NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Review – Still The King?

NVIDIA SHIELD ANDROID TV PRO

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is a high-end streaming device that provides access to a wide range of content including movies, TV shows, and games. With its powerful hardware and intuitive user interface, it has become one of the most popular streaming devices on the market. In this review, we will breakdown what makes the NVIDIA SHIELD Pro a special streaming device.

Product Brand: NVIDIA

Editor's Rating:
4.9

Pros

• Powerful Hardware and Optimized Software: The device is equipped with a powerful NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, 3GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage, which provide ample space for apps and games. The software is optimized for fast and responsive performance.
• 4K HDR Streaming Support: The device supports 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos, providing stunning picture quality and immersive surround sound.
• Gaming Capabilities: The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro supports GeForce NOW, allowing you to stream games from the cloud. It also supports up to 4K 60fps gaming and Bluetooth and USB gamepads.
• AI Upscaling of HD to 4K: This feature enhances the quality of HD content to near 4K resolution.
• Sleek and Modern Design: The device has a compact and aesthetically pleasing design, making it easy to place on a TV stand or mount on the wall.
• Dedicated Remote Control: The remote control features a built-in microphone for voice commands and a motion-sensing backlight for ease of use in the dark.

Cons

• Higher Price Point: The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is one of the most expensive streaming devices on the market, with a price tag of $199.99.
• Limited Availability: The device may not be readily available in certain regions.

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is a high-end streaming device that provides access to a wide range of content including movies, TV shows, and games. With its powerful hardware and intuitive user interface, it has become one of the most popular streaming devices on the market. In this review, we will breakdown what makes the NVIDIA SHIELD Pro a special streaming device.

You can get more information on the Nvidia Shield Android TV Pro and its competition in this Streaming Shootout article.

Tech Nerd Experience

Being the tech nerd that I am, I became involved with streaming early on. I absolutely loved the concept of using the internet instead of a cable from a “cable” company to get entertainment to my TVs. Of course, back in those days the offerings were way cheaper so it was much more appealing. Today, we have many more players in the steaming sector. The prices are much higher, but even so, the streaming offerings still compete well against traditional cable. The flexibility and wide verity of content is hard for cable to beat.

With all that said, I have owned many streaming devices. The good news is that nearly all of them work very well and I have had few complaints. The higher end devices like the Roku Ultra, Apple TV 4K, and the Nvidia Shield Pro, provide a more premium experience. What I mean by that is, they have some extra offerings, and the menus respond faster so you can get to your favorite shows quicker.

This is where I get to talk about this Nvidia device. You have to understand, this device was released in 2015. I know, that’s like dinosaur age for tech! But that is what makes the Nvidia Shield Pro so amazing. Nvidia packed the very powerful Tegra X1 processor along with other goodies to make this streaming device like no other. As Roku and Apple release newer premium versions they are getting closer, but is the Nvidia Shield Pro still the king of streaming devices? Let’s get to the review!

Design

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro has a sleek and modern design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is a compact device that measures just 6.5 x 4.5 x 1.0 inches, making it easy to place on a TV stand or mount on the wall. The device is made from high-quality materials, which give it a premium look and feel.

The SHIELD Android TV Pro comes with a dedicated remote control that has a minimalist design. The remote is small and lightweight, making it easy to hold and operate. It has a built-in microphone that allows you to use voice commands to control the device. The remote also features a motion sensing backlight that will light up the buttons when the remote is picked up or moved around.

Features

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is packed with features that make it an incredibly versatile streaming device. It runs on the Android TV platform, which provides access to a wide range of apps and games. The device comes with a pre-installed Google Play Store, which allows you to download and install your favorite apps.

The SHIELD Android TV Pro also supports 4K HDR streaming, which provides stunning picture quality. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, which are the two most popular HDR formats. The device also supports Dolby Atmos, which provides immersive surround sound.

One of the standout features of the SHIELD Android TV Pro is its gaming capabilities. It has a powerful NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, which makes it one of the most powerful streaming devices on the market. It supports GeForce NOW, which allows you to stream games from the cloud. It also has a built-in Chromecast, which allows you to cast games from your smartphone or tablet to your TV.

Performance

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro delivers excellent performance thanks to its powerful hardware and optimized software. The device is lightning-fast and responsive, and it can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. It has 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, which provide ample space for apps and games.

The SHIELD Android TV Pro is also excellent for gaming. It has a dedicated NVIDIA GPU that provides smooth and fluid gameplay. It supports up to 4K 60fps gaming, which provides stunning visuals. The device also supports Bluetooth and USB gamepads, which allows you to use your favorite controller to play games.

Value

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is one of the most expensive streaming devices on the market, but it is also one of the most feature-rich and powerful. It offers excellent value for money thanks to its impressive hardware and versatile software.

The device comes with a price tag of $199.99, which is quite steep compared to other streaming devices. However, it is important to note that the SHIELD Android TV Pro is much more than just a streaming device. It is a powerful gaming console, a smart home hub, and a media center all in one.

Conclusion

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is a powerful and versatile streaming device that is perfect for anyone who wants the best possible streaming experience. Its sleek and modern design, powerful hardware, and optimized software make it a standout device in the crowded streaming market.

The SHIELD Android TV Pro offers a wide range of features, including 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Atmos support, and gaming capabilities with GeForce NOW. It also comes with a dedicated remote control that allows you to use voice commands to control the device, and the backlight helps you find and make selections in the dark.

Obviously, I feel strongly the NVIDIA SHIELD Pro is a great streaming device. It is expensive, but it is easy to justify if you are a cord cutter and want a premium experience.

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