The NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro is a 4K@60Hz, Dolby Vision succesful, Google/Android TV 11 console. But that doesn’t fairly do it justice, and it’s the Rolls Royce of media centre consoles.
We are reviewing each the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro (this assessment) and the NVIDIA SHIELD TV dongle NVIDIA SHIELD TV – the dongle you want above all (assessment). There are quite a lot of similarities with all of the related data within the SHIELD TV dongle assessment, so you might wish to begin there first.
Australian Review NVIDIA SHIELD TV Model P2897
WebsiteSHIELD Product pagePrice$349.95 Caution – if shopping for second-hand, guarantee it’s the 2019 mannequin P2897 or later with Google Android TV 11FromHarvey Norman and lots of CE and Computer storesCountry of OriginChinaCompanyNVIDIA (Est 1993) is a world chief in GeForce and RTX Graphics Processing Units (GPU), graphics API software program, and GeForce Now cloud gaming.MoreCyberShack NVIDIA information and critiques
We use Fail (under expectations), Pass (meets expectations) and Exceed (surpasses expectations or is the category chief) towards most of the gadgets under. We sometimes give a Pass ‘+’ score to indicate it’s good however doesn’t fairly make it to Exceed.
You can click on on most pictures for an enlargement.
Repeat – we’re solely including new details about the Pro model and strongly recommend you learn the SHEILD TV assessment first.
Essential variations between Nvidia SHIELD TV Model P4340 (tube) and Pro Model P2897
Some critiques name this the 2019 mannequin; technically, the {hardware} is similar. The working system is Google/Android TV 11, and firmware is now at 9.1 and provides way more performance.
FormatTubeConsoleRemoteSameSameRAM/Storage2/8GB/microSD to 512GB 10MBps UHS 1 or faster3/16GB/USB storageProcessor16nm Tegra X1+ runs in 32-bit mode (regular for Android 11 TV)Same – runs in 64-bit mode for extra processing powerPortsPower, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet (mountable community storage)Plus 2 x USB 3.0 5V/.9A/4.5W, 480MbpsExtrasSmart Home functionalityExpanded Smart Home Plex or Kodi serverVideoHDMI 2.0b 18Gbps helps Dolby Vision, HDR10+ 4K@60fpsSameWi-FiWi-Fi 5 AC 2×2 MIMO 2.4 GHz and 5 GHzSameChromecastBT 5.0 + LE 4K ChromecastSame
First Impression – Edgy – Exceed
This is concerning the measurement of an previous VHS video cassette, 2159 x 98 x 26mm x 250g, with way more edginess and delicate NVIDIA inexperienced mild stip. As you may see from the desk above, it runs Google/Android TV 11 in 64-bit mode (quicker), has extra storage (16GB remains to be minimal) and provides 2 x USB-A 3.0 480Mbps ports that may connect with a PC, NAS and so forth.
Inputs are through Wi-Fi 5 ac 2X2 MIMO or gigabit Ethernet and Google/Android TV 11’s’ complete vary of apps and streaming providers.
Output is solely through HDMI 2.0b to a TV.
Setup – Exceed if you’re tech-savvy
As per the dongle assessment, it’s through Google/Android TV.
But the important thing to this machine is the expandability through the 2 USB ports, and it runs as a Plex media server. To utilise that, you could be tech-savvy.
Plex server and consumer – PASS
The NVIDIA Plex consumer does most stuff you anticipate, though you could add an exterior NAS (Network hooked up storage) or a USB-C storage machine.
It has sufficient energy to run a paid VPN like Private Internet Access or NordVPN that additionally helps torrents. We examined with PIA, and it will increase ping occasions from about 10 to 15ms and reduces DL speeds by 5-10% (relying on the VPN server location). We didn’t exhaustively check this with simultaneous 4K playback, however the Tegra X1+ processor appears to have the aptitude.
Alternatively, you may load a media participant like VLC or Kodi to play exterior content material.
USB-A (PRO model) – EXCEED with caveats
The two USB-A 3.0 ports on the PRO can, topic to energy wants (most 5V/.9A per port)
Act as a DVR – it handles USB Flash drives to 512GB and HDD/SSD as much as 2TB (not less than)Play content material from a USB machine – most switch price is about 200Mbps (25MBps appropriate for 4K)Support a 720p-4K webcam/micUSB or a dongle receiver for keyboards and miceSupport a TV Tuner (Hauppauge WinTV-dual HD DVB-T2 #1590 for Australia) however could require Plex, Kodi or Android TV Live Channels to behave because the OTA interface. Not examined, so purchase from a retailer that permits returns if it doesn’t work). More right here.Output sound to a DAC-equipped amplified speaker or AV receiverWe couldn’t check with a USB-A hub, but it surely ought to work if the voltage/amperage is inside spec.Bluetooth 5.0 can help a keyboard/trackpad just like the Logitech keyboards and mice.
If you choose the USB machine as ”inner” storage, it is going to format it accordingly, and you’ll’t apply it to a PC with out reformatting, so it’s a everlasting addition.
Storage Caveats – PASS(ready)
To maintain prices in verify, it solely has 16GB of inner storage – about 10GB free earlier than you add too many apps, video games or 4K motion pictures (compressed motion pictures are about 3GB every).
So, you could add exterior NAS (Network Attached Storage) or USB storage for many makes use of.
NAS – Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps/125MBps full-duplex)
It can entry most community storage gadgets. We examined on a 2TB NAS, reaching simply over 80MBps, though this did fall to 30MBps when accessed by a number of gadgets – nonetheless greater than sufficient for 4K. Here you don’t have any USB volt/amp points.
CyberShack’s’ view – For the additional $100, Tech-savvy can purchase NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro over the Dongle.
Enough has been stated concerning the SHIELD TV and Pro capabilities.
Gaming functionality apart, it’s a excellent streamer with the power to take content material over a community, USB or the web. It is Google Android TV 11, and no matter your present sensible TV OS, it provides many further options.
Downsides – you could be a bit tech-savvy to make use of all its options.
NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
$349.95
Pros
Believable declare as one of the best Google Android TV streamer
Could change a Windows Media Centre PC
Adds Chromecast, Apple TV and extra to a dumb TV
Cons
You have to be tech-savvy to get extra out of it.
https://cybershack.com.au/reviews/nvidia-shield-tv-pro-android-plex-media-centre-review/
