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Cancel your 4K Netflix NOW - Nvidia Shield TV Review

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips3.1M viewsMay 5, 20209:49
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YT
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Promos

Get a 15-day free trial for unlimited backup at backblaze.com The new NVIDIA Shield TV's shipped with a new feature NVIDIA calls "AI Upscaling", promising to make upscaled content look close to the upscaled native resolution... but is it just another AI gimmick? Let's find out. Buy an NVIDIA Shield TV: On Amazon: geni.us On Newegg: geni.us On Newegg (Pro Model): geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com GET MERCH: lttstore.com SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com LTX EXPO: ltxexpo.com AFFILIATES & REFERRALS --------------------------------------------------- Affiliates, Sponsors & Referrals: lmg.gg Get Private Internet Access VPN at lmg.gg Get a Displate Metal Print at lmg.gg Support a Creator code LINUSMEDIAGROUP on Epic Games Store: lmg.gg Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime at lmg.gg Our Gear on Amazon: geni.us FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv FOLLOW OUR OTHER CHANNELS --------------------------------------------------- Techquickie: lmg.gg TechLinked: lmg.gg ShortCircuit: lmg.gg LMG Clips: lmg.gg Channel Super Fun: lmg.gg Carpool Critics: lmg.gg MUSIC CREDIT --------------------------------------------------- Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Monitor And Keyboard by vadimmihalkevich / CC BY 4.0 lmg.gg Mechanical RGB Keyboard by BigBrotherECE / CC BY 4.0 lmg.gg Mouse Gamer free Model By Oscar Creativo / CC BY 4.0 lmg.gg

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AI OverviewDefault language

The video is a thorough look at the NVIDIA Shield TV, focusing on media streaming performance and the new AI upscaling feature. It begins by framing the context of increased indoor viewing and the promise of AI upscaling to convert 1080p content to something approaching native 4K quality, with demonstrations showing side-by-side comparisons. The host explains that both the Shield TV and Shield TV Pro run on a Tegra X1+ processor and Android TV, highlighting 4K HDR support and CEC control for seamless TV remote use. A key portion of the review centers on the redesigned remote, noting its heavier feel, the useful backlight, and a button remapper app to customize controls, with an emphasis on ease of setup and Android TV usability. The narrative then pivots to the core comparison between the base Shield and the Pro model, detailing RAM and storage differences, Plex server support, and NVIDIA Share for gameplay capture, while noting that the base model’s memory constraints limit some triple-A Android games. The review argues that NVIDIA’s shift toward prioritizing Android TV usability over pure gaming in this generation makes the Shield a strong, price-competitive media box, especially when paired with existing Bluetooth controllers and other streaming devices. Finally, the host provides a balanced verdict on AI upscaling, presenting a series of test clips where 1080p material is enhanced to appear closer to 4K, praising improved textures, hair, and environmental details while acknowledging some artifacts and shimmering in fast-moving scenes, concluding that the feature is genuinely effective and not a gimmick. The closing remarks position the Shield TV as a well-rounded streaming solution that just works, with broad codec support and service compatibility, and segue into buying options and related product roundups while highlighting optional backup and storage services for data safety. In sum, the video blends hardware overview, software experience, and practical demonstrations of AI upscaling to evaluate whether the Shield TV justifies its price, ultimately endorsing it for buyers seeking a capable streaming device with strong ecosystem support and compelling AI-assisted picture improvements. The host’s pragmatic approach, clear demos, and emphasis on real-world usage help viewers gauge value, especially for those weighing gaming capabilities against streaming quality and platform compatibility.

Topics · technology · streaming media · consumer_electronics · video_reviews

Questions answered

What is NVIDIA AI upscaling able to improve on 1080p content according to the review?
The reviewer shows that AI upscaling can improve textures, hair detail, wood and stone textures, and environmental details, making 1080p material appear closer to native 4K with more noticeable improvements in still subjects and textures.
Who should consider the NVIDIA Shield TV based on this review?
Viewers who want a reliable streaming device with broad codec and service support, a strong Android TV experience, and the option to use AI upscaling for improved picture quality, especially if they value a price-competitive box over pure gaming performance.