotv and most importantly kodi. I connect kodi to my open media vault server to host my movie collection. So far with the ai upscaling i set it low. I found on default that it was jittery when i stream from plutotv. I’ll continue to test that feature out. Love the remote even though i use a harmony elite.
It’s a very capable streaming box. It can render 4k videos with very high bitartrate without stuttering. I tested via ethernet connection. I do not know the performance via wifi. Apps are available via google play. Only android tv compatible apps may be installed. Bluetooth is very useful for connecting a keyboard, mouse, and multiple wireless controllers.
I’ve had the shield 2015 since release. It’s a great device, very good performance and excellent audio and video options with a good app selection, but it has always had one serious flaw, the available remote options were just bad. The original gamepad controller was awkward, the updated gamepad and tv remotes have awful volume controls. Battery on all three was quite short and only worsened after a few years. The remote here is finally good. It feels nice in the hand and button action is pretty good. The layout isn’t perfect but it’s simple enough. I could skip the netflix button as well but it isn’t too obnoxious. Hopefully the battery lasts as long as it says (~6 months on two standard aaa batteries). Sadly one limitation of the 2015 and 2017 shield models was not fixed here.
Both the regular and pro of the nvidia shield tv are great entries within the shield product line. It would have a been a been a slam dunk if the pro offered upgradeable internal storage, like the original pro, but the usb 3. 0 ports should be sufficient enough for probably most users and applications. Ultimately, my only complaint with the pro is that it really is just a hardware refresh of the original 2017 version of the unit, including the fact it doesn’t come with the pictured stand, the assumption being that you can purchase and use the non-pro stand for an additional $20. And where it appears that the new non-pro uses the new usb-c standard–which is used everywhere, from smart phones to laptops, the pro still uses the old proprietary standard, nor does it come with a convenient microsd slot present on the non-pro unit. So with this being said, it begs the question: why even call this the pro when it’s simply a hardware revision of the old non-pro?. In my opinion, they should have kept the original name and simply called the other unit the ‘mini’ or some other moniker. In fact, besides the novel hardware revision, most people would probably be satisfied with the cheaper, nearly identical 2017 version of the unit–which often comes with a bundled controller, if it wasn’t for the fact nvidia inexplicably halted android updates for what is otherwise a more than capable device. The gist of what i’m getting at is that it’s difficult to constitute paying an additional $50 for a couple of usb 3. 0 ports ( of which portable, external hard drives will probably never saturate), when you can get the non-pro (2019) version which supposedly has nearly identical hardware.
NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is the ultimate streaming media player for the modern living room—packed with features to make even the most demanding users proud. Level up to SHIELD TV Pro for more storage space, two USB 3.0 ports for expandability (storage expansion, usb cameras, usb keyboards, and controllers, TV tuners, and more), Plex Media Server, SmartThings hub-ready (just add a SmartThings Link), AAA Android gaming, Twitch broadcasting, and 3 GB RAM. SHIELD’s versatility and speed set it apart. It’s a streamer, game console, DVR, media server, and smart home hub with voice assistants. 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, and 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.
From the manufacturer
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Dolby VisionDolby Vision transforms your TV experience with advanced HDR inspired by the cinema delivering vivid, lifelike image with highlights up to 40 times brighter and blacks 10 times darker than a standard picture. |
Dolby AtmosEnter a new world of sound with Dolby Atmos. A leap forward from surround sound, it transports you from an ordinary moment into an extraordinary experience with moving audio. |
AI UpscalingUsing the power from the latest NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, upscale HD video to 4K using the power of AI. Crisper, clearer, video enhanced to 4K resolution in real-time. |
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Premium DesignDesigned to be the perfect centerpiece of your entertainment center, SHIELD TV Pro levels you up to more storage space and expandability from 2x USB ports for our most demanding users. |
High PerformanceThe latest advanced NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor makes SHIELD up to 25% faster than the previous generation. |
All-New RemoteVoice search, motion-activated, backlit buttons and an IR blaster to control your TV. Even a built-in lost remote locator. |
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Google Assistant Built-inControl your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Amazon Echo. |
Chromecast 4K Built-inCast your favorite apps, photos, and videos from your mobile device to your TV. |
Play the Latest GamesGames for everyone , on Google Play Games and GeForce NOW*, including AAA games like Fortnite. *Game controller sold separately |
Features and Spesification
- The Best of the Best. SHIELD TV delivers an amazing Android TV streaming media player experience, thanks to the new NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip. Enhance HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling. 2x USB 3.0 ports for storage expansion, USB cameras, keyboards, controllers, and more. Plex Media Server built-in, 3 GB RAM, and 16 GB storage.
- Dolby Vision – Atmos. Bring your home theater to life with Dolby Vision HDR, and surround sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus—delivering ultra-vivid picture quality and immersive audio.
- Best-In-Class Design. Designed for the most demanding users and beautifully designed to be the perfect centerpiece of your entertainment center, SHIELD TV Pro levels you up to more storage space, more RAM, the expandability of 2x USB 3.0 ports, and Plex Media Server. Get the best connectivity with Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band AC Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. The all-new remote is more advanced than ever with motion-activated, backlit buttons—including a customizable menu button. Plus, with voice control, Bluetooth, IR control for your TV, and a built-in remote control locator, you have the most advanced remote yet.
- Unlimited Entertainment. Enjoy the most 4K HDR content of any streaming media player, and access to thousands of apps and games, including top apps like Netflix,YouTube, Prime Video, Disney + and Hulu. Add a game controller (sold separately) and play today’s most popular games like Fortnite and GeForce Now. Even stream from your phone with built-in Chromecast 4K.
- 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 only your voice. And control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Echo.
- Included Components: Remote Controller
- Power Source Type: Corded Electric
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