NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV - Best in class set top box?
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The new NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV promises a lot for an Android TV unit. Is this 4K-streaming capable machine worth the purchase price? Massdrop link: dro.ps Corsair link: linustechtips.com Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen 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
The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV is presented as a high end Android TV box with strong gaming credentials. The host highlights the Tegra X1 processor, describing an eight core CPU with a pair of quad cores and a 256 core Maxwell GPU, complemented by 3 GB of RAM, which underpins 4K Android TV performance and capable local gameplay. He demonstrates the device running a range of games including Crisis 3, Borderlands the Pre-Sequel, Wolf Among Us, and War Thunder, noting that while many popular titles run smoothly, some big name games like Witcher 3 or Hearthstone are not available in the store at the time. Beyond local gaming, the video delves into game streaming options, explaining PC based Game Stream that leverages a Nvidia GPU powered computer to render and stream gameplay to the SHIELD, with controller inputs sent back and a display output shown on a TV. The host also explains the Grid service which allows cloud based gaming, requiring a solid network connection and noting bandwidth considerations, with specifics on 720p 30 FPS and 1080p 60 FPS targets depending on connection speed. Storage expandability is covered through microSD and USB 3.0 ports, with a recommended configuration to avoid filling the 16 GB base model, and the hardware design is praised for its premium look and feel, including brushed aluminum and a configurable LED that can be disabled. The video wraps with practical takeaways: the Shield Android TV is a powerful, feature rich device that excels as a 4K streaming and gaming hub, but potential buyers should ensure multi device networking is feasible and be mindful of game availability and grid pricing when appropriate. The host concludes that if the setup benefits from it and the budget allows, the Shield Android TV is a highly compelling option that tightens the link between living room media and a connected gaming ecosystem.
Topics · technology · streaming_media · gaming · hardware
Questions answered
- What is the NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV capable of in terms of local gaming performance?
- It runs Android TV with a Tegra X1 processor, 8 core CPU plus a 256 core Maxwell GPU, 3 GB of RAM, enabling native gameplay for several titles such as Crisis 3, Borderlands the Pre-Sequel, Wolf Among Us, and War Thunder, with reports of strong performance and 4K capability.
- How does game streaming work with the SHIELD Android TV and what are the bandwidth considerations?
- Game Stream uses a Nvidia GPU powered PC to render the game and streams the output to the SHIELD while sending controller inputs back to the PC. A fast, stable network is required, with 5 to 15 Mbps supporting 720p at 30 FPS and 15 Mbps or higher supporting 1080p at 60 FPS; a cloud based Grid option is available as a paid service after a cutover date.