They price matched HN with free shipping for Prime users.
Mod Update 27/3: Available again
CamelCamelCamel.
It's been sub $200 before.
That was before corporate profit-driven inflation.
can someone explain what this does compared to a smart TV? other than gaming
My Sony TV from a few years ago has the slowest Android OS experience you will ever see! This thing helps me keep all my hair.
if my tv doesnt have android at all, will this get my hair back too?
Likely. My tv runs a proprietary software. Would have prefered android. So this will be better for me.
If you have a modern TV with Google TV then you probably don't need this. But it's a great way to get some extra life out of an older TV, projector or monitor. It also supports running a Plex/Kodi media server, and has USB ports to attach external storage. That being said it also does everything your existing AndroidTV/Google TV does, but much faster, and also has a pretty good upscaler which works with selected streaming apps like Netflix
If you did this wouldn't you be continuously unplugging and re-plugging it from a pc to update it with files?
Can transfer files over a network.
@Subere: Is that difficult to setup? Sounds heaps easier than always turning my pc on to share the media server to my tv
edit: is a LAN cable needed or can you do via wifi?
@Lionheart: Invest in a Synology Nas Drive. You won't regret it.
However… using an app like Plex will let you create a media server running off a hard drive plugged into the Nvidia shield usb port.
You will no longer require a computer.
edit: is a LAN cable needed or can you do via wifi?
It's possible over WiFi since it just relies on SMB (filesharing protocol that's default to Windows and macOS), it'll just be slower than wired ethernet.
Not true. Installing my app library and kodi with all its plugins strains the data capacity of the TV (a80j in my case)
Like hustle said, has USB attachments for hard drives, very good upscaling (although sometimes it comes across as too sharp). Use it as a server so files can be streamed from PC. If you download 4K blurays with Dolby Vision and a setup with full Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound, Shield is the only way to watch and hear them in full quality. Also has google store which gives more apps than anyone else and if you're savvy will all be free including PPV sports. Remote is backlit. Its the best streaming device there is by a big margin but if you dont have other things to use it with, then its not worth it.
Shield can also run plex server.
@Mario g: Can most TV's run stand alone "Plex Media Server?"
Im sure you could side load it into an android TV model. But I thought by standard they only had the plex app.
@hypie: when you say tv run stand alone plex media server please explain. does that mean the tv is plugged into the server and has the plex app on the tv and runs everything..? ..
@Mario g: No the shield itself is the server and is the base for all plex streaming in and out the house.
@Jklaro: so my tv is plugged into my server via network cable - both server and tv have plex - im failing to understand what the benefits are having this.. as the server only cost a few hundred dollars and i can run movies that are 80gb 2160p with subtitles. I guess if i didnt have that server i would buy this.??
Before having the server i was just using a nas using plex and it worked well until i got to files that were over 30gb with subtitles - that was the only reason i got a server, otherwise no point
so no point buying this unless you are running big files - most modern tvs with plex on nas work well without this or use of a server - thats what i meant.
@Mario g: So Plex makes two applications.
Plex playback app
Plex media server
The media server can be insalled on various NAS drives to allow access to your media without requiring a PC running the server.
The Nvidia Shield has the capability of running as a Plex Media Server. Effectively making it a standalone server without the need for a PC.
Based on what you wrote: your "server" is running plex media server. This is either a NAS Drive or a desktop computer running 24/7. Logically, for anyone who doesn't have a NAS or wants to save on power costs. The Nvidia Shield Pro would be a better option.
My set-up: Synology Nas running plex media server, nvidia shield running Plex playback app.
I could alternatively just plug a external HDD into the Shield Pro and it would work as a plex server.
Most TV's do not have this capability - Plex Media Server - this was my understanding, but I have been out of the game for a few years.
@hypie: Based on what you wrote: your "server" is running plex media server. This is either a NAS Drive or a desktop computer running 24/7. Logically, for anyone who doesn't have a NAS or wants to save on power costs. The Nvidia Shield Pro would be a better option. —— so power consumption would be the only benefit if your not running a nas.
i used to run this before a desktop computer with plex media server;
Synology Nas running plex media server, then plugged into tv with plex app. I only had problems running bigger files with subtitles.There is no need for the Nvidia Shield pro then - waste of money. - most smart tvs you can add the apps you want.
Before running plex and nas and all this i just used a product called xtreamer ( https://www.pccasegear.com/products/12708/xtreamer-multimedi… ) with a hard drive plugged into it.
@Mario g: Im not trying you convince you that you need one mate. The responses are geared towards someone who might benefit from an understanding of why this is $150 more expensive than a chromecast TV.
But based on what you said about having problems running big files, it sounds like you do. I run 70gb+ rips without any buffering through the 2017 Shield.
Power consumption, security (not having your PC on 24/7), streaming stability and codecs etc, lifespan of your PC.
@Mario g: It's pretty hard to gauge how much better they are than internal TV OS until you try it. I haven't used a flag ship TV since my Sony A1 Oled, it was pretty good but nowhere near as fast/smooth as the Nvidia Shield.
I use it with my projector, so it made sense to get something that makes the user experience simple, easy and failproof. I have the Nvidia android controller for gamming (came in the deal), but have never used it.
@Mario g: In the same way a bicycle can get you anywhere a car can.
You're paying for quality of experience.
@Mario g: "until i got to files that were over 30gb with subtitles"
It was exactly what you were asking.
If you actually had a proper setup, people on the other side of the country could stream that quality from your server without any issue at all, let alone your local client shitting itself, lol.
.
Does it allow access to the Google Play Store?
@dna level c: Yes.
But the Google tv version of it (which doesn't have all of the same apps a phone or tablet would have)
@xoom: correct, but if he's asking if has access to the google play store, i'm just assuming that sideloading might be a bit too advanced….as if it didn't have google play store you could always sideload it.
@dna level c: The Amazon devices don't have access to the Google store. Only Amazon store so less apps available. You'll need to sideload eg Kayo/Binge
The Shield can also reads NTFS, exFAT, HFS+ in addition to FAT32.
This means you can plug in drives and read files that are over 4GB in size!
Anyone with a receiver will not be able to get full losless audio from Fire TV, it only supports streaming Atmos. Which has the same low bitrate as Dolby Digital and sounds awful. Its not licensed for any DTS audio. Also only supports Dolby Vision via streaming, not files. Again which is nowhere near the quality it can be. Fire can only add a hard drive with FAT32 format, so limited to files under 4GB only. You obviously never used a Shield or it seems a Fire TV stick, as the only thing Fire TV can do from the list on my first comment is the google play store!
This is much more powerful and has more built-in and expandable storage. I have a FTV Stick 4K Max attached to every TV and two of the Shield Pro. Shield has a more fluid user experience (if you didn't update to the latest firmware straight away when they get released), and will allow you to install more software without running out of space. You can easily expand storage on the Shield but on the Stick 4K you can't (not in a usable way, despite all those youtube videos showing you how). Shield has an illuminated remote which is useful to me. But certainly the Sticks are so much cheaper. Additionally, Shield is HDMI 2.0 when Stick is 2.1. For certain purposes, 2.0 is better - sync boxes for example only comes in 2.0 at the moment.
doesn't passthrough ATMOS
edit: geesh… This is in reply to the FireTV Stick 4K Max doing the same thing comment.
Don't vote down valid questions people, he wants to learn
You've got plenty of answers already but these things are a godsend for older TVs, or you can turn a projector or old PC monitor into a smart TV with ease.
LOL. Methinks people here have more $ than sense (wonder what they're doin' here then). I kinda envy those fortunates in a way lol
This also has a decent 4k upscaler. So can improve all your HD content.
If you have an AV receiver do some research and see if the Shield has issues with it before purchasing.
New model coming???
Fingers crossed!
Yep.
A lot more expensive too the way electronics are going and especially Nvidia products.
maybe, but i'm not sure if it's nescessary. I havent yet had a time where the current model is too slow for my needs.
If i were Nvidia, until a fair share of their customers start to push the envelope of what its capable of i'd work more on creating more affordable models (with the same features and performance) rather than making a better model.
Dont worry. They see new nvidia chip and they go "is for me?"
They don't understand that there has to be a compelling argument for nvidia to release a new shield tv. Just like nintendo who a lot of people keep saying the want a pro version of the switch.
Fact of the matter is. If there is no financial incentive for these two. Why should they release a new model?
Why should they release a new model?
Maybe the new model has cheaper manufacturing costs?
@BuyOrNot: The new one people want they would like with the newly released chip. That would need millions if not hundred of millions on R&D.
Why fork out more money when the old one has already recouped their R&D expenditure and is just gravy in profit.
I bought one because I don't think a new model is coming, so for sure a new model will be announced in the next couple of weeks/months now.
If your luck is like mine. That would be the case.
Thank you for your service
Could I ask if this is compatible with Mac & Samsung?
Got a Samsung Smart TV bought in 2018, and thought I could get a few more years out of it with this. So if it can act as server, can I stream files from it to Mac, and vice versa?
With PLEX server, using PLEX on the other devices, yes
Such a shame your still have to ask this type of question in 2023
I understood none of what was said. I have a Macbook AIr and a LG CX tv.
What do I Need? Everything is on hard drives.
I use Apple TV with Infuse app. How does nvidia compare to my setup? Is Plex better/easier than Infuse?
I have both (use Shield for IPTV), and I can tell you that I use the Apple TV for everything else. It's just much smoother. Framerate matching happens instantly whereas there is a black screen and a delay on the Shield. If you already have something like an Apple TV 4K, I'd just stick to using that for Infuse/Plex.
Frame rate matching on Shield doesn't work most of the time, whereas on Apple TV it always works. That's why I have a Shield and an Apple TV. Shield for Plex so I can have full audio capability and Apple TV for everything else.
There isn't a 'no compromises' streamer box at the moment.
can it run plex server?
Yes but in my opinion there are much better and more powerful options to run a Plex Server.
Well I don't have any apple products other than the iPad on the wall, so I run plex server on Shield 99.9999% of the time and it just works and everyone is happy lol
Plex server with a HD attached? Is there a way to download straight to the HD if it's connected to the shield?
Unless of course you use Kodi, then Shield is way easier.
I literally paid $270 last week!
OK
I figuratively paid that much last week.
It’s a good price but if you are in no rush for one now - better off waiting for a further price drop. Cheapest was around $196.
This is the Pro model… when was it $196???
Wow! Thats a great deal!
(profanity) sake, I just bought the cylinder version and installed it yesterday for 199.
And it's still great. You're probably just suffering FOMO. What features do you need from Pro?
Nothing really, maybe the 3GB of RAM might be better when playing REMUX 4k content but just the fact that it's only $20 difference now and I bought the non pro not even 2 days ago
Anyone know if you can purchase a remote separately? My almost 10yr old unit is showing its age….
thanks mate
https://www.amazon.com.au/NVIDIA-Shield-Remote-Voice-Black/d… for the genuine Nvidia remote from Amazon
thanks mate
Go the genuine, least you get an invoice and can claim warranty via NVIDIA ticket. I've gone warranty 3 times for my triangle genuine remotes. Kids are aggressive with them. Had NVIDIA ship replacement remotes via FedEx from Hong Kong with prepaid return. Good service.
@SoTightEcoLPI: How long is the warranty? I have a 2YO remote that just died but I can't find anything about the warranty in AU, just the US page
Yep, this exactly.
I bought this remote (the triangular one) for my Shield 2017, works fine.
Hmmm im just looking for a battery lid, but I ended up buying a silicone remote cover to prevent batteries falling out when dropped
Buy this from Amazon and stick it to Gerry!
Yeah let's show one of these two multi-billionaires how power of the consumer works
But But I like Gerry, he is true blue Aussie.
😉🤣
Gerry ruined purchasing for every single Australian consumer. Ironically he affected Australians purchasing from Amazon. I know which billionaire I would rather support. And I think Gerry can be affected by Australians not buying at his stores far more likely than Amazon will be if Australians didn't purchase from them
I wonder if this falls under the 7% "Home Entertainment" category on cashrewards/shopback, or if it's in electronics.
Electronics › Hi-Fi & Home Audio › Media Streaming Devices › Streaming Clients
Cheapest I've ever seen it, free delivery too it's over $39.