Released in May 2015, NVidia shield is an Android TV-based media player developed by NVidia as a part of its shield-based brand of Android devices. NVidia first introduced shield as a micro-console, designed to stream games, and play downloaded games from a PC or through their GeForce Now subscription package. Make no mistake, however, that the NVidia shield can stream contents from numerous sources using applications, with a 4k resolution capacity. Let us Know how to add Nvidia Nvidia Shield.
Models of NVidia Shield TV
NVidia, since its first unveiling of the NVidia Shield in 2015 has made improvements and in turn, developed 5 more NVidia Shield versions, making them 6 versions of NVidia Shield TV in total. From the first version of Shield TV, NVidia has come up with:
- Shield TV (2015)
- Shield TV Pro (2015)
- Shield TV (2017)
- Shield TV Pro (2017)
- Shield TV (2019)
- Shield TV Pro (2019)
Shield TV (2015)
The first model of Shield TV, NVidia’s Tegra X1, with the based ARM Cortex-A57 CPU along with the Maxwell microarchitecture GPU and 3 GB of RAM is being utilized. With support for HEVC-encoded video, the device boasts a 2.0 HDMI output, and a 60 FPS 4K resolution, with a pass-through Dolby Atmos. The device can also take in internal flash storage of 16 GB, expansible through a micro-SD card. With 2 USB ports, it also supports the gigabit Ethernet and an 802.11ac Wi-Fi for internet connections.
In the gaming world, the Shield has the ability to Stream games through NVidia’s GeForce Now service and the on-demand subscription cloud gaming service. Games can be streamed from a local computer as well using the Game Streaming function of a supported NVidia Graphics card through the GeForce Experience application.
This console is boxed with one, a wireless rechargeable micro-USB remote, and a headphone jack that is sold separately, although no longer available from NVidia’s official channel.
Shield TV PRO (2015)
The difference between the Shield TV PRO and Shield TV of 2015 is that the pro has a storage capacity of 500 GB hard drive and it comes with a Gamepad. Every other thing between both consoles is the same.
Shield TV (2017)
By January 2017, a renewed version of the 16 GB NVidia Shield TV was released by NVidia. In terms of form and size, there were changes made only this time, microSD wasn’t supported, but there was an upgrade to the Shield Experience to version 5.0, which was based on Nougat from Android 7.0. The 2017 model included HDR support for 4K videos, google assistant support, SmartThings integration, a new NVidia games interface, and new apps. Although the 2017 model contains the same Tegra X1 chip as the 2015 model, the 2017 Shield TV model replaced the 16 GB model with a much higher 500 GB Shield Model. The 2017 model also boasts Bluetooth remote control with no headphone jack and a replaceable battery, as well as an always-on microphone with an updated controller. It also comes with a Gamepad and has no IR receiver.
By June of 2018, NVidia updated the android version of the 2017 model to Oreo of android 8.0.
Shield TV PRO (2017)
The 2017 Shield Pro has the same features as the regular 2017 Shield, only this time, the Shield Pro comes with a MicroSD slot and has an IR receiver, with a pass-through Dolby Atmos.
Shield TV (2019)
The 2019 Shield TV is an entirely different scenario. First off, it has a cylindrical form. This model uses the Tegral X1+, has a 2 GB ram, and 8 GB storage, a microSD slot, no USB port, no IR receiver, has an upgraded remote controller, and supports HDR10, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision. It also comes with a new AI-enhanced upscaling system, which upscales high-definition video to a 4k resolution. This model however does not come with a Gamepad.
For gaming, the 2019 Shield TV is on another level. The FPS (Frames per second) on this model go as high as 60 when streamed at a 1080p resolution. There are no glitches or lags.
Shield TV PRO (2019)
NVidia’s latest hoorah in the Android TV boxes is arguable, one of the most powerful media streamers in the market today, despite its 32-bit limitations. Considering the audio and video quality of this device, a price tag of $200 is probably justifiable. It also uses AI upscaling on its 1080p resolution which makes it look just as good as a 4K resolution. The Shield TV PRO uses Android 11 OS, 3 GB ram and 16 GB storage, HDMI 2.0 port, and unlike the standard 2019 Shield TV, it has a 3.0 USB port. It has a box shape and uses the NVidia Tegra X1+, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and TrueHD.
Despite all of this, with a hefty price tag of $200, the 2019 Shield TV pro does not represent great value for money, especially when the purpose for it being used does not require all of this hardware. For me, I would say the Shield TV PRO is way ahead of its time as no other device equals it in terms of quality so far.
Conclusion
The NVidia Shield TV in general is an exceptional device that aims to give only the best streaming and gaming experiences to be seen. Though there are cheaper options in the market today, for me, none is as good as NVidia Shield TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the NVidia Shield TV better than Amazon Fire TV?
Amazon Fire TV is just as good as the NVidia Shield TV but does not even come close in the Audio department. NVidia has better Audio quality and with Amazon, you have limited apps.
- Can I still get the 2015 Shield TV in stores?
The 2015 NVidia Shield TV is still very much available in stores and it is much cheaper. However, do not expect to get the same quality and experience as the much newer versions.
