In 2016 Nvidia did a great job with its Nvidia Shield TV, a very capable device as a multimedia center that also bets by being an interesting gaming platform. Now, after being announced at CES, we analyze the new version 2017 that comes with smaller dimensions, some differences and the same power.
Nvidia Shield TV is a clear effort by Nvidia to bring a very capable gaming option to players of all types. Of course, seeing some of its current limitations, the hardcore player will continue to prefer options like the PS4 , Xbox One S or the PC itself. But we should not forget the good work done here. Because without being a substitute of the current consoles is a great complement.
Nvidia Shield Android TV, specifications
As with the previous generation, there are two models of Nvidia Shield TV. On the one hand the normal model and that we analyze, and on the other the Pro model whose only difference is that instead of 16GB of storage offers 500GB. Otherwise they are identical at level specifications and functions. But if it seems to you, on the way that we list its specifications, we see the differences from the previous model.
| CHARACTERISTICS | NVIDIA SHIELD TV 2017 | NVIDIA SHIELD TV 2015 |
| Processor | Nvidia Tegra X1 (256 core and 3GB RAM) | Nvidia Tegra X1 (256 core and 3GB RAM) |
| Storage | 16GB or 500GB SHDD (Pro model) expandable with USB 3.0 drives | 16GB or 500GB SHDD (Pro model) expandable with USB 3.0 or microSD cards |
| Connectivity | Wifi ac (2×2 MIMO compatible with 2.4Ghz and 5ghz frequency), BT 4.1 LE, Gigabit Ethernet | Wifi ac (2×2 MIMO compatible with 2.4Ghz and 5ghz frequency), BT 4.1 LE, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Connections | Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0b with HDMI CEC support and HDCP 2.2, two USB 3.0 ports | Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0b with HDMI support CEC and HDCP 2.2, two USB 3.0 ports and microSD card slot |
| OS | Android 7.0 | Android 6.0 updated to version 7.0 Nougat |
| Consumption | 40W | 40W |
| Included Accessories | Shield Controller, Shield Remote, Power Adapter | Shield Controller, HDMI cable and power adapter |
| Video | Content playback with resolution up to 4K HDR (up to 60fps, H265 / HEVC). Support for formats H265, HEVC, VP8, H264, MPEG1 / 2, H263, MJPEG, MPEG4, WMV9 / VC1, Xvid, DivX, ASF, AVI, MKV, MOV, M2TS, MPEG-TS, MP4, WEB-M | Content playback with resolution up to 4K HDR (up to 60fps, H265 / HEVC). Support for formats H265, HEVC, VP8, H264, MPEG1 / 2, H263, MJPEG, MPEG4, WMV9 / VC1, Xvid, DivX, ASF, AVI, MKV, MOV, M2TS, MPEG-TS, MP4, WEB-M |
| Sound | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-X, DTS-HD, Audio HiRes and supports AAC, AAC +, eAAC +, MP3, WAVE, AMR, OGG Vorbis, FLAC, PCM, WMA, WMA-Pro, WMA-LossLess, DD + / DST | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-X, DTS-HD, Audio HiRes and supports AAC, AAC +, eAAC +, MP3, WAVE, AMR, OGG Vorbis, FLAC, PCM, WMA, WMA-Pro, WMA-LossLess, DD + / DST |
| Functions of games | Nvidia GeForce Now, Nvidia Share | Nvidia GeForce Now, Nvidia Share |
| Apps installed | Nvidia Games, Steam, Netflix, Amazon Video, Youtube, Google Play Store, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music, VUDU, PLEX, PLEX Media Server, Photos & Videos | Nvidia Games, Steam, Netflix, Amazon Video, Youtube, Google Play Store, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music, VUDU, PLEX, PLEX Media Server, Photos & Videos |
Smaller and more attractive, this is the new Nvidia Shield TV
If the model you liked the new model will do even more. The new Nvidia Shield TV 2017 has been reduced in size without making any significant sacrifices. The only thing that has happened is the loss of the microSD card reader. Which can be interesting and useful for some users but certainly do not think it is something that despite the time to decide to bet on it. The remaining connections remain identical, from the ethernet connection to the two USB 3.0 ports and the indispensable HDMI.
The size reduction has only affected the loss of the microSD card reader
The other major change is not the Nvidia set-top box but its gamepad. Now it is more how to hold, at least it is our opinion. The previous model that you can see in the images offered a good grip but ended up being somewhat uncomfortable and too bulky. The new Gamepad Controller feels much better, the crosshead is more comfortable and overall it is also more visually appealing.
Regarding the remote control, now included in the box (instead of the HDMI cable now includes the remote control), its design is very similar even if you lose something that was really useful in the previously seen. It no longer includes the 3.5mm audio jack jack that allowed us to connect any handset, thus making them wireless easily. Now, if we do not want to disturb anyone we can only do it through the gamepad that does give us the option.
Maybe for some it is not important but for those who want to use Nvidia Shield TV more as a multimedia center than gaming option, the fact is that having such an option on the remote would be more interesting.
As a detail, it should be noted that the HDMI connector offers CEC support , so we can control some functions of the TV with the Nvidia Shield and the Nvidia Shield remote control with the TV.
Nvidia Shield Tv and Android Experience
Android TV, along with tvOS, currently offers the best Smart TV experience you can enjoy on a TV . And eye, the work of manufacturers like Samsung or LG are admirable but by applications and support of third party developers there is no color. And that Android TV still needs a push in certain aspects, but it is a matter of time.
The Android TV version is based on Android 7.0 Nougat
The version of Android TV available here is based on Android version 7.0 Nougat. This involves some slight differences at the UI level. What’s more interesting, along with better performance and support in streaming applications or the new Nvidia Games application, is the arrival of Google Assistant as well as the internet support of things through Smart Things Hub.
Support for Smart Home will arrive soon and Google Assistant will be available by region. Even so, we have the option to take advantage of the search engine by Google Voice. Something that allows us to search what movies, series or other content we can see through the different services like Youtube, Amazon Video, Netflix, etc.
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Google Assistant and Smart Things Hub will arrive step by step but not all regions at the moment
With respect to the other multimedia options, along with these apps of services via streaming, we have option to enjoy both a server and integrated Plex client. This for those who already know the benefits of Plex will not have to explain it, for those who can not read this article in which we talk about it and take advantage of it .
Speaking of the use experience, this one is fantastic . The applications adapt very well to the television and its use with the remote control or the gamepad itself is very comfortable, also if we use the voice commands. In addition, applications run smoothly thanks to the integrated hardware power. So there will not be any problems. Everything works wonderfully and that is appreciated.
Not only performance is good terms of fluency, when it comes to making use of streaming applications or actions such as content transcoding when u of Plex we see that we have plenty of power. And is that even to upload content via USB drives, as they might be MKV files, the Nvidia Shield TV suffers.
With support for 4K and HDR video, Nvidia Shield TV is one of the most complete and functional multimedia centers
To round off a product, a very complete multimedia center, we have the support of HDR video or new technologies Dolby Atmos for a better listening and image experience that will thank all those users who invested in high-end TVs and sound equipment.
In terms of games, although the most attractive is GeForce Now of which we will talk later, we have as options the games available for Android TV and the vitalized offered through Nvidia Games.
GeForce Now, is expensive and needs to move forward but it’s the future
GeForce Now, the popular and well-known streaming gaming service from Nvidia, remains one of the added value of Nvidia Shield TV. At the moment its catalog continues being that is, although it is increasing with titles like Just Cause 2 (already available) and Deus Ex Human Revolution that will do it in brief, and next to its price of 9,90 € per month could not convince To most users. Mainly because then there are titles that will have to be paid independently. So if we are habitual players by experience and profitability it is still better option to play in console or PC.
In spite of everything, casual gamers will find in GeForce Now an interesting option that will allow them to play great titles without having to buy next-generation console or a powerful PC, games, etc. Just pay the subscription and go. Of course, it is important to have an adequate internet connection.
In my case, the tests have done with a connection of 200Mb symmetrical fiber with the Nvidia Shield TV connected by cable and the experience has been good, achieving a rate of 60 frames per second at 1080p resolution which is not bad.
However, in addition to the bandwidth of our connection also the ping is important. Therefore, for games that are not FPS type I see it valid. For those others or even for some with online mode I think there is still a way to go.
Tags: Nvidia Shield Android TV
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